Welcome to Lake Havasu City, a vibrant oasis where sunshine meets stunning vistas. Known for its strikingly blue lake and warm weather, this destination offers a lifestyle that blends relaxation with adventure.
Imagine starting your day with a tranquil walk along the picturesque shores of Lake Havasu, where the reflection of clear skies creates a dazzling mosaic on the water. The historic London Bridge, a centerpiece of the city, is not just a feat of architecture but a doorway to cultural festivities and year-round entertainment.
The heartbeat of Lake Havasu City is its
lively community that embraces outdoor enthusiasts and serenity seekers alike. Whether it’s boating, hiking, or simply unwinding under a Palm Tree with a good book, there's always a way to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Entrepreneurship flourishes here, with myriad locally-owned shops and eclectic dining options adding a creative twist to daily life. The city buzzes with an energy that
Discover the Sunshine and Serenity of Lake Havasu
4 | HelloLake Havasu City, Arizona • Winter Issue
Hello Lake Havasu City, Arizona • Winter Issue |5
Discover the Sunshine and Serenity of Lake Havasu
inspires both residents and visitors to explore, engage, and live life to the fullest.
In Lake Havasu City, every day feels like a vacation day—a place where every sunrise brings a promise of joy and endless possibilities.
Discover the Sunshine and Serenity of Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Welcome to Lake Havasu City, a vibrant oasis where sunshine meets stunning vistas. Known for its strikingly blue lake and warm weather, this destination offers a lifestyle that blends relaxation with adventure.
Imagine starting your day with a tranquil walk along the picturesque shores of Lake Havasu, where the reflection of clear skies creates a dazzling mosaic on the water. The historic London Bridge, a centerpiece of the city, is not just a feat of architecture but a doorway to cultural festivities and year-round entertainment.
The heartbeat of Lake Havasu City is its lively community that embraces outdoor enthusiasts and serenity seekers alike. Whether it’s boating, hiking, or simply unwinding under a Palm Tree with a good book, there's always a way to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Entrepreneurship flourishes here, with myriad locally-owned shops and eclectic dining options adding a creative twist to daily life. The city buzzes with an energy that inspires both residents and visitors to explore, engage, and live life to the fullest.
In Lake Havasu City, every day feels like a vacation day—a place where every sunrise brings a promise of joy and endless possibilities.
Green Burials and Environmentally Friendly Alternatives
More people are beginning to think about how their end-of-life choices affect the environment. The growing awareness of climate change and resource conservation has led families to explore greener ways to honor their loved ones. The term “green burial” is often used in a broad sense, but in reality, it
has a precise definition under federal and industry guidelines. Even if an actual green burial is not available or desired, there are still many ways to reduce environmental impact when making funeral arrangements.A proper green burial is carefully regulated. It means avoiding embalming, metal
6 | HelloLake Havasu City, Arizona • Winter Issue
Green Burials and Environmentally Friendly Alternatives
More people are beginning to think about how their end-of-life choices affect the environment. The growing awareness of climate change and resource conservation has led families to explore greener ways to honor their loved ones. The term “green burial” is often used in a broad sense, but in reality, it has a precise definition under federal and industry guidelines. Even if an actual green burial is not available or desired, there are still many ways to reduce environmental impact when making funeral arrangements.
A proper green burial is carefully regulated. It means avoiding embalming, metal caskets, and concrete vaults. Instead, the body is placed in the ground in the most natural state possible, either wrapped in a shroud or in a biodegradable casket made from untreated wood or natural fibers. Cemeteries that are certified for green burials follow strict environmental standards. They often preserve natural landscapes, limit the use of heavy machinery, and avoid practices that disturb the surrounding ecosystem. This approach enables the burial site to blend seamlessly with the environment, rather than creating a permanent footprint.
For many families, cremation is seen as a simpler and less costly choice. However, cremation is not considered a green option. The process relies on fossil fuels and consumes a significant amount of energy. Containers made of cardboard or wood are usually required, which also contributes to resource use. Still, it is essential to note that cremation has become cleaner over time. Modern crematories use advanced technology to limit emissions, and many exceed federal standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. This makes cremation less harmful than it once was, though it remains resource-intensive compared to natural burial.
Choosing environmentally friendly options does not always require a certified green burial. Many families can make choices within traditional or cremation services that lessen the environmental impact. Biodegradable urns are one example. These urns break down naturally in soil or water, allowing ashes to be returned to the earth without leaving behind permanent materials. Some urns even contain tree seeds, so the remains contribute to new growth.
Funeral homes that do not advertise green burials may still provide other sustainable alternatives. A growing number of providers now offer caskets made of bamboo, wicker, or untreated pine, all of which decompose more quickly than metal or lacquered wood. Shrouds are another option that requires no additional materials and have been used in burial traditions across cultures for centuries.
Another environmentally friendly choice is burial without embalming. Embalming chemicals are used to preserve the body for viewing temporarily, but they can seep into the soil after burial. Skipping embalming not only reduces chemical use but also aligns more closely with how burials were handled before the widespread adoption of modern preservation methods. Families who want to view can often choose alternative forms of preparation that avoid chemicals.
Beyond burial and cremation, there are also emerging alternatives designed with the environment in mind. Alkaline hydrolysis, sometimes called water cremation, uses a solution of water and alkali to reduce the body to bone fragments, similar to the outcome of flame cremation but with lower energy use and fewer emissions. This option is not legal in every state, but where available, it is often considered a more sustainable alternative to traditional cremation.
Some cemeteries are also experimenting with conservation burials. These combine natural burial practices with the permanent protection of land, much like a nature preserve. Families who choose this option contribute not only to a sustainable burial but also to the conservation of ecosystems.
The decisions surrounding end-of-life care are deeply personal, shaped by cultural traditions, religious practices, and family values. For some, the priority is preserving tradition, while for others it is minimizing environmental impact. By understanding the differences between certified green burials, modified traditional services, and new technologies, families can find an option that reflects their wishes while respecting the planet.
Green burial and its alternatives demonstrate how end-of-life services continue to evolve. The funeral industry, like many others, is responding to environmental concerns with new solutions that balance dignity, tradition, and sustainability. Families today have more choices than ever before, which allows them to plan arrangements that align with both personal values and ecological responsibility.
Naomi Bradbury-Marchand, Licensed Cremationist, Funeral Coordinator, and Co-owner
natural landscapes, limit the use of heavy machinery, and avoid practices that disturb the surrounding ecosystem. This approach enables the burial site to blend seamlessly with the environment, rather than creating a permanent footprint.For many families, cremation is seen as a simpler and less costly choice. However, cremation is not considered a green option. The process relies on fossil fuels and consumes a significant amount of energy. Containers made of cardboard or wood are usually required, which also contributes to resource use. Still, it is essential to note that cremation has become cleaner over time. Modern crematories...
caskets, and concrete vaults. Instead, the body is placed in the ground in the most natural state possible, either wrapped in a shroud or in a biodegradable casket made from untreated wood or natural fibers. Cemeteries that are certified for green burials follow strict environmental standards. They often preserve
Choosing environmentally friendly options does not always require a certified green burial.
About the Author
HelloLake Havasu City, Arizona • Winter Issue |7
FEATURED STORY
Who Gets to Decide? The Critical Role of Health Care Directives and Durable Power of Attorney
by Naomi Bradbury-Marchand
Many families in Lake Havasu City face confusion about who has the legal right to make final deathcare decisions, and the Bradbury Memorial Center often sees how stressful this becomes. People may believe verbal agreements are enough, especially when they trust a partner or a close friend to follow their wishes. The truth is that a verbal promise holds no legal weight when death occurs in Arizona or in most other states. Without a written document that names an authorized decision maker, the law will default to the next of kin, who may not be the person you intended to
8 | HelloLake Havasu City, Arizona • Winter Issue
Naomi Bradbury-Marchand
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Born and raised in Minnesota, Naomi studied criminal justice at Minnesota State University Moorhead and later studied mortuary science. While raising their family, her husband Charles was transferred to different states due to his career, moving the family across the country and eventually settling in Lake Havasu City in 2017. Naomi has always enjoyed helping others and finds coordinating funeral services an important responsibility.
handle your final arrangements.Naomi Bradbury Marchand has explained that this issue appears most often when partners have shared a home for years but have no legal marriage status. A partner may have handled daily affairs or even served as a power of attorney during life, yet none of that grants the right to make final arrangements after death. Arizona follows a strict next-of-kin priority list. Legal spouse is first, followed by adult children, then parents, siblings, and grandchildren. This order does not change even if someone has been a devoted partner for decades.Complications also arise when people
Hello Lake Havasu City, Arizona • Winter Issue |9
Who Gets to Decide? The Critical Role of Health Care Directives and Durable Power of Attorney
Many families in Lake Havasu City face confusion about who has the legal right to make final deathcare decisions, and the Bradbury Memorial Center often sees how stressful this becomes. People may believe verbal agreements are enough, especially when they trust a partner or a close friend to follow their wishes. The truth is that a verbal promise holds no legal weight when death occurs in Arizona or in most other states. Without a written document that names an authorized decision maker, the law will default to the next of kin, who may not be the person you intended to handle your final arrangements.
Naomi Bradbury Marchand has explained that this issue appears most often when partners have shared a home for years but have no legal marriage status. A partner may have handled daily affairs or even served as a power of attorney during life, yet none of that grants the right to make final arrangements after death. Arizona follows a strict next-of-kin priority list. Legal spouse is first, followed by adult children, then parents, siblings, and grandchildren. This order does not change even if someone has been a devoted partner for decades.
Complications also arise when people move across state lines. A couple may live in a state that recognizes common law marriage, but if a death occurs in Arizona, that common law status may not be recognized. The surviving partner can suddenly find that they have no legal authority. Families who assumed they understood their rights often learn too late that documentation is the only protection. A written directive is the single most reliable way to ensure the correct person is legally allowed to carry out your final wishes.
It is not unusual for Bradbury Memorial Center to witness partners, including heterosexual couples, close friends, and gay couples, lose decision-making authority because nothing was recorded in writing. Some relationships span thirty years, yet a distant relative can still step in, take control of arrangements, and even limit contact with the surviving partner. These situations create emotional strain at a time when families are already grieving. Clear documentation prevents these conflicts and preserves the intent of the deceased.
Arizona makes the process simple. A basic health care directive can be printed from the state website, and it includes a clear question about who has the right to make decisions upon death. Some individuals prefer to prepare a document with an attorney, especially when estates are more complex. Either option creates a legal record that must be followed. The most important step is completing the document before a crisis occurs, then keeping it accessible so loved ones know where to find it.
People sometimes hesitate to formalize these choices because the conversations feel uncomfortable, yet they protect both the individual and the partner who expects to carry out their wishes. Putting the decision in writing shows respect for the relationships formed over a lifetime. It also reduces the chance of conflict between partners and extended family, which is one of the main concerns raised by Naomi Bradbury Marchand during planning discussions.
When residents in Lake Havasu City want their wishes honored without dispute, written documentation becomes essential. It provides clarity for funeral homes and for families, and it prevents unnecessary legal challenges. By naming the person you trust and recording that choice, you create a clear path for your final arrangements and peace of mind for everyone involved.
A writtendirective isthe singlemost reliableway toensure thecorrect person islegally allowed to carryout your finalwishes.
move across state lines. A couple may live in a state that recognizes common law marriage, but if a death occurs in Arizona, that common law status may not be recognized. The surviving partner can suddenly find that they have no legal authority. Families who assumed they understood their rights often learn too late that documentation is the only protection. A written directive is the single most reliable way to ensure the correct person is legally allowed to carry out your...
