August 8, 1999

Secretary, Federal Trade Commission

RE: Funeral Rule 16 CFR Party 453

Dear Commissioners:

As a Funeral Director and a Consumer I appreciate the opportunity to express my view on the Funeral Rule.

I believe that all parties who participate in the sale of funeral goods or services should be bound by the same rules and requirements. Many of the traditional funeral providers are well established family owned businesses in their communities who work very hard to provide funeral goods and services to the public. I believe that these traditional funeral providers have made a heartfelt commitment to their communities. These providers deserve the support of the funeral rule to bring the non traditional funeral providers into the mainstream.

The funeral industry has proliferated in the last several years. No longer does the consumer have to purchase these goods from a funeral home. Today there are Internet sites, casket stores, cemeteries and other non-traditional outlets that offer funeral goods. The consumer deserves to have written information so that they may make the best decision that fits their needs.

Sincerely,

David Coughran
Funeral Director