Silver and Gold Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 23

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Sharing a Collection of Memories

Stamps , fishing lures , silver spoons , teddy bears – it ’ s an interesting human trait , this desire to collect objects – and it seems there are as many kinds of collections as there are personalities to cherish them . Whether it ’ s a serious pursuit of a rare find , or a casual compiling of everyday things with personal meaning , we come to identify these objects with the individual . A collection is a testament to the passing of time , its acquisitions like little milestones in a unique life .
When we lose a loved one , who found joy in building their collection of crystal or coins or comic books , the moment will come when a decision has to be made . What will become of that collection , when the collector is no longer with us ?
Of course , it ’ s important to first establish if the collection is of monetary value or was bequeathed in a legal Will . In most cases , the greater value lies in sentiment and significance , and families can choose to share the collection in some creative ways to help keep precious memories alive .
Here ’ s a perfect example : Lisa S . of Toronto recently relayed the ingenious way her family commemorated her father by hiring a photographer to shoot a lovely still life portrait of his collection of pipes . Each family member received a beautifully framed copy and a single pipe of their choosing . This way , everyone had a comforting keepsake and no single person had to take on the responsibility of the entire collection .
If your collection is an important part of your legacy , consider giving certain items to your family now . Select a specifically meaningful piece or let them choose one they like , and then chat about its origins and what it has meant to you . This act in itself can create happy memories .•
– By Tom Flannery , James Panoff and Steven Reynolds , Arbor Memorial . www . arbormemorial . ca

A tribute for the music lover

For your loved one , music meant everything . Celebrate their musical heart with a special tribute to their favourites .
We will help you design a customized memorial tribute that is just right .
For immediate need or planning ahead , call :
Oakview Funeral Home 905-842-2252
Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home Burlington Chapel 905-637-5233
Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home Ancaster Chapel 905-648-3852

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Silver & Gold Magazine ~ Spring 2017
Arbor Memorial Inc .