“I don’t know where to start.”
“I’ve never had to do this before.”
“I don’t know what to do.”

This is the most common email I get, and it’s totally normal. Most people have never planned a funeral before. Having to suddenly learn how, during a time when you’re already grieving, can be overwhelming.

I’m here to help.

Over the past nine years of my ministry, one of my greatest honors has been to preside over a wide variety of memorial services, funerals, graveside services, celebrations of life, and burials. As an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and chaplain, I have served people from all faiths and none. I take great care to honor the spiritual and religious beliefs of the people I serve, including atheists and agnostics, and those with earth-centered traditions. In fact, most of the services I officiate here in Portland, OR are secular funerals or non-religious memorial services.

Every family is different, and so is every loss. My job is to make sure that your loved one’s service honors their life and is as unique as they were.

Whatever the circumstances of your loved one’s life and death, I can accompany you every step of the way in preparing a ceremony that is appropriate and fitting.

What to Expect:
First, you’ll fill out the contact form below to let me know you’re looking for a funeral officiant for your loved one.
I typically respond within 24 hours.
We’ll set up a short phone call to go over a few basic details, such as when and where the service will be. This is also a chance for you to get to know me a little better, and to decide if I’m the right celebrant for you.
Next, we’ll schedule a longer meeting, typically in person, where we can talk about who your loved one was as a person, what their life was like, and how we can make the service truly fitting for them. After this meeting, I will put the service together.
Finally, I will be there on the day of the service to accompany you, to lead the ceremony, and to check in with you afterward.

My current rates are:
$400 for a traditional funeral, celebration of life, or memorial service at a funeral home
$350 for a graveside service
$150 for a remembrance ceremony on the anniversary of a death
$100 for pregnancy loss and infant loss services
Services more than 15 miles from Portland will have a mileage fee of 70 cents a mile to cover my travel expenses.

I am also available to assist your family with other ceremonies and services, such as scattering ashes, going with you to view your loved one’s body, and blessing the body before a cremation. If there is another service that you think I might be able to help with, please don’t hesitate to ask.

I’m here to accompany you.

To get started planning your loved one’s service, please fill out the form below, and I will respond as quickly as I can.