Reef: A green burial

For scuba divers and other who just generally love the ocean, you can elect to have your ashes interred in a reef. The living memorial reef helps out the marine environment and conserves land that cemeteries would take up. Some reef burial companies are quite expensive so if you are a scuba diver, you can take the urn down yourself. A memorial reef urn mixed the ashes with concrete in the form of a habitat for underwater creatures. This creates a living reef over time once placed in the ocean. You must purchase the urn first and then have it placed in the ocean or do it yourself. Just remember that putting anything in the ocean must meet all local, state, and federal regulations.

Some companies that maintain reefs are Eternal reefs, Great Burial Reef, and Neptune Memorial.

Spirit Whisperer

It is a good idea to pick someone who really likes the water. If you are a scuba diver, plan on going down with the ashes to be placed at the reef. Otherwise, you can contract with a company that will take the remains down for you. You will have to see that the remains get there so they can be mixed with the concrete or placed in the urn that will be located at the reef. Reef companies do not perform the cremation so this needs to be handled separately. A temporary urn can be used at the wake until the permanent one is finished.

Wake

The wake can be held on a boat at sea or perhaps at the beach. As the wake comes to an end, the urn containing the ashes can depart on the boat for their final resting place. Consider going out to see the ashes placed at the site and then return for an evening beach memorial gathering. As the sun goes down on another day, toast the departed soul and wish them a safe journey to their next destination. Any type of marine theme for the wake along with some drinkable spirits like a good rum seem appropriate for the occasion.

Memorial

This is one type of interment where you get a built in memorial that will be there for years. Companies that build the reefs will give the coordinates of your final resting place along with a video of the spot. Your relatives may visit at anytime if he or she is a scuba diver.