In this episode, Tony Russo covers high-profile controversies in Detroit, the ongoing legislative battles surrounding natural organic reduction, and cultural equity in cremation services.
Key Stories
The “Wrong Ashes” Voicemail Controversy: A Detroit man, Curtis Robinson, was shaken after receiving a voicemail from Charita Butler, co-owner of Butler Funeral Home, suggesting she would give him “somebody else’s ashes” if he continued to make demands amidst a family rift. Tony discusses the pressures on funeral directors stuck between feuding family members and the importance of hanging up the phone before venting.
Healing the “Bad Juju” at Perry Funeral Home: The site of the infamous 2018 scandal involving improperly stored infant remains is being renovated by Paddy Lynch of Lynch and Sons Funeral Directors. The new facility will offer mortuary students on-site experience and provide infant/child funerals at no cost to rebuild community trust.
Colorado Regulatory Crackdown: Evergreen Funeral Home has been placed on one-year probation after an inspection revealed refrigeration temperatures above the 39-degree limit and inconsistent record-keeping.
Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) Updates:
California: Sumner Peck Ranch has been renamed Running River Ranch following public backlash over the use of composted human remains on the property. Tony argues that Earth Funeral and the local trust missed a vital opportunity for public education.
New Hampshire: Lawmakers rejected a human composting bill. Tony addresses the opposition’s “utilitarian” arguments and compares the current struggle for NOR acceptance to the historical journey of cremation.
Cultural Equity in Cremation: In Lexington, Massachusetts, the push for a public crematory at Westview Cemetery is framing cremation as a religious necessity for Hindu, Sikh, and other non-Christian communities rather than just an economic choice.
Philanthropy in Death Care: A shout-out to Starmark for donating over 100 urns to “The Final Salute,” a program in Des Moines that honors unclaimed veterans’ remains.
Industry Reminders & Updates
Management vs. Luck: Tony explores whether regulatory issues stem from bad management or bad luck, suggesting that mentoring by state commissions could help struggling homes recover.
Financial News: SCI and Matthews are scheduled to report their earnings on Thursday and Friday. Full analysis will be available at ondeathcare.com.
