2016 was a year of major loss in the world of music. George Michael, the 1980’s pop music icon who rose to fame as the front man of Wham!, was the latest famous musician to leave us, as he passed away on Christmas Day.

During the year, we lost several other music legends including Prince, David Bowie, Glenn Frey (Eagles), Merle Haggard, Phife Dawg & Shawty Lo (rap), Joey Feek (country), Natalie Cole,  Leonard Cohen, Maurice White (Earth Wind & Fire), Sharon Jones, Paul Kanter (Starship), Frank Sinatra, Jr., Keith Emerson and Greg Lake of ELP, Dale Griffin (Mott the Hoople), Billy Paul, George Martin (Beatles producer), James Woolley (NIN), John Berry (Beastie Boys), Bobby Vee and Leon Russell.

A few of these greats passed away quite suddenly and unexpectedly. As anyone who has lost a loved one knows, dealing with grief and handling everything that comes with the planning of a funeral is difficult at anytime, but especially so when loss is sudden and unexpected.

There is nothing that will take away the shock and pain of the loss of someone we love, but there is something that can be done to ensure that the funeral planning process is less burdensome. And that something is pre-planning.

By taking care of memorial property and funeral plans in advance, families are spared that burden during time of grief and can devote more time, energy and emotion to the care and well being of one another. It is definitely something to think about as we head to 2017.

As 2016 comes to a close, if you were one of the families that turned to us in your time of need this year, please accept our sincere condolences for your loss and know that we are humbled and honored that you entrusted us with your loved one. We wish you and yours a very happy and healthy new year in 2017.