Humanist Funeral Ceremonies

Humanist Funeral Ceremonies Information

                             

There is an increasing demand for non-religious funeral ceremonies.

Where many people choose to live without religion, a secular celebration of the life of the deceased is more appropriate.

Humanists value life and humanity and feel that, as every life is unique, it should be celebrated in a final meaningful ceremony.

Following a meeting with the family, the celebrant will compile a tribute, and this, plus other tributes, poems and a piece of favourite music, form the basis of the ceremony - which is held usually at the crematorium or in a funeral home. There is a fee for the service, which is paid by the Funeral Director to the celebrant on the day.

The Humanist Association of N.Ireland co-ordinator is Myrtle Ewing who can be contacted at Tel: 028 90 760002  or mobile 07787723489 
or e-mail rstandmj.ewing@btinternet.com

There are two other trained celebrants:

Noel Scott   mob.07860 444 208

Jennifer Sturgeon 02870354287; 07818036404; jennifer.sturgeon@btinternet.com

All are subject to availability  

 

Funeral Music: The Top Ten (alphabetical)

Albinoni: Adagio

J.S. Bach: Air from Suite No 3 in D

Faure: Pavane

Handel: Largo

Mozart: Clarinet Concerto Adagio

Pachelbel: Canon

Ravel: Pavane pour une infante defunte

Thais: Meditation

Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

 

Funeral Songs: The Top Twenty (Co-Op list, 2012)

1. Frank Sinatra – 'My Way'
2. Sarah Brightman/Andrea Bocelli – 'Time To Say Goodbye'
3. Bette Midler – 'Wind Beneath My Wings'
4. Eva Cassidy – 'Over The Rainbow'
5. Robbie Williams – 'Angels'
6. Westlife – 'You Raise Me Up'
7. Gerry & The Pacemakers – 'You’ll Never Walk Alone'
8. Vera Lynn – 'We’ll Meet Again'
9. Celine Dion – 'My Heart Will Go On'
10. Nat King Cole – 'Unforgettable'
11. Tina Turner – 'The Best'
12. Whitney Houston/Dolly Parton – 'I Will Always Love You'
13. Monty Python – 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life'
14. Luther Vandross – 'Dance With My Father'
15. Louis Armstrong – 'Wonderful World'
16. Daniel O'Donnell – 'Danny Boy'
17. Eva Cassidy – 'Fields Of Gold'
18. Righteous Brothers (and various) – 'Unchained Melody'
19. Westlife – 'Flying Without Wings'
20. Eva Cassidy – 'Songbird'

See:

http://www.nme.com/news/adele/

 

What is Success?

"To laugh often and love much, to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exaltation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; this is to have succeeded" –  Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there  – I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond glints on snow

I am the sunlight on ripened grain

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awake in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry

I am not here  – I did not die.

Mary Elizabeth Frye

 


 

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