Putting the “Fun” into Funeral Requests in Your Will

Yesterday’s blog about unusual requests in wills got me talking with a client about writing their own will and specifically their funeral requests.

It is the one part of your will that is a request rather than an instruction that must be followed.

My client had originally discussed the possibility of having a ‘traditional Viking send-off’.  The specifics were that he wanted to be placed in a longboat, launched into the Solent and set ablaze.  Of course, ignoring the rather bizarre nature of the overall concept, I pointed out some of the logistical issues that would be faced by his executors:

• Firstly, there is a lack of available Viking Longboats and presumably one would need to be commissioned from a local boat builder.
• Secondly, I expressed some concern that the potential shipping hazard – a burning boat with no means of navigation and skippered by a corpse – in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes might cause some distress to the Coastguard.
• Thirdly, the close proximity to a major oil refinery and a gas works of the aforementioned burning boat may cause some disquiet amongst the civil authorities and local residents.
• Fourthly, I was concerned about the unseemly spectacle of the longboat being washed ashore and partially extinguished by the vagaries of the British weather. I felt his loved ones, faced with his semi-charred remains washed up on the beach at Calshot, may feel a little off colour.

Oddly, though, none of my concerns seemed to faze him in the slightest – especially my doubts about his Viking ancestry or even his complete lack of nautical life. This would, after all, be his first trip on a boat.  These issues could be overcome, my client assured me, with the right positive mental attitude from his executor.

What ultimately dissuaded him from this funeral request in his will was the possibility that, as an avid Southampton FC fan, the prevailing wind may wash him along the Solent and into Portsmouth Harbour.  The idea that his departure from this planet might occur within sight of Fratton Park, was enough to dissuade him from his proposal.

For those of you who wish to write their wills and make their funeral arrangements, please call me on 02380 879243.  Retired Vikings need not apply.