When a loved one commits to a whole body donation cremation, they are making an important contribution to the advancement of medical science. Donations are used to train doctors and surgeons, uncover new treatments and protocols, understand the progression of disease, discover new drugs, and test medical devices.

After research has been completed, the donor’s remains are cremated.  Some families wait to have a memorial service after the cremation is completed. Others choose to have remembrance ceremonies shortly after the loved one’s passing. Either way, here are some ideas for cremation memorial services, unique to Nevada.

Scattering Remains

While you may wish to disperse the remains at a place that holds special meaning for your loved one, ideas for cremation memorial services also include a scattering ceremony at public locations, such as:

• Lake Tahoe: This scenic alpine lake offers beautiful locations for memorial services and ash scattering, either from the shore or by boat.
• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Known for its striking red rock formations, this area near Las Vegas provides a peaceful natural setting.
• Great Basin National Park: This park features diverse landscapes including ancient bristlecone pine forests and limestone caves, offering unique memorial locations.
• Valley of Fire State Park: With its vibrant red sandstone formations, this park provides a dramatic backdrop for a memorial service.
• Mount Charleston: Part of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, it offers cooler temperatures and pine forests, contrasting with the desert below.
• Pyramid Lake: This desert lake could be a serene location for a water-based memorial.
• Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge: Home to rare desert springs and unique wildlife, this refuge would be suitable for nature lovers.
• Black Rock Desert: Known for hosting Burning Man, this vast desert playa would be appropriate for those seeking a remote, stark setting.
• Hoover Dam: While ash scattering isn’t permitted at the dam itself, nearby areas overlooking Lake Mead could be considered.

There is no state law preventing the dispersal of ashes in public places. However, there may be local restrictions, so you should check with park managers or local authorities. You may need a permit in some instances or get special permission.

Ideas for Cremation Memorial Services in Nevada

Families can choose to have traditional funeral services, such as those held at a funeral home or a place of worship. Some remembrance ceremonies take place in homes or public places, while some involve gathering in a banquet hall, restaurant, or park.  There is no right or wrong way to honor and remember your loved one.

Looking for some creative ideas that are unique to Nevada for memorial services? Consider these:

• Hot air balloon release: Arrange a memorial hot air balloon ride over scenic Nevada landscapes, releasing biodegradable materials or a small portion of ashes.
• Wild horse sanctuary visit: Arrange a memorial at a wild horse sanctuary, symbolizing Nevada’s free spirit.
• High desert seed bombing: Create seed bombs with native plant seeds and a small amount of ashes to revegetate an area—with proper permission.
• Vineyard planting: If the deceased enjoyed wine, work with a local Nevada winery to plant a grapevine or tree using the ashes as fertilizer.
• Stargazing memorial: Host a nighttime gathering in a dark sky area like Great Basin National Park, sharing memories under the stars.
• Casino chip keepsakes: For someone who loves Las Vegas, create custom memorial poker chips incorporating a small amount of ashes.

About Whole Body Donation

United Tissue Network (UTN) coordinates whole body donations in Nevada. You can pledge to become a donor or register a loved one at UTN. When your loved one passes, UTN will make sure the body is placed with a reputable research and education facility focusing on the advancement of medical science.

UTN accepts most donors, including those of advanced age and with diseases such as cancer, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases—as long as they are not communicable, such as hepatitis or HIV, to protect researchers.

When research has concluded, UTN arranges for the transportation of the donor’s body to a licensed crematorium. Cremated remains are returned to family members upon request. UTN pays 100% of the costs for transportation and cremation. This helps alleviate some of the financial burden for families while also providing them with comfort in knowing that their loved one’s passing can help generations to come.

To learn more about whole body donation and cremation, call United Tissue Network (UTN) at 877-738-6111.