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What is Cremation?

Cremation Information

What is Cremation?

Cremation is an alternative to burial of a loved one.  The Cremation Association of North America describes cremation as, "The mechanical and/or thermal or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments".  Cremation has been the preferred choice and standard practice for many families all around the world.  At the time of making funeral arrangements, a Class 1 Licensed Funeral Director will meet with the family (often the next of kin) and discuss our cremation options.  If your loved one had made previous arrangements, the information and wishes of your loved one would be shared with you.  See "Our Cremation Options" page to learn of the options we have available as well as our "Cremations Service Commitment" to our families.  Please Contact Us if cremation is of interest. 

What is Required to Arrange for Cremation?

When the time comes and your family would like for our funeral home to take care of funeral plans and arrangements for your loved one, we would simply need to be notified by the family of the passing.  We will work together with the hospital, nursing home, caretakers and doctors to bring your loved one into our care.  For cremation to take place, we would require to meet with the family, specifically the legal next of kin.  During the meeting we will obtain all the authorizations required by the province (as we will need their authorization and signature on vital documentation).  The following is a list of items to consider for the arrangements:
  • Is there a special set of clothes (suit or dress) your loved one would appreciate the thought of wearing? This will be discussed during the meeting and you will be advised by your funeral director as to your best options regarding jewellery or other valuable personal items with cremation.
  • Are there any keepsake items you'd like to include in their cremation casket? Perhaps there's a special memento, such as a treasured photograph or letter? We sometimes suggest family members write cards, notes or letters to their deceased loved one, and place them in the casket prior to the cremation.
  • Would you or other family members like to be present for–or participate to some degree in–your loved one's cremation? Because we know how healing it can be to take part in an act of "letting go", we welcome the opportunity to bring interested family or friends into the crematory. Please discuss your desire to participate with your funeral director.
  • Final resting place;  Where and how will you keep your loved one's ashes (cremated remains) after the cremation or the service?  Many families are simply unaware that they can purchase a cremation urn to be placed in a special place such as the family home.  Ask one of our funeral director's to see our available urns that can help to memorialize your loved one. 

Why Choose Cremation?

Everyone has their own personal reasons for choosing cremation over traditional casket burials.  For many, it resonates with their religious beliefs, ethnicity and family diversity.  For some families, cremation is perceived as a practical and cost-effective choice, and others may consider the environment when choosing cremation.  We encourage families to give us a phone call with any questions. 

Is it Time to Speak with One of Our Cremation Specialists?

We encourage open dialog about your funeral options and sincerely hope you feel comfortable reaching out to us to discuss topics related to cremation and burial.  Contact Us to ask questions or to set an appointment (either in your home or at our office). 
We encourage open dialog about your funeral options and sincerely hope you feel comfortable reaching out to us to discuss topics related to cremation and burial. Contact Us to ask questions or to set an appointment (either in your home or at our office). 

A Short History of Cremation

According to Wikipedia, cremation dates back at least 20,000 years ago in Australia. In Europe, there is evidence of cremation dating to around 2,000 B.C. Cremation was common in Ancient Greece and Rome, and it remains a standard practice in India. The practice of cremation faded in Europe by the fifth century, and during the Middle Ages, it was primarily used in the punishment of heretics or in response to the fear of contagious diseases. Today, cremation is preferred by more and more people around the world.

The Flame Cremation Process

Traditional cremation is the process of reducing a body at very high temperatures until it is nothing but brittle, calcified bones. These are then processed into what we commonly call ashes. Returned to the family in a temporary urn (or a more personal urn selected by the family), these ashes can be kept, buried or scattered. Some families even choose to place a loved one's cremated remains in a hand-crafted piece of cremation art.

Author Michelle Kim, in How Cremation Works, details the cremation process: "In modern crematories, the body is stored in a cool, temperature-controlled room until it's approved for cremation. The body is prepared by removing pacemakers, prostheses and silicone implants. The body is then put into a container or casket made out of flammable materials such as plywood, pine or cardboard."

The container is placed in the retort or cremating chamber.  It takes anywhere from two to three hours to reduce an average adult to ash. When the ashes are cooled, they are processed to be uniform in size and placed in an urn.  The funeral home then returns the ashes to the family. 

Cremation Costs

Cremation, with simply no service, typically costs one-third of the cost of a traditional funeral.  It's important to remember that cremation is only one part of providing a meaningful end-of-life care for a loved one.  Coming to terms with the death of a loved one is important and can be achieved with a memorial service. Bringing family and friends together provides everyone with the opportunity to share memories and receive support.

Spend Time with Us

Sit down with us to discuss your cremation options. We appreciate the opportunity to share our insights and experience to fully support you in making end-of-life decisions for you and your family.  Contact Us to schedule an appointment or drop by our office.
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