FAQs

Funeral directors wear many hats. They are licensed professionals who specialize in each part of funerals and all related services. They plan the visitations and ceremonies, prepare the deceased, support the family, and ensure all the family’s wishes are fulfilled. They also assist families with any legal or insurance-related paperwork and take care of the removal and transportation of the deceased. Funeral directors have experience helping grieving families and providing them with additional resources and recommendations for their journey through grief.

We recommend that you contact the local medical authorities, which may include the police depending on the death. Afterwards, give us a call right away so we can start planning your loved one's funeral services. We know it’s important for you to get back home, so we make this process as seamless as possible. Calling us right away will help you avoid any duplication of fees or services.

The answer to this question is based on your own judgment of the situation. Is your child old enough to understand death? Will the funeral service mean anything to them, or will they be better off at home? Children need to express their grief however, in the end, it's up to you. Before the funeral, be sure to explain to your child what they will see and experience, so they are not surprised. Set an expectation for how they should behave and if they become noisy or too upset, it is best to remove them from the service.

A viewing, also known as a wake, visitation, or calling hours, is seen as a central part of saying goodbye to a loved one. It can be an open or closed casket. It gives families one last chance to see their loved ones and fully understand they are gone from this life. This helps them accept the loss and move forward in their grieving journey.

Yes. Organ donation and autopsies do not affect your ability to have an open-casket viewing.

Absolutely! We think a viewing is beneficial for families because it is a way they can honour and remember their loved one. The cremation can occur before or after the funeral service based on the family’s preferences. The way you celebrate your loved one is completely up to you, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

People have their loved ones embalmed for many reasons, one being to preserve the body for viewing. Embalming is used to sanitize the body and preserve it for a limited amount of time. If your loved one died in a traumatic way, embalming can be used to make them presentable for viewing. Seeing your loved one as you knew them is both comforting and healing.

No, except in rare situations. However, most funeral homes have a policy that they will not allow a public viewing without embalming. If you do not want to use embalming, most often we offer a private viewing before the cremation or burial with a little preparation without embalming.

Although it varies, it usually takes 3-5 hours.

When the body of your loved one is picked up, we will place an identification tag on them. This includes the name and date of removal. Every time the body moves locations the tag is checked. This is not an act that is brushed over or taken lightly. Before the body is cremated, the tags are checked a final time.
A stainless-steel disk around the size of a quarter with a unique number is placed with it. That number is then recorded on the paperwork of the deceased. Since the disk doesn’t melt, it will remain intact with the cremated remains that you receive. This disk and the cremation documents will always match.

If you haven’t seen them after the loss yet, make sure you acknowledge their loss and offer your condolences. If you have already talked about the death, greet them kindly and ask them about their well-being. When in public, be careful what you say. Sometimes being discrete is best, especially when you’re around others. Suggest a time to meet in private for some quality time.

Before scattering your loved one’s ashes, make sure you are doing so legally. However, the government typically does not regulate the scattering of ashes. If you want to scatter the ashes at a public park, submit a formal request to avoid any legal trouble. As long as you check the rules beforehand and are considerate, you typically shouldn’t have any problems.

After the funeral, the grieving process is not over. It takes time to lessen the pain and sadness of a loss. That’s why you should offer your support for months or even years to come. Helping the bereaved do their daily chores or spending time with them can help. Sending them a letter or giving them a phone call can brighten their day. Even if they decline your invitations, continue to invite them to social functions and special occasions. Eventually, they may want to be social again and knowing they can lean on you is so important.