More New Mexicans are choosing cremation over burial to save money, to keep things simple or to save land. Nationwide, the rate of cremations increased from 9.5 percent to 24.1 percent during the same period. A survey by the Cremation Association of North America said Americans choose cremation to save money or land and to keep ceremonies simple, said Steven Gabaldon, manager of French Mortuary and chairman of the state Board of Thanatopractice, which regulates New Mexico's funeral business. Embalming a body, having a funeral service and a burial can cost thousands more, depending on the range of services and the cost of the casket. Cremations also are simpler than a traditional funeral and burial.
Environmental considerations are important to many who choose to be cremated.
His memorial service was held March 10, followed by interment of his ashes at Sunset Memorial Park. His family could have chosen to scatter the ashes among the rose bushes and gravel of a cemetery garden.