I Read Obituaries

I Read Obituaries

Why?

First, verification. Before the invent of social media, my grandmother told me an obituary was the best way to discreetly inquire as to whether someone who once passed into life had actually passed through life.

Second, to garner attention. Some people want others to make inquiries. Their need for attention covers the spectrum from covet to crave. The deceased, even in death, want people to know their life story. Perhaps this is ego. Perhaps something much more.

Third, to learn about someone known only casually. I would have wanted to know someone with an obituary stating they are survived by their 6 ex-wives, 22 children, 98 grandchildren, surviving 3 wars, 4 tours of duty, and a 40-year membership in a volunteer fire department.

Finally, as a sales tactic. An obituary lists the people who survived the deceased. It also describes the last residence of the deceased. Put 2 and 2 together. If I sold real estate, I know there will be a house for sale. If the deceased had many survivors, the estate (maybe even the survivors) will need a lawyer. Add tax planning, college savings, life insurance, home improvement, lawn care, vacations, etc. and the obituaries become the cornucopia of all new business leads.

Subtler than a billboard. Cheaper than a website. And all of the people listed, die in alphabetical order.

Simply amazing.