Cremation FAQs and other questions about funeral services…

Q: Why are your costs so much less than the average funeral home?

The reasoning for this is simple, our facility and staff compliment is smaller than most funeral providers, which allows our costs to be much less and allowing us to pass these savings on to the consumer. Once we have your loved one in our care and have obtained the Medical Certification of Death from the Doctor, we can have your loved ones cremated remains and documentation to you within 10 business days.

Q: Does the consumer receive the same quality service with you as we would with a larger funeral home?

Most definitely, just because we are smaller does not mean you receive less service. We provide exactly the same services and products as everyone else. Our staff has 40 years of funeral experience.

Q: Do you perform cremations at your facility?

Our cremations are performed at the West Shore Crematorium in Langford, BC

Q: Can the family arrange its own service and just use you for the basic services?

Yes. It is very common for families to arrange their own private services. We are able to provide you with all the necessary services and products that you would require.

Q: Is it possible to prearrange cremation services?

Yes. You can prearrange your service with us or if you so wish the services can be prepaid which locks in the prices.

Definitions of Funeral Terms

Cremation

Cremation is the rapid oxidation of the deceased through the application of intense heat and flame reducing it to bone fragments (not ashes) with a few hours.

Cremation Container

Cremation Container is a casket like container that the deceased is placed into for the purpose of the cremation process. This is done for the ease handling for the crematorium operator and the dignity of the deceased. Cremation containers are made of many different products ranging from cardboard to the most exotic woods.

Cremation Urn

Cremation Urn is the vessel for which the cremated remains are placed into after the cremation has taken place. An urn can be the very basic such as a simple plastic box or they can be made of wood, bronze, brass, marble or even biodegradable material that joins with the earth after time.

Professional Staff and Services

Includes personnel available for the initial call, arrangement conference, various clerical duties.

Registration and Documentation

Includes the preparation of legal documents for the purpose of registering with the Province of British Columbia and the delivery of permits and documents.

Transportation

Transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral facility and to the crematorium.

Facilities

Includes use of the funeral facility for clerical functions and arrangements.  Also includes sheltering of the deceased at the funeral facility until time of disposition.

Embalming

Disinfection, preservation, and restoration of human remains for the purpose of viewing. (This is completed at the families discretion).

Direct Cremation

Direct Cremation is the simplest forms of funeral services provided. This type of service provides the very basics and is decided upon when a family desires to have a cremation performed, but does not desire to have any type of formal funeral or memorial service.

Bedside Transfer

24/7 access to a licensed funeral director to coordinate transfer from a private residence, care home, hospice or palliative care unit (where no morgue is accessible or available) The transfer staff, one to two attendants, transfer van and equipment respond within 1-3 hours anytime, day or night to bring your loved one into our care.