FAQ
To reveal each answer, click on the question you need clarification on.
What type of service should I have?
This is completely up to the deceased and their family. Funeral directors are well versed in helping families arrange the type of service they would like. The service can be held at any place of worship or at the funeral home. The service you have will depend on your religious denomination or type of service your family would like. Private services are by invitation only, where family members and selected close friends attend. Memorial services are usually ones where the decedent is not present and the ceremony will depend on the family and their wishes.
Can I personalize my funeral service?
Funerals are to celebrate the life of your loved one. It is completely up to you, and your family how you wish to honour them. Our funeral directors are ready to discuss all options and help you make sure your funeral is tailored to your family’s wishes. You can personalize it with their favourite music, pictures, personal items, type of flowers, or having family or close friends say a special word during the service.
Why have a public viewing?
Many grief specialists advocate viewing because it helps in the grief process, in realizing the reality of death. It is also encouraged for children if it is explained, and voluntary. Moreover, many cultures use viewing as a part of their cultural and ethnic traditions.
Why have an obituary notice?
Notices can be placed on the internet or in local newspapers. They let friends and the community know about the death and when a service, if any, will be held.
What do funeral directors do?
Funeral directors are there to help you in your time of need. They are caregivers, administrators, listeners, advisors and supporters. They make arrangements for the transfer of your loved one, do all the necessary paperwork, and set into motion your family’s wishes regarding the funeral and final disposition.
They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death and can answer many questions you may have about grief. Funeral directors recognize when people are having a hard time coping, and may recommend professional help during your difficult time. They can also help link survivors to support groups in the community.
What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?
Our Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 604-463-8121 for assistance anytime, day or night.
Will someone come right away?
If you request immediate assistance, we will usually be arrive within 90 minutes, when the death occurs in a care home, hospice or family residence when the decedent is under the care of a palliative doctor or nurse. If your family wishes to spend a little bit more time to say goodbye, we can schedule a time that is right for you. When death occurs in hospital or the BC Coroner Service is involved transfer does not occur until these agencies release your loved one from their care.
If a loved one dies out of province, can the local Funeral Home still help?
Yes, they will be able to help you with out-of-province arrangements whether that be to transfer the decedent to another province or from another province.
What should I do if a death occurs while away from home?
Contact your local Funeral Director, they will be able to help you if a death happens in another community in the province, in a neighbouring province or out of the country. They will take responsibility and begin planning the arrangements for the return of your loved one to their community. They might also work with a local funeral director in the place of death to act as their agent and assist in returning your loved one home.
What is the purpose of embalming?
The purpose of embalming is to disinfect the body, slows the break down of the body, and provides a life like appearance of the body. It provides family members living at a distance time to travel to attend the service and final disposition.
It is important to note some provincial legislation requires embalming of decedents that will not reach their place of burial within 72 hours of the death.
Is embalming mandatory by law?
It is not mandatory by law, but it may be necessary due to the time required for the decedent to reach their destination. The law requires embalming if the body is shipped by public carrier or out of British Columbia and cannot reach its destination within 72 hours after death.
Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?
Cremation is another form of disposition. Families who choose this will then choose to place the cremains into a niche wall, do ground burial within a cemetery, or scatter the cremains in a wilderness area or on water.
Can I have a visitation period and a funeral service if cremation is chosen?
Yes, this is completely up to you. Cremation does not have to exclude having a visitation time and a funeral. Cremation is simply an option for final disposition of your loved one.
Why are funerals so expensive?
The type of service and merchandise you request of your funeral director will determine the cost.
Funeral service is a labour intensive service, with 70 man hours of labour in a traditional funeral service, providing 24-hour assistance, facilities (viewing room, chapel, funeral coach, reception lounge). The cost of a funeral includes merchandise (casket, urn, stationery) services of the funeral director making the arrangements, looking after necessary paperwork, contacting the florist, newspapers, doctors, minister and cemetery. They take care of all necessary details for you.
What recourse does a consumer have for poor service or overcharging?
While most funeral homes provide amazing services, sometimes things can go wrong in the process. The consumer should first speak with the funeral director about it. If it cannot be resolved this way, then contact Consumer Protection BC (CPBC). Consumer Protection BC will investigate the complaint and determine an appropriate resolution to the complaint. (To contact CPBC, call 1-888-564-9963)
Who pays for funerals for the indigent?
When an indigent veteran dies, Veteran Affairs Canada through the Last Post Fund will look after the funeral service. In BC the Ministry of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction will assist families. The Ministry will conduct an interview with the legal next of kin to determine eligibility. Your funeral director can make a referral to these agencies for assistance..
Are there government agencies that help defray final expenses?
Your funeral director will be able to make a referral with the necessary information for financial assistance to Veteran Affairs Canada's Last Post Fund or the Ministry of Economic Development and Poverty Reduction..