Cremation Services

Part of making funeral arrangements on behalf of a loved one involves choosing between burial of the body, or cremation. Certainly, this is a big decision, based on any number of factors; however, it is important to remember that it describes the type of physical end of life care of a loved one. It is a personal choice that should not affect the type of funeral ceremonies you choose.

Cremation Explained

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". 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.

People choose cremation over burial of casketed remains for any combination of reasons. Once the decision (cremation or burial?) has been made, all that's required is authorization. This is provided by the person who is the legally identified or appointed next-of-kin. Once all authorization documents are signed, and service charges are paid, the body can be transported to the crematory and the cremation process can take place. However, the following are some additional things you may wish to consider.

• Is there a special set of clothes, such as a military uniform, or favorite dress, your loved one would appreciate the thought of wearing?
  
• Are there any keepsake items you'd like to include in their cremation casket? Although no jewellery can accompany your loved one, a letter or treasured photograph can be placed with them.
  
• What will you keep the cremated remains in? We offer a large selection of urns that will help memorialize your loved one. Ask one of our caring funeral directors to see the wide variety of urns.
  
• What will you do with the cremated remains after the service? The cremated remains can be placed in a special place such as the family home; they can be scattered in an area that was special to the deceased; they can be buried in the ground; or they can be placed in a columbarium niche at the cemetery.

Why Choose Cremation?

Everyone has their own personal reasons for choosing cremation over traditional casket burial. One of these reasons is the flexibility the family may need in planning and preparing for a funeral service, celebration of life, or a scattering ceremony. It is important to remember that cremation does not limit the type of funeral service chosen. Cremation can take place before or after the funeral rites and ceremonies you chose to honour and remember your loved one.

Why You Should Think of Us

We've had years of experience serving many families, so we understand and respect your decisions. Not only that: we will take all the time you may need to make an informed decision. We encourage you to connect with us to discuss the cremation services we offer and to explore cremation costs. We are here to help you make an informed decision.