Woman’s Final Wish – Have Ashes Spread at Popular Michigan Eatery

If you ever drive down South Division Avenue, you  have seen the restaurant that Tommy Brann has worked so hard to operate. Tommy has been at the restaurant day and night for over 50 years. It is not uncommon to see him doing whatever job needs to be done at Brann's Sizzling Steaks & Sports Grille -- from clearing off tables, sweeping floors, running food from the kitchen, or even cleaning the bathrooms. Tommy gives his all each and every day for his restaurant.

Brann's is a Favorite Dining Place for Many

Over the five decades that Tommy has been running his restaurant, many have come to love the food and atmosphere of his establishment. I've often heard people say it is almost like "home" to them. You will often find the same regulars eating a meal or two there week after week.

A First at the Restaurant

In a recent Facebook post, Tommy posted:

51 years in business at my restaurant and first time this had happened. We had the privilege of honoring Mary’s wish of some of her ashes being spread at my restaurant.

He went on to say that Mary was not only a customer, but part of the Brann's restaurant family. It was Mary's wish to have her ashes spread at the restaurant. Tommy, of course, agreed to allow that to happen. Mary's friend Vicki was recently at the restaurant to fulfill Mary's wish.

The cremains were spread out near the sign. Tommy added that it was a "gigantic honor for us to be part of Mary's life and sadly her passing away."

Is it Legal to Spread Ashes in Public and Private Places in Michigan?

According to attorney Valerie Keene on the www.nolo.com website, in the state of Michigan, there are no laws that say where you can or cannot keep or scatter ashes. Cremation makes the ashes harmless and they pose no public health risk. If you wish to scatter the ashes, there are several options actually.

An Established Scattering Garden: Some cemeteries have gardens for the scattering of ashes. Contact the cemetery for additional information

Private Land: You are allowed to scatter ashes on private land. If you are not the property owner, it is a good idea to get permission from the owner.

Public Land: While the state has no lawns regarding the scattering of ashes, there may be city or county regulations and zoning rules. These should be checked before scattering ashes in places like a public park.

Federal Land: Officially you are to request permission to scatter ashes on federal land. There is usually no problem if the cremains are scattered way from trails, roads, facilities, and waterways.

At Sea: This gets a little tougher. The federal Clean Water Act requires that ashes be scattered at least three nautical miles from land. The Environmental Protection Agency prohibits ashes from being scattered at beaches or in wading pools by the sea. You must also notify the EPA within 30 days of scattering the ashes at sea. Inland lakes and rivers are also governed by the Clean Water Act. You may be legally required to obtain a permit from the agency that manages the waterway. The EPA has put together a website for information on Burial of Human Remains at Sea.

By Air: Federal aviation laws prohibit dropping any objects that might harm people or property. The U.S. government does not consider ashes to be hazardous material as long as they are removed from the container before scattering them.

Thank you Tommy for allowing Mary's wishes to come true. You can visit Brann's Steakhouse & Grille at 4157 S. Division Avenue in Wyoming.

R.I.P. Mary