At Home Deaths

In this article, we explore what happens when a death occurs at home under different circumstances. Unexpected Home Death When a death occurs suddenly and unexpectedly at home, the typical procedure is to call emergency services (9-1-1). Police and ambulance services will attend the scene. There is also the option to call BC Coroners Services…

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Call for New Board Members

The Memorial Society is seeking applications for up to 2 positions on our Board of Directors.  The board is committed to reflecting the diversity of British Columbia and welcomes persons with diverse identities, backgrounds and experiences. Previous Board experience is desirable but not necessary. For a full description of role, click here > If you…

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The Memorial Society welcomes Suzanne Klassen to the Member Support Team

The Memorial Society welcomes Suzanne Klassen to the Member Support Team. Suzanne comes with a rich history of working with not-for-profits, providing information, support and referrals. Suzanne is adept at working with diverse populations including seniors and vulnerable groups.  She approaches customer service with respect, sincerity, calmness and warmth. Suzanne joins Suzy Thomas in member…

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Green Burials

photo credited to ‘Cathy Valentine, Salt Spring island Natural Cemetery’

We are grateful to Nicola Finch for her enlightening article on green burials. Photo credited to ‘Cathy Valentine, Salt Spring island Natural Cemetery’   It is not going to be everyone’s choice, nor should it be. What happens to our bodies once we’re dead is personal. Conventional burial and flame cremation have been the disposition…

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Nidus: BC Resource for Personal Planning

We are pleased to profile Nidus with an article written by Audrey Jun, Nidus Executive Director. Nidus is a BC-based, non-profit charitable organization that provides education, support and assistance to British Columbians with personal planning for incapacity, end-of-life, and other support needs. Nidus enables seniors and other adults to plan for future incapacity, and also…

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67th Annual General Meeting Thank You

The Memorial Society of British Columbia held its 67th Annual General Meeting on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 Thank you to the many members who joined us both in person and online through Zoom. A special note of thanks to guest speaker Ian Sutton, author of The Big Exit: The Surprisingly Urgent Challenge of Handling the…

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2023 Annual General Meeting Notice

The Board and Staff of the Memorial Society of BC hope that you and your loved ones are well and safe. This year we will be holding our 67th Annual General Meeting Saturday, November 18th, 2023 1:00 – 2:30 pm Hewlett Hall, Unitarian Church of Vancouver 949 West 49th Ave, Vancouver With Guest Speaker Ian…

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Selecting an Executor – Does it matter who you choose?

This article is reprinted with permission from the Cooperative Memorial Society in Alberta Selecting an Executor – Does it matter who you choose? By Yvonne Martin-Morrison Executor considerations may not be top of mind for most people when they are drafting their wills and estate plans. It is understandable when many are not aware of…

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Jewish End of Life Practices – by Rabbi Susan Shamash

We are delighted to kick off our series on diverse cultural beliefs and practices on death and dying with an article by Rabbi Susan Shamash. It is hoped this series of articles will help build understanding and inclusion of the many faith and cultural communities in BC. Jewish End of Life Practices – by Rabbi…

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Body & Organ Donation – is this for you?

Body & Organ Donation – is this for you? On your Arrangement Form with the Memorial Society, you may have noticed that there are check boxes for the donation of ‘ORGAN(s)’ and ‘BODY.’ Here is some information on these two options – to help you to make an informed decision about whether this is something…

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