A 67-year-old man with pancreatic cancer decided to hold a funeral in Exeter, Ontario, while he was alive so he could enjoy it with his family and friends. He died shortly thereafter.
Ron Rader turned to his kids with a smile soon after the diagnosis and told them he wanted to throw a party, the Toronto Sun reported.
After receiving his diagnosis in late May, the Ontarian learned from his surgeon on June 16 that his cancer had spread and was inoperable.
The man very quickly expressed his last wish: first of all, not to miss his funeral, surrounded by all his family and friends, about 350 people. A decision that did not surprise those around him, since the Ontarian has always liked to think outside the box.
Dubbed a “celebration of life,” the event took place at his home in Exeter on July 23. This is where the former car salesman found his colleagues and his former hockey team from Zurich, where he grew up, in his more than 40 years of work.
His wife, quoted by the Toronto Sun, said the day had been amazing. “Were we tired and emotionally drained? Absolutely. But it was the best day,” she said.
Colin Haskett, the funeral director the Ontarian contacted to help organize his “live funeral,” said it was a first for his company in 140 years.
Ron Rader died peacefully at his home on August 1 surrounded by his family.