Posts by Stephen Garret

If you are planning a home death it is extremely important to have your family doctor sign an expect death in the home form. This form, A Notification of Expected Death in the Home, is completed by the patient’s physician and sent to the funeral home before the death. This form allows a Funeral Director…

  It is important to plan your funeral arrangements ahead of time and have that plan on file where your family members can easily find it. Planning these arrangements when we are of clear mind and quiet emotions is an important ingredient to a graceful, affordable and dignified end of life.

  There is often confusion regarding the choice of casket for a loved one’s remains, and at a time when we are emotional immediately after the death it is even more challenging. So start planning early and visit a funeral home well before you need their services to choose the casket that suits your values,…

By provincial law, cremation cannot take place until 48 hours after death and therefore requests for immediate disposition can be somewhat misleading. When planning for the disposition of a loved one, know that cremation cannot take place until two full days after the death.  

    Is embalming required? No, embalming is not required by BC law. It is often suggested by funeral directors if there is a delay between the time of death and the disposition, and/or a viewing is requested. You the family members have the final choice to embalm or not though.