Frequently Asked Questions

A funeral is a ceremony to mark a person's death. It is a custom for the living to show respect for the dead. For those who are left behind  the funeral service provides a place for family and friends to gather, support each other and say goodbye. It is an opportunity to celebrate the life and accomplishments of a loved one.

A funeral is an important first step in the grieving - healing journey.

Yes. Planning your own funeral in advance is the best way to ensure that your wishes are followed. Just as you plan your will you should plan and prepare instructions for your final disposition. Click here for more information.

Yes, if the type of life insurance was specifically funeral insurance. Most funeral homes will allow for an insurance assignment.

However, the executor or next of kin is ultimately responsible for settling the funeral service account at the timeof the arrangements. The person who pays the funeral services account may then request their reimbursement from the estate or primary beneficiary of the policy. It's a good idea to speak with your funeral and insurance provider well in advance to discover what your insurance policy may be applied to and what will not be allowed.

Embalming helps  to preserve the body,  minimize  the decomposition process and enhances a  body's appearance that may be disfigured by trauma or illness.

Embalming has a long and cross-cultural history. It is not a requirement of law in Canada; however, most provinces require embalming when a death has occurred from a contagious disease or when a body is to be transported, by common carrier, from one province, state or country to another.

No. A service can usually be arranged at a location that family and friends feel would be most comfortable and appropriate. Your funeral director can assist you with arranging a meaningful service.

Not always. The Funeral Director is responsible for explaining all the charges that  specifically pertain to the  funeral home's services and  the merchandise sold, as stated on its  general price list.  Additional charges may fall under the category of cash advances.  These additional charges might  be for opening and closing the grave, clergy honorarium, newspaper notices, flowers, organist or some other special request.

There are many ways to personalize a funeral service. Your  funeral director can assist you with arranging meaningful choices. One way might be to bring a personal item/items into the funeral home to be displayed in or near the casket. For example, an avid golfer might have a favorite putter placed in the casket; an avid hunter or fisherman might have some of their personal fishing or hunting gear placed in the casket; a potter, writer, musician or artist might have some of their work displayed on a memory table.

No. In place of clergy it is appropriate for the Celebrant, a family member or a friend, to share personal thoughts, memories and feelings about the deceased as part of the service.

No. A service can usually be held at any location that family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate. Your funeral director can assist with arranging a meaningful service.