A viral video showcasing a woman's unique and heartfelt "FUNeral" for her late husband, Brandon, 39, has captivated the internet, celebrating his vibrant personality and love for life with a joyful remembrance instead of a traditional somber farewell.
Since being uploaded last week, a TikTok video featuring Katie Kirkland Young, 40, from Phoenix, Arizona, and loved ones celebrating her husband's life amassed 2.8 million views. The footage showed the dad of three enjoying his favorite activities, such as eating popsicles, painting, and listening to music.
She told Newsweek: "Each time I thought about planning a traditional funeral for Brandon, I grew physically ill. I could not stand the thought of sitting in a church and crying through speeches. It would have been torture for my children and in turn would have been unbearable for me."
"So the FUNeral was born. I really just wanted it to be about all of his favorite things," Katie said. The event featured many of Brandon's beloved pastimes and interests. "He loved popsicles...he would bring six to the couch at one time and I would always be nervous they would melt everywhere, but he would eat them up so quickly it was never a problem.
"We also had bowls of his favorite candies and chips and salsa from where he served tables for 10 years. He loved art so we had supplies everywhere for people to create with.
"Brandon always was changing his hair and facial hair so we had pictures of Brandon without hair that people could draw on to create their favorite Brandon hairdo.
"He had a giant record collection that he loved sharing with people who appreciated music and so we let people look through his collection to take home a piece of him with them. It was in his favorite place...our home....with his favorite people...his family and friends. It was SO Brandon it felt like he was there."
Earlier this month on May 17, Brandon passed away due to a hemorrhagic stroke, as a result of extremely high blood pressure—something he suffered with since a teenager, his wife of 16 years said.
Newsweek spoke to the couple's friend Sicily Wilco*ck, 26, from Gilbert, Arizona, who shared the footage online.
She said: "Although there were still many tears shed that night, it didn't feel as 'heavy' as funerals I've been to in the past. Katie and her three kids were often found smiling and laughing, surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones.
"It felt warm, familiar, and like it wasn't really the end. As part of our shared faith, we believe we live on after we die, and that families can be together forever. This doesn't make saying goodbye any easier, but there's a feeling of comfort and gratitude that coincides with the grief we feel, and that was felt that night at the FUNeral. It was the perfect way to celebrate Brandon."
Young added: "The best part of the night was that every time I saw my children Eleanor, 12, Clyde, 10, and Ingrid, eight, laughing and with huge smiles on their faces. What should have been the hardest night of their lives was beautiful.
This viral TikTok video not only shared the story of a loving husband and father, but also highlighted the importance of personalizing memorials to honor the unique qualities of loved ones.
TikTok Reacts
So far, the video shared to @sicily.wilco*ck has amassed 659,300 likes and over 3,550 comments.
One user said: "THIS should be the correct way to say goodbye to someone, a celebration of their time alive, the connections, the moments, the love they left in other's lives."
"A funeral that leaves people feeling the way he always made them feel is so special," said another user.
A third commenter said: "The record collection made me bawl my eyes out. As a record shop owner, I know how loved those collections are and what story they tell about their person. rip friend."
"I didn't expect to cry this much at 8:24am. RIP Brandon," said a fourth user.
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Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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