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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 15, 2023 20:01:37 GMT -5
Bear with us. This is how it stands right now... This thread will be updated as we get new info.
Ed has family who are trying to drum up the funds to take care of Ed's final arrangements. I have given my contact information over to the decedent's office to give to them. I have no clue if they will contact me or not. But, I will feel them out as far as their intentions. Who knows... this could turn into a fundraiser for THEM to take care of him. Frankly, if his family really desires to handle his arrangements then I think we should help, should they need it. Everything is fluid right now. Because Ed's family is trying to get this done, there is no time frame for when WE may have the opportunity, as an interested party, to do the right thing. So, if Ed's family CAN come through, then we will be raising money for a brick or bench or something, if they don't, then we will be raising the money to have him cremated. OR, it may turn out that we will be helping HIS FAMILY pay. .... OR even yet, if neither us nor his family pay the bill, Ed will still get a grave in a pauper's cemetery with a plaque. It's not all that bad and it IS somewhere that his family could visit. In that case, we would raise money for the zoo. I was told by the decedent's office that the bill at the mortuary is 1200. I have not called the mortuary about the bill because I think, at this point, they are strictly working with the family. But, if I need to, I will. Another point to consider... We will be asking for volunteers to help pick up Ed's ashes if need be. He will be in Phoenix. The ROUGH plan right now, IF we are doing the arrangements, is to have someone collect and hold Ed's cremains until Quartzite when an RTH BBQ group can give him a send off and scatter his ashes. Alternatively, the mortuary may be able to hold the urn for awhile. So, they would just need to be picked up by Q time. So, if anyone is interested in doing that- post here or send one of us a PM. I think I covered the bases. This was necessarily sketchy at best because we're not sure how we will be proceeding, yet. Watch this thread for updates.
UPDATE 6-17 Also- In case anyone missed it- You can sign a Tribute to Ed if you are so inclined. I'm sure the family would appreciate it.  Update 6-21
We're still waiting to hear something from Ed's family. When we know something, we'll pass it on right away. Thank you to everyone who has pledged donations. Now we know we'll be able to do what we decide to do. Update 6-24
Update 6-26
I had a very nice conversation yesterday with Ed's older brother, Richard. Because Ed was listed as indigent, the paperwork at the state level is being held up. They do not have a death certificate. As many of you know, nothing happens without it. So, although I was very glad to speak with Richard, nothing has changed really. We are still in holding mode. Richard will call with updates. I pointed him here, as well. He was interested to know what Ed did.
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Post by HankRocks on Jun 15, 2023 20:07:53 GMT -5
I was just thinking about Quartzite and the gathering there might be an appropriate place before I read your post.
Thanks for your efforts and in this case patience is warranted.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jun 15, 2023 20:16:39 GMT -5
Tela, you are a rockstar for doing all of this footwork. Thank you!  |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 15, 2023 20:21:25 GMT -5
Tela, you are a rockstar for doing all of this footwork. Thank you!  Oh, I've had plenty of help. It started with an idea from liveoak Patty and then Tommy, aDave and I got to work. Dave and I have been collaborating all day. |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jun 15, 2023 20:23:30 GMT -5
Tela, you are a rockstar for doing all of this footwork. Thank you! Oh, I've had plenty of help. It started with an idea from liveoak Patty and then Tommy , aDave and I got to work. Dave and I have been collaborating all day. Then a huge thanks to Patty, Tommy and Dave, too! You are all Rockstars!  |
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 15, 2023 20:27:16 GMT -5
Tela, thank you for keeping us updated - and thank you for doing all you're doing. It sounds like there could be several different options of what could happen...and I'll help how and where I can.
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quartz
Cave Dweller 
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,359
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Post by quartz on Jun 15, 2023 22:07:37 GMT -5
Did Ed want his ashes scattered, or does anyone know. I lost my wife in Feb., cremation was a given for both of us, and the one thing Carol said is "I want a marker in a place where people can come visit and my existance will not be forgotten." Just an opinion to think about
Thanks to all who have volunteered time to be a part of his remberance.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 15, 2023 22:13:28 GMT -5
Did Ed want his ashes scattered, or does anyone know. I lost my wife in Feb., cremation was a given for both of us, and the one thing Carol said is "I want a marker in a place where people can come visit and my existance will not be forgotten." Just an opinion to think about Thanks to all who have volunteered time to be a part of his remberance. That's a very good question and I don't know the answer. Knowing Ed just as much as I do, I don't think he would mind having his ashes scattered. My parents were scattered, but there is still a marker for them.
We can cremate and scatter his ashes AND get a marker at the zoo depending on how much we raise. But, we don't even know yet if we'll be handling any ashes.
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,359
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Post by quartz on Jun 15, 2023 22:17:04 GMT -5
Certainly a reasonable idea given how much he enjoyed the zoo.
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khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,980
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Post by khara on Jun 16, 2023 3:46:06 GMT -5
So sorry to hear quartz I remember late last year you mentioned your wife was ailing. I don’t think we knew she passed. I hope you found a nice place for people to visit and remember her by. Seems it’s been a tough year around here. |
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Post by MsAli on Jun 16, 2023 7:28:30 GMT -5
Just something to think about as well. My brother died in April and there was assistance for his cremation costs. Most states (counties) do offer that as well. So I am sure those costs would probably be covered, especially through an indigent descendant service program
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 16, 2023 7:31:23 GMT -5
Just something to think about as well. My brother died in April and there was assistance for his cremation costs. Most states (counties) do offer that as well. So I am sure those costs would probably be covered, especially through an indigent descendant service program Yes, they are working trying to get financial assistance.
If they can cover the expenses, that's wonderful! We can get him something at the zoo. There are many ways to honor someone there.
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,672 
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Post by RWA3006 on Jun 16, 2023 9:06:39 GMT -5
Did Ed want his ashes scattered, or does anyone know. I lost my wife in Feb., cremation was a given for both of us, and the one thing Carol said is "I want a marker in a place where people can come visit and my existance will not be forgotten." Just an opinion to think about Thanks to all who have volunteered time to be a part of his remberance. I'm aware of a couple of people who had their ashes scattered but retained a small portion of the ash to bury with a marker for the reason you stated. quartz I'm sorry to hear you lost your wife and hope you are doing OK. |
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Post by orrum on Jun 16, 2023 10:17:33 GMT -5
Tela check out Cecilias garden in Quarstsite. Lots of folks have memorials thererom a simple sign up to massive rock fardens. Plus read the story. She was a awesome lil girl.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 16, 2023 10:38:03 GMT -5
Tela check out Cecilias garden in Quarstsite. Lots of folks have memorials thererom a simple sign up to massive rock fardens. Plus read the story. She was a awesome lil girl. That's cool! I remember someone had posted about it before. Here's a vid.
That would be great, but it seems like something that should be done by someone local.
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Post by beefjello on Jun 16, 2023 17:00:36 GMT -5
I know this has been a tough week for everyone who knew and loved Ed. Here’s what I have found out.
Ed died of throat cancer. He stopped going home about 3 weeks prior to his passing. His brother in law thought maybe he had found a girl friend or something and wasn’t very concerned. About a week before he passed he came home, got a few things and left a very cryptic note. It was later discovered that he went into hospice and listed that he had no family or friends. This part is kinda hard to wrap my head around, but I believe he was just trying to spare anyone the financial burden. His brothers didn't find out for almost a week after he passed. His younger brother Mike is working to secure Ed’s remains. They intend to spread his ashes near Show Low where they grew up.
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Post by parfive on Jun 16, 2023 17:23:39 GMT -5
Thank you, Brian.
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Post by beefjello on Jun 16, 2023 17:55:21 GMT -5
Thank you too, Rich. You deciphered Ed’s last name. That solved the puzzle. I can imagine him smiling down on us all. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 16, 2023 20:17:00 GMT -5
I know this has been a tough week for everyone who knew and loved Ed. Here’s what I have found out. Ed died of throat cancer. He stopped going home about 3 weeks prior to his passing. His brother in law thought maybe he had found a girl friend or something and wasn’t very concerned. About a week before he passed he came home, got a few things and left a very cryptic note. It was later discovered that he went into hospice and listed that he had no family or friends. This part is kinda hard to wrap my head around, but I believe he was just trying to spare anyone the financial burden. His brothers didn't find out for almost a week after he passed. His younger brother Mike is working to secure Ed’s remains. They intend to spread his ashes near Show Low where they grew up. Thank you so much! It's so sad to think of him alone, though.
I'm glad his family didn't abandon him.
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Brian
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2020
Posts: 1,512
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Post by Brian on Jun 16, 2023 20:19:06 GMT -5
Poor Ed…. The cryptic comments make more sense in light of what you shared, Brian. He really did seem to be thinking of others through to the end.
Hospice workers always seem to be amazing people, but I sure do hope Ed had some especially good ones taking care of him. I’m sure he did his part in keeping them entertained with his wit and stories. I’d like to think there was some laughter to go with the tears.
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