June 13, 2008

Rhode Island National Guard Budget Crisis Causes Funeral Controversy By Thomas A. Parmalee

The Rhode Island National Guard recently caused an uproar when it said that due to budget constraints, it would scale back honors to state veterans. But after funeral directors and veterans group protested, it reversed its decision.

According to Lt. Col. Denis Riel, a spokesman with the Guard, "The Rhode Island National Guard, and specifically Maj. Gen. Robert T. Bray, the adjutant general, are fully committed to ensuring that each and every veteran who has survivors that request military honors will be accorded these honors in accordance with the dictates of military protocol and federal and state law." read more...

Kurt Swenson to Retire as CEO of Rock of Ages

CONCORD, N.H. - Kurt M. Swenson will retire as chief executive officer of Rock of Ages Corp. on June 30 and will be succeeded by president and chief operating officer
Donald Labonte, the company announced in a news release.

Labonte, 46, who joined Rock of Ages in 1980 as a production worker in the company's Canadian operations, has served in numerous top management positions including president of Rock of Ages Canada, president of Manufacturing Operations and president of Quarry Operations. As previously announced, he has been nominated for election to the company's Board of Directors at the company's 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in June. read more...

Tombstone Falls on Girl at Michigan Cemetery

ROCKFORD, MICH. - A tombstone estimated to weigh at least 200 pounds fell on a sixth-grader who was at the Rockford Cemetery during a field trip, the Grand Rapids Press reported.

The girl, whose name was not disclosed, suffered a head injury, but it was not considered life threatening. She was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. read more...

History Channel To Explore Death in Modern Marvels: Corpse Tech

The History Channel will explore cremation, the role of the medical examiner, organ and tissue donation and more during a show to air at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 20th in MODERN MARVELS: CORPSE TECH.The show's theme will be "Adventures of the Body After Life."

In a news release, Facultatieve Technologies announced that a portion of the show would feature its cremation equipment.

Check your local listings to make sure you don't miss the program.

Kates-Boylston Editor Wins National Journalism Award

WALL, N.J. - Thomas A. Parmalee, associate editor of Kates-Boylston Publications, recently won second place in the "Best Investigative Reporting" category in the 2008 Specialized Information Publishers Foundation awards. Parmalee won the award for focusing in on Clayton Smart, a previously unknown Oklahoma oilman who took the funeral industry by storm in July 2006. read more...

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