Thank you for the timely and comprehensive article. However, there is one significant omission. What should the executor do with the deceased person’s body after death and before burial or cremation?
When my father died after a massive stroke in 1993, we (his three children) discovered in his wallet a signed form saying he left his body for the donation of his organs and tissues. By the time we found this, only his corneas were usable. They did benefit someone.
More recently, a young member of our congregation had determined that in the event of her death, she wanted to donate her organs and tissues. She did die, her parents honoured her wishes, and her heart now beats in the chest of a grateful recipient.Some of her other organs and tissues have benefited several recipients.
Some jurisdictions are making, or contemplating making, harvesting organs and tissues the default option, requiring an executor to decline the option if the family do not agree.
It is crucial to ensure the family and significant others are aware of the donor’s wishes and have come to terms with what may seem outlandish and irreverent treatment of the deceased person’s remains. Doing so will reduce the risk of turmoil in the emotion of the death and final arrangements. —Mark Hambridge, Calgary
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