Frequently Asked Questions

What is a funeral?

A funeral is a ceremony for a deceased person prior to burial or cremation or with an urn present. A funeral gives the opportunity for family and friends of the deceased to gather and mourn the passing of their loved one, to share cherished memories and celebrate their life. 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 pre-arrangements have not been made, the type of service is entirely up to you. Services are usually held at a funeral home or a church. There is a wealth of different services, ranging from a traditional religious or military service to something a little more non-traditional. We will work with you to help you choose a service that will be most appropriate and satisfying for your family.

Can I personalize a funeral?

Yes and, in fact, more and more people are opting for a more non-traditional personalized service.  There are many unique ways to celebrate someone's life. Let us know what your wishes are and we will work with you to organize a service that will honor your loved one. .

Do we need to have an obituary notice and what is included in one?

It is recommended to have an obituary notice that’s either placed in a local newspaper or placed online. An obituary lets the public know that a death has occurred, and gives them information about the service. Obituaries 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 their family or other significant people in their lives, such as parents, children or grandchildren. You may include a paragraph on the life and legacy of the deceased.

Who are funeral directors and what do they do?

Funeral directors are in charge of the logistics following a death. They complete all the necessary paperwork, make arrangements for the transportation of the body, 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 there to provide moral support and guidance for someone coping with death.

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

Funeral directors 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 will arrange to have your loved one transported home from anywhere in the world. We will assume responsibility and make the proper arrangements to have them return home.

What is embalming and what purpose does it serve?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body. It also enhances the appearance of the body in the event of traumatic injury or illness and can give the family the option of 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 and cross from one province to another. 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 of the family. The average cost of a traditional funeral can be between $4,000-$8,000, however, there are many variables which would affect the cost. The cost normally includes all professional services including transportation, embalming and other preparations, the use of a facility for the ceremony, and the purchase of a casket or urn. We will work with your family to ensure that you are comfortable with the services you choose and the associated costs.

Why are funerals so expensive?

Funerals are labour intensive and require a great deal of planning and organization.. The cost of a funeral goes beyond merchandise such as caskets or urns. It  includes the services of a funeral director in making the necessary arrangements, filling out forms 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 the 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.