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Baby Boomers have never followed tradition, and planning their funerals is no exception. Those born between 1946 and 1965, a time when birth rates increased dramatically, have always wanted to do things their way. Funeral directors are anticipating, with a bit of macabre excitement, the exit of a giant generation. Because of declining death rates, the funeral industry has suffered. Longer life spans have certainly put a damper on death revenue. But at some point, the Baby Boomer generation will have a large impact on the death care business. And make no bones about it (pun intended) the death care and funeral industry is big business. Very big business.

The Baby Boomer generation includes 78 million Americans, and represents 29.4% of the total U.S. population, according to the U. S. Census Bureau. Just as they lived their lives somewhat off the beaten path, Boomers are also not going to be happy with "cookie cutter" funerals. They are desiring customized funeral arrangements, with personalized touches. (This is not your grandma's funeral.) You may enter the funeral home to the tune of rock music and a display of helium filled balloons. The casket is likely to be surrounded by memorabilia of the person's life, including prized possessions, trophies and awards, and other items signifying accomplishments or hobbies. There may be a performance of sorts, including less than traditional music and eulogies. Many family members and friends are now replacing clergy as the main speakers at funeral services. When selecting caskets, family members may choose to add The Memory Safe Drawer, where families can place notes, special mementos, or the TV remote. (No kidding.)

As Joseph P. Kahn, of the Boston Globe, wrote in an article, "Taking the Grim Out of Reaper", Boomers will be literally "thinking outside the box." He writes "It is highly unlikely that they (Boomers) will go quietly-or conventionally- when their time comes." Hang onto your seat belts America, because you will need them, at some of today's funerals. What can you expect? According to Darby O'Brien, publisher of a quarterly that tracks present trends, "Baby Boomers want to go out having as much fun as they had when they were here....Black will be out-black suits, black cars-as a general loosening up takes place. The Big Chill generation will go for "Stairway to Heaven" over "Amazing Grace." He further comments, "Everything the Boomers move on, they shake up. Everything they do becomes a style statement."

Some

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