Visiting the Crematorium: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

A quiet scene of a light grey gest book on a wooden table, a patterned carpet in the background, and foliage in the foreground

Tucked quietly behind trees and businesses, the tan wood-frame building has housed Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services since 1994. Included within that organization is Society’s First Alternative Services, which provides services exclusively for Memorial Society members. Upon arrival, our 3 person Memorial Society team was welcomed inside by apprentice funeral director Jesus Hernandez, whose warm…

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MSBC News

A blue box with the text MSBC Updates and Learning Opportunities, against a back drop of towering trees

Update: Call to Support Greener Options In our efforts to urge the BC Government to legalize Alkaline Hydrolysis (aquamation) and Natural Organic Reduction (human composting), we are pleased to share that we were invited to meet with Minister Niki Sharma, BC’s Attorney General with responsibility for the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act this past…

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Options for Appointing an Executor

a photo of a man and woman's hands reading a document

The Memorial Society receives inquiries from members about what to do when there is no one suitable in their life to appoint as the executor of their will. Here is a brief overview.    When a person dies and leaves a valid will, it is the responsibility of the executor named in the will to administer…

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MLA Jennifer Blatherwick Speaks to the Legislative Assembly

MLA Jennifer Blatherwick speaks to the Legislative Assembly of BC

The Memorial Society movement began in Canada in the 1920’s as a response to rising funeral costs, with the goal to create informed prepared community members who have access to affordable locally owned funeral services. The non-denominational movement grew across North America so that now most provinces and states have Memorial Societies or Cooperatives.  …

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HAPPY SPRING – Cleaning!

glowing purple crocuses against green grass.

Spring is a season of renewal—an ideal time to refresh your important life documents. Just as you tidy your home, reviewing and updating your end-of-life plans ensures everything is current and accessible. Here’s a quick guide: 1. REVIEW YOUR WILL Major life changes—marriage, divorce, new family members, or loss of loved ones – can affect…

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Call to Support Greener Options for British Columbians

The Memorial Society of BC is calling on its members and the general public to urge the BC Government to legalize greener options for the disposition of human remains in British Columbia. At this time, British Columbians only have the options of cremation and burial for the disposition of their bodies. Both forms have harmful impacts…

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Proudly Supports Local Business

A version of the Canadian Flag with two red side bars and the Memorial Society logo (with leaves) in the centre

There is a growing movement across the county to support Canadian businesses in response to U.S. imposed tariffs. Did you know that the Memorial Society partners only with BC-owned and operated funeral providers across the province?  This has been our practice for several years! This helps safeguard independent funeral providers in BC against corporate ownership…

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Protect the Environment & Fundraise for the Memorial Society of BC

Tru Earth Logo, in a friendly printed font in blue and green

Tru Earth strives to make the world a better place through its commitment to the planet’s well-being with environmentally conscious products, with minimal waste packaging.  They offer a wide range of eco-friendly detergents and cleaning products delivered directly to your home.   Every time someone clicks our (MSBC) fundraising link to Tru Earth and places…

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Annual General Meeting Update

A view of members in a bright room listening a speaker at a podium.

Thank you to the members who joined us in-person and online at our Annual General Meeting on Saturday, October 26th, 2024.   A special note of thanks to our guest speakers for their engaging presentations on emerging greener technologies for body disposition: Christa Ovenell, Aquamation BC Coalition Laureen Stokes, Natural Organic Reduction in BC  …

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Hindu End-of-Life Beliefs and Practices

a small red candle lights a larger candle in a small pot.

Hindu End-of-Life Beliefs and Practices As part of our series on diverse cultural beliefs and practices on death and dying, we are grateful to the Sri Sadashiva Subramaniya Swamy Temple Foundation for an enlightening article on Hinduism. For more information, visit https://www.subramaniyaswamytemple.ca/  In Hinduism, beliefs and practices surrounding the end of life are deeply rooted…

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