Why I Chose the Name "Eternal Alaska"
When I started my company to help families find meaningful ways to say goodbye to their loved ones, I knew the name had to be more than just a brand. It had to reflect something deeper—something that resonated with the sacredness of memorializing a life. That’s why I chose Eternal Alaska.
Though my company now scatters cremated ashes all over the United States—and even in some places abroad—the name Alaska continues to embody the values and emotions at the heart of what I do. It represents far more than geography. For me and for many others, Alaska symbolizes peace, purity, and permanence—qualities that align beautifully with the idea of scattering ashes as a final gesture of love and release.
Alaska: More Than a Place
Alaska holds a mythical place in the American imagination. It’s the Last Frontier. The place we dream of when we need to feel wild again. For generations, Alaska has stood apart—untamed, majestic, and vast. When people think of Alaska, they think of endless mountain ranges, silent forests, icy blue waters, and skies painted with the aurora borealis. It is a land where nature speaks louder than noise, and where time seems to slow down.
These qualities—purity, quiet, and natural beauty—are exactly what many families seek when they choose ash scattering whether it is in Alaska or somewhere else. They don’t want a sterile mausoleum or an impersonal urn on a shelf. They want something that feels real. Something connected to the earth. Something that reflects the freedom and individuality of the person they’ve lost. That’s what Alaska represents. Even if the ashes are scattered in Hawaii, on Route 66, in the Florida Gulf, or at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the spirit of Alaska runs through every memorial I perform.
The Meaning Behind the Name
So why did I choose the name Eternal Alaska?
Because Alaska represents everything I want this company to stand for:
- Peaceful like a glacier-fed river
- Pure like untouched snow
- Majestic like Denali at sunrise
- Mythical like the Northern Lights
- Distinctive like a caribou herd silhouetted against the tundra
- Adventureful like a journey off the map
- And most of all, eternal—like the memory of someone we love
Wherever ashes are scattered, Eternal Alaska brings the spirit of the Last Frontier into every farewell.
The name Eternal Alaska is made up of two powerful words:
- Eternal speaks to the lasting legacy of a loved one’s memory. It suggests something sacred and ongoing—a connection that endures even after death.
- Alaska, on the other hand, brings to mind unspoiled landscapes, bold adventures, and deep tranquility. It’s a place people go to find themselves, or sometimes to disappear. It’s not just a destination—it’s a metaphor for transcendence.
Put together, Eternal Alaska is a promise. A promise that the final act of love—scattering someone’s ashes—will be done with honor, respect, and beauty. That no matter where the actual location is, the feeling will be the same: free, serene, meaningful, and unforgettable.
A Personal Inspiration
In 2018, I had the chance to spend an extended summer in Alaska. I fell in love with the beauty there—its land, its people, and its culture. But during my stay, I also learned to listen more intently. In the words of dozens of tourists, I found my inspiration. Many of those who were visiting Alaska for the first time were mesmerized by the natural beauty, and more than a few said something that stuck with me: “When I die, I want my ashes scattered here.”
At the time, I smiled at the idea—but I didn’t yet realize how deeply it would root itself in my memory. Then, during the pandemic in 2020, I woke up one morning with what felt less like an idea and more like a question: “How will these people get their ashes to Alaska if their family can’t do it?”
That question stayed with me. And after months of research and consultation with funeral directors, park rangers, and legal experts, I created Eternal Alaska. A few months later, I stood on the icy peaks of Denali—the tallest mountain in North America—and carefully released the first of many ashes I would scatter to the winds all over this great country. It was a moment of deep peace, dignity, and gratitude—and I knew I had found my calling.
Why Alaska Resonates Across Cultures
There’s a reason so many major brands use Alaska-themed names: it evokes strength, authenticity, and trust. In books like Into the Wild or The Call of the Wild, and in TV shows like Northern Exposure, Alaska isn’t just a setting—it’s a character. A force. A guide.
Whether I’m scattering ashes on a beach in Maui, beside a mountain lake in Colorado, or on the quiet backroads of Route 66, the feeling I try to create is the same one I felt that summer in Alaska: stillness, reverence, and freedom. That’s what Eternal Alaska means to me, and that’s what I want it to mean to every family who entrusts me with their loved one’s final journey.
Where Do We GO?
While our journeys have led us to many breathtaking corners of the world, our primary focus remains on honoring the unique stories and memories of the departed. The ideal ash scattering ceremony is deeply personal, tied to the cherished moments of the deceased.
Here Are Some Ideas for Ash Scattering Sites
- Alaska
- New York City
- 4077th M*A*S*H* filming site
- At Sea
- Historic Route 66
- Florida
- A National Park
- The Camino de Santiago
- The Appalachian Trail
- Gulf of Mexico
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Hawaii
- Lake Michigan
- the Great Smoky Mountains
- From a Cruise Ship
- From a Train
- Favorite Vacation Spot
- From the Air
- The Pacific Crest Trail
- Near a Favorite Sports Venue
Ash Scattering Memorials
Seeking a dignified way to memorialize your loved one? Let us assist you in crafting the ideal ash scattering tribute. Reach out for more information.
Service Options:
- Unaccompanied Personal Escort: We travel to meet you in person. We'll receive the ashes and personally escort them to the ash scattering site and scatter the ashes in a respectful manner. Can include large framed print and video.
- Standard Unaccompanied Service: Send the ashes to us using our special USPS cremated ashes box with end-to-end tracking. We'll then escort the ashes to the memorial site. Can include large framed print and video.
- Accompanied Memorial: Choose to be present during the scattering ceremony.
- Consultation: We will help you plan, organize, and even secure the proper permits and you handle the ash scattering yourself (see information below).
- Courier Service: We start with a personal meeting with a family member or crematorium professional to collect the ashes and we provide personal delivery to the chosen representative at the destination.
*If you are attending the ceremony, we can manage all of your trip details, including flights, accommodation, ground transport, and meals. (You are welcome to arrange the travel yourself, however.) For ash scatterings outside the U.S., please provide detailed information. We'll coordinate with the relevant Foreign Consulates.
Consultation and Guidance for Scattering Ashes
At Eternal Alaska, we understand that many families prefer to scatter their loved one’s ashes themselves—whether in Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes or in meaningful locations elsewhere in the United States. Over the years, we’ve been honored to guide families through this deeply personal journey by offering advice on best practices, legal considerations, and location recommendations.
We’ve made the consultation process simple and accessible for
anyone needing guidance.
How Our Consultation Process Works:
- Complete the Consultation Form Below
If you have questions about scattering ashes—whether it's about locations, permits, logistics, or respectful practices—please fill out the consultation form below. The more details you provide, the better we can assist you.
- Personalized Advice from Our Team
Once we receive your request, a member of our team will review your questions and respond as quickly as possible. We do our best to provide thoughtful, helpful answers tailored to your unique situation.
- No Set Fee – Pay What You Can or What You Want
While we do not charge a set consultation fee, we do ask you to consider offering a token of appreciation for our time and expertise. Whether it’s a small thank-you or something more substantial, your contribution helps support the continued mission of Eternal Alaska.
We’re not here to get rich—our goal has always been to offer compassion and guidance—but like any small business, we have ongoing expenses. Your support allows us to continue helping families with dignity and respect.
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