Why I Chose to Honor My Father with a Sea Burial Ceremony and How it Went
I knew grieving my father would be difficult. Here’s why I chose a sea burial memorial and how it helped me grieve.
Losing my father was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. He was a huge part of my life; a mentor and teacher, a confidant, and my favorite golf partner. I knew the grieving process would be difficult.
I chose to honor him with a sea burial ceremony. This type of memorial felt like the perfect way to celebrate his life and legacy.
My father had always loved the ocean—its vastness, its mysteries, and its connection to nature. We spent countless hours together by the shore, along with my two brothers, marveling at the waves and finding peace in its rhythm.
When he passed, my family and I knew there was no better way to say goodbye than by returning him to the
element he cherished most.
We decided on an ash scattering at sea ceremony in Newport Beach, California, and worked with A Peaceful Burial at Sea by Newport Landing to plan the event. The company came highly recommended for their compassionate and professional services. They offered several options,
but we chose an attended ash scattering service so our family could be present for this deeply
personal farewell.
The process of arranging the sea burial was surprisingly smooth. A Peaceful Burial at Sea guided us through every step, from obtaining the necessary permits to selecting a vessel that could accommodate our family. They were flexible with timing, and we opted for an early morning ceremony when the waters were calm—a suggestion they made that turned out to be
perfect. Their team provided thoughtful touches like flower arrangements made from biodegradable materials, which we could toss into the ocean alongside his ashes.
On the day of the ceremony, we gathered at Newport Harbor under a clear blue sky. The boat was spacious and comfortable, with both indoor and outdoor seating. As we set sail, I felt a mix of emotions—grief for our loss but also a sense of peace knowing we were truly honoring my father. The ride out to the scattering location was serene. The gentle rocking of the boat and the sound of waves created a reflective atmosphere. Once we reached our destination, the captain stopped the boat, and we began the ceremony. Each family member shared a memory or a few words about my father before we scattered his ashes into the water. The moment was both heart-wrenching and beautiful—a true celebration of his life. As his ashes mingled with the ocean waves, we tossed flowers into the water. Watching them drift away felt symbolic of releasing our grief while holding onto his memory. This symbolic gesture still feels like it was an important piece in my grieving process. The captain marked the
exact coordinates of the location so we could revisit it in the future if we wished.
Choosing a sea burial wasn’t just about honoring my father’s love for the ocean—it was also about creating a meaningful experience for our family. The ceremony allowed us to come together in a setting that felt peaceful and connected to nature. It was comforting to know that even in death, my father became part of something he loved so deeply. A Peaceful Burial at Sea by Newport Landing made what could have been an overwhelming process feel manageable and dignified. Their professionalism ensured everything went smoothly, allowing us to focus on saying goodbye.
Looking back, I can’t imagine a more fitting tribute for my father. The ocean now holds an even deeper significance for me—a place where I can feel close to him whenever I need to. For anyone considering this option for their loved one, I can wholeheartedly say it’s a beautiful way to honor their memory while embracing nature’s eternal cycle.
