The high cost of an obit

[left-of-center2012]

Recently a close friend of mine for 37 years died suddenly of a heart attack in California. He grew up in Connecticut where all his family still lives. They placed an obit in two Connecticut newspapers. He had no family in California, where he had lived and worked for 30 years.

Knowing there are people in CA who would want to know about his death, I emailed two newspapers in his area to inquire about placing an obit. Each responded, saying it would cost me about $300. I can't afford that.

Not too long ago I placed a rather lengthy yard sale ad in my local newspaper. It cost me $15 for Fri-Sat-Sun.

I'm thinking this $300 for an obit is an example of how businesses take advantage of grieving friends and family.