What Purpose Does A Funeral Serve?

A funeral is an opportunity to pay tribute to someone you love. For those who are left behind, a service provides a place for family and friends to gather to support one another. It is an opportunity to celebrate the life and accomplishments of a loved one. It is the starting point from which the grief-healing process may begin.

Is Preplanning My Funeral A Good Idea?

Yes it is. Preplanning your funeral saves your loved ones from the burden of having to make difficult decisions at an emotional and stressful time. It also lets you share your wishes and feelings about various aspects of your funeral service and what you would like to happen with your remains. It’s an easy way to record your personal wishes and minimize the numerous details that need to be attended to at the time of duress.

Who Should Make The Funeral Arrangements?

The person with the legal authority to make funeral arrangements is the Executor of the Will. If there is no Will, there is a specific order of priority as to who may make funeral arrangements as per the “Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act of BC.”

Is There A Difference Between A Funeral Service And A Memorial Service?

A funeral service usually takes place with the body of the deceased present. And, a memorial service is a gathering to honor the deceased without the body present. A memorial service may be held close to the time of death or another time such as a birthday, anniversary, family reunion or other occasion that the family feels is appropriate.

What Do Funeral Directors Do?

Funeral directors are professionals trained and experienced in helping families cope with the challenges of the death of a loved one. They make funeral arrangements in keeping with the families wishes. They also make arrangements for transporting the body, completing necessary legal paperwork and they carry out your choices regarding the funeral service and disposition of the body.

How Much Does A Funeral Cost?

Funeral costs are determined by you and your family. Some expenses are basic to every funeral. But, many expenses are determined by the selections that you make. The amount spent on a funeral should always be balanced by what you or the estate can afford. Before making a decision on the funeral director and the type of service you want, ask for an itemized quote. This enables you to compare costs without emotion and help you choose services that you feel are essential.

Can I Still Have A Funeral Service If I Choose Cremation?

Absolutely. Cremation is not intended to replace a traditional funeral service. It is simply an alternative to a burial or entombment of the body of the deceased. You can still have a traditional funeral service in a church, chapel, home or any other location that you and the family feels is appropriate.

Is A Casket Necessary For A Cremation?

No, it is not necessary to have a casket, but it is necessary to have a container of some kind. It is provincial law.

How Soon Can Someone Be Cremated?

Cremation cannot occur until 48 hours after the death. A permit must be obtained based on vital statistics information.

What Is An Autopsy? Can We Prevent It?

An autopsy is a medical examination of a body after death. An autopsy can be ordered by the Coroner to investigate the cause of death, without the consent of the next of kin. Where the death is expected and the cause of death known, an autopsy is usually not required.

Why Should I Spend A Lot Of Money On A Casket When It's Going To Be Cremated?

There are many cremation containers or caskets available that are inexpensive and functional. You may select what is most appropriate for you and your budget. Some people choose to rent a casket with an inner container. And, in that case, only the inner container is cremated.

How Do I Know These Are The Cremated Remains Of The Deceased And Not Of Someone Else?

There are strict regulations and a code of professional ethics around dealing with death and cremated remains. Only one person is ever cremated at a time. There is no room for error.

Why Embalming?

Embalming is a process used to disinfect, preserve and restore the body to an acceptable physical appearance for viewing. It is very important if a service is taking place some days after a death. By provincial regulation, embalming is only performed if arranged for on the funeral services contract. Ask your director for more details if you are uncertain.

Are There Laws About Scattering Ashes?

No. But, it’s a good idea to consider carefully where you want to scatter the ashes. For example, cremated remains should not be scattered on private property without permission. Scattering also means there is no permanent memorial site. Some people bury the ashes; Other people save the ashes in a beautiful urn, or have the ashes mixed with clay and made into ornamental pottery. Everyone is different, so be certain that whatever decision you make is not one you will wish undone later.

Where Do I Get A Copy Of The Official Death Certificate?

We provide the death certificate(s) on behalf of the Division of Vital Statistics. Your funeral director will complete all of the necessary documentation on your behalf. Once the death is registered, a permit of burial/cremation is issued along with the requested number of original death certificates.

What Is The Difference Between Preplanning And Prearranging?

Preplanning is the process of selecting your choices of funeral arrangements in advance and having them on file at a funeral home, in your will and/or with your family. Prearranging involves pre-payment of some or all of the funeral arrangements that you choose.

What does a Funeral Director do?

A Funeral Director is in charge of the logistics following a death. They complete the necessary paperwork and put into action the choices made by the family in regards to the funeral service and the final resting place of the body.  A few of the many tasks they perform are to:

• Pick up the deceased and transport to the funeral home (24/7)
• Arrange/prepare death certificates. And, provide certified copies for insurance and benefit processing
• Work with the insurance agent, Social Security or Veterans Affairs to ensure that the necessary paperwork is filed for receipt of benefits
• Prepare/publish tribute/obituary on their website or any newspapers the family may choose
• Prepare the body for viewing including dressing
• Assist the family with funeral arrangements, purchase of casket, urn and cemetery plot
• Organize the opening/closing of the niche or grave with cemetery staff
• Coordinate with funeral celebrant or clergy the funeral service
• Provide Aftercare, grief assistance and personal guidance to the family