Usually when they ask for contributions to any Charity, they also mention that he had a wife of 50 years and 4 wonderful children and 6 fantastic grandchildren. They actually name them for that personal touch.
I haven't seen the acutal obit, but I do know that some obits are quite short and to the point. I don't know if people are charged by the word or line, but some people prefer to keep them short and sweet. Remember, JWs are a different breed when it comes to death. They don't treat it the same as non-JWs. Most average JW obits are never really all that informative, that I've experienced. On the other hand I've seen some real doozys from other people outside of the organization. Every single living and deceased relative mentioned, ex-wives listed, the family pet mentioned by name. Talk about tacky.
I haven't researched any of the Charitys that you've mentioned as to whether they are non profit organizations or not, but we've already established that the Witnesses are loaded, why don't they fund their own Kingdom Halls instead of asking for money in a obit.
Whether the WTS is loaded or not is beside the point. The deceased and/or the family prefers that donations be made to their favorite charity instead of sending flowers. What's so wrong in that? Just because we don't support the charity they have chosen to support doesn't make them anymore tacky than someone else who asks that money go to the United Way.
Don't get me wrong, you won't catch me giving money to the KH fund or any other WT fund of any kind. There are other charities that I avoid giving to for various reasons, but if others believe in them, that's their perogative and right. As long as the family isn't insulted when I decline to donate and send flowers instead, it's all good with me.
