The idea for this Internet service began in the middle of the night, when one of our founders, Ed Linz, sat straight up in bed and yelled (literally)

"Oh, no! What if they don't get it right?"

Soon Ed and his partners began to search the Internet for a convenient site where a person could pre-write their own obituary so that it would be "right." Ed's concern was based on his own experiences. In 1994 he nearly died due to a rare and usually fatal disease, cardiac sarcoidosis. As he lie dying in his hospital bed, Ed worried that he had not discussed any final arrangements with his family. His preference was for a simple funeral - no flowers and a simple casket, but no one else knew this. Not only had he not discussed these important matters, but who would write his obituary? What might they say - or not say? Having had three separate careers, Ed had not thought about what achievements he considered important. What could someone else possibly write? Also, he had a will, but there were several personal possessions which he wanted to go to each of his children. When you are dying, you worry about these things. No one likes to talk about death and beyond, but it's an unavoidable fact for each of us. So Ed, his son, Aaron, and his namesake, Aaron Spurway, created this free site, obitNow.com, a place where everyone has the opportunity to "get it right" - and it's free!

Our goal is that no one should have to rely on a stranger or a loved one in shock to write an obituary or to guess one's last wishes. We have been there, and it is a distinctly uncomfortable situation for all concerned.  obitNow.com gives everyone a readily accessible, easy-to-use location to record last wishes, create meaningful epitaphs, and to write an obituary which features those accomplishments which YOU want others to know.

We are also very strong advocates of organ and tissue donation. Again, this commitment is based on personal experience. Near death from the cardiac sarcoidosis, Ed got the "gift of life" on September 9, 1994 when he received a life-saving heart transplant operation. His experiences are detailed in his 1997 best selling book, Life Row, A Case Study of How a Family Can Survive a Medical Crisis (available through all online booksellers). His book is dedicated to his donor, Monica, whose family made it possible for Ed and his family to celebrate life in all its wonder for so many "bonus" years. So we encourage each of you to consider organ and tissue donation as an option when you write your own last wishes.

Each of our founders has enjoyed interesting careers and wonderful friends and family. We are happy to be alive and to be able to provide the unique services of obitNow.com. Please feel free to read our obits, epitaphs, and last wishes!

Ed Linz	Aaron Spurway	Aaron Linz
Springfield, VA	Spokane, WA	Charlotte, NC

If you would like to contact us, please e-mail founders@obitnow.com.  We would be happy to hear from you!