High Spirits

In an effort to leave no tombstone-er, stone-unturned in the pursuit of trends, we feel compelled to report on the increasing popularity of "vanity tombstones."

"We [take inspiration] from a hobby or maybe an occupation," explains Leland B. Longstreth of trade association American Institute of Commemorative Art. "For instance, for an attorney, we might use the scales of justice. If we're doing something for a fisherman, we may [depict] a man standing in a trout stream with a flyrod. When families look at these monuments, they remember the things the person loved in life."

Although some folks have grave reservations about such tributes, many others are far from dead-set against showcasing, say, fishing streams or golf courses. "People see [vanity tombstones] and go, 'Maybe I want something like this also,' " says Donna Jones of trade association Monument Builders of North America.

According to Jones, more advanced technology is the force driving this trend. "As technology has made available more intricate means of carving, the public has taken advantage of it," she says.

Then again, technology is no substitute for creativity. To wit: One enterprising individual purchased two parking meters for his tombstone. Upon his demise, the meters were placed in their designated spot, and-you guessed it-they read "expired." Who says dead men tell no tales?

This article was originally published in the July 1996 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: High Spirits.