Call The Funeral Home To Make An Appointment
One of the first steps the personal representative of the deceased (exector named in the Will) must take is to contact the funeral home. Remember, most funeral homes are available to take your calls, 24 hours a day and are there to answer any questions you may have. This could be an extremely confusing time for you. The funeral director will be able to guide you through the necessary steps that need to be taken and provide you with some reassurances. From the information you have given the funeral home, they will be able to make arrangements to have the deceased transferred to the funeral home. At this time the funeral director will set a convenient time for you and your family to come to the funeral home and make further arrangements.

It is very important for you to set an appointment with the funeral director.This will enable the funeral director and your family enough time for private consultation. The most simple arrangements can take 1 - 1 1/2 hours to make.

In some cases the family may wish to make the arrangements from the comfort of their own home. This option is available however it is recommended that it is best in most cases to make arrangements at the funeral home. This will ensure that you are dealing with a well maintained licensed facility that is fully equipped to meet with all your needs (i.e. offers a wide range of services, caskets, urns etc.).

Registering the death

At the time of death the attending physician or coroner will sign a medical certification of death form (this is not the same as a death certificate). In most cases the funeral director will obtain this document which is required to register the death. The registration of death form is filled out by the funeral director. The funeral director will ask you information that is required to complete the form such as: residency information, marital status, personal health care number, occupation, birth date and birth place, father and mother's names and birthplace. Both forms are filed at the BC Vital Statistics Agency. A permit for disposition (burial or cremation) is then issued to the funeral director. The funeral director will also ask you how many original death certificates you will require. For most estates, two original death certificates should be sufficient. The funeral director will then order the death certificates for you. Death Certificates are $27.00 each.

Do I need to bring in clothing?

You may wish at this time to bring clothing for the deceased to the funeral home. Even if you do not wish to view the deceased, bringing in clothing can provide you and your family comfort and be psychologically beneficial. Clothing can be any type of apparel such as a nightgown, sportswear, formal attire.

WILL I NEED TO SELECT A CASKET FOR BURIAL OR CREMATION?

Before you and the family visit the funeral home to make the necessary arrangements you should know whether burial or cremation has been selected as the final disposition.You will be asked to select a casket. In British Columbia, the deceased MUST be placed and secured in a casket or container PRIOR to cremation taking place. A casket may also must also be selected for burial.

The casket selection room will probably have a variety of caskets constructed of various materials. The three main selections are: hardwood, cloth covered and metal. Hardwood and cloth covered caskets are suitable for cremation, however, metal is not. A popular choice is a hardwood casket suitable for cremation and for ceremonies held before cremation or burial takes place. Minimum containers made of particle board may also be available. Casket and container costs will vary according to the materials used and designs selected.

You may also wish to discuss at this time the selection of an urn for cremated remains. If applicable, cemetery arrangements will also have to be made. The cemetery in most cases will need at least 24 hours notice prior to burial. By provincial law, cremation can not take place prior to 48 hours after the death. Requirements for burial in British Columbia include a burial permit and plot for interment. Some cemeteries also require that a grave liner be purchased.

There are few professions that supply as much service, on such short notice, as does the funeral director. Simple or elaborate - your decisions should be based upon sound, accurate information.

The Funeral - A Celebration of Life

The funeral ceremony:

• helps us acknowledge that someone we love has died
• allows us to say goodbye
• helps us remember the person who died and encourages us toshore those memories with others
• offers a time and place for us to talk about the life and death of the person who dies
• provides a social support system for us and other friends and family members
• allows us to search for the meaning of life and death
• offers continuity and hope for the living

We gather together to establish the significance of a life. Instead of dismissing the whole funeral process in an effort to escape the reality of death, we should work to make the funeral as meaningful and healing as possible. It is impossible to progress through grief without first facing the fact of the loss.

It is important to recognize that funerals are for the living ... for those who will suffer the trauma of losing a loved one. It is through the funeral process that a number of emotional needs are met for those who grieve.

A funeral is similar to other ceremonies in our lives. Like a graduation ceremony, a wedding, a baptism, a funeral is a rite of passage by which we recognize an important event that distinguishes our lives. The funeral declares a death has occurred.

The funeral is the first step in healing and has both psychological and social healing aspects.
It is often the initial step toward separation from the deceased to the beginning of the grief process and re-establishing a place in our community without the loved one.

The funeral ritual makes the death a reality for those who are bereaved.
The ritual of viewing the deceased may be seen by some as harsh and unnecessary and they may say "I just want to remember him the way he was ...", however, it is a reality and confirmation for the person grieving as to the finality of the loss, thus allowing them to begin the healing process. Funerals are often a time for remembering the deceased, and telling stories or memories, as well as rituals to help in the psychological healing. The funeral allows for the community to support the mourners, and gives structured time and interaction with members other than the family. Attending the funeral allows us to deal with the loss, say goodbye, and reaffirms the importance of living.

FUNERAL CELEBRANTS are becoming a popular choice in Canada.

What is a Certified Funeral Celebrant?

A Funeral Celebrant is trained and certified to provide a funeral, memorial or celebration of life service that is highly personalized to reflect the personality, lifestyle and beliefs of the person who died. Celebrants encourage participation by family and friends in helping to create a meaningful ceremony. The Celebrant then writes and facilitates the ceremony for you.

Why Have A Funeral Celebrant?

A growing number of individuals call themselves non-religious and do not participate within a faith community. Also, many people follow a strong 'spiritual' path but are not necessarily 'religious'. For both groups, when someone they love dies, they are often unclear about how to design a tribute that is fitting. Friends and family often want to particpate in the creation and presentation of personalized gathering, but may be uncomfortable or unable to speak publicly about death the the loss of a loved one. Funeral Celebrants support the individual or family decision to present a spiritual and/or non-religious gathering.

How Do I Arrange For the Services of A Certified Celebrant?

You may contact a Certified Celebrant directly, or ask your chosen funeral home to refere you to the Certified Funeral Celebrants in your area. For more information regarding Celebrants and the services they offer, see www.funeral-celebrant.com