Fred Baur’s Story
Some people get quite inventive about what is to be done with their bodies. Fred Baur, the founder of Pringles potato chips, wanted his body cremated and the ashes buried in a Pringles can. His family complied with the request, deciding on a red regular-flavour can. The ashes didn’t quite fit, so the rest were put in a more conventional urn.
Lawyer’s comment: It is technically up to the executor to decide what becomes of your earthly remains. However, assuming you have chosen your executor wisely, he or she is likely to follow whatever instructions you leave in your will, provided they are legal. Indeed, your executor is likely to be very grateful to be relieved of the responsibility of deciding whether you should be buried or cremated, and where your remains should go. Spelling out your instructions in your will can prevent arguments at the funeral home and hard feelings that can last a lifetime.
If you have included instructions for disposition of your body in your will, keep in mind that your Executor may not see the original will until it is too late. Consider giving a copy of your instructions (or a copy of your whole will) to your Executor.
