Do you think about your own death and the necessary arrangements, or do you turn away from the thought, as if avoiding an inevitable shadow?

Were you aware that in Gilpin County, you have the option to be buried on your own land, amidst the familiar surroundings that have shaped your life?

On the evening of July 9, the Gilpin County Library hosted an informational event on home funerals that drew a decent crowd. At 6:30 p.m., Coroner Zane Laubhan presented a thought-provoking video segment focusing on the Carr family, part of the documentary A Family Undertaking, by PBS.

The film explores the burgeoning home funeral movement, revealing a deep, intimate look into how several families across America are reclaiming end-of-life rituals by forgoing traditional mortuary services.

Reviving Historical Practices

The documentary shows a striking shift back to practices common in pre-20th century America. Before the Civil War, families typically cared for and buried their deceased on their own properties or in local cemeteries.

This deeply personal approach to death and grieving was disrupted by the advent of the professional undertaker during the Civil War, which led to a more sanitized and institutionalized handling of death. The movement for home burials can also make funerals more personal, private, and meaningful.

Focus on the Carr Family

The Carr family of South Dakota is one of the key stories featured in the documentary. They prepared for the death of 90-year-old Bernard Carr with hands-on care by family members. Bernard even helped decorate his own casket with cattle brands from his ranch.

This approach not only helped in their grieving process but also brought a sense of fulfillment and a deeper connection to the reality of death. Such home funerals transform death into an intimate, meaningful, and even joyful experience.

Zane Laubhan’s Commentary

During the presentation, Laubhan remarked that “death used to be a matter of course, just like when a baby was expected.” He contrasted this with today’s cookie-cutter funeral homes that strive to serve all backgrounds, often making the process impersonal. Laubhan noted that showing emotions in public can be difficult for many people, making the privacy of home funerals appealing.

The Cost of Modern Funerals

Laubhan also discussed the financial burden of modern funerals, which can cost between $5,000 to $6,000, with an additional $2,000 to $3,000 for cemetery expenses. This is often twice as much as what is paid in other countries.

The altered state of grief after losing a loved one can make consumers susceptible to making costly decisions under pressure, further driving up expenses. Laubhan said that Americans have become willing victims of this expensive industry.

Legal Aspects of Home Burials in Colorado

The presentation also delved into the legalities surrounding home burials in Colorado, a topic that spurred many questions from attendees. In Colorado, there are no laws prohibiting burials on private property. However, these burials must be recorded with the County Clerk within 30 days (Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-2-111).

Laubhan, who helped draft the Colorado legislation for home burials, stressed the importance of recording these burials for future reference when planting gardens or during property sales, for example. He shared that several unmarked graves have been accidentally disturbed in Central City because people have not properly recorded their locations. He encouraged residents to go through with this process for future reference.

“It’s worth noting that graves do not need to be six feet deep,” he shared, and can include open-air burials where bodies are possibly just covered with rocks. His comments later assuaged concerns about the difficulty of digging due to bedrock. Laubhan shared that some people create designs with the stones, adding a personal and artistic touch to the burial site.

Additionally, he mentioned that Gilpin County does not have the same zoning restrictions as cities, allowing for more flexibility in burial practices.

Practical Considerations and Alternatives

Attendees were curious about how to keep a body cold during a home funeral. Laubhan explained that placing dry ice on the body is an effective method. Alternatively, he offered to keep the body in the morgue indefinitely if needed.

He also introduced the concept of water cremation, which hydrolyzes the body instead of burning it, as a more environmentally friendly option. Laubhan noted that a casket is not required for burials, reducing potential costs significantly.

The Historical Role of Embalming

Laubhan provided historical context, explaining that embalming began as a means of preserving bodies for transportation during the Civil War to prevent them from rotting. This practice has since become a standard part of the funeral industry, although it is not legally required.

Green Cemeteries: An Eco-Friendly Alternative

An interesting point of discussion was the concept of green cemeteries, an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burials. Laubhan said there are two green cemeteries located in Boulder.

Green cemeteries emphasize natural decomposition and the conservation of natural resources. They often do not use embalming fluids, metal caskets, or concrete vaults, making these burials a sustainable choice that aligns with the home funeral movement’s values of simplicity and closeness to nature.

Community Engagement and Questions

The session concluded with a robust Q&A, where attendees sought clarity on various aspects, such as the affidavit required for private burials and potential impacts on property values. Laubhan confirmed that the presence of a burial on a property must be disclosed during its sale. This transparency ensures that future property owners are aware of the burial sites.

When asked about the logistical process, he said that he, as Coroner, would come out to the property and submit the death certificate before a home burial takes place.

Conclusion

The event at the Gilpin County Library provided a comprehensive look at a growing movement that seeks to bring death back into the family fold. Through the powerful stories in A Family Undertaking and the insightful discussion led by Coroner Laubhan, attendees left with a deeper understanding of how they might reclaim and personalize their own end-of-life rituals. Laubhan’s belief in the importance of allowing people to choose their method of interment resonated deeply, stressing the need for personal choice in these significant life moments.

Private Burial Affidavits are available online at https://gilpincounty. colorado.gov/sites/gilpincounty/files/ documents/HB10-1275_Private_Burial_Affidavit_Fillable.pdf.