File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Honouring departed loved ones just got more expensive

Feb 4, 2024 | 6:00 AM

IT’S NOTHING NEW but it’s still uncomfortable, for me at least, to put a monetary value on your loved ones. How much is my mom and dad’s memory worth?

The city has been wrestling with the issue of memorial park benches and trees. Apparently, we aren’t paying enough to remember, so the city is going to help us out and charge more. Council last month approved a significant hike in the cost to put up a memorial bench or a nice tree. It’s a nice way to get the taxpayers to foot the bill for new landscaping in the city. The city wants you to pay $4,000 for a nice bench and $1,500 for a tree. You can also buy a “used” bench, in place but unsponsored for somewhat less. These would all have a little plaque on them with the name of the deceased.

But if I can assume these trees and benches are needed anyway, really the cost should be the cost of the plaque. Nothing else. Surely the city wouldn’t be putting in benches or trees just to satisfy demand for these memorials.

And now you’ll be able to buy a picnic table. For $8,000. Oh, here’s another kicker. You have a time limit for your memorial. Your $4,000 donation for a bench is only good for 10 years. Then you can renew it for another 10 years or opt out. Sounds like a good “make money” scheme.

Maybe I’m cynical because I would not choose this way of remembering my relatives. But let’s face it — we’ve been doing this for a long time. In some ancient cities, the monuments are palatial. In our country, there are many old graveyards with ornate markers. Nowadays, you have all sorts of options. You not only can get the bench or tree and a teensy, weeny plaque, but when you talk to the funeral home about arrangements, you can get bracelets, lockets (which you can even put ashes in), a fancy urn to hold the ashes — you name it, it’s probably available.

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Do we really think a little plaque that no one ever sees is worth $4,000? We all have choices, and if we want to pay huge expenses for a tree or bench, that’s fine. But I think there are better alternatives. I can look at a picture or an old tape measure and have so many fond memories of my dad appear. I can see an old bowl or a napkin ring, and the same happens with my mom.

I have a memory plaque that my sister made when my son passed away. I see it every day. And it didn’t cost $4,000.

What’s next? Probably you’ll see further adjustments in prices, and maybe a tiered system. If you want the “Barnhartvale Option,” you’ll be billed $4,000, but if you really want to go first class, you’ll ask for the “Riverside Park Option” — but this premier location will cost you a lot more.

For me, I will be happy to have two sticks nailed together and planted at some old Boot Hill gravesite way off in the hills. I guess it’s all a matter of perspective. I’m more than happy to be remembered by the simple cross at Boot Hill. I’m sure my family will find a better use for $4,000.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.