Paying Tribute
Many times you hear of the passing of someone when it is too late to pay your respects. Or perhaps distance, schedules or other circumstances prevent you from attending a service even if you do find out in a timely manner. I recently discovered a company which addresses these delicate issues surrounding the passing of anyone in your life.
Legacy.com is an online media company which provides a forum for people to share memories and express their condolences. Legacy works with over 650 newspapers in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia.
Legacy provides a place to post an obituary, sign a guestbook and create a memorial Web site. Legacy also offers other related services such as searchable obits, death notices and family histories.
In the business world, we might have hundreds of connections. I might not be able to fly across the country to attend a memorial service, but I certainly like the opportunity to leave behind some lasting thoughts on the dearly departed.
It isn’t just limited to the business world, though. According to Production Manager Jason Farber, “We frequently hear from families who are glad they have a place to go to connect with family and friends during this difficult time; from across the country or from another country entirely.”
When a card or flowers simply do not express enough, Legacy provides several options which allow you to express your feelings. “People often use our Guest Books to share  their thoughts and condolences when distance prevents them from attending the funeral of a loved one,” Farber explained.
There is also the possiblility that you don’t know the person; however, that person made some impact on your life. Perhaps an athlete or poet. Legacy provides you with an outlet for your thoughts. Despite not knowing you, the grieving family can take some comfort in your words and those of others like you.
An ad campaign once stated, “It’s the next-best thing to being there.” That’s exactly what Legacy is.
 John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
September 17th, 2008 at 7:47 am
I first heard of Legacy when an aunt overseas died. I couldn’t afford to make the trip to pay my respects. My family set up this beautiful page on Legacy’s site. My overseas family just was in tears. It really helped them to know (and to see and read) we were thinking and praying for them
Death is a horrible time, so anything which relieves any of the sadness is a great thing.
September 17th, 2008 at 8:25 am
It’s always a delictae topic when discussing business and death. Legacy is a business and thus, profit driven. With that being said, they do a really nice job, offering a wide array of services.
I have no problem with a company profiting from death (funeral homes, florists and cemeteries have done this for years), as long as they present it respectfully. I have used Legacy’s services a few times and I do like what they have to offer and the way they present it.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I applaud a profitable business which provides a service such as this. You can’t expect any company to do this free of charge. The key should really be good service at a good price, but all tastefully done.
September 17th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I agree with the others, Legacy is not profiting from loss, so much as providing a very valuable service at a delicate time for people.
I had a friend in Catanzaro, Italy. When he died, I couldn’t shoot over there, but a group of his friends here organized some great things on Legacy’s site. It was comforting for us to express our loss. His widow and children sent us all wonderful cards stating how much the whole thing meant to them. They never realized just how much we all cared for him and how much we had experienced together.
September 17th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
In the business world, a service like this is extremely useful. I am a global traveler (and a Global Traveler reader) and I make a ton of contacts all over the world. Not to sound heartless, but many of these people are not close enough for me to need to attend any service. Yet, I do feel a loss and like to express my feelings for the family. I think it is good for families to see that the deceased touched so many other lives, as well as family and friends.
September 18th, 2008 at 9:35 am
I had never heard of such a service. I think it is a great idea, especially as families grow and move and also in the business world where you can connect with people in any country.
September 18th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I first heard of them when I was doing research on celebrity deaths. I originally thought that’s what they did. Then I explored the site and realized they have a whole array of services.
We set up a page for my mother and the family and friends loved it. I have copies of everything. Sometimes when I am really missing her, I reread the lovely comments. It really does help.