Frequently Asked Questions

What is a funeral?

A funeral is a ceremony for a deceased person prior to burial or cremation.  A funeral gives the opportunity for family and friends of the deceased to gather, reflect upon, celebrate the life of their loved one and to share cherished memories.  A funeral is a vital first step to help the bereaved heal after the loss of someone special.

What type of service should I have?

If no pre arrangements have been made, the type of service is entirely up to you.  Services are usually held at a funeral home or a place of worship.  There is a wealth of different services, ranging from a traditional religious or military service to something a little more non-traditional.  Our funeral directors are here to work with you to create a service that suits the needs of you and your family and friends.

Can I personalize a funeral?

Of course you can. In fact more and more people are opting for a more non-traditional personalized service.  There is no right or wrong way to celebrate a life,  there are many unique ways to celebrate life.  Discuss your wishes with one of our funeral directors, and let us know exactly what your desires are, and we will honor your wishes.

Do we need to have a death notice and what is included in one?

A death notice lets the public know that a death has occurred, and gives them information about the service.  Death notices generally include the deceased’s full name, age, city and date of birth and the city they were living in when they died.  It also includes the name of the deceased’s spouse, along with the names of anyone else significant in their lives, such as parents, children or grandchildren.  Space may be limited in a newspaper, but you may include a little blurb on the life and legacy of the deceased.  An online memorial website offers you the chance to add a lot more about the deceased.

Who are funeral directors and what do they do?

Funeral directors are in charge of all the logistics following a death.  They complete all the necessary paperwork, make arrangements for the transportation of the body, prepare the deceased for the family and put into action the choices made by the family in regards to the funeral service and the final resting place of the body.  Beyond the logistics, funeral directors are here to provide guidance, direction and support for someone coping with death.

What happens if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?

We are here to help you any time of the day or night.  We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

What if a death occurs away from my home town?

We are here to help, we can arrange to have the remains transported home from anywhere in the world.  We will assume responsibility and make the proper arrangements to have the remains return to the community.

What is embalming and what purpose does it serve?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body; it also slows down the decomposition process and enhances the appearance of the body damaged by traumatic death or illness.  Embalming provides the opportunity for the family of the deceased to arrange a service, and provides the family the option of having an open-casket viewing.

Do I need to have an embalming?

No.  In fact some religions forbid embalming.  However, some countries require embalming by law in order for remains to leave or enter the country.  If it is not against your religious custom, embalming is recommended, especially if there is an extended gap between death and burial or cremation.

How much does a funeral cost?

The cost of the funeral varies depending on the wishes you have.  The average cost of a funeral is between $7,000 and $10,000, however, the most basic of services can cost less.  The cost includes all professional services including transportation, embalming and other preparations, the use of a facility for the visitation and ceremony, and the purchase of a casket or urn.

Funerals are labor intensive and require a lot of work from a lot of people.  The cost of a funeral goes beyond merchandise such as caskets, it includes the services of a funeral director in making the necessary arrangements, completing forms and documents, and dealing with all the other people involved in the death (doctors, lawyers, insurance companies).  Funeral directors work an average of 40 hours per funeral.  The cost of operating a funeral home is factored into the cost as well.  Funeral homes are a 24 hour operation, with extensive facilities that need to be maintained and secured.  

What do I do if I am not satisfied with the way a funeral was handled?

In Canada, funeral services are regulated provincially and this information can be found on the Canadian Consumer Information website at www.consumerinformation.ca