Basic Funerals

Why Do Funeral Directors Ask About Pacemakers?

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 20:59:00 GMT

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The Ritual of Spring Burials In Local Cemeteries

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 21:11:00 GMT

When a death occurs in the winter months, it is quite common that the burial can’t take place until the spring. Our region has long, cold winters and this hinders a cemetery’s ability to conduct burials due to the frozen ground. It is not unusal for many families in our smaller communities thoughout Ontario to have to wait weeks, or even months to bury a loved one. This delay can prolong grief for the family and make it difficult for them to move forward.

Spring Burials for Caskets

We will store the deceased on premise or in cemetery vaults until burials can take place in the spring. This is unavoidable in many places across Ontario and this may be felt as an infringement on the mourning process. There could also be extra costs to families for having to return for the burial to take place in the spring.

Spring Burials for Urns

Cremation lends some flexibility in regards to burials. Urns can be stored by the family at their home instead of at the funeral home or in a cemetery vault. Storing urns at home until the burial takes place does provide comfort to some families.

Why Can’t Cemeteries Dig Graves in the Winter?

The frozen earth is too difficult for cemetery caretakers to work with. Many cemeteries in urban areas have the heavy machinery required to dig graves year round. However, it is too expensive for smaller cemeteries to buy the equipment for digging graves in the winter.

Other Obstacles with Spring Burials

In addition to being difficult for families, it is also a scheduling challenge for funeral homes. Funeral directors and cemetery caretakers must deal with the backlog of spring burials every year. There could be extra costs associated with funeral vehicles and staff to attend to the burial.

Delays Due to Flooding

The disappearence of snow can also lead to other delays. It is unsafe for cemetery caretakers and familiy members to be present when the ground is still soft. Unstable ground can lead to graves caving in and dangerous falls. It is also unsettling for families to see graves filled with water. Many cemeteries in Ontario can’t begin burying well into May or later. A cemtery can’t control nature and these timelines can vary from year to year.

Many of the cemeteries we work with on a regular basis are able to conduct burials throughout the year. Many cemeteries in metropolitan areas have the resources to do so. There are also other types of resting palces to choose from. We welcome you to reach out to our team directly if you have any questions.

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Death and Taxes

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 19:21:00 GMT

Tax rules are often complicated and never fun. In the case of pre-arrangements that is no different. When you pre-arrange your funeral there are some things to consider from a tax perspective that we hope to cover here. We will do our best, but unfortunately, we are not accountants and can’t give you personal advice so you may have to discuss further with your accountant.

Can I claim my pre-paid funeral as a deduction on my income tax?

No. You are just making an investment that is similar to any other investment you might purchase. This investment is unique in its ability to protect you from future funeral cost inflation, but that does not make it tax deductable.

Why did I receive a T5?

A T5 is used to report any investment income on a tax return. Pre-paid funeral funds earn interest to cover the cost of inflation but sometimes they do better than that. If the pre-arrangement funds are more than the current day price you will get a refund from the funeral home. If this refund is more than $50 the funeral home will calculate how much interest was earned and issue the T5 only if both the refund and interest earned are more than $50. If you receive a large refund because you have downgraded your services, you will only receive a T5 for the interest amount.

If a pre-arrangement is cancelled then a T5 will be issued if there is more than $50 of interest earned. This is the same as any other investment.

Who is issued the T5 issued to?

The T5 is issued to the estate of the deceased for the year that the passing occurred. Meaning, the Executor will receive a T5 (in the estate of the decedent’s name).

How can I avoid receiving a T5?

If you are receiving a refund from the funeral home, in excess of $50, you can put those funds towards more products and services at the funeral home. This may include aftercare, urns and jewelry, upgrading your casket, etc. You should only do this if the funeral home can offer you services that you value and you can use that to avoid the taxes you will have to pay from a T5

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Does Pre-Paying for a Funeral Guarantee the Price?

Who Can Pre-Pay for a Funeral?

A Canadian Resident aged 18 years or older can pre-pay for funeral expenses for themselves or as a Power of Attorney, a Guardian, a Trustee, or as a representative from the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee for a spouse, parent, etc. Pre-paid funerals can be made directly with a licensed funeral professional representing a licensed funeral establishment.

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We welcome you to reach out to our knowledgeable team of Funeral Pre-Planners to learn more.

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The Grave Woman

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 12:38:00 GMT

The Grave Woman

Joél Simone Anthony

Working in Death Care

The Grief Kit

Courses for Funeral Professionals

Follow The Grave Woman on Social Media

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Intestate: Dying Without A Will and How it Impacts Funeral Arrangements

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 20:15:00 GMT

I pre-paid my funeral. Do I still need an Executor?

If there isn’t a Will, who can make funeral arrangements?

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Prepare Your Estate: Your Executor Will Thank You

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:05:00 GMT

Being appointed an Executor is often seen as an honour, but it can also be an extremely daunting task. The person selected to look after estate matters is often also likely to be the person grieving the most. In an effort to alleviate the stress associated with being an Executor or Administrator, we have compiled some advice on how to prepare your affairs so that the Executor/Administrator can settle the estate effectively and efficiently.

Make a Will

Composing a Will is a thoughtful act. It guides your surviving family and friends through a difficult time. A Will also determines who is entitled to make funeral arrangements. Even if a funeral is pre-paid, an Executor is still required to give the funeral provider permission to move forward with those pre-arrangements.

For more information on the different approaches to composing a Will, visit: The Different Ways to Make a Will .

If we’ve already convinced you of the importance of preparing a Will and you’re ready to get started, we invite you to Start Composing Your Will with Willful.co .

Gather all necessary documentation.

Finding required information is sometimes the most cumbersome tasks for Executor’s. To make sure they don’t have to pull up floorboards, look under mattresses, and in cookie jars, organize all key documents in a safe and secure location. To find out what documentation and paperwork your Executor will need access to, click here to learn more about our In Case of Emergency Kit .

Identify Dependents and Beneficiaries in Your Will

For everyone’s sake, be specific about guardianship for dependent children. If any other dependents require exceptional care, outline a plan that would best suit them and what finances are required to do so. Don’t forget about our furry friends. Loss is difficult on pets too. Have an alternative home in mind for pets and consider setting aside a contingency fund for their veterinary expenses.

Keep an Inventory of Your Assets and Liabilities

Executor’s can use checklists to track assets and liabilities with ease. Make their job a little easier by having this up-to-date and recorded in a safe place. List all banking information, real estate, insurance policies, and investments so that your Executor can easily assess the value of the estate. It is also encouraged to keep photographs of your valuables, such as jewellery or other family heirlooms. Having a list of who you wish to bequeath them to is also helpful. Grief and sentimentality are often in abundance when a death of a loved one occurs. Having a transparent list of your intentions can help prevent disagreements and resentment among surviving loved ones.

List Your Experts

Keep contact information for trusted professionals available so that your Executor knows who to reach to seek assistance at the time of need. Consider keeping business cards of the following professionals:

We invite you to reach out to our team for more information about planning ahead.

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Basic Funerals Awarded Best Rated Funeral Home

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 19:17:00 GMT

Basic Funerals has been listed as one of the Top 3 Best-Rated Funeral Homes. We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve such welcoming communities. We would not be considered ‘best-rated’ without you!

Recognition for Excellence

Our team was recognized for providing consistent high quality services in our area of business. We were reviewed by a 50-Point Inspection process put together by Three Best Rated®. The inspection included everything from checking our reputation, our history, and our ratings. Three Best Rated® observed that families trust us to provide affordable services. We were also recognized for the general excellence of our establishment.

Basic Funerals’ review can be viewed by clicking here: Best Funeral Homes .

Families Deserve the Best Service

Three Best Rated® was created with a simple goal. They strive to find consumers the top 3 local businesses in their community. Three Best Rated® only displays verified services. Like us, they feel customers deserve only the best.

We Are Here to Help

We feel privileged to serve families during their time of need or even with their advance planning . Thank you for helping us get the recognition.

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6 Ways Funerals (Can Still) Help Mourners Grieve

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 15:26:00 GMT

By guest blogger, Carrie Fawcett: Celebrant

Ceremonies like funerals and memorials are intended to both honour the life of a loved one and meet the needs of those left behind.

If current public health limits have you question if it is still possible to have a “good” funeral, I encourage you to see those limits as an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone. You may find with a skilled guide and broadened perspective, it’s still possible to experience a meaningful ceremony.

With flexibility of form, an end of life ceremony can be designed to help with the important task of actively engaging with your grief and re-establishing a sense of well-being:*

1. By planning and/or participating in the ceremony, you begin to face any disbelief or denial that the person you loved has died. You acknowledge the reality of their death, individually and collectively.

2. By being at the funeral, you designate a time and space apart from ‘ordinary life.’ You consciously co-create a ‘safe place’ in which you and others can grieve.

3. By sharing stories of the person you have lost, you show you value her, your relationship with her, and that your pain is real and legitimate. You recall memories of your loved one while each owning your loss.

4. By publicly acknowledging the change in status of your relationship with the person who has died, the relationship stops being one based in physical presence. You begin to develop a new self-identity and new relationships with others.

5. By reflecting on life and death, you can seek to bridge a gap in your understanding and clarify how you want to live going forward. You deepen your search for meaning.

6. By joining in an end of life ceremony, you show you are willing to be supported, and you allow others to show that none of you is alone. Together you can create the healing experience of a community sharing its love and loss.

Addressing these needs is as essential as ever to a sense of well-being. Even within our rapidly changing world, funerals, memorials, interments or other personally meaningful ceremonies can be adapted to serve these same intentions. And even if we’re not physically present with other mourners in the way we originally thought we should be, we can still choose to share and listen with Heart – relationships and community can still be strengthened.

Celebrants and other funeral professionals are here to co-create options for commemorating a death alongside you, from virtual ceremonies, to smaller in-person group gatherings, to thoughtfully planned but postponed ceremonies.

If you’ve lost someone, or before you do, consider the value of a well-designed ceremony.

Now we’d like to hear from you:

· How has being part of an end-of-life ceremony helped you? Which of the needs listed above did that experience help you meet?

· How have you creatively addressed the challenge of meaningfully connecting with others for an essential purpose with physical limits in place?

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below – and look forward to continuing the conversation.

*The 6 needs shared above are adapted from “the reconciliation needs of mourning” from the work of Dr. Alan Wolfelt.

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Repatriation: How Covid-19 is Keeping Us From Home

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 18:03:00 GMT

Repatriation: How Covid-19 is Keeping Us From Home

Repatriation Gravely Impacted by the Pandemic

In addition to services and arrangements, repatriation has been gravely affected by the pandemic. Over the course of any given year, many funeral homes assist families in making arrangements to have the remains of their loved ones return to their home country for burial. Over the last few months it has not been easily feasible for this type of service to occur.

Transportation of Deceased Under Strict Regulation

Airline and federal authorities have strict regulations in place to ensure that the transportation of deceased persons can only be conducted by recognized providers. Coordinating these arrangements observe very rigid guidelines and are extremely time-consuming. A lot of people put a lot of work into making these arrangements happen.

Accessibility to Flights Biggest Obstacle to Repatriation

The most prominent obstacle right now in regards to organizing a repatriation is the access to flights. Airlines are cancelling flights daily. When there is a flight available, it tends to be a smaller plane that is not able to accommodate casket-sized cargo in addition to passenger luggage. Families can certainly ask for a status update to a desired airport and receiving funeral home anywhere in the world, and we will do our best to coordinate details with a trusted, accessible airline.

Cremation is a Viable Alternative

The current lack of available flights is not the only obstacle. During this state of emergency, the government has mandated that we are not to delay interments, removing repatriation of a deceased person as a viable option. Cremation with repatriation is an alternative option and does lend itself more flexibility in regards to timing and shipping options .

Burials Are Reversible

If cremation is not an option for families due to personal beliefs, we can always arrange to have their departed buried here in Ontario within the mandated timeframes. Although this may not be the ideal solution, burial is reversible. Once repatriation is feasible again, the family can arrange for a disinterment and we could help pursue the repatriation of a deceased person when flights become available once again.

We invite you to contact our team of experts for more information about repatriation and other funeral-related services by calling 1-877-229-7077.

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The Healing Benefits of Meditation: Introducing Headspace.com

Mon, 25 May 2020 20:26:00 GMT

Basic Funerals and Headspace Promotion

Basic Funerals has always worked hard to go beyond the funeral. We care about the families we serve. We understand that these difficult times make it even harder to grieve the death of a loved one. For this reason, we have coordinated an offer with Headspace.com to provide our families with a 25% off discount for their guided meditation programs.

What is Headspace?

Headspace is a meditation app that can be downloaded to your device. Headspace is committed to advancing the field of mindfulness meditation through clinically-validated research. They are currently working with national institutions to conduct some of the largest research studies ever about mindfulness meditation. Headspace is dedicated to make a positive impact in the lives of people in our community.

How Can Headspace Help Me With My Grief?

Headspace has a section of their guided meditations devoted to grief, healing, and personal growth. We felt that this would be a complimentary source of support for the families we serve. Practicing meditation does not promise to take away grief or the tragic events that can sometimes coincide with these losses, but it can help with perspective. It can help find a calm space to re-connect and to find solace or peace. Everyone has their own unique sense of circumstances. Everyone has a special relationship with the person who has passed. Even though everyone’s relationship with grief is different, the ultimate goal of healing is finding a way to cultivate an environment that promotes peace and comfort.

Coupon Code for Headspace

Once you’ve had a chance to try Headspaces free meditation basics course, visit https://headspace.com/code and enter the code B2CCX and complete the checkout process to have full access to a full subscription.

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Commemorating Our Loved Ones When We Are Apart

Sat, 11 Apr 2020 14:09:00 GMT

During this time of isolation, everything has been impacted: from the approach to groceries, children’s schooling, and travel. Governments are introducing new programs while communities are learning to adjust. At times like this, we hope that people are expressing gratitude to those that assist us with our health care, our food, and all other essential services. Accommodations have been made and neighborhoods have come together. However, in this time where people can be discerning, learning to make judgement calls, there is one thing that rarely discriminates or is considerate of time – and that’s death.

Death knows little bounds and never follows a schedule. Death can visit in the night, in good weather or bad, with or without notice. And, although death never changes, the way we are to observe death and celebrate a life has been gravely affected.

Basic Funerals has been a leader in the industry of providing families with low cost, simple options – giving families the power to celebrate their loved one’s life in their own way and in their own time. Traditional burials are still an option, but with gatherings being limited to immediate family or nothing more than a handful of people, families are choosing differently.

Many funeral homes and celebratory venues such as churches or community halls have been impacted with no one to rent their space for gatherings.

Here is a list of alternative ways to observe death during times of social isolation:

Experiencing the death of a loved one is a personal journey to be observed in one’s own way – to bring comfort, solace, and peace. Please reach out to speak to our expert Funeral Professionals for guidance and direction.

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Finding Comfort in Virtual Leadership: Bringing Funerals and Faith to Families via Technology

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 19:53:00 GMT

As a society, we have never really had to observe our faith, spirituality, or grief in such a remote fashion before. Some churches have been making audio or video recordings of their services for those unable to leave their homes for quite some time, but this is different. Those recordings are made with parishioners present, creating an ‘energetic dialogue’ between speaker and audience. This interaction isn’t necessarily present when the sermons are given to an empty office in their own homes.

In a time of worship or bereavement, people yearn for in-person fellowship with one another. Since this personal contact isn’t possible now, people are grieving that loss of connection.

With the luxury of technology, many have embraced video streaming and video calls, but there isn’t consistent access, nor a reliability of ease of use. This presents an obstacle to bring faith or funeral rituals and customs to the masses. Here are some ideas to help people stay connected: Alternative Ways to Observe the Death of a Loved One During Social Isolation .

“Often low-tech options like the telephone are more comforting than asking people without the experience to learn new computer skills, especially when they are anxious in times of crisis. But many are learning and see this as an opportunity to find new ways to connect to family, church, and community.”

How are we asking communities to practice faith and observe grief?

Along with spiritual leaders, we are encouraging private moments of reflection or connection to spirituality via methods that work for each and every individual – by prayers, meditation, writing, reading, and more. Valuing one’s safety and the safety of others is an expression of compassion, caring, and faith.

Making an effort to reach out by phone, text, email, and social media are still a means to make ourselves accessible and hopefully connected.

Participation and interaction will likely be dependent on technology.

In these times of distancing, innovators like us and Reverend Mike Perreault are working hard to accommodate families in their faith and their time of need. We are working on videography, collaboration with our associates to serve our communities better.

Can virtual leadership provide your community with the spirituality they may be craving?

“It can enhance and celebrate it, but their spirituality is already within them. I am working to help them express their faith and be fed by that of others.” – Reverend Mike Perreault

We will be working alongside families to express their grief or their chosen faith.

Even though there is a tendency to have funeral or memorial arrangements take place at natural intervals, services, burials and closing affairs are on different schedules during this Covid-19 crisis.

Cremation, which is gaining in popularity, lends itself a great deal of flexibility for service timelines. More time is allowed to pass between death and services. With families being spread worldwide, delays in services are quite common already. Postponing as a regular practice, beyond a regular time frame could have an unfavourable impact. Some families, with time limitations for services choose to have an Anniversary Commemoration . An Anniversary Commemoration is designed to honour and celebrate a loved one’s memory on or near the anniversary of their passing, their birthday or other important milestone. This service may be preferred by those families who were unable to celebrate their loved one at the time of their passing. This event is similar to a celebration of life; but may take place in a more informal venue, such as a favourite place of the deceased, or a family member’s home. It can be more personalized, without time constraints often surrounding more formal memorial celebrations. Visit Basic Funerals’ Legacy Celebrations for more details about personalized service options.

Families can also select to have a simple graveside casket burial with immediate family present. A Celebration of Life can be held at a later date.

“It seems to me there are necessary steps in helping people move forward with their lives after a loved one dies.” – Reverend Mike Perreault

It is our job to mitigate this need. Relationships with our colleagues, family, friends, and community can continue to feel stronger and richer as a result of intentionally reaching out in new ways in the midst of this crisis.

What steps are we going to take to help families observe loss and hold services for their loved ones?

Basic Funerals, in conjunction with Mike Perreault, and other trailblazing contributors value the importance of the quality and empathetic nature of our work. We hope to build the framework for the development of the virtual service options.

Love, compassion, empathy, and the skills required to express them are aided by physical proximity but are not wholly dependent on it. It falls to us as caregivers to find solutions and means to help people “come together”.

About the Authors:

Tania Tack is a Licensed Funeral Pre-Planner with Basic Funerals and Cremation Choices. Tania feels it is a genuine privilege to journey with families during their final planning. Working in funeral service has been enriching, humbling, and rewarding. She is proud to serve families with such a transparent provider that truly values integrity and exceptional service.

Reverend Mike Perrault has been an ordained minister with the United Church of Canada since 1999. Mike spends time with families and individuals in all the seasons of life whether they be times of celebration, anxiety, or grief. Mike employs a variety of methods to share love and compassion including music, thoughtful messages, and humour. Mike presides at Rothwell United Church in Ottawa’s east end and officiates several weddings and funerals each month. He is working to bridge the gap created by social distancing with streaming technology, the good-old-fashioned telephone, and hope.

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In the Event of Death: What To Do

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 16:27:00 GMT

In the event of death, what happens? What does a family need to do?

Families need to feel prepared. We have compiled a list of next steps based on common circumstances relating to death.

When a Planned Death Occurs at Home:

When an Unexpected Death Occurs at Home:

The only instance where the transfer to the funeral home will be delayed is if the coroner deems it necessary to perform an autopsy. The deceased will then be transferred in their care until it is released to the funeral home. This can sometimes take approximately 3-5 days.

When a Death Occurs at a Long Term Care Facility:

When a Death Occurs at a Hospital:

If a family requires assistance, we invite them to reach out to our professional and knowledgeable staff. We understand that it’s an overwhelming time and are here to help you through the process. Contact us for immediate need or to learn more about the funeral process .

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The Different Ways to Make a Will

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 21:39:00 GMT

Once you’ve decided to make a will, you might be wondering where to begin. Just like there are many ways to arrange for a funeral, there are many ways to make a will. In this article, we explain the different methods of creating a will so that you can get an idea which route is best for you.

Holographic Wills:

A holographic will is handwritten, signed and dated by you. It’s the only type of will that doesn’t need to be witnessed. While it might seem like a simple and cost-effective option, for the majority of us who don’t have a legal background, it’s easy to contradict ourselves or omit necessary components of a will. Holographic wills are not recognized in British Columbia, so if that’s where you live, this is not a valid option. Holographic wills are only recommended as a last-resort option (but planning ahead can help you avoid that).

DIY Will Kits:

A DIY will kit is a fill-in-the-blank document that allows you to fill in key pieces of information about your estate. They’re a basic, one-size fits all document, so they offer very little personalization and leave no room for custom requests. Although will kits are inexpensive, ranging from free to around $50, you would have to purchase a new one anytime you go through a life change like moving, getting married/divorced, having a child, adding/removing beneficiaries that are outdated or wanting to switch who is appointed as your executor – so it can add up.

Online Will Platforms (like Willful)

An online platform like Willful combines the convenience and affordability of a will kit with the ability to tailor your documents to your unique life situation. An online will platform is ideal for people with simple estates who don’t need legal advice. While Willful wills were crafted with estate lawyers, you customize the documents by answering a series of questions about your unique life situation. One of the major benefits of Willful is that your key information is saved in your account and you have the option to come back and change your will at any time without having to start all over again. Currently, updates are completely free so you don’t have to spend money updating your will every time your life changes or when you want to edit specific parts of your will and other legal documents.

Lawyer-Drafted Wills:

If you have a complex estate (assets in multiple countries, a child with a disability, are separated but not divorced or need lots of custom clauses), making a will with a lawyer may be your best bet. If you want specific legal advice when making your will, you would also need to work with a lawyer. You’ll need a bigger budget to have a lawyer create your will – it can cost $800+ with an estate lawyer. However, you’re paying for their legal expertise so they’ll be able to advise you on how to best deal with any complexities of your estate.

More than half of Canadian adults don’t have a will (57%) and the most common reason is because they just keep putting it off until tomorrow, one day or some day. The worst type of will is the absence of one.

If you pass away without a will, it’s up to the government to use estate laws to distribute your assets, decide on a guardian for any minor children, and appoint an executor. The government may not handle things how you would have wanted them to and the entire process can take so long it could be months (sometimes even years) before your affairs are settled for your loved ones.

So whichever method you choose to make a will, make sure it’s the best fit for your life situation and get it done as soon as possible. Customers of Basic Funerals can now enjoy $20 off any Willful plan with code BASICFUNERALS . Just enter promo code at checkout when you’re ready to pay and discount will automatically apply.

About the Author

Erin Hebert is the Marketing Coordinator at Willful, an online estate planning platform that’s on a mission to make sure every Canadian adult has a will. Willful works with lawyers from each province to ensure their documents are customized to provincial laws and regulations. Trusted by thousands of Canadians coast-to-coast, Willful wants to make sure every family can enjoy peace of mind knowing they have a plan in place for life’s unexpected twists and turns.

The post The Different Ways to Make a Will appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Tidying Up: It’s a Matter of Life and Death

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 15:30:00 GMT

Tidying up can be a life-changing event. It can be a philosophical expression, placing an importance on joy, practicality, and order. Creating a pleasant, organized space is about simplicity for the living, but it also serves to spare loved ones the burden of sorting through your possessions upon your death.

Tidying up is all the rage with the help of the popular KonMari method, featured on Marie Kondo’s Netflix series, “Tidying Up”. People have been cleaning out their closets in hopes of embracing her motto of ‘choosing joy’. Marie Kondo is also the author of the New York Times best-selling book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”. Her goal is to help simplify and organize our homes. Her approach is not the typical room-by-room method, but instead encourages tidying by category: clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous, and finally sentimental items. The idea is to only keep things that speak to the heart and to thank then discard items that no longer spark joy. It is an effective philosophy that isn’t just about clutter, but about being mindful.

Marie Kondo’s Japanese method can also be compared to the Swedish trend of ‘Death Cleaning’. “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter”, is a book by Margareta Magnusson. Magnusson, a Swede, writes about the Swedish idea of döstädning, which translates to death cleaning. Dö means death in Swedish and städning means cleaning. An important part of Swedish Death Cleaning is to involve others. Sharing your plan with loved ones helps you stay accountable. It also becomes a good time to share with your family your wishes for after you pass…and may help siblings avoid a heated, grief-ridden fight over some sentimental possessions after a death occurs.

There are many de-cluttering businesses available to help us downsize or organize our personal or work lives. Our After Care Specialists help connect families with community resources when a death occurs. Our battle with ‘stuff’ in life is not something we want to pass to our loved ones once we are gone. Embrace your cherished items and learn to share your joy. Learn to let the rest go so that when you are gone, your loved ones can grieve instead of feeling overwhelmed with the daunting task of having to tidy up.

If you are looking to take your tidying up one step further by coordinating your estate affairs, please feel free to reach out to our Pre-Planning Team for assistance with final planning .

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Why is a Casket Required for Cremation?

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 16:57:00 GMT

Ever wonder why a casket or cremation container is necessary for a cremation?

How does Basic Funerals do it differently?

complimentary cardboard cremation container

The post Why is a Casket Required for Cremation? appeared first on Basic Funerals .

A Brief History of Palliative Care and Hospice

Fri, 04 May 2018 16:57:00 GMT

LHINs

arrangement process

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Funeral Professionals and Compassion Fatigue

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 18:01:00 GMT

Funeral professionals are often revered for their empathy and compassion. We accompany people on their journeys through grief or loss on a daily basis. It’s a profession not many are drawn to, and a profession even fewer are able to stay in long term. It does take a certain type of person to feel gratified working in this industry and those of us that do, do it with pride. However, dealing with bereavement regularly can often lead to emotional and physical exhaustion.

In addition to all of the funeral professional’s admirable traits, those working in the death industry are also prone to depression and disengagement. Many funeral professionals also find themselves coping with harmful habits. Those that do not have harmful habits are likely to be too busy to engage in them. Funeral service is not a Monday-Friday, 9-5 job. We often work weekends, holidays, and evenings. We miss our own special events to attend to those of the families we serve. We are always connected by our cell phones awaiting a call notifying us of another death. This pace makes us vulnerable to suffering from a more fragile mental state just as much as caregivers, nurses, and others in similar occupations.

Aside from working with sadness on a regular basis, death does not pride itself on predictability. Funeral professionals often find themselves feeling defenseless in such an uncontrolled work environment. We can’t predict when it is going to be busy. Sometimes we are under-staffed. Sometimes we don’t have the resources to provide the level of service we want to provide, but we can never let it show. We are trained to present a calm and comforting front. That is we are here for – to serve you. We are the pillars of strength for those that need us in different capacities, whether it is planning ahead for an expected death or for a family that has just experienced a traumatic loss.

So how do we help ourselves or the funeral professionals in our lives?

*Seek Help

*Stay Educated

*Be Self-Aware

*Practice Relaxation Techniques

*Eat Well and Exercise

Our emotional well-being is important. We need to take care of ourselves so that we can care for the families we serve in our community , with pride and with honour.

The post Funeral Professionals and Compassion Fatigue appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Budget-Friendly Tributes for Your Loved One

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 15:21:00 GMT

Monuments are used to memorialize the deceased

Photographs

Cremation Jewelry

cremation jewelry

Memories of our Loved Ones

Re-Purposing Belongings

Our Own Memorial Garden

Be Charitable

Music is Meaningful

funeral service is music.

Writing a Memorial

Funeral Professional

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The Final Gift: Donating a Body to Science and How it Impacts the Funeral

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 17:49:00 GMT

In Ontario, many families are now choosing to donate their bodies to science. Bequeathing one’s remains for the benefit of education and progress is one of the most unselfish gifts a person can bestow.

There are currently 17 medical schools or School of Anatomy across Canada accepting donations of bodies for science to train future health professionals. Collectively, these schools currently have 60,000-70,000 potential donors on file.

Donating your Body to Science vs. Organ and Tissue Donation

Body donation is the donation of the body in its entirety and is strictly used for educational and research purposes. Organ and tissue donation, which has risen in popularity by 30%, is for the purpose of helping another living person receive a lifesaving transplant. For more information, please visit The Trillium Gift of Life .

How Do I Make Arrangements to Donate my Body When I Die?

It is important to talk about your final plans with your next-of kin and your Estate Trustee. An individual may also provide consent by filling out a consent form, available at any School of Anatomy. If consent is not given by the individual prior to death, the next-of-kin is able to grant permission as per section 5 of the Trillium Gift of Life Network Act.

Donations Are NOT Always Accepted

Although bodies are usually accepted, there are circumstances that sometimes prevent a donation form being approved.

A donation may be refused if:

There is a contagious disease;
Death was by suicide or accident that involved severe trauma;
An autopsy was performed;
Amputation occurred;
Embalming took place;
Organ Donation occurred;
It has been over 72 hours since the time of death;
The school is not in need of donations.

What Happens When A Body is Donated?

Students are taught about altruism and the generosity of the donor. Respect is of the utmost importance as these cadavers are their first patient and no one is there to advocate for them other than the practicing student(s). Bodies are kept for 1-3 years for research and educational purposes. Following this time, remains are respectfully cremated and returned to the family or interred in a communal plot.

Can My Family Still Hold a Memorial Service?

A family can still choose to gather to commemorate the life of the deceased. Although human or cremated remains will not be present, pictures and mementos can be displayed at the venue of the family’s choice. An annual memorial service is often held by the schools for surviving families of donors as well as medical staff and students.

How Does a Donation to Science Affect Funeral Costs?

A family can choose to have no service at all. Alternatively, a family can choose to have a memorial service with no remains present. The cost for this would depend on what sort of venue is selected along with any reception costs.. A family can also arrange to hold a memorial service once the cremated remains are returned to them, 1-3 years following the death.

Aside from costs associated with optional venue and reception, the fees associated with donating a body to science are quite minimal, making this a popular option for families not wanting to spend a great deal on funeral arrangements. The only services required from a funeral home are the transfer from place of death and the coordination of government documents by a licensed funeral director. At Basic Funerals, these services typically cost under $1000.00. Please visit Basic Funerals for a price estimate or complete our online Arrangement Form to start record your preferences.

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6 Reasons to Have Music Play an Integral Part of Your Funeral

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 18:08:00 GMT

One of the most prominent parts of any funeral or memorial service is the music. Whether religious practice is present or not, music’s significance is universal.

Here are the top 6 reasons to have music play an integral part of your service:

1. Music is a meaningful way of honouring our loved ones.

We often associate music with recollection and remembrance. Choosing pieces of music that reflect the life, interests, and hobbies of a person is an eloquent way to personalize the service. If you’re having a difficult time choosing music, check the deceased’s personal music library or ask others for input. They may able to recommend hymns, instrumental pieces, or some contemporary songs.

2. Music is actually good for you.

When we listen to music, dopamine, a feel-good neurochemical typically associated with pleasure, is released. Music is mesmerizing and it changes moods and attitudes. Music can reduce tension, anxiety, and pain. Good music can also regulate your pulse and heartbeat as well as relieving nausea and easing depression.

3. Music is associated with memories and emotions.

Listening to music during a time of loss can help us recall meaningful moments. Strong connections are made to music – its lyrics, its performers, its significance. Taking the time to listen to music can give us a chance to reflect and the opportunity to process our feelings.

4. Music is a ‘Companion to Grief’.

Music can accompany us throughout our journey through grief as a way of remembering our loved ones. It can help us process feelings about the passing of a loved one when our own words just seem inadequate. Music allows us the time to listen and reflect, perhaps giving us an appreciation for life.

5. Music is a Communal Experience.

In life and death, families and friends come together to celebrate. Music allows groups to come together with one purpose, one focus. Music can be observed by listening as an audience, singing as a congregation, or even performing together.

6. Music is Even Better When it’s Live.

Do you have any musicians in the family? Inviting them to perform a meaningful piece could offer a time for healing and an increased amount of personalization during service time. Hiring a professional musician can also add a great deal of artistry to the service. Live music has the power to evoke emotion in a way that no USB drive can. Consider a talented vocalist, an authoritative bugle, or a heavyhearted cello. Their expertise will offer sophistication to a sentimental day.

Music is a vital part of honouring our loved ones and helps us process our feelings. When we grieve, our thoughts are often hard to unfold naturally. Music gives us structure, a way to manifest our mourning.

Looking for more musical ideas? Visit our blog post about Perfect Funeral Songs .

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How To Cut Funeral Costs In Half

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 19:25:00 GMT

How To Cut Funeral Costs In Half

Did you know that arranging a funeral or cremation service can be as expensive as buying a new car? Traditional funeral homes offer services that can add up quickly, leaving grieving families with even more stress than they started out with. At Basic Funerals, our goal is to provide the families that we serve with low-cost, dignified funerals and cremations, not a mountain of debt. Want to know how to get the best service for less? Read on for all of the details.

Choose Direct Cremation
Direct cremation is as economical as it is straightforward. Typically, once the death has occurred the deceased is transferred into the care of the funeral home and subsequently brought to the crematorium. No service is held prior to the cremation and there is no need for a casket. Instead, a cardboard cremation container is used and the cremated remains are returned in a simple box. Families who choose cremation often bury or scatter the remains at a later date.

Hold A Memorial Service
Unlike a traditional funeral service, memorials don’t require the presence of a casket which significantly reduces costs. Caskets are expensive and the fees for the required staff presence can add up. Instead, consider holding a memorial service after the cremation has taken place. The cremated remains can be present in an urn or any other container of your choice and the venue can be as simple as a friend’s backyard or public park.

Have A Celebration Of Life
A celebration of life can take place at any time following a death. They’re a flexible, customizable, and very affordable way to pay tribute to a loved one. Typically there are no cremated remains present at a celebration of life, just a group of people who want to honour the deceased. Some families may choose to include pictures, music, or special mementos, depending on their preference.

Ask Questions
One of the easiest ways to save money when planning a funeral service or cremation is to ask questions. Make sure that you see a detailed funeral price list and if there’s anything that doesn’t seem clear, don’t be afraid to speak up. When making the first call to a funeral home, ask if the price that you’re quoted includes everything. Often families are surprised to find out that things like the cremation fee or transfer cost wasn’t included, leaving them with an unexpectedly high bill.

The post How To Cut Funeral Costs In Half appeared first on Basic Funerals .

The Embalming Process

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 13:55:00 GMT

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The World’s Best Funeral Museums

Fri, 28 Jul 2017 19:10:00 GMT

While a museum devoted to funeral and cremation services might not seem like a must-see, you’d be surprised at how interesting (and fun) they can be. Whether you’re curious about the history of embalming, intrigued by mourning fashion in the 1800s, or just want to break away from the traditional art and sculpture mould, we’ve got a list of the best ones out there.

National Museum of Funeral History , Houston, Texas
Celebrating its 25th birthday, the National Museum of Funeral History serves as an American tribute to one of humankind’s oldest cultural rituals. Expect exhibits about famous funerals (presidents, popes, and pop culture icons), historical hearses, caskets and coffins, and plenty of other classical and contemporary displays. Learn about how different cultures mourn their dead, discover the details of embalming, and find out how social traditions of the past have influenced the way that we grieve today.

Tot Zover Funeral Museum , Amsterdam, Netherlands
Established in 2007 adjacent to a century-old cemetery, Tot Zover is a modern museum devoted to the ways that the Dutch people approach the inevitability of death . Featuring stand-out exhibits such as a model of the first Dutch crematorium (cremation was long forbidden in the Netherlands), bold photography, and replicas of funeral livery, Tot Zover also boasts a lovely cafe and plenty of green space to explore.

The Coffin Works , Birmingham, England
Step back in time at the Coffin Works, a museum that brings the art of making funeral furniture back to life. Featuring original machinery that created fittings for the Queen Mother and Winston Churchill’s funerals, this space offers fascinating tours as well as live music, art shows, and festivals.

The post The World’s Best Funeral Museums appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Toronto Funeral Homes Get a Second Life

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 18:06:00 GMT

Toronto is known for a lot of things: great restaurants, a thriving arts scene, tons of amazing festivals and cultural events. As it turns out, the 6ix has also found a niche in repurposing funeral homes. From galleries to lofts, we explore what happens when urban planning meets end of life care.

Toronto Funeral Homes Get a Second Life

LCBO, Queen and Dunn
Once a funeral home located in the heart of Parkdale, this shiny new LCBO location is the perfect spot to grab a few locally crafted beers en route to a lakeside picnic. Boasting a parking lot (a rarity in the Toronto) and an impressive selection of wines and spirits, it’s been a welcome addition to this Queen West neighbourhood.

Pop Up Art Gallery, Queen and Broadview
What better way to contemplate the great unknown than by exploring art installations in a former funeral home? In an exhibition put on by Labspace Studio in 2011, a group of 15 artists set up the facility as a stage to showcase sculptures, film projects, and photographs under “…that recalled, reinterpreted and recreated a past memory.”

Veterinary Clinic, Queen and Strachan
Occupying prime real estate across from Trinity Bellwoods Park, this new animal hospital is housed in what used to be one a funeral home dating back to the 1800s. Today, it’s a state of the art facility dedicated to the health and well-being of Toronto’s fuzziest citizens.

Condominums, Roncesvalles and Howard Park
While the project is still in its infancy, plans to turn what was once a Roncey landmark into sprawling condos has left locals feeling hot under the collar. The tastefully appointed two-storey funeral home was leveled to make room for a 93 unit building, something that nearby residents aren’t especially keen on.

Arts and Music Studio, Niagara and Tecumseth
Once home to the National Casket Company in the early 1900s, this heritage building has been transformed into a live-in studio space for a diverse group of artists and musicians. Unfortunately, redevelopment plans are in the works, leaving the residents in a precarious position.

The post Toronto Funeral Homes Get a Second Life appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Scattering Cremated Remains Creatively With Volkswagen

Fri, 05 May 2017 17:19:00 GMT

At Basic Funerals, we believe in the value of cremation. As we continue to lead the industry in low-cost funeral services, we’re constantly getting reminded as to why choosing cremation is so powerful.

Scattering Cremated Remains Creatively

Volkswagen, purveyors of iconic vehicles like the Beetle and Vanagon, demonstrates one of the benefits of cremation (albeit in a way intended to push the newest member of their fleet…) A family comes together to embark on a cross-country road trip in order to scatter their grandfather’s cremated remains. Together, they take in breathtaking scenery while (ostensibly) reflecting on a life well lived. It culminates with the group at the edge of the ocean, scattering the cremated remains into the wind.

Regardless of whether or not you buy into the consumerism that comes with advertising, the argument for cremation is a strong one. Not only is it low-cost, it offers the kind of flexibility that allows for families to come together at their convenience to honour their loved one in a way that they see fit.

As the funeral services industry continues to evolve, people will see increased offerings that promote customization and creativity. We encourage the families that we serve to think outside the box, whether it be to cross Canada for a scattering ceremony or to throw a massive celebration of life party in an art gallery. At the end of the day, it’s entirely up to you.

The post Scattering Cremated Remains Creatively With Volkswagen appeared first on Basic Funerals .

“What Happens to Facebook After I Die” and Other Social Media Questions Answered

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 20:10:00 GMT

Whether you’re a big fan of social media or a reluctant participant, it’s hard to avoid having at least one active account these days. Luckily, you can share as little or as much as you want- it’s under your control. So what happens to all of your social media profiles after you die? We’ve put together this helpful piktochart to help make things clearer.

What Happens to Facebook After You Die

– Facebook offers the option of appointing a ‘legacy contact’ who will have some control over your account should you die.
– Different social media sites require different documents to successfully close an account. What works for Instagram might not be enough for Facebook and so on.
– Some accounts are deactivated within months of a death, others linger on eternally.
– In some instances, your username will be up for grabs once your account has been deactivated.
– Certain platforms offer the possibility of memorialization which means that the account will remain posted but cannot be modified.

Want to avoid leaving your loved ones with unnecessary social media struggles? Prepare a document with all of your login information and keep it safely stored alongside your will and other funeral prearrangement information . It’s the best way to ensure that your selfies live on, but only if you want them to.

The post “What Happens to Facebook After I Die” and Other Social Media Questions Answered appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Affordable Funeral Services And Beyond- The Future of Funerals

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 15:13:00 GMT

Gone are the days where every family wants a traditional service (and has to deal with a traditional price tag.) Now, funerals can be as unique as the person they’re honouring. So where does the future of funeral services lie? Short of getting our hands on a crystal ball, it’s hard to know for sure. But as one of the first funeral service industry distruptors, we’ve got a few ideas.

Affordable Funeral Services

Don’t want to spend upwards of $10,000 on a funeral? Then don’t. With today’s flexibility as far as cremation, burial, and other aspects of the funeral service are concerned, there’s no need to spend a dollar more than you’re comfortable with. Direct cremation continues to skyrocket in popularity, in part due to its economic benefits. It’s also an ideal way to create a custom service tailored to your specific needs. Add in a wide variety of caskets and urns at all price points and you’ve got everything required to keep prices in check.

Bespoke Funerals and Memorial Events

You can plan every single detail of a wedding, right down to a specific shade of pink peony in a bouquet. Why shouldn’t funerals be the same? Your funeral or memorial service is an opportunity for the people who love you to gather one last time to celebrate everything that makes you so wonderful. If you’re a minimalist with a penchant for good coffee, mention this when you meet to preplan your funeral . Want champagne to flow like water? Just say the words. There are no hard rules as far as how a funeral should play out. What matters is that it represents the person it honours in the best way possible.

Total Transparency

In the age of (near) complete access to information, it seems especially unwise to try to conceal the true cost of things from consumers. At Basic Funerals, we’ve been big on transparency since day 1. Our quotes for affordable funeral services are comprehensive and outline every charge so that the families we serve know exactly where their money is going. From the caskets to cremation, we make it easy to compare with other establishments and promise that what you see is what you get, no surprises.

Taking Funeral Services Online

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Learning To Die: BJ Miller’s End Of Life Philosophy

Fri, 07 Apr 2017 19:59:00 GMT

B.J. Miller’s unique approach to death and dying begins with an accident that cost him three limbs. After a party in 1990, he and a few friends scaled a parked commuter train where he was hit with 11,000 volts from an overhead power line. He suffered extensive burns and hovered close to death, waking up days after the incident with no memories of what had happened.

As Miller began the slow process of getting used to his new normal, he made the decision to view his situation as uniquely different rather than uniquely difficult. It was, he explained, “(a) variation on a theme we all deal with — to be human is really hard.” And so began his journey towards changing the way that we view death.

Curious to learn more about Miller’s work? Here are some excellent links:

The Tim Ferriss Show- The Man Who Studied 1,000 Deaths And Learned How To Live

The New York Times- One Man’s Quest To Change The Way We Die

TED Talk- What Really Matters At The End Of Life

The post Learning To Die: BJ Miller’s End Of Life Philosophy appeared first on Basic Funerals .

10 Songs That Are Perfect For A Funeral

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 20:01:00 GMT

Gone are the days where funerals were set exclusively to sombre dirges. With the increasing number of people choosing to customize every step of the service, music plays a big role in telling the story of a person’s life. Whether you’re thinking about preplanning and want to cover all the details or are just looking for some inspiration, we’ve rounded up a list of some excellent options.

The post 10 Songs That Are Perfect For A Funeral appeared first on Basic Funerals .

What Most Funeral Directors Won’t Tell You: How To Protect Yourself Against Unfair Sales Practices

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 02:15:00 GMT

Losing a loved one means a lot of complicated emotions. The last thing that grieving families need is the additional stress that can come with arranging a funeral service. At Basic Funerals, we guarantee transparency and firmly reject the ‘upselling’ approach.

In order to help you understand how to protect yourself at the time of need, we’ve put together a few helpful tips.

Casket Costs 101
Often, funeral homes will display their most expensive caskets in a selection room and keep the more economical models out of sight. Always ask for a price list and inquire about options other than what’s displayed. There is also the possibility of purchasing a casket from directly from the manufacturer or a low-cost provider, don’t feel pressured to purchase from the funeral home itself if you don’t want to. There should be absolutely no additional charges or equipment fees if you decide to purchase your casket elsewhere.

Understand Embalming
It’s extremely important to understand that embalming is not required by law unless special circumstances exist. For instance, if you intend to ship a body internationally, embalming becomes a legal necessity. That being said, in the majority of cases, there is no need to embalm unless it’s something that you want to do.

Beware of Hidden Costs
A lot of funeral homes like to talk about low prices, but as soon as you read the fine print, the costs start to add up. At Basic Funerals, our price lists are entirely comprehensive- what you see is what you get. Whether you’ve pre-planned your funeral or are making arrangements at the time of need, you should be confident that no additional charges will pop up after the contract has been signed.

Protect Your Pre-Arrangements
When you pre-arrange a funeral, the understanding is that there will be no additional costs at the time of need. Unless you personally choose to make a modification to the contract, we guarantee that there will be no extra charges . Under no circumstances should a funeral home ask for more money than was initially paid.

Understand Funeral Fallacies
Despite what someone might tell you, expensive add-ons like rubber seals on caskets don’t actually do much at all. Regardless of how much protection you add, a body will decompose no matter what. If you’ve chosen direct cremation, you do not need a casket. A simple cardboard cremation container is all that is necessary and at Basic Funerals, this is provided at no cost. If you’re offered a feature that comes at an additional expense, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You should know exactly where your money is going.

Is It Necessary?
In order to keep costs low, avoid needless expenses. Go through the itemized list with the funeral director and ask if there’s anything that can be omitted. For instance, if your loved one never cared for flowers there’s no need to get a casket spray. Don’t want an urn? You don’t need one. Don’t hesitate to ask questions- a good funeral director will go out of their way to make sure that you have the answers.

Take Your Time
As a final note, be sure not to let anyone take advantage of you when emotions are running high. Granted, time can be of the essence but you should never feel pressured into making a decision you aren’t comfortable with.

Questions?

Basic Funerals is proud to provide low-cost services without compromising on quality, care, or compassion. We’re here to answer any questions that you may have and invite you to contact us at any time.

The post What Most Funeral Directors Won’t Tell You: How To Protect Yourself Against Unfair Sales Practices appeared first on Basic Funerals .

5 Controversial Funeral Industry Moves

Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:47:00 GMT

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John St’s “Text And Drive” Billboard

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Radio Galaxy’s Epitaph Contest

Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home Billboard

Buen Camino Funeral Home 2 for 1 Campaign

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Come a Little Closer Subway Ad

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The Final Ride: A Brief History of the Funeral Coach

Tue, 07 Feb 2017 15:58:00 GMT

We’ve all seen funeral coaches (that’s industry-speak for ‘hearse’) navigate their way to the cemetery but what do we really know about these souped up station wagons? From their super simple roots to the latest in funeral livery, we cover the spectrum.

The Bier
The earliest funeral coaches weren’t coaches at all. Rather, they were flat wooden platforms that were used to carry the deceased by hand. Nowadays, biers are made of lighter materials (typically aluminium), feature wheels, and are referred to as church trucks. They’re used to transport and/or support caskets to, during, and from a funeral service.

The Coach as We Know It
In the 1930s, the Sayers and Scovill Coach Company introduced the long, sleek vehicles that are best recognized as funeral coaches Nowadays, building a funeral coach is a rather complicated affair. Coach vehicles are most often built from Cadillacs and Lincolns but neither manufacturer (or any other car company, for that matter) has a designated funeral coach facility. Instead, a third-party company is hired to retrofit existing vehicles to accommodate caskets. The process is long and messy. The original car has to be sawed in half, stripped of its electrical and vital fluid lines, and then reassembled on a new, longer chassis. Next comes the extras like the bier pin plates (the latches that keep the casket from sliding around), curtains, doors, and so on. So what does a fully-loaded, totally retrofitted funeral coach cost? In or around $110k, making them a pretty significant investment.

Save

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Why You Need a Will: The Millennial’s Guide to Planning Ahead

Fri, 27 Jan 2017 17:36:00 GMT

So you might not have a house, car, 2.5 kids, or a diverse investment portfolio. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get your affairs in order. Being an adult is more than paying bills on time and getting to make executive decisions like whether or not to have just wine for dinner. It’s about making sure that your bases are covered, no matter what.

Regardless of how much money you have (or don’t have, for that matter), whether you’ve got assets, or how uncomfortable thinking about death makes you, there’s no excuse not to get your act together.

Pick a Will, Any Will
Granted, it’s a good idea to get the help of a pro but lawyers aren’t cheap and budgets don’t always have a lot of wiggle room. Ideally, you’ll sit down with an experienced lawyer (it’s best to find someone who specializes in this sort of thing) but if you’re trying to keep costs down, start with a template. Easily available online, templates allow you to understand what’s needed to draft a will. Once you’ve put it together, contact a pro who will have a look and make sure that everything checks out. It’s not totally free but you can’t put a price tag on peace of mind.

If you don’t have a Will we recommend Willful.co to put together an affordable legal will.

Name an Executor
If you haven’t named an executor, the law rules supreme in terms of settling your estate. For instance, if you die without a will, your legal next of kin is in charge of handling your affairs. So who’s the next of kin? Well, the list ranks spouse first, followed by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, father or mother, siblings…. The list goes on. Maybe you don’t want your parents tasked with this unimaginable burden in the very, very unlikely event that they outlive you. Or you don’t trust your sister to get things right. Either way, it’s best to name an executor that you know will be up for the job.

Power of Attorney and Living Wills
Think of someone having power of attorney being like an executor while you’re still alive. If you’re in any way incapable of making your own decisions, the person who you’ve given Power of Attorney to will be in the position to call the shots on your behalf. Part of the Power of Attorney document that you draft should include a Living Will which outlines care and treatment wishes so that there’s nothing left to chance. Emotions run high during times of stress, it’s best to be crystal clear with your directives in order to save your loved ones a whole lot of misery.

Have the Conversations
All of the preparation in the world won’t be of much help if no one knows about it. Take some times to talk to your family and friends about your wishes and let them know where you stand. Not the most cheerful conversation to have but you’d be amazed at how liberating it feels to get it all out in the open. If anything, you might inspire others to follow suit.

Need help?
We’re here for you. Contact us whenever you’d like, we’d be happy to chat or answer any questions you might have about the importance of pre-planning .

The post Why You Need a Will: The Millennial’s Guide to Planning Ahead appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Memorial Venues in Oshawa, Ontario

Fri, 20 Jan 2017 14:27:00 GMT

Following a funeral or cremation service in Oshawa , there are many options in terms of venues for memorial services. We invite you to explore some of the choices below.

Durham Banquet Hall and Conference Centre
Conveniently located within the Best Western Durham Hotel the Banquet & Conference Centre is available to host your private event. The venue offers unique octogonal shaped rooms, lined with panoramic windows, Chiavari ballroom chairs, floor length linens, beautiful square china dishes and much more. The beautiful space is an ideal setting for your loved one’s memorial service.

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
The modern and unique setting of the Robert McLaughlin Gallery offers guests a perfect setting for an intimate family affair. The gallery is a spectacular venue with unmatched panoramic views. Say goodbye to your loved one in a truly one-of-kind setting and leave your guests with a lasting impression.

Quality Hotel & Conference Centre
QHCC is committed to providing first class services and top notch cuisine. The staff pay attention to every detail in order to create a truly idyllic experience. From large boisterous gatherings to intimate celebrations, the Quality Hotel can accommodate all sizes and requirements. With over 9,500 square feet of elegantly decorated flexible space, QHCC is one of the best places in Oshawa to host your loved one’s memorial service.

Oshawa Golf and Curling Club
The Oshawa Golf and Curling Club is not just your typical private golf and curling facility. The Club offers an incredibly beautiful environment for their guests private events. The Club is capable of catering such events for family gatherings and intimate affairs. It is a picture perfect place to say goodbye to your loved one.

General Sikorski Hall
This beautiful banquet venue is nestled in the forested outskirts of Oshawa. It boasts halls varying in size to match every occasion. The halls differ in style each featuring a modern, contemporary, rustic or European decor. The grounds also have a picturesque chapel located against a forest backdrop for your outdoor ceremonies. The versatility and charm of the Sikorski Hall make for a beautiful memorial venue.

Whether you have questions about planning a memorial service in Oshawa or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Running Out of Real Estate: Is This The End of Traditional Cemetery Space?

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 18:47:00 GMT

For anyone with a finger on the pulse of Toronto’s red-hot real estate market, it should come as no surprise that no piece of property is safe from skyrocketing costs. Fevered bidding wars, aggressive buying tactics, it’s all in a day’s work for Torontonian house-hunters and their realtors. As it turns out, not even the dead are immune to the frenzy surrounding city realty.

On a recent episode of CBC’s The Current , Anna Maria Tremonti spoke with Nicole Hanson, an urban planner who has studied death in cities. According to Hanson “Death is now an equity issue for those in the GTA and Toronto. We are going to be out of space in 5 to 10 years,”

Across the globe, different cultures have different ways of dealing with similar issues. Historically, one way of negotiating the constant need for burial space was to offer plots on a lease basis. Generally a lease would be for 10-15 years, giving the body time to decay. By the end of the lease, families could choose to renew or allow for the remains to be disinterred and for the spot to be used by someone else. The concept of being buried in perpetuity is what’s creating this scramble for these coveted spaces.

In China, space is at a premium and cemeteries are losing out. In some provinces of the country, traditional burial is prohibited, meaning that people have no choice but to be cremated. In other parts of China, coveted cemetery space has been snapped up by developers, meaning that families had to relocate their dead loved ones, often on short notice. Given the cultural significance of ancestors as well as the logistical and emotional stress associated with the moves, it’s evident that this option is less than ideal. In Jerusalem, cemeteries have to obey Jewish law all while negotiating limited space. One solution is to dig deep down into the earth, creating burial spaces up to 22 stories below the ground. Some of the more sinister-minded are capitalizing on the shortage by selling cemetery space on the black market. Marking up costs by tens of thousands of dollars, they take advantage of those desperate to ensure their loved ones have a resting place.

So what can we do? Well, the first step is to consider what you want for yourself. If you plan on being cremated and having your remains scattered, you’ve got nothing to worry about. However, if you’d like a traditional burial, time is of the essence. Eric Vandermeersch , the CEO of Basic Funerals, puts it simply: “Talk to your family. So many Canadians are scared to discuss what they want when they die or what’s best for the family. Once everyone has given you their input, make the call. If burial is important to you, decide on the location of your resting place and buy it as soon as you are able. It probably won’t be available when you die.”

The post Running Out of Real Estate: Is This The End of Traditional Cemetery Space? appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Memorial Service Venues in Brampton, Ontario

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 14:18:00 GMT

Following a funeral or cremation service in Brampton , you may wish to hold a memorial service. There are a range of options available to you- we invite you to explore our list.

Riverstone Golf and Country Club

Riverstone combines professional services and beautiful settings to create a wonderfully exclusive experience. The club features a spectacular ballroom with soaring ceilings and expansive windows. It can sit up to 160 for an elegant banquet or 200 for a more casual affair.

Lionhead Golf and Country Club

The sweeping views at Lionhead Golf Club offer guests a dramatic backdrop for their private events. From a small, intimate affair to elaborate celebrations, Lionhead is fit to suit your needs. It is a wonderful setting to hold a memorial service for your loved one.

The Garden Banquet & Convention Centre:

The garden Banquet and Convention Centre is a versatile space offering 3600 square ft. of elegantly appointed space. Boasting high ceilings and luxurious touches, it’s the ideal place to hold a memorial service.

Tandoori Flame

A lovely and unique setting for your loved one’s memorial service is the Tandoori Flame restaurant in Brampton. With several party room styles and themes, the team at Tandoori Flame prides themselves on their ability to offer solutions for private parties and gatherings of all sizes.

Turnberry Golf Club Inc.

Turnberry Golf Club offers guests a wraparound covered and heated terrace overlooking the rolling fairways, a full-service bar, a lounge, and a landscaped garden terrace tent. With it’s extensive list of amenities, it’s an ideal venue for a memorial service.

Whether you have questions about memorial services in Brampton or want more information, we are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.

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Memorial Venues in Hamilton, Ontario

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 21:36:00 GMT

Whether you’re looking for a small space or a grand venue, there are no shortage of spots to hold memorial services in Hamilton .

The Grand Olympia
The Grand Olympia caters to ensuring the success of your event by providing exceptional service and sparing no detail. With its exceptional decor and elegant table settings, the Grand Olympia will ensure that the memory of your event lives on, long after the evening is over.

The Spice Factory
The newly renovated Spice Factory is an event space and bar perfect for any occasion. It provides a unique setting with an air of elegance and sophistication. The Spice Factory features a meeting room, a fully licensed patio, and two event spaces, making it one of the largest venues in Hamilton. Whether you’re planning a large celebration of life or an intimate memorial service, you can be confident that The Spice Factory will provide the perfect setting.

Dundurn National Historic Site
Dundurn Castle is a national historic site. It was one of the finest estates in ontario featuring a large villa, gardens, grounds, and a spectacular view of Lake Ontario. The coach house at Dundurn was built in 1870 to shelter the coach, horses, and servants. Today, the property’s hayloft serves as a unique banquet space for up to 88 guests. The magnificent Victorian venue is sure to impress your guests with its unmatched magical quality, making it the ideal location to host a memorial service.

Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s
The Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s is one of Canada’s first full service, privatized convention and event facilities. The centre, which opened in 1981, has become a landmark in Hamilton’s bustling downtown core. Recently renovated, the centre can adapt to suit a range of needs, making it the ideal place to host a memorial service.

Toast Wine Bar
Toast Wine Bar is located in the central hub of downtown Hamilton in Treble Hall. Toast believes that wine doesn’t have to be a pretentious thing, they want to share their passion for great wine, great food, and great experiences with their customers. The Toast Wine Bar has three intimate spaces that can accommodate groups of up to 40 people. The bar prides itself in providing a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. With its modern, unique setting, Toast Wine Bar provides the perfect atmosphere for a memorial.

To learn more about memorial services in Hamilton or to discuss planning a cremation or funeral, please contact us today.

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Memorial Service Venues in London, Ontario

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 17:22:00 GMT

Following a cremation service in London , there are plenty of options as far as memorial service venues are concerned. From intimate restaurant gatherings to outdoor celebrations of life, there’s something to suit every taste.

Civic Gardens
London’s Civic Gardens is located 625 Springbank Drive and is one of the city’s most picturesque locations for private indoor functions. The complex provides guests with an experience unmatched in both quality and quantity. The building is complemented on all sides by ravishing gardens complete with walkways, arbours, ponds, and acres upon acres of green space. It is sure to grant visitors a memorable stay.

Il Porcellino
Il Porcellino offers visitors a wonderfully Italian experience. The restaurant specializes in private functions and their beautiful dining room is available for booking any day or night of the week. The space was designed with private functions in mind and can easily accommodate up to 65 people. The restaurant offers 4 customizable dining packages which can be tailored to suit your preferences. Il Porcellino also provides their guests with an array of bar options. All of the private event packages offered include dessert or special occasion cake, coffee and tea service, freshly baked bread, soft drinks and fruit juices, sparkling and flat Italian waters, white table linens, your choice of coloured linen napkins, and a professional audio system.

The Rose Chapel
This beautiful 130 year old chapel is fully restored and provides guests with the use of a lobby, bridal suite, washroom facilities, air conditioning, audio-visual equipment, ample parking, cathedral seating, wheelchair accessibility, and the full-service amenities of the Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre. Luxuriously appointed, this venue is perfect for the memorial and funeral services of your deceased loved one.

The London Music Club
The London Music Club is an award-winning venue conveniently located in the downtown core. The club offers a variety of options in order to meet all the special requirements of your event and the attentive staff is available to help you through the planning process. An especially meaningful location if your loved one was a music enthusiast,the club provides a private room, wait staff, full service bar, catered food, and PA system.

Fanshawe Conservation Area
The 3,000 acre conservation area was founded when the Fanshawe Dam and Reservoir were created to protect the City of London from flooding. Situated on the edge of the city, Fanshawe Conservation Area boasts plenty of space for boating, hiking, or just taking in all that Mother Nature has to offer. The perfect place to host a memorial service for an avid outdoorsperson, Fanshawe offers a range of private event options

The Sunningdale House
A beautiful, fully furnished high luxury home in North London provides guests with an indoor pool and outdoor event space. Situated on a 2 acre property featuring an open grass field and idyllic landscapes, it’s the perfect spot for both indoor and outdoor gatherings.

Whether you have questions concerning planning a memorial service in London or would like to begin the arrangement process, we invite you to contact us now.

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Why Do We Grieve When a Celebrity Dies?

Sat, 31 Dec 2016 18:13:00 GMT

As we get older, we are more likely to witness the deaths of our favourite musicians, cinematic legends, and authors. Their deaths may impact us, leaving us feeling sad and nostalgic.

With social media, news of the deaths of our cherished celebrities and public figures are brought to the forefront. We are inundated with minute-by-minute updates about causes of death. We are sometimes made aware of never-before-heard-of illnesses. We read about other people’s grief and longing. We read their heartfelt tributes.

We have never met these people. Why are we so affected by their death?

Through our lifetime, we form attachments to the work and lives of artists, celebrities and public figures. Some are role models. Their work and contributions remind us of childhood memories. A musician’s song may bring us back to a wedding or a movie star’s most remembered film can remind us of a first date. A renowned scientist may have committed their life to something you are passionate about. All in all, the work of these artists, and the contributions of these public figures are often a reflection of how we have processed our own little world. Their servitude, their performances, and their struggles resonate with us.

We can often relate to these public figures or their characters because sometimes they provide us with ways to express feelings we wanted to share. Maybe they inspired us to move, to change, to fight or to be kind. Sadly, there are worse things happening in the world than the loss of an grandiose musician or an eccentric writer. But how would those other things compare to how a song or their writing made you feel? Would anything else match the joy you felt when thinking about re-enacting that one scene from a movie over and over again with your lifelong friend? These celebrity deaths can all of a sudden feel very personal for just those reasons. It leaves us yearning for ‘old times’.

There are no rules on grief and bereavement . Just because it can’t be explained doesn’t mean it can’t be valid. There is a vast amount of literature and resources to help us deal with the loss of a parent, a spouse, a pet, or worse – a child. The feelings experienced when we hear of the loss of a public figure does not even compare with the profound grief felt when we lose someone close to us. However, the nostalgia felt with these losses can create strong grief-like symptoms.

How are we coping?

The collective mourning that takes place with the loss of a public figure connects us to a universal community. We come together with friends or gather on social media to share in our grief. We reminisce together about how that person made us feel. We want our feelings acknowledged. We don’t want to feel alone. We want to come together and share, much like our ancestors did centuries ago to celebrate the gifts of those that made a difference in our lives.

Thanks to our varied ancestry, many cultures observe death in different, yet inspiring ways. Read more here: Festivals of Death

These publicized deaths heighten our feelings of empathy. They provide us with the catalyst we often need to sit back and assess our own lives and perspectives. We turn towards ourselves and examine our own values. It’s perfectly normal to feel sad about the deaths of these public figures because perhaps it is as simple as feeling that when our time comes, we want our lives to matter too.

The post Why Do We Grieve When a Celebrity Dies? appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Grief and Bereavement

Fri, 30 Dec 2016 14:33:00 GMT

Bereavement Support

Experiencing a loss is a monumentally difficult part of life. While we can’t take away the pain that you’re feeling, we can provide guidance and support to make this hard time more manageable. Below, we outline some key information about grief and bereavement and invite you to explore our resource section.

We offer a range of services to help families manage this incredibly challenging time. From individual and group counselling recommendations to therapy dogs and mindful meditation, we believe that no two people are alike and tailor our bereavement support accordingly.

How to Cope with Loss During the Holidays

We are always available to talk about grief and bereavement support. Contact us to discuss how we can help you.

What You Need to Know About Grief

Navigating grief can be lonely and confusing. It can help to understand what these big, overwhelming feelings are all about.

Grief is Normal

First and foremost, what you are feeling is normal. It is uniquely yours and indescribable to anyone else, but you are not alone. It’s normal to feel overcome with sadness, to feel incapable of imagining life ever being enjoyable again. It’s normal to wonder how you’ll ever get through what will be one of the hardest experiences of your life. Grief is messy and hard. It isn’t linear and can’t be neatly summed up or tidily resolved.

Grief Has its Own Agenda

Grief doesn’t follow a pre-determined timeline. It can’t be categorized or predicted. What works for one person may be counterproductive to another. It’s important to understand that you cannot control the way you feel, nor can you expect it to play out procedurally.

Grief is often described as being like big, overwhelming waves. It ebbs and flows, sometimes catching you off guard. It can be hard for those who aren’t experiencing the grieving process to understand, despite their best intentions. Well-meaning friends who advise you to “try to be strong” or “just don’t focus on it” don’t intend to lessen the significance of your experience, they just don’t understand.

Society has produced impractical expectations when it comes to grief and bereavement- don’t let yourself get caught up in this. What’s important is understanding and honouring the uniqueness of your grief.

Grief Should Not Be Experienced Alone

One of the most challenging aspects of grief is reconciling the tremendous feelings of isolation with the need to be supported. People naturally shy away from confronting heavy subjects, making it hard to reach out when you need to. Some are scared to say the wrong things, others aren’t comfortable tackling painful topics. You might feel let down by people you had hoped would be supportive but know that usually, that wasn’t their intention.

Finding an individual or group setting where you can safely and openly discuss your grief is essential. There is no one-size-fits-all solution but with a little trial and error, you’ll find a place to work through your experience and reach out for support.

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New Year’s Resolutions – Enjoy the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Fri, 30 Dec 2016 14:27:00 GMT

A Guide to Planning Ahead

The holidays are coming to a close. Many of us find ourselves reflecting on the accomplishments and struggles of the last twelve months. As we look ahead to the New Year, we often think of the changes we would like to make. Some of us work on our health. Some of us work on our finances. Some of us choose to spend more time with family and friends, while others plan to travel. Regardless of the New Year’s resolutions we plan on making (or breaking), there is one task that all of us ought to consider. All of us, without discrimination and sometimes without order, will be broached with having to deal with the death of a loved one.

There is no downside to planning ahead.

Sit down with your family while the conversation can be lighter, intangible, and perhaps a little candid. Discuss your wishes and arrangements ideas.

Not sure how to start the conversation?

Here are a few conversation starters:

Other matters to discuss include the following:

Vital Statistics

Gather all data about yourself and family. Not sure what to include? Here is a link to our arrangement form to give you an idea of the information required to complete necessary documentation at the time of death.

Gather and Organize All Key Documents

Have your Last Will and Testament in order and in a safe and accessible location.

Gather life insurance and other types of insurance (disability, home, auto, health, travel, mortgage, etc) information including coverage amounts, policy numbers, and beneficiaries.

Record the location of other important documents such as:

Make note of all utilities and services providers, including cable, phone, memberships, social media). Make sure to incorporate account numbers and all other pertinent direction.

Money, Money, Money

Let your family know where to find how much you have and where you keep it. A family does not want to be left wondering about mystery bank accounts or money under mattresses.

Look for worksheets where you can record a list of your assets and liabilities. We offer families The Executor’s Toolkit as a means of simplifying the the estate management process.

Talk and make note of as many details as you can for your family. Having the conversation ahead of time and having the information placed somewhere safe in an orderly fashion will save your family time when it is needed.

Take the opportunity to start the year off by preparing for the worst so that you can enjoy the best.

The post New Year’s Resolutions – Enjoy the Best, Prepare for the Worst appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Memorial Venues in Toronto, Ontario

Tue, 27 Dec 2016 18:52:00 GMT

Planning a memorial service in Toronto can be hard, especially if you don’t know which venue to choose. In hopes of making the process easier, we’ve made a list of some of the city’s best spots to hold a memorial or celebration of life.

The Fermenting Cellar
Around 1859, the former fermenting cellar of the Gooderham & Worts Distillery was transformed into one of the the most unique event venue in Toronto. The luxurious interior is decorated with heavy timber beams and limestone walls offering an industrial chic setting. The cellar is located in the Distillery District and offers clients a wonderful space to hold a memorial service.

Parkview Manor
The embodiment of outstanding service and visual appeal, Parkview Manor serves as the ideal setting for your loved one’s memorial service. The Manor offers guests a range of decor packages to make their event as unique and personal as possible. The convenient midtown location makes it effortless for your guests to attend.

Cathedral Centre
The Cathedral Centre was restored in 2012 and offers guests a modern, multi-functional event space. It is located in the heart of downtown Toronto at King and Church and features glorious park views, natural lighting, state-of-the-art AV and full kitchen. It is a lovely little venue to host your loved one’s memorial service.

Donalda Club
Donalda is a peaceful sanctuary of natural landscapes and graceful gardens. It is hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city by lush valley walls. The club is set against the backdrop of Donalda’s magnificent golf course, making it a picturesque location to say goodbye to your loved one.

Mariposa Cruises
Mariposa offers six unique, versatile, and well maintained vessels in the central hub of Toronto’s harbourfront. It is a beautiful, unique location to hold the memorial service of your loved one. The cruises feature various professional services including event planning, on site catering, and professional staff. Mariposa Cruises is consistently recognized as the industry leader and has won numerous awards for its service.

Interested in learning more about memorial services and celebrations of life in Toronto ? Contact our team today.

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Memorial Venues in Mississauga, Ontario

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 18:49:00 GMT

When it comes to planning a memorial service in Mississauga , the city has no shortage of venues. From unique restaurants to elegant banquet halls, there’s something suited for every taste.

Crystal Grand Banquet Hall
This beautiful boutique style hall is family run and specializes in private events. It offers guests an elegant experience featuring crystal chandeliers, a parquet dance floor, and sparkling wall fixtures. The magical environment is like something out of a fairy tale and can serve as the location for your loved one’s memorial service. The hall can accommodate anywhere from 100-320 guests and offers guests a truly memorable experience.

Red Spoon Restaurant
Red Spoon is a fully licensed restaurant available to rent. The facility allows guests to bring their own food or use Red Spoon’s catering services. It is perfect for a close knit family affairs. The restaurant prides itself on its flexibility and ability to adapt to all circumstances and requirements. It is a wonderful space to hold your loved one’s memorial service.

The Waterside Inn
This luxury boutique hotel features 102 suites and 6,500 square feet of versatile rental space. The Waterside Inn offers the ideal setting for your private event. It offers a comfortable and unique environment with a character and charm all its own. It is an independent space exuding a genuine friendliness. Nestled in the quaint Village of Port Credit just off the shores of Lake Ontario, the Waterside Inn offers a beautiful space for your loved one’s memorial service.

And Company Resto Bar
And Company Resto Bar is a premier hosting venue with an attractively designed interior. The 15,000 square foot venue offers the talents of an executive chef and exceptionally skilled staff. The Resto Bar comes outfitted with the warm tones of aged, natural wood and custom antique-finished metal fixtures. The main floor is a rich and inviting space while the second floor mirrors the style of the 1960’s. It is the perfect spot for your loved one’s memorial service.

We invite you to contact us with any questions or to learn more about funeral services, cremations, and memorials in Mississauga

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How to Cope with Loss this Holiday Season

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 17:02:00 GMT

Whether it’s the first holiday or the seventh without your loved one, this time of year can prove to be very difficult for many.

Who will carve the turkey? Who will decorate the tree? Who will entertain a houseful of guests?

Do we skip the holidays entirely? Do we try something completely different?
What about tradition?

Read here how other cultures honour death.

Don’t cancel the holidays, no matter how tempting it may be!

Here are some tools to help you cope with the holiday season:

Set boundaries

Be honest with yourself and others. Set reasonable expectations for yourself.

Surround yourself with loving people

People that really care about you will allow you to grieve and will understand that you may need to take time for yourself.

Communicate

Communicate with friends. Communicate with family. Reach out to a professional if you need to. It’s important to acknowledge that these holidays are going to be different. Get help and talk it out.

Pay It Forward

Days are going to be structured differently now. You may find that you may have more time in a day than before. Why not spending some of that time volunteering to help someone else in need? Maybe you would rather donate to a charity in memory of your loved one. Perhaps you still have some items that belonged to your loved one. Consider gifting some of those belongings to someone special. They’ll be grieving too and this gift may bring them a great deal of comfort.

Decisions

Decide what you want to do over the holidays. Make a conscious decision about where you would like to spend the holidays – either with a friend or other family members.

Enjoy

That’s right. Allow yourself to laugh. Don’t feel guilt either. Love and joy are great ways to combat the symptoms of grief.

The Basic Funerals Team wishes you a holiday season filled with the comfort of loving memories and the possibilities of joy and kindness.

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Best Venues to Host a Memorial Service in Ottawa, Ontario

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 17:35:00 GMT

Hope Cemetery

Hope Cemetery offers a quaint chapel for funerals, visitations, and memorial services, along with a brand new reception facility. Hope Cemetery’s reception facility offers a bright and welcoming atmosphere to hold visitations, celebrations of life, and receptions. With ample parking and on the cemetery property, Hope Cemetery offers a convenient and affordable venue for families to honour their loved ones.

The Marconi

The Marconi, located at 1026 Baseline Road, is the center of many of the city’s social events. They offer a delicious Italian menu, friendly staff, and a warm ambiance.

Wabano Centre

Wabano Centre has a Cultural Gathering Space that can comfortably accommodate approximately 250 seated guests, standing receptions can accommodate up to 500 guests. Wabano Centre is located on Montreal Road, less than 10 minutes from the downtown core with convenient access to the Vanier Parkway and the Queensway to accommodate guests from across Ottawa. Catering and ample parking are also available for all of those attending the Memorial Service or Celebration of Life.

Museum of Nature Memorial Service Venue

Museum of Nature

Museum of Nature can accommodate receptions for up to 500, banquets for 240, as well as theatre configurations from 20 people and more. This offers options for a small family gathering or a large Memorial Service or Celebration of Life. Enjoy the picturesque setting in this 100 year old building, fused with a modern and historical backdrop. Catering and paid parking available.

The Canadian Museum of History offers the most unique venues in surroundings that are world class and uniquely Canadian. Located in the heart of our beautiful National Capital Area, the Museum offers the most spectacular view of the city. Their River View Salon is a private and charming venue located behind the Museum of History. Its windowed exterior wall offers a fantastic view of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill. The River Salon can accommodate 100-140 guests. For daytime events, the museum also offers The Douglas Cardinal Salon, located near the Grand Hall. This space can accommodate approximately 75 guests.

Renowned as one of the country’s architectural gems, the Canadian War Museum sits near the banks of the Ottawa River and offers a variety of unique venues right in the heart of downtown Ottawa. They have spaces available for daytime events for up to 150 guests, including the Ateliers, or the Barney Danson Theatre. The latter is a multipurpose, multifunctional space. It is equipped with cutting-edge audio, lighting and video technology, and can be used as a lecture hall, and a banquet hall, often at the same time.

Hellenic Meeting & Reception Centre

Hellenic Meeting & Reception Centre is located at 1315 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa. Hellenic has been host to many meeting, receptions, and events for the last 20 years. Their staff is very accommodating which is comforting to those planning a Memorial Service or a Celebration of Life for their loved one.

Royal Canadian Legion Branches

Royal Canadian Legion Branches Communities often gather at their local legion. Why not host the Memorial Service of a loved one there too? Contact your local branch for more information.

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Funeral Potatoes Deconstructed: An Analysis of Famous Funeral Foods

Fri, 18 Nov 2016 15:44:00 GMT

As Benjamin Franklin so aptly put it, there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. We’d like to argue that needing to eat ranks pretty high up there as well. Historically, funerals have been associated with post-service receptions, a time when people can gather, share memories, and eat tea sandwiches prepared by dutiful parishioners. Nowadays, funeral services come in all shapes, forms, and sizes but it’s hard to argue the healing qualities of a good meal. That’s why we’ve managed to uncover so many traditional forms of funeral fare. From Utah’s finest to funeral pie, we cover the spectrum. Bon appetit!

Funeral Potatoes

How many casseroles can you think of that merited their own commemorative pin at the Olympics? Say hello to funeral potatoes, a curious combination of cheese, hash browns, mushroom soup, sour cream and potato chips. Typically prepared by members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints Relief Society, funeral potatoes are a crowd-pleasing comfort food that hit the spot during times of sadness.

Cabbage Rolls

Should you take part in a graveside service in Estonia, don’t be surprised if mourners produce cabbage rolls, desserts, and vodka in the moments following the burial. Do not, however, be tempted to save some for later. To take any of the food out of the cemetery is considered inauspicious. Instead, conserve your appetite for the larger post-funeral feast which takes place later in the day.

Funeral Pie

We have the fine folks in Pennsylvania to thank for funeral pie, a custard and raisin gem of a dish that will satisfy even the sweetest of teeth. The dark filling seems suitably appropriate for a post-funeral reception and the fact that it tastes pretty good doesn’t hurt either.

Irish Wake Cake

Irish funerals have a reputation of being boozy affairs, making the need for a hearty cake all the more important. Wake Cake (which actually looks more like a loaf) includes lemon juice, dried currants, and plenty of sugar. We’ll toast to that.

Chow Mein and Laulau

If you should find yourself at a Hawaiian funeral, chances are you’ll come across a plate of laulau and bowls of chow mein. The former is a little packet of chicken or pork, wrapped in a taro leaf and steamed and the latter is likely familiar to any carryout aficionado.

Funeral Meat Sandwiches

Maybe not the most appetizing name, funeral meat refers to a deviled ham concoction served up post-service in South Dakota. Served alongside your classic bars, cakes, and pies, these hearty nibbles are portable, tasty, and can withstand sitting on a serving dish sans refrigeration.

Colaci

Served in Romania, colaci is a ring-shaped bread that holds tremendous significance. Often, a coin is baked into the colaci and placed in the casket to accompany the deceased on the final journey. In other instances, small loaves are prepared and handed out to funeral guests.

So there you have it, funeral feasts from around the world. Have something to add to the list? Leave us a comment or send us a note.

The post Funeral Potatoes Deconstructed: An Analysis of Famous Funeral Foods appeared first on Basic Funerals .

How to Talk To Your Children About Death

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 20:06:00 GMT

Have you ever experienced the death of a loved one? Did you struggle with figuring out how to approach the topic of death with your children? Basic Funerals is proud to collaborate with Dr. Stephanie Greenham. We appreciate Stephanie’s insight in regards to talking to children about death.

Direct Expectations

This is especially important if the death of a loved one is followed by some changes in your everyday life. “It is important to try to keep to your child’s regular routine as much as possible, as this will provide predictability and a sense of security.” says Doctor Stephanie Greenham, clinical child psychologist. However, if your daily routine is changing is any way, make sure you outline exactly what will be happening to your child and why. This eliminates any uncertainty on their part and makes them feel more comfortable with the situation. For example, “Aunt Laura will pick you up from school everyday just like Grandma used to.” Or, “I will be staying with Grandpa for a few days this week so you and Dad will be home taking care of each other. But I’ll talk to you every day and I’ll be home on Saturday.”

Receive and Comfort

There is no universal salve for a child’s grief. As you know, every child is different and as a result, every child will react differently to hearing the news that a loved one has passed. Some children may cry, others may ask questions, and some may seem to have no reaction at all. What you need to remember is that every reaction is OK. Stay with your child and offer hugs and reassurance. Answer their questions and just be together for a few minutes.
Use Simple Language: Clarity is paramount when breaking the news to a child. Approach them in a caring way and use simple words that are direct and effective. For instance; “I have some sad news to tell you. Grandma died today.” Then pause to give your child a moment to process your words.

Let Your Child Have a Role

Providing your child with a role no matter how small can give them an active area to focus their emotional energy. Consider letting them read a poem, pick a song to be played, gather some photos to display, or make something. Let them decide if and how they want to take part.

Embrace Emotion

Parents often bottle up their feelings for fear of upsetting their child further. This is especially true with feelings of grief. Encourage your kids to say what they’re thinking and feeling in the days, weeks, and months following the loss. It is helpful for you to talk about your own feelings as well because it helps kids become aware of, and comfortable with, their own. Say things like, “I know you’re upset about grandma. I’m upset, too. We both loved her so much and she loved us too.”

Talk About the Process

Don’t force a child to participate or attend the funeral if they are too scared. It is important to allow your children to participate in the planned funeral arrangements only if they are comfortable with that. Explain to them ahead of time exactly what is going to happen and reassure them that’s it’s ok to feel sad. For example, “Lots of people who loved Grandma will be at the funeral. We will sing, pray, and talk about her wonderful life. People might cry and hug. People will say things like, ‘I’m sorry for your loss,’ or, ‘My condolences.’ Those are polite and kind things to say to the family at a funeral. You can stay near me and hold my hand if you want.” In the case that you want to explain what burials and cremations are to your child be sure to emphasize the fact that it is a special ceremony. Take the appropriate amount of time to share your family’s beliefs about what happens to a person’s soul or spirit after death.

Channel the Good Memories

It is always a good idea to let your child draw on the positive memories they have of their loved one. In the days and weeks surrounding the death, be sure to encourage them to draw pictures or write down their favourite stories. Talk about the person who died as much as you can. The acts of recalling and sharing happy memories help heal grief and encourage positive feelings.

Respond to Emotions

Take notice of how your child is feeling. If they seem sad, worried, or upset ask about their feelings and listen. It is important to let your child know that it takes time to feel better after a loved one dies. It is completely normal for some kids to temporarily experience trouble concentrating or sleeping or to have fears or worries. There are various groups and counselors who can help your kids if they need more support.

Allow Time

Grief is a process that happens over time. Engage in regular conversations with your child to see how they are feeling. It is imperative to remember that healing doesn’t mean you have to forget about your loved one. It means that you need to remember the person with love and honour the important role that they played in your life.

Feel Good

Allow yourself and your children to feel good. Let them know it is acceptable to still feel happy and enjoy things, even while they are missing their loved one. Provide them with the comfort they need but don’t dwell on sad feelings. After a few minutes of talking and listening, shift the tone of the conversation or suggest an activity that will help them feel a little better. You can go out somewhere, see a movie, bake, etc.

Dr. Stephanie Greenham, C.Psych. is a clinical child and adolescent psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children, youth and their families in various hospital, school, and community practice settings in and around the Ottawa area.

The post How to Talk To Your Children About Death appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Remembrance Day

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 19:34:00 GMT

In the funeral industry, we are accustomed to sombre ceremonies, respectful silences, and quiet melancholy. Remembrance Day resonates with us as we completely value the importance of honouring those we have lost as well as appreciating the significance of harmony and peace.

With Remembrance Day comes symbolism and history.

The History of Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day has been observed since 1919, the first anniversary of the Armistice agreement that ended the First World War in 1918 on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The Importance of the Poppy

The poppy is a beautiful symbol of Remembrance Day. With poems and artwork featuring poppies, it has become a worldwide symbol of remembrance. Artificial poppies are sold by the Royal Canadian Legion to provide financial assistance to Veterans.

Why Do We Observe a Moment of Silence

Every year on November 11th, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour those who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace.

We remember the more than 2,300,000 Canadians who have served throughout Canada’s history and the more than 118,000 who lost their lives.

The heartbreaking bugle calls of The Last Post, the moments of silent reflection and melancholy are all valued
November 11th traditions.

On Remembrance Day, Canadians should take the time to value the importance of reflection of our peaceful lives. The legacies, the grief and lives lost all reinforce our appreciation for kindness and freedom.

This Remembrance Day, we encourage fellow Canadians to take a moment to feel pride in our wonderful country by attending a Remembrance Day Service. Thank a veteran. Hug your family. Be grateful for our peaceful and charitable nation.

Visit our blog for information, visit our blog about Veteran Funeral Rituals and Dignified Burials

The post Remembrance Day appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Veteran Funeral Rituals and Dignified Burials

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 19:32:00 GMT

Everyone has the right to an affordable and dignified funeral upon their death. Families of veterans observe many of the same rituals as the civilian families we are privileged to serve. However, there are other funeral rituals that a funeral provider must be aware of when serving a veteran’s family at the time of a loss.

Veteran Funeral Rituals

About the Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program

Similar to Basic Funerals, the Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program believes everyone has the right to an affordable and dignified funeral or memorial service. The Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program ensures that eligible Veterans receive dignified funeral and burial services. The Last Post Fund, a non-profit organization has administered this program that has served Veterans since 1909.

Visit The Last Post Fund to inquire about the Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program.

Visit our blog post about Remembrance Day here: Remembrance Day

The post Veteran Funeral Rituals and Dignified Burials appeared first on Basic Funerals .

The Final Trip Home- A Guide to Repatriation

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 13:00:00 GMT

When a death occurs away from home, it’s important to know what to do. After all, it’s a complicated time made even more difficult by the geographic limitations.

Contact Us for International Shipping

Your first step should be to contact us. We have extensive experience with international shipping and know how complex the process can be. We will work on your behalf to ensure that all of the appropriate documentation is obtained and filled out, that the consulate is contacted, and that all measures are in place.

What You Will Need For Repatriation

When deciding to ship your loved one’s body, you’ll be required to provide specific documentation. Our job is to make sure that you have everything that you need to proceed with the ship out and to take care of all of the details.

An example of required shipping documentation:

Please note that these documents aren’t representative of all country’s requirements. Please consult our comprehensive funeral shipping guide for more information

Accompanying Your Loved One

Should you decide to accompany your loved one home, it’s important to contact to contact the airline as many of them offer bereavement fares. This discount allows reduced ticket prices, provided that you’re able to supply documentation confirming the reason for your travel. Each airline’s bereavement policies vary so be sure to inquire before confirming plans.

The Question of a Funeral Service

When repatriating a loved one, there’s often a concern as to where to hold the service. On the one hand, they likely have family in their homeland who would like to honour them but there’s also the matter of members of their adopted community. Often, families choose to hold two services; one in the country where the death occurred and another at home. This way, everyone has the chance to pay their respects and say a final good bye.

We’re happy to work with you to plan the funeral or cremation service of your choice, simply contact us for more information.

The post The Final Trip Home- A Guide to Repatriation appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Women in the Funeral Industry

Tue, 11 Oct 2016 17:46:00 GMT

We ask all of you to reflect on how the women in your life are treated. Do they receive equal pay? Do they have equal opportunities? Are they free of prejudice? Harassment? Are they ridiculed for being female? With blatant sexism still so prevalent in today’s society, we still need feminism…for every girl around the world.

Working in funeral service is no different. Funeral Service is a field traditionally dominated by men. As women started working within the industry, they were met with opposition.

‘I’ve had clergy refuse to do funerals with me because they don’t think I’m competent enough because of my gender.’
– Jean Gorham

Nova Scotia Funeral Homes Increasingly Run by Women

A Manitoba Funeral Director, Shannon Jackson recalls being looked up and down and asked, “What’s a pretty little thing like you going to do here?”

Death Becomes Her – Women Breaking Through Death-Care Barrier

Why were women initially discouraged from this profession?

It is believed that women could not handle the physical demands of the job. There is a great deal of lifting. Also, many may not realize that funeral service is a very stressful job and thought women couldn’t handle the stress.

Times are Changing

Luckily times are changing. As of 2011, 34% of jobs in the funeral industry were held by women, a staggering increase of 15% since 1991. Educational programs across Canada have also seen a drastic increase of women interested in studying funeral service. Classes now consist of approximately a 75% female to 25% male students – a complete reversal of the ratio from about 20 years ago. As Jeffrey Caldwell, an instructor from Humber College states: “Whomever sang “It’s a Man’s World” certainly couldn’t sing it any longer in our industry!”

Women in the Mortuary Business

What makes Funeral Service Appealing to Women?

Funeral Service is a field that calls for empathy. Women are also typically more nurturing and detail-oriented. Women have been known to choose funeral service as a second career after holding jobs in social work, nursing, human resources and management. Women are not only bringing their ability to foster long-standing standing relationships to the field, but they are also contributing job experience and knowledge.

Visit our staff page to view the remarkable women on our team and the men fortunate enough to work alongside them. Basic Funerals fosters an environment that believes in equality and a safe workplace for all.

Basic Funerals Team

Stand by the women in your life. Encourage them to pursue their goals and be what they want to be….even if it’s working within the funeral industry.

The post Women in the Funeral Industry appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Understanding Green Cremation

Mon, 03 Oct 2016 20:27:00 GMT

What is Green Cremation?

Also known as ‘bio-cremation’, ‘Aqua-Cremation’, or resomation, green cremation is a gentle, environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional cremations and casket burials. It is a quiet process that uses water and potassium hydroxide to reduce the deceased’s body to its basic element of bone ash.

What is the Difference Between Bio-Cremation and Traditional Cremation?

Traditional Cremation

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

Bio-Cremation

Bio-Cremation is the rapid oxidation of the deceased through the application of water and alkali solution, reducing the remains to bone fragments within a few hours.

The End Result of Bio-Cremation

Whether a family chooses burial, flame-based cremation or bio-cremation, the end result is the same – the body will be reduced to bone ash. The only difference is the time is takes for the process to take place and the stimulus that supports the transition.

Environmentally-Friendly Benefits of Bio-Cremation

A Natural Life Cycle

The sterile by-product made up of peptides, sugars, amino acids, and soap is sent through municipal water treatment where it is filtered, purified, and recycled back to earth through aquifer, lakes, streams. In essence, the body is recycled without harm to the environment. With green cremation, loved ones are returned to the earth through a cycle of life, helping to promote new life as nature intended.

Can a Family still Plan a Funeral with Bio-Cremation?

A family can still plan a visitation and funeral with their loved one present prior to the green cremation taking place. A family may also alternatively choose to have a memorial service to honour the life of their loved one with the urn present once the bio-cremation takes place.

Learn more about our Service Options

The post Understanding Green Cremation appeared first on Basic Funerals .

How to Plan a Funeral When You Are Out-Of-Town

Fri, 26 Aug 2016 13:06:00 GMT

Sometimes people live in different parts of the province or world when a loved one passes away. Other times, a loved one passes away at home while everyone else is off on holidays in a lavish resort. On occasion, the next of kin may be away on a business trip when their ailing parent dies. Planning a funeral for a loved one when out-of-town for whatever reason can pose many challenges.

Start Planning a Remote Funeral

– Contact funeral homes
– Have conversations with the funeral director and staff
– Learn about burial and cremation services

Find a funeral home with staff that will work alongside you and your family. The staff at the funeral home should be understanding and accommodating. There is a great deal to do in a relatively short amount of time. Having to plan a funeral from a different city or time zone may affect the planning process.

Considerations for a Remote Funeral

– Ensure the funeral home has the technology and knowledge to make arrangements over the phone or via email. Having these means will make the arrangement process easier
– Ask friends to help with tasks and errands

Instead of planning a funeral remotely, there is also an option to transport the deceased to where the rest of the family if located. Depending on circumstances, it may be easier to bring your loved one to you than to travel or to plan remotely. To make arrangements for transportation, families will be required to deal with the local funeral home as well as the funeral home in the city of the deceased. A family can decide if they wish to have a burial or a cremation.

Additional Item for a Remote Funeral

The deceased will need to be embalmed, placed in a casket and transported. Once that process is complete, a family can proceed with services and burial.

Cremation Before or After the Shipping?

The family can deal with the funeral home and crematorium. A memorial service can take place once the cremated remains arrive.

For a comprehensive guide outlining the rules and regulations associated with shipping remains, visit: Guide to Shipping Remains

A family can avoid many additional costs by having a written directive in place. By having funeral plans in place, and even paid for can alleviate many of the challenges that arise when planning a funeral, especially remotely. For more information on pre-planning, visit: Pre-Planning Options

The post How to Plan a Funeral When You Are Out-Of-Town appeared first on Basic Funerals .

A History of Greek Funerals

Wed, 24 Aug 2016 05:00:00 GMT

As a society that embodies the spirit of art, exploration, and culture it’s unsurprising that the history of Greek funerals is as captivating and enlightening as the people they honour. From prothesis to commemorative feasts, read on for a brief history of the Greek funeral.

Prothesis

To ancient Greeks, the spirit (or psyche) left the body in a breath of air. From there began prothesis, the preparation for the recently departed’s final journey. First, female family members gathered to bathe the body, anointing it with oil before dressing it in simple clothes. To ensure successful passage across the river Styx, a coin was placed in the deceased’s mouth to pay for the ferry.

Eyes and mouth closed, the body was enshrouded and laid on a funeral bed, feet facing the door, to receive mourners intent on visiting and paying their final respects. Throughout prothesis, the haunting sound of funeral lament could be heard, first sung by the family and later joined by a professional hired to perform threnos.

Ekphora

In the early hours of morning following prothesis, the deceased was transported either by pallbearers or horse-drawn carriage along the streets to make their way to the cemetery for burial. This procession, called ekphora, included musicians, friends, and family, all expressing their sorrow through mournful song and physical expressions of grief. Unlike contemporary services which often find mourners stifling outward expressions of sadness, ancient Greeks were encouraged to grieve publicly.

Once the procession reached the cemetery, the deceased was placed in a larnax, a small, often elaborately carved box. From there, it was either cremated on a funeral pyre or interred, the grave marked by a commemorative stele to ensure that the departed would not soon be forgotten.

Commemorative Feast

Following the burial or cremation, a feast hosted in the name of the deceased’s was held as a way to give thanks to those who had participated in the funeral rites. Because significant importance was placed on the perpetual remembrance of the dead, there was an emphasis placed on visiting the grave, particularly on the 3rd, 9th, 13th, and 30th days after the burial took place. The tomb was decorated and offerings were made in the form of food and wine.

Greek Funeral Contemporary Rituals

Today, Greek funerals draw some inspiration from the services that preceded them. Visitations typically take place the day and evening before the burial and serve as a time for family and friends to share stories and memories. Often, a priest will visit to hold a service where he will lead prayers and hymns.

The funeral itself is held in a church and includes a Trisagion service. Mourners are invited to pay their last respects to the deceased before the casket is closed and transported to the cemetery for burial. Once graveside, a short prayer ceremony is held, flowers are placed at the grave, and the casket is interred. Following the service, mourners visit the bereaved family to offer their condolences and partake in a makaria,a meal not unlike the one that followed a funeral in Ancient Greece.

Following the funeral service, it is customary to observe a 40 day period of mourning. On the Sunday closest to the 40th day following death, a memorial service is held in church in remembrance of the deceased. A similar service takes place every year thereafter, on the anniversary of the person’s passing.

The post A History of Greek Funerals appeared first on Basic Funerals .

How Was a Family Billed for a Funeral That Was Pre-Paid?

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 18:44:00 GMT

Ottawa Funeral Home Mistakenly Bills Family for Pre-Paid Funeral

Talking about funeral planning is a stumbling block funeral professionals meet on a daily basis. Encouraging families to pay for funeral services in advance can also be a difficult task. Understandably, people are hesitant to part with their money. However, pre-paying for a service and guaranteeing lower costs makes sense. In 2011, a woman in Ottawa thought she was making a good decision by pre-arranging and pre-paying for her grandmother’s funeral. When her grandmother died this spring, she received a bill for the funeral. As Executor, she doubted herself, wondering if she had pre-arranged the funeral but not paid for it. After reviewing her records, she realized that she had, in fact pre-paid for her grandmother’s funeral and had the necessary documentation to prove it. So why was she billed?

Read more about the story here: Ottawa Funeral Home Mistakenly Bills Family for Pre-Paid Funeral

Since this story went public, people have been asking us how a funeral home could bill a family for a pre-paid funeral. Although the situation was resolved, it does raise concerns. Will loved one be placed with the emotional and financial burden of paying for a funeral?

How Pre-Payment Works

We welcome you to read more about how pre-arrangements work by following this link: Long Term Planning or here: Pre-Planning Options

Steps Your Funeral Home Can Take to Protect Your Pre-Paid Funds

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Pre-Paid Funeral

We welcome you to also visit Bereavement Authority of Ontario for more information or download our complimentary Funeral Education Guide .

The post How Was a Family Billed for a Funeral That Was Pre-Paid? appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Dying to Know Day: Celebrating the Dead Around the World

Mon, 08 Aug 2016 12:33:00 GMT

August 8th, is ‘Dying to Know Day’ in Australia. It is a relatively new movement that hopes to help people become more knowledgeable about death. This movement encourages people to have conversations about death and discussing the topic of death with loved ones. By creating opportunities to have conversations about dying reinforces that death is a part of life. Having these conversations about death may surprisingly bring more joy and peace to one’s life.

The movement encourages people to create outings with their family or even private gatherings in which families and close friends can gather and talk about the topic of death.

Origins of the Movement

The movement is based on the book, ‘Dying to Know: Bringing Death to Life’, authored by Andrew Anastasios. The book discusses the topic of death and has become very popular with workers in the Palliative Care sector. People in The Ground Swell Project were inspired by the book and thought that they would want to spread the messages in the book to everyone in order to help educate everyone about death.

Goals of the Day

The main goal of this event is to encourage death literacy for Australians. The movement sparks community led conversations about end of life and everything that it entails from pre-planning funeral services to how a person would want their family to cope with their death.

Dying to Know Day encourages people to share their thoughts and wishes in order to educate their family members regarding their final wishes.

When the conversations about death and dying happen, it helps family members equip themselves with the necessary tools to deal with the death of a loved one or the approaching days of a death occurring. Dying to Know Day encourages people to have conversations related to death no matter what the health status of the people involved is.

Death Conversations in Canada

Do Canadians understand that facing the realities of death and dying may actually help them cherish the basic joys, routines and treasures present in our daily lives?

Conversations have started here in Canada, working alongside hospice workers and nursing homes to help start communication with our loved ones about death and dying.

Conversation Starters

A List of Conversation Starters Focused on Death and Dying:

– What song(s) would you like played at your funeral?
– Where would you like to be at your time of death?
– How would you like to be remembered?
– What would you like your monument (tombstone) to read?
– Discuss the first time you experienced a loss.
– What is your favourite joke about death and dying?
– Have you ever been present at the time of someone else’s death? If not, how would you imagine that experience?
– What would your final words be to your family and friends?
– What would you like the closing line of your eulogy to be?
– In your opinion, what is the most memorable death scene in a book/movie?
– What could you live without ever trying once?
– What would you like your last meal to be?
– What sort of offering can surviving family and friends bring to your funeral? Flowers? Food? Charitable donations? Cards?
– If you could bring someone (friend/family member/historical figure) back from the dead to spend an afternoon with, who would it be?
– Which actor/actress would you like to portray you in the movie about your life? How would you like the movie to end?

It is never too soon to talk about death. Someone could be dying to know what your final wishes would be.

The post Dying to Know Day: Celebrating the Dead Around the World appeared first on Basic Funerals .

The Cremation Process

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 14:34:00 GMT

Cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for a range of reasons. It’s economical, low-fuss, and offers families a ton of flexibility. Curious as to how it all goes down? Find out more in our guide to the cremation process.

What Is Cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing a body to basic elements and bone fragments through incineration at high temperatures. How high, exactly? It usually ranges from between 760 to 980 degrees Celsius. This happens in a specially designed chamber, called a retort, that has been constructed exclusively for the purposes of human cremation.

How Cremation Works

The First Steps

Before the cremation process begins, the body needs to be checked for any metal or medical devices that may be present. This often happens before the body even arrives at the crematorium. Because the temperatures are so high, there’s a risk that some implants and devices could cause dangerous reactions. The most common items that funeral directors must remove before a body is inserted into the retort are:

The Cremation Process

The next step is to place the body into a casket or a container, depending on the choice of the family of the deceased. The retort is then preheated and the body is inserted using a mechanised door. When the process starts, the body is exposed to a column of flames in order to incinerate it. Due to the body’s high water content, most of it simply gets vaporised and turns into smoke that is processed inside the retort. The process takes anywhere between three to four hours depending on the power of the retort and the mass of the body inserted. After this step is completed, the cremated bones will come out of the retort and then be processed.

What happens after the process is done?

Most of the time, the bones that come out of the retort are too big to be processed any further so they are pulverized into smaller pieces by a cremation technician. These remains are then placed into a tray that is left to cool off. Should any metal parts of the container or devices not removed prior to cremation still be present, they’ll be stored or disposed of according to local rules and regulations. Next, the remains are then placed into a device called a cremulator. Cremulators crush the cremated remains into a fine, sand-like powder. Typically white or grey in colour, they resemble ashes (hence the name). Finally, the cremated remains are transferred into a container or urn and returned to the family.

Cremation Definitions

Cremation Planning

For information about planning a cremation service or if you’d like to know more, have a look at our cremation services resources.

The post The Cremation Process appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Ottawa’s Catholic Cemetery Helps Syrian Refugees

Thu, 23 Jun 2016 20:38:00 GMT

Living in a Multi-Faith Community

We live in a multi-faith community. We co-exist rather harmoniously alongside each
other, with few incidents of intolerance. However, we are not immune to bigotry
or prejudice. It exists in our daily lives through social media, the news and
maybe even among family or friends. Reports of hate speech, acts of violence and
division all in the name of faith or condemnation are sadly regular occurrences.
In a time where we struggle to see the good, it is important to recognize the
good when we see it; to highlight and praise the people that bring light to a
dark situation.

New Life for Syrian Refugees

Months ago, the media and the public were discussing and taking strong stances
about the Syrian Refugee Crisis. Over time, neighbours demonstrated our friendly
nature in a truly Canadian way to make these new families feel welcome in their
new home. These Syrian families started new lives, new goals, new
accomplishments, and new struggles.

One family arrived in February along with their two daughters that were severely
ill. They had spent a lot of time in the Children’s Hospital receiving
much-needed treatment. Throughout their time at the hospital, the two girls
contracted respiratory infections. Within a short period of time, the young
sisters died within a day of one another.

Saddened and heart-wrenched by the news, the Muslim Community and the family’s
sponsors surrounded the family with support and caring.

Friends and Funeral Industry Come Together

A member of the Basic Funerals team heard of this family’s story from a friend
that wished to purchase monuments for these beautiful children. Using our
resources, we connected the administration at Hope Cemetery , one of the
cemeteries owned and operated by the Catholic Archdiocese, with the Syrian
Family’s sponsors directly. In an act of kindness, the staff at Hope Cemetery
arranged for the monuments with the requested inscriptions from the Q’uran.
Without the need for acknowledgement, without the need for reimbursement, Hope
Cemetery donated the monuments to the family and their beloved daughters. These
monuments will be placed at the Muslim Cemetery in Ottawa.

The families and staff involved were so taken aback and impressed by the lack of
hesitation of a Catholic Cemetery to help a family from the Muslim Community
that we wanted to share the story. In a business where the nature of grief and
the procedures concerning the handling of death are often so dictated by faith
and culture, it was a true privilege to witness the division of faith cast aside
in order to help one another. Embracing the bottom line of what it means to be
good, helping one another out, servicing our communities is what the funeral
industry is fundamentally about.

The post Ottawa’s Catholic Cemetery Helps Syrian Refugees appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Basic Funerals In The Canadian Business Journal

Wed, 28 Oct 2015 17:00:00 GMT

Eric Vandermeersch, Founder of Basic Funerals was recently interviewed by the Canadian Business Journal about his company, and their ability to offer an affordable alternative in the funeral and cremation industry. The services offered by Basic Funerals are not only expansive, and inclusive they are also up-front, and defined.

The Journal

The Canadian Business Journal is Canada’s leading online business magazine. It is an incredible milestone for any business, or entrepreneur, to be featured in one of their articles. As such, you can imagine that this was a very prideful moment for Basic Funerals. It made us think back to our most humble beginnings.

“We decided early that we wanted to put our focus in providing prices upfront for people to see, no hidden fees; at a time when most funeral homes wouldn’t even disclose their prices over the phone”. Says Eric Vandermeersch, CEO of Basic Funerals.

Basic Funerals

We, as a company, are so grateful to have made a positive presence in the lives of those who have trusted us and our services. Especially since they put their trust in us in such a stressful and deeply personal time of need. It is an accomplishment in and of itself to break into such a traditional industry, not to mention the proposal of a new business model. We take gratification in our ability to serve our clients’ needs wholeheartedly.

Contact Basic funerals if you have any questions, or if you would need to make any preparations. Our highly skilled consultants await your call.

The post Basic Funerals In The Canadian Business Journal appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Dispelling Common Misconceptions about Cremation

Mon, 12 Oct 2015 13:00:00 GMT

A lot of people would prefer not to talk about death, dying, and funerals. While we understand the reluctance, we also believe that open dialogue is an amazing tool. At Basic Funerals, our goal is to to simplify and demystify. So let’s start with cremation services . We’re going to talk about 3 of the most common misconceptions about cremation and set the record straight.

Myth 1: You Can’t be Cremated and Still Have a Funeral

Behold, the most widely held (mis)belief about cremation. So many people worry about not being able to have a funeral service if they choose cremation which absolutely isn’t the case. Like a burial, cremation takes place after a service. So if you choose an open casket, it can be accommodated.

Myth 2: Cremated Remains Are the Body

A lot of people think that the cremated remains that they receive include organs and other vital body parts. The truth is that during the cremation process, the temperatures are so high that all that’s left at the end are the bones, which are then processed into a fine, sand-like powder.

Myth 3: You Don’t Need a Casket for Cremation.

Even in instances of direct cremation, a casket is necessary. It’s main purpose is to transport the body and ensure that it’s protected. That being said, there’s no need to spend a lot of money on a cremation casket. There are several simple, inexpensive options to choose from.

Hopefully this clears up some of the common misconceptions you may have had about the cremation process .

The post Dispelling Common Misconceptions about Cremation appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Bringing Funerals Back To The Church: A Brief History of Funeral Services

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 12:59:00 GMT

A couple hundred years ago the front room of every house (or at least the houses that had them) were called parlors. In the parlor, the family would have all their best furniture, their most beautiful interior decorations and even a larger, less noticeable door off to the side. The furniture and decorations were to impress any visitors and act as a showcase to represent the family home. The large door off to the side was called the death door and it was there to bring coffins through.

Death was more personal back then, or at least, more “in person”. Maybe because there was no computers or cell phones or three-hundred thousand pictures on Facebook. The family would bathe their deceased loved one, dress them in their best formal, and lay them out in a coffin or on a bed in the parlor. Once everyone came by to pay their respect, it was off to church for a ceremony and then to the graveyard for a burial.

My how funerals changed…

The funeral industry really began in North America with the Civil War. There were 600 000 dead soldiers between 1861 and 1865 and it made for a lot of grieving families who just wanted to see their loved ones, one last time. Dr. Auguste Renouard was the man who made it all possible.

Dr. Renouard embalmed soldiers during the civil war for proper transportation home to their families. It was during this time that coffin makers turned into undertakers. They saw an increasing profit in the market and quickly jumped ship. Dr. Renouard showed them how to do this by opening one of the first embalming schools. Undertakers built parlors of their own which evolved into the funeral homes, visitation centers and chapels we know today.

From that point, until recently families followed this funeral process : two days of viewing in a very expensive casket, a separate day for a funeral service with burial and reception following. All of this was born out of a simple need to ship dead soldiers back to their families over 150 years ago.

Was any of it really needed?

Undertakers saw the opportunity to create a need for services. An embalming institution was definitely required but, a funeral home as a service location was redundant. Churches were doing a fine job before the parlor turned into a one-size-fits-all chapel. In fact, pulling families away from their churches in a time of grieving may have been a damaging disservice.

The overwhelming like-minded feelings of faith, love and a community are the overarching values of the church. Outside of weekly mass, people go to church to feel a sense of community for holidays, weddings, baptisms, and funerals. Why should funerals be plucked from the group?

Take it back to the church

If you’re part of a church and you need to arrange a funeral, consider your church as the main location for the services. Churches are almost always able to hold memorial or traditional services, visitations and receptions. And sometimes, they even have cemeteries right onsite.

The post Bringing Funerals Back To The Church: A Brief History of Funeral Services appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Why Your Funeral Will Probably Be Run By a Woman

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 01:31:00 GMT

Article Source: Article by Anne Fisher on Fortune.com

The funeral business is no longer a male-dominated industry.

When Kim Perry was 10 years old, she attended the funeral of a relative in her native Fall River, Mass., and was “impressed by how really lovely and comforting it was, and how nice everyone was.” She realized then that she could plan funerals as a career.

The mortuary business provides the only service that we’ll all someday need. But for decades, women weren’t welcome (except as customers). Looking for her first job, back in 1986, Perry found that “men really doubted that women could handle it.”

One forward-thinking funeral director finally took a chance, hiring her and one other woman. “We were oddities,” Perry says. “People kept asking our boss, ‘How are those girls working out?’”

The “girls” worked out just fine. Perry eventually became a licensed funeral director and now works closely with about 30 New England funeral homes affiliated with Service Corporation International. Headquartered in Houston, SCI is the largest mortuary company in the U.S., with about 1,500 funeral homes and more than 450 cemeteries nationwide.

And Perry is no longer an oddity—far from it. About half of SCI’s 23,000 employees are female, and 2,033 of them hold senior management jobs. What’s more, over half (57%) of mortuary-science students now are women. At many of the country’s 58 accredited schools , women have gained even more ground. At the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services in Houston, for instance, 64% of the student body is female, a big jump from 50% in 2000.

There’s nothing surprising about that, in Perry’s view. “Women are often more nurturing than men, and they understand the tremendous importance of details like having exactly the right flower arrangements,” she observes. “Most of the people making arrangements for loved ones are women, and they feel really comfortable talking to another woman.” The $16-billion-a-year funeral business, which employs about 441,000 people in the U.S., “is really all about relationships,” she adds. “Women tend to be great at it.”

Perry also sees lots of women looking into mortuary work as a second career, because managing funerals “combines other job skills and experience that lots of women already have, like counseling, social work, and event planning,” she says.

Qualifications, including internships, degree requirements, and licensing exams, vary from state to state. In some places, like Massachusetts, funeral directors must be licensed in embalming, which Perry notes “puts a lot of people off.” In other states like Florida, however, funeral directors can get licensed separately.

Every mortuary school curriculum focuses heavily on courses in sociology and psychology, “especially the psychology of grief, because we spend about 10% of our time with the decedent and the other 90% with the family,” Perry says. “Once people realize what the job is really all about, they’re usually a lot more interested.”

The post Why Your Funeral Will Probably Be Run By a Woman appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Dissecting Funerals #1: Steve Bailey from Binsky Whittle on The Legalities of End of Life Planning

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 19:35:00 GMT

It was an absolute pleasure meeting with Steven Bailey, licensed paralegal with Binsky and Whittle and member of the Law Society of Upper Canada. He educated us on some of the issues that can arise if your estate and affairs are not properly looked after before you pass away. I’ve been in the funeral industry a long time and my eyes were opened to many things that I was not at all aware of. Enjoy the podcast and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further question.

[powerpress]

ERIC: OK! I’m here at Binsky Whittle on Stanfield Road in the same building of the head office of Basic Funerals and I’m with Steven Bailey.

STEVEN: Hello.

ERIC: So, Steven, why don’t you tell me a little bit about what you do here?

STEVEN: So, basically- I’m a paralegal. I work under the supervision of lawyers. I do wills and estates. So, basically, anything to do with wills, power of attorney, or probates, they come to me. The best way to explain it to people, ‘What is a paralegal? Is that a lawyer or is that a whatever?’ Basically, if you look at it in the medical field, you have a doctor and you have a nurse. I’m kind of like the nurse of the legal field in a way.

ERIC: OK

STEVEN: So, I do all of the actual work. [laughs]

ERIC: [laughs]

STEVEN: The paperwork, all the not fun stuff… and then everything gets looked over by a lawyer to make sure everything’s done properly, and done legally, and then I deal with all of the clients. They call and they talk to me. It’s better to talk to me because I have more time. I can actually be more hands on, more than a lawyer where you hear from them once and you get a $500.00 bill. You know what I mean?

ERIC: Right.

STEVEN: So, it’s cost effective for the client as well. So that’s basically what I do here at Binsky Whittle.

ERIC: So wills, estates, probates, I mean, that goes along so closely with what we do when we serve people who are either prearranging a funeral, or actually arranging a funeral, which we would call at-need, where there has been a death. Because, people very often they don’t have their wills in order, their end of life affairs in order… and they don’t find out about find out about that until someone passes away. They are completely unorganized and then, you know, for the next time… they get organized. We run into that all the time and we’re trying to educate people on how they can best plan for their end of life. So, you know, we like people to prearrange their funeral to remove stress and financial burden. What would you suggest to people on your side of things to best plan for end of life?

STEVEN: And you’re absolutely right. When I get somebody in here it’s usually someone has died. You know and all of a sudden it’s like ‘oh, I’ve never even thought of doing a will.’ The issue is, sometimes, you know what? It’s funny. I find it’s usually men who are very stubborn about this situation.

ERIC: About actually doing a will.

STEVEN: About actually doing a will. So, they’ll come to me and say “I don’t need a will because of this, this, and this.” And they’re absolutely wrong.

ERIC: Because men are ten feet tall and bullet proof… I know I am. [laughs]

STEVEN: And that’s the thing. They’re like “I’ll never die.” I’m pretty sure if you get hit by a car, it doesn’t matter what age you’re at. You’re not going to most likely survive that. So, when I talk about a will, especially if you own a house, and a lot of people here, especially with the GTA market, houses are expensive— extremely expensive.

Eric: Yeah.

What a lot of people don’t understand is: If you don’t have a will, your estate is still going to be distributed. It’s not going to go to the government. A lot of people think ‘the government is going to take all of my money… that’s why I want a will’ that’s not the reason why you want a will. You want a will because if you don’t have a will, it could go to people you don’t want it to go to. That’s the issue.

ERIC: So, your estate could be divided up and given in a way that you don’t want it to be.

STEVEN: Exactly, and it’s easier for people to contest it as well. A friend, Bob, could come up and say “He promised me ten thousand dollars before he died.” And technically, he can go to court with that. With a will, it’s almost impossible to contest that.

ERIC: Because the will has everything laid out exactly the way you want.

STEVEN: Exactly the way you want, and who you want your money to go to and all of that. Another issue you come into is you have spouses as well… where you might not want to give everything to your spouse. Just because you’re married doesn’t automatically mean everything is going to her… or him.

ERIC: Right. We’re seeing a lot of families where there is a second marriage. A person passes away and they’re married to their second spouse… and so there’s children and grandchildren and things like that. It’s probably more complicated now than it was years ago.

STEVEN: It’s more complicated and if you have a will and you state that you want nothing to go to your ex-spouse, whether you’re divorced or not, she can still come in and try to claim something. It doesn’t mean she can’t. In law, you can claim anybody; you can sue anybody for any reason, really. It doesn’t mean you’re going to win, but you can sue anybody for any reason. When you have a will, it’s more concrete… Saying: ‘No, this is where I want my money to go to; this is who I want it to go to.’ And that’s basically the end of the story. It doesn’t mean people can’t still try to claim something. Because, like I said before, they can do anything they want. I can sue my next door neighbor because he looked at me funny. It doesn’t mean I can’t do that, but it doesn’t mean they’re going to win. When it comes to a will, you’re just saying, no ‘this is my wishes when I die. I want all of my money to go to my kids’, for instance, and that’s exactly what’s going to happen… and that’s the point of a will.

ERIC: So that’s it. That’s the main point of the will, to direct and divide up assets and things like that.

STEVEN: Now another thing I wanted to add as well, sorry, things like life insurance, GIC’s, you can name beneficiaries on, which is a good thing. You actually want to name beneficiaries on these different establishments because if you don’t, it goes to the will. The more in the will, the more you have to… what’s called probate. That’s where probate comes in.

ERIC: We’ll get to probate in a minute. I have a couple of other questions; because, I find this fascinating. Within the will, how do you suggest to your clients to choose an executor, or an executrix, or whatever— and please give me the right name. Because we see it all the time where the executor of the estate also makes the decisions on the funeral and sometimes the executor is not the next of kin and so we sometimes see some disagreements. How do you suggest people choose an executor?

STEVEN: It’s best to have somebody you trust. And also it’s good to have two. You can have as many as you like. An executor is also known as an estate trustee. It’s the same thing.

ERIC: OK. Is that a more correct term?

STEVEN: Estate Trustee is what they like to call it now, but it used to be called executor. The courts are trying to change it to estate trustee. It’s just complicating things more than anything, but they like to use Estate Trustee more than executor. It’s kind of like an older term—executor.

ERIC: Yeah

STEVEN: So, I always recommend to have at least two and to have an alternate as well, because if something happens to the executor and something happens to you soon after, then all of a sudden you’ve got nobody. It’s good to have two at the same time because then they both have to make decisions on stuff… as long as they don’t argue.

ERIC: Right.

STEVEN: Right. That can cause a whole other problem. If you have one brother… let’s say that there’s two of you. It’s good to have that one because he’s your brother and he’s going to most likely do what you want. But, I usually recommend either two together or one and then an alternate. Just in case something happens to that first one. Now, as the executor, you’re right, and it’s not always somebody that’s close like a family member. Sometimes, they’ll say “I don’t want my family members as the executor because they’re going to fight. They’re going to argue… I’d rather it be my friend, whoever…”

ERIC: Unbiased.

STEVEN: Unbiased. He’s just going to do what the will says. He’s not going to listen to anybody else. He or she is going to do what the will says.

ERIC: Yeah, that makes a lot of sense.

STEVEN: And that’s what a lot of people do… and that’s actually not a terrible idea—to have somebody outside of the family that you choose. And again, you have to trust that person.

ERIC: And I guess too, if you name an executor, or I guess, an estate trustee?

STEVEN: Yeah.

ERIC: —of your will, but you are going to be grief stricken when the person dies. You may not be in any state to actually do what you need to do.

STEVEN: That’s actually absolutely right.

ERIC: So that makes a lot of sense that you would choose someone like that…

STEVEN: And I’ve had times with clients and I’m with them and they’re the estate trustee, like a spouse, and it’s hard to talk to them because they’re crying and then they’re… Obviously, I try to be as easy as possible and make the process easy so that they don’t have to do too much work. That’s the whole point of what I do.

ERIC: Yeah.

STEVEN: But, when it happens and you’re right, they’re crying and it’s hard for them to bring this kind of stuff up, because they know they’re never going to see them again. So, it’s one of those things where it is tough and it’s better to have somebody who comes from the outside. Obviously, they’re still going to be sensitive; it’s a friend of theirs, but their hopefully not going to be as grief stricken. Let your family members grieve. That’s what they need to do right now, is grieve… and that’s it.

ERIC: You mentioned sometimes that if there’s two estate trustees they have equal power, if they don’t agree on something, what happens?

STEVEN: That’s the one issue when you have two. Eventually it will get to court and the court will decide what to do. It might not be what’s best for the estate. That’s why I say when you do it, you have to be careful if you have two joint [executors]… to make sure that you think that they’re not going to argue on anything. So that’s why it’s almost better to have the one and the alternate. When you do the one you make sure it’s somebody you really trust.

ERIC: Right

STEVEN: But, like you said, eventually it would head to court and court will have to decide for them. And sometimes what they’ll do is they’ll just say “you know what, guys? Too much arguing is going on here. We’re just going to liquidate everything and everybody’s going to get this percentage. Done.”

ERIC: So, what would you say to a person who doesn’t think they should have a will? They don’t see the value in doing it; they are probably obviously not educated on the subject. What are the three key points that you would say: here’s the three main reasons why you need to do this and why it’s so important?

STEVEN: One of the biggest ones, I actually have a personal experience that I explain to people that I like to tell people that really, to be honest, scares people. I don’t mean to scare them as in, “oh, you better get a will—”

ERIC: But, they should know.

STEVEN: They should know. My father passed away without a will and he didn’t have a lot of money but had a really, really big pension. The pension didn’t have a named beneficiary on it either so it went to the estate, but because there was no named beneficiary on it and it went to the estate, the pension company actually kept almost the whole thing. He had about almost $300,000.

ERIC: And you guys didn’t get anything?

STEVEN: We got $11,000 each and there’s three of us. Three brothers.

ERIC: Because there was no will?

STEVEN: Because there was no will.

ERIC: And if there had been a will?

STEVEN: If there had been a will, it would have went to the estate and it would have went to us. Now it’s not the government that took it. The government has nothing to do with it. The government, all they really want is the taxes. That’s all they care about, obviously. But, the pension company, they said “oh, there’s no will.” And there’s some clause in one of their forms that says if there’s no will, we keep the money. You get a small percentage… and that was it. That’s one of the biggest reasons why you need a will is because anything can happen and your money could actually not be distributed to your family members or your loved ones.

ERIC: Especially in that third party situation, I guess.

STEVEN: Yeah.

ERIC: If there’s no one named on the pension, there’s no will, there’s nothing to do then they just keep it.

STEVEN: They can say, “Sorry, guys. We’re going to keep this money.” There was a clause and we went to court and everything for this. There was a clause in there that they had stated in one of their contracts. Basically, we were out of luck. That’s, funnily enough, what started me on this path… to become a paralegal.

ERIC: You weren’t a paralegal at the time?

STEVEN: I knew nothing about any of this. This was over ten years ago. I knew nothing about this, but it kind of started my mind going and that’s when I started to get into this position. So, that helped me in that way…

ERIC: Yeah.

STEVEN: Another reason is—especially when, as you were saying before, the two marriages, people get married again and they get divorced, if you don’t change your will or make a new will and it’s before the date of the marriage it’s deemed void. Which means it’s no good anymore. So let’s say you have a will, you get married… let’s say I make you a will today and two years from now you find a new girl and you get married and you don’t think about it. That will that you made, you think “Oh, I’ve got a will. Don’t worry about it.”

ERIC: Before I got married?

STEVEN: Before you got married, it’s void. A court will not take it.

ERIC: So if you get married after you made a will and you don’t at least update it—

STEVEN: The date of the will has to be after the date of the marriage.

ERIC: OK. Got it.

STEVEN: That’s fine, you can keep the will the same, that’s fine, but you have to date the will after the marriage; which means, you could even just reprint it and resign it if you really want. If you’re thinking ‘that’s fine, I still want to give my money to Whoever Whoever…’ but, if it’s before the marriage the court will not accept it.

ERIC: Wow… OK. Very good point, I’m sure many people don’t know that.

STEVEN: A lot of people don’t. Yeah.

ERIC: I’m getting married next week, so I had no idea. So, we’re going to have to change some wills when we’re all done!

STEVEN: Well there you go! [laughs]

ERIC: Ok, great, anything else on the wills before we move on?

STEVEN: Last thing is… I guess… you asked for maybe three points? I said two… Now, this one doesn’t really pertain to the will exactly, but also Power of Attorney’s are very important.

ERIC: Power of Attorney, and that’s pre-death?

STEVEN: That’s pre-death. So, you’re still alive, but you’re incapacitated.

ERIC: OK.

STEVEN: Power of Attorney’s, there’s two different kinds: One is property, one is health. The health one is called Personal Care, but it’s also known as a Living Will. So, the Living Will part, basically all it is the main clause is what’s called a Do Not Resuscitate Clause, which is what your wishes are if you’re at a point where machines are keeping you alive and basically… do you want to pull the plug? That’s basically, in a nutshell, what it means… And the property is just dealing with money. So let’s say you’re in a coma. Something needs to be done. You need to mortgage your house. You need to buy a house… whatever it is. You’re giving the power to whoever you want to do that for you as long as you’re incapacitated. As long as you’re in a coma, you have Alzheimer’s disease; I mean there’s a whole list of medical reasons.

ERIC: OK, so, the two different types of Power of Attorney: your property and your health, how is that authority granted? Is it in a will, or…?

STEVEN: No. No. It’s separate forms. The will is only once you pass on. The Power of Attorneys you would give to whoever you want… brother or sister or a wife or whoever, but they’re two separate forms. One is Property, one is Personal Care. So, basically, if that happens, usually what people do is that they’ll give that piece of paper, that Power of Attorney, to that person. So let’s say you’re getting married and you want to give it to your wife. You would give that copy to her and say, “Hey, by the way, if something happens to me, here’s my Power of Attorney. Make sure everything’s taken care of in case I get in a car accident or I’m in a coma or something.” The will is no good until you’re dead.

ERIC: Exactly, I understand that.

STEVEN: Right, so if you don’t have one… and it’s happened to lawyers here before where they come to me and say ‘My husband’s in a coma. I need to do a bunch of stuff, but I need Power of Attorney’, but because they’re incapacitated, they can’t sign anything.

ERIC: Right.

STEVEN: So, a court application costs roughly $3000.00 to do the court application for Power Attorney for someone who is already incapacitated.

ERIC: Oh, wow. So that’s a big problem.

STEVEN: Compared to $100.00 before [laughs], so it’s a big difference.

So, if you haven’t done this Power of Attorney, that authority doesn’t automatically fall to someone else unless you’ve done it. If, say, I’m married and I’ve become incapacitated, it doesn’t immediately fall to my wife?

STEVEN: For Personal Care, usually the doctors won’t care as much… health wise.

ERIC: OK.

STEVEN: Money wise, no. They will say no.

ERIC: They need that Power of Attorney.

STEVEN: The main source of worry is getting sued. If that happens, “Oh, don’t worry about it, it’s my husband.” They’ll say, “I’m really sorry, but we really want Power of Attorney before you can do anything.”

ERIC: Right, that makes sense.

STEVEN: So, they want to cover their own tracks.

ERIC: For sure. OK. Makes sense. Great. I want to move along to probate, which you brought up. What is probate? Give me the Coles Notes on probate.

STEVEN: Basically, the best way I explain probate is… when anybody passes away, whether they have a will or not, it doesn’t matter. It’s all about what they have in their estate. So, let’s say you pass away. You’re a single guy. You have a house and you want to give everything to your kids, let’s say. You were divorced before. It doesn’t matter if you have a will or not, but let’s go with someone who doesn’t have a will. So the kids would say, ‘dad’s passed away, we need to sell the house.’ They go to a real estate lawyer, they need probate before they do anything. Probate is a tax. It’s a court application where you get a piece of paper called a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee that costs a percentage of whatever you’re probating. Say, the house is worth $500,000. It’s a percentage of that: 1.4-1.5%.

ERIC: OK.

STEVEN: All it is, is a piece of paper with a gold star on it. That’s what I like to tell people. It’s from the court. It’s a court order that’s basically mentioning you’re allowed to sell the house. Even if you have a will, people will say, ‘why do I still have to do a probate?’ Banks are very scared. Banks do not want to get sued so they’ll say, ‘we need probate before we can release the funds to you.’

ERIC: Right.

STEVEN: Say, the person has $100,000 in their account. You’ll hear that a lot. There’s a hundred grand, that’s fine. You’ll show them the will and they’ll say, ‘we want a piece of paper from the court, which is probate, stating that you are the estate trustee and that we’re allowed to release the funds to you.’

ERIC: So, if you have a will, you’re best off to probate the will, depending on what needs to be sold, and have been appointed by the court as an Estate Trustee, even though you’re already named the estate trustee?

STEVEN: Sometimes you can avoid probate. You want to try to avoid probate. I’ll explain it a little better. Let’s say, for yourself, you’re getting married. Do you have a house?

ERIC: Yes. We do.

STEVEN: Is it your house or is it owned jointly?

ERIC: It’s owned jointly.

STEVEN: So, your wife wouldn’t have to probate because it’s owned jointly. It would automatically go to her. Probate is not something that will have to happen to you. You don’t have to worry about that. But, let’s say you have $100,000 in a bank account and it’s only under your name, she has to probate that. She can’t just go and take the money even though that you’re married.

ERIC: OK.

STEVEN: Even though that you have a will.

ERIC: Right, she would still need to probate, because the house would be owned jointly, so if a couple—one of them passes away: the ownership of the house goes directly to the wife.

STEVEN: —Directly to the spouse, no matter what.

ERIC: But, if the bank account—

STEVEN: Only under your name…

ERIC: Under my name only.

STEVEN: But if it’s jointly, you don’t.

ERIC: So, that’s how you get around it. You need everything to be joint.

STEVEN: There’s two different joints.

ERIC: OK

STEVEN: There’s a joint that’s literally 50/50. Then you would have to probate 50% of that house. As long as it is joint—and I believe it is to the survivor, I’d have to ask a real estate lawyer for the correct term, but joint to the survivor, meaning it goes to the other one if one passes away, which is fine. That way, you don’t have to go probate. But, people say, ‘what if I put my son on the title with me?’, but then, the problem is the government gets you there because you have to pay Capital Gains Tax.

ERIC: Right.

STEVEN: So, either way you are paying a tax.

ERIC: OK.

STEVEN: The only real way is if they live with you and if you own the house jointly. That would save you from probate. Same with a bank account. If you own it jointly, the banks don’t care. Because you’ve already agreed, said yes, ‘If I die…it’s going to be my wife’s or my husband’s account’ you don’t have to probate anything in that case.

ERIC: OK. If it’s all joint?

STEVEN: Sometimes there’s nothing. You’re not going to put your son joint. I’ve got a lot of money in there, what if he takes it? Because he can technically do anything he wants with that account. Sometimes you can’t avoid it or the same if you don’t live with them. There’s nothing you can do about that.

ERIC: What about families who have, say, a family cottage? And the parents own the cottage, probably jointly, and one of the parents passes away? It would obviously go to the parent remaining. Let’s say that the parent remaining is getting older. Is there anything that families can do to avoid paying Capital Gains on a family cottage? Because, I’ve heard of people losing their cottage because they don’t have the money for Capital Gains. Is there a method of sheltering yourself from that?

STEVEN: There used to be.

ERIC: There used to be?

STEVEN: The Government’s changed that unfortunately. There used to be when they would marry, one would own the cottage and one would own the house and they could get away with it, because they’re both technically primary residents. But now they say if you’re married you can only own one house together.

ERIC: OK

STEVEN: So let’s say you want to go buy a cottage, you own a house now. You can never claim it as your primary residence. It has to be the cottage, or your house.

ERIC: And you can’t jointly own those with your children as you mentioned?

STEVEN: You can, but you will pay Capital Gains. As soon as you change it, then you start paying Capital Gains.

ERIC: That’s going to be based on what you paid for the place vs. fair market value?

STEVEN: Exactly. Now it would make more sense to do the cottage, because it won’t gain a lot of capital since you bought it, whereas here in the GTA it can go up $50,000 in a year sometimes because of how fast it goes up. It would make more sense for, let’s say you have kids and they want to own the cottage, put them on the cottage because it’s not going to gain a lot, most likely, depending on where it is.

ERIC: Right. I’ve heard before from some of the clients that we serve, they could have bought the land 50 or 60 years ago, built the cottage themselves; it didn’t cost them a lot. They worked hard and they saved their money and they did a lot of work themselves, but now that area, say it’s something in Muskoka, now that cottage is worth $700,000 and the kids are left going ‘I can’t afford the Capital Gains on this.’ What happens then?

STEVEN: They would have to sell it. Either way, they can’t have that cottage unfortunately.

ERIC: But, the sooner they jointly own it with the kid, the less it would be. The less it would go up.

STEVEN: Exactly. If they only did it a year ago, there won’t be very much Capital Gains. A lot of people, when I get in, I’ll get an older couple and their younger son or daughter and they’ll say ‘what do I do? Do I do probate?’ They want to know which way to go.

ERIC: Right.

STEVEN: And I usually tell them, I can’t really tell you when your parents are going to die [laughs].

ERIC: Exactly.

STEVEN: That’s what it depends on. It sounds morbid, but if your parents die tomorrow, Capital Gains is the way to go, because you’re paying nothing. But, if your parents live for another then years, then probate’s probably the way to go. You’ll probably pay less in probate than with Capital Gains. It also depends on where they live: if they live anywhere out of the GTA, because anywhere in the GTA the house market is crazy. For instance, I’m originally from Ottawa. Up in Ottawa, it doesn’t go up all that high each year… maybe $1000-2000 roughly. Downtown would be different, obviously.

ERIC: Sure.

STEVEN: In that case, then it’s all a numbers game, really. It doesn’t really matter which way you go.

ERIC: Got it…OK. So, we’ll go right back to the beginning. End of life planning, you know, we get into this because people are looking to take care of their funeral, for their kids, not only arranging the funeral, but paying for it at the time. But that’s not necessarily the most important part. So: we definitely want people to have a will in place and make sure that it counts. Other than the marriage happening after the date of the will, is there anything else that can void a will?

STEVEN: Nothing else other than yourself. You can void your own will. You can make a new will. The old one is going to be void. I suggest you shred the old one just in case, because if they can’t find that new one, they’ll use the old one.

ERIC: And we’ve had those situations where we’ve served families, they’ve shown us the will and they didn’t realize a year later another will comes out of the woodwork and now there are legal issues within the family.

STEVEN: When we do that, when I do a new will, I usually ask for the old will and shred it.

ERIC: That makes sense.

STEVEN: We would rather just get rid of it completely so that there’s no way of it causing any problems.

ERIC: OK. So you want to have your will in order. You also want to have your powers of attorney in order: both someone in charge of your property, your money, your assets and also your health… and then probate happens after the person has passed away.

STEVEN: …And that all depends on how you’ve arranged everything; sometimes you can’t avoid it, unfortunately. Sometimes, you can.

ERIC: If you know that you are going to have to have something probated and you’re someone who wants to look after your family, have you ever suggested to anyone, or seen anyone put money away into an account to cover those costs?

STEVEN: It doesn’t really matter, because it comes out of the estate. Everything comes out of the Estate anyway. Funeral, legal fees, everything comes right out of the estate. The person that’s the executor or the beneficiaries, it shouldn’t come out of their money. The way you look at it is that everything comes off the top of the estate and whatever is left over gets distributed.

ERIC: Got it.

STEVEN: Including income tax and whatever taxes are left on the estate.

ERIC: Well… it’s definitely something we want all of our clients to know about and I think that I’ve only scratched the surface here with you today. I think probably what’s going to happen, since a lot of people are going to find this so helpful, we’re going to have to come back and see you and drill down on some of these things line by line as we get questions and as things happen. This was a great start and a great way to introduce our clients to some of the things they need to be aware of and the some of things they need to do. I want to thank you very much, Steven, it was great. I look forward to speaking to you more about this kind of thing. Thanks very much!

The post Dissecting Funerals #1: Steve Bailey from Binsky Whittle on The Legalities of End of Life Planning appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Planning A Burial Service That Won’t Leave You Buried (In Debt)

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 18:22:00 GMT

The astronomical price tag associated with traditional funeral services can be pretty devastating. After all, you’ve gone through enough as it is, the last thing you should have to worry about is how you’re going to pay for a service. The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way. You can save tens of thousands of dollars without sacrificing quality or compassion. We’ll tell you how to do it.

Rethink the Visitation($200-1200 savings)
Some funeral homes recommend a 2 day visitation before the funeral service in order to ensure that family and friends have plenty of time to pay their final respects. Generally speaking, we’ve found that you really don’t need more than a few hours. Any longer than that and you risk feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just plain over it . Instead, offer a brief visitation period in the time immediately before the service. That way, people can still offer their condolences but you aren’t left footing a huge bill.

Consider Your Casket Options ($500-5000 savings)
A lot of the expense associated with traditional funerals comes with the casket. A relatively simple model can cost upwards of $3,000 and more elaborate designs can set you back significantly more. Despite what some people may try to tell you, you don’t need to prove your love by spending a lot of money. Unless it’s important to you or your loved one, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with opting for a less expensive option (if you even require a casket all.)

Don’t Attend the Burial ($300-1500 savings)
Ask yourself whether or not attending the burial is important to you. If you opt not to participate, you could save a lot of money by eliminating the need for various cemetery and transportation fees. That being said, being present for the final moment can be pretty meaningful. Avoid skyrocketing costs by having friends and family meet at the grave site (as opposed to being a part of a funeral procession), use your own car instead of a limousine, ask the funeral home not to use a lead car, and transport any flowers yourself.

Newspapers Charge by the Line ($100 – 1000 savings)
In this digital age, newspaper death notices are becoming less and less common. However, a lot of families still find value in the old-fashioned obituary and we agree that there’s always something to be said about the printed word. If you’d like to go the newspaper route, know that there are ways to keep costs low. Opt for a simple notification and save details for an online tribute or memorial page. Only submit to newspapers that your loved one’s friends and family read. Take advantage of social media’s wide reach and explore the possibility of setting up a commemorative website.

Regardless of how you choose to arrange a funeral service, know that there are always options available to you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and always feel confident in your decisions. The little things can add up- flowers, catering, chapel fees. Shop around and fight for the best price. You deserve it.

The post Planning A Burial Service That Won’t Leave You Buried (In Debt) appeared first on Basic Funerals .

10 Reasons You MUST Have a Funeral

Mon, 27 Jul 2015 14:38:00 GMT

From celebrating a life at a traditional service to commiserating over stiff drinks and great food, funerals can be as austere or as extravagant as you’d like them to be.

Fellow funeral director extraordinaire Caleb Wilde explores the reasons why no matter how you do it, you absolutely have to have a funeral.

10 Reasons You MUST Have a Funeral
Many people tell me “I don’t want a funeral. Just burn my ass and throw me in the woods.” But funerals are both much deeper, much more important and much broader than most of us assume. They’re neither “just for the living” nor must they be the traditional viewing, priest, eulogy and funeral director format (although none of these things are bad … especially the funeral director *wink* *wink*). Funerals can be both deeply spiritual events and celebrations mixed with music, poetry and beauty.

Here are 10 things that give funerals both a deep and broad sense of meaning and value:

Individual Celebration / Mourning
The internet/Facebook/TV give us so many amazing stories. And the negative is that they give us so many stories! It’s like a smorgasbord of narratives and it’s easy for the individual to get lost among the celebrities, the pop sensations, the stars and the pro athletes. But it’s the individuals that make our community run and their stories get overshadowed … except at funerals, when we can rope off the smorgasbord, turn down the volume, ignore Kim Kardashian’s latest stunt, turn our cell phones off and celebrate and mourn one life.

Hope infusion
Sigmund Freud stated that you have two choices: accept death or deny death. Freud also believed that religion was often a neurotic attempt to deny the reality of death. And, to some degree he’s right. But, when we look for hope, when we look for transcendence and when we look for immortality in the face of death, it doesn’t always fit into Freud’s binaries … it’s possible to accept death through some form of hopeful transcendent understanding of death.

Whether that hope is in heaven, or in the continuation of the deceased’s family or a more natural (i.e. green burial) type of orientation, or all of the above, it’s important that we find hope through the message of a funeral. Hope is what gives a funeral special meaning that helps us rise from the pits of darkness.

Value Affirmation
Death creates a hole in our lives and our world. It’s like an earthquake that shakes the world we once knew. Funerals are a time when we can reaffirm meaning, love, community, goodness and even humor. They allow us a space to come together and affirm that life is changed, but it still continues on. Funerals are a storytelling practice that keeps the identity of our family alive even when one of our members has died.

Drunk Eulogies
In my many years as a funeral director, there are few things that are more gratifyingly awkward and entertaining than a spontaneous drunk eulogy. Someday I’ll video one of these events, lawyer up and put it on YouTube.

Human dignity
To deny a person a funeral is to deny them an act of dignity.

Tony Walter writes “(funerals) mark that something valuable, a human life, has passed. Whatever else a funeral does or does not do, it must do this.”

This explains why so often impoverished and/or marginalized peoples will spend proportionately exorbitant amounts of money and time on the funerals of family and friends. They have been so devalued in life, that the funeral acts as one final statement of dignity. On the other hand, in a culture like the West — where we sit in social hegemony – we see less need for the dignity of a funeral; thus direct cremation , direct burial, etc..

Public acknowledgement of life and death
We like things to be private. And there’s good reason. Being public with our opinions, our religious values and even our sports teams get’s messy. But if we live in community, we die in community. And funerals give the community a time to come together an grieve, because …

Grief shared is grief diminished
The more we can share our grief, the more we can allow others to reach out to us, the more we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and accept help and love, the healthier we can walk through our bereavement.

Transition
On a psychological level, funerals and disposition (especially when the body is present), help us to see and accept death. Without a funeral that acknowledges the death of our loved ones, the dead can too easily become psychological ghosts. Funerals transition the deceased from alive to dead, and help us on the path to accepting the death of a loved one.

Ritual
The walls of bereavement are very intimidating to even the spiritually and psychologically strong. It doesn’t matter how strong you are, you will fall and you will fail.

Unless you enter through the trodden paths of ritual.

The muscle memory of grief is ritual. Like the masterful pianist who makes impossible tasks seem natural, so ritual allows us to take the incredibly difficult task of mourning and gives us a way to persevere, even when it seems we shouldn’t.

Free food from post funeral luncheon
Aunt Eunice’s special potato salad. Uncle Bob’s homemade mead. Grandma’s collard greens. Good Lord. Pass the baked beans.

Article Source: http://www.calebwilde.com/2015/05/10-reasons-you-must-have-a-funeral/

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Online Cremation Service Arrangements Are On The Rise

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:00:00 GMT

Online shopping continues to revolutionize the retail world, and the cremation services industry is no different. Although Canada is not yet the online consumer that the United States is, we are growing and we are growing fast. Online sales in Canada are increasing at 15-20% per year and have doubled in the past 5 years. As we pull away from the standard retail stores of electronics, clothing and malls; we are settling into our favorite easy chair with our tablets for a comfortable night of shopping. Could this shopping experience one day include planning and purchasing cremation services for yourself or a loved one? Turns out, it already has.

Cremation providers are getting busier every year as an increasing number of people are foregoing the stress of traditional funeral services. Cremation rates in Ontario are growing 1-2% per year and are expected to reach 70% by 2016. This still pales in comparison to other parts of the country such as British Columbia where the cremation rates are over 90%. It is a natural evolution for these services to be available online to those in need.

Basic Funerals was the first funeral provider to offer online cremation services back in 2009. We are proud to say we have served over 5,000 families, the majority of which have chosen to complete the arrangements online. I have summarized the top five reasons we hear over and over again from our clients, why they preferred to arrange our cremation services online compared to the traditional in person meeting.

1. Life is complicated, death should be easy
Buying anything online is always easier. Desktops, laptops or mobile devices are always within reach and save us from having to travel anywhere to make our purchases. Arranging a cremation online is exactly the same allowing for a very easy process.

2. Less stress during a stressful time
Going to a funeral home, seeing a room full of caskets, and submitting yourself to upselling tactics of a funeral director are all very stressful experiences. Online cremation arrangements completely remove all of these things and replace them with education and freedom of choice.

3. Arranging online is cheaper
Online businesses are inevitably cheaper than their brick and mortar competition. Less overhead means lower prices and that’s great news for the consumer. In an industry where price tags have always been too high, this has been a refreshing change for families. For some, saving money is critical. Others prefer not to see their carefully earned wealth go towards an unnecessarily complicated funeral service.

4. Better Customer Service
Although a traditional funeral home is full of employees who can park your car, hold an umbrella over the priest, and drive your Great Aunt Molly home after the funeral, they simply are not set up for modern-day, real time communication. An online cremation company can reply to your emails within 15 minutes, text you updates and keep you informed every step of the way.

5. Way More Options
By serving clients online, there is no end to the amount of options for a family. Whether it be cremation urns, caskets, cremation jewellery, service venues, catering options, clergy or anything else a family may want. An online arrangement is not confined to the size of a building or geographical location. The options are limitless.

The bottom line is that people are done paying huge bills for fancy buildings and unneeded overhead in any industry. Online arrangements allow the funeral industry to operate with modest overhead costs and savings that can be passed down to families. I believe this trend will continue until every funeral home in Ontario will have to offer this option in order to compete for the business of an increasingly educated consumer.

The post Online Cremation Service Arrangements Are On The Rise appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Holocaust Hero Dies At Age 106

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 18:02:00 GMT

This story is one of the most touching we have come across. Nicholas Winton, who saved hundreds of children and kept it secret for decades, passed away at the age of 106. Read the New York Times great piece on his life and legacy.

New York Times on Nicolas Winton

The post Holocaust Hero Dies At Age 106 appeared first on Basic Funerals .

The Funeral Arrangement Meeting – What to Discuss

Thu, 11 Jun 2015 15:00:00 GMT

Arranging a funeral can be hard. At Basic Funerals, our aim is to make it a lot easier. Skip the information overload and read on to learn about the funeral arrangement meeting, simplified.

Funeral Options

Spend some time exploring your options. Did you loved one pre-plan their funeral? Did they express a preference towards cremation or traditional burial? Were they a part of a community that would influence the service? Don’t worry if you don’t have the answers- a great funeral director will be able to steer you in the right direction.

Establishing a Decision Maker

Determine who has been named executor. This person will be responsible for making the big decisions, for signing the documents, and for settling the estate. In some instances, an executor is named before a death takes place or the responsibility can fall on the legal next of kin. Being an executor is a lot of work and it’s important to know what’s expected of you. If you have any questions, we’re here to help.

Breakdown of Costs

Funeral costs can quickly add up. Before beginning the arrangement process, ask for a quote so that you aren’t taken by surprise. Ask the funeral director to break down the costs for you and don’t hesitate to ask questions. You have a right to know where your money is going and often, you’ll find that you can save a significant amount by trimming unnecessary expenditures. The best funerals aren’t the most expensive ones, don’t let yourself be guilted into believing otherwise.

Selection

It’s a good idea to put together a list of things you want before going into the arrangement meeting. Include things like music, pictures, flowers, reception plans, etc. This way, you’ll save time and ensure that nothing gets forgotten. That being said, if you don’t know what you want, there’s no need to worry. Contact us to find out more and let us help you out.

The post The Funeral Arrangement Meeting – What to Discuss appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Interview with Moving Forward Radio

Wed, 20 May 2015 19:12:00 GMT

Tania, who serves as a Community Liaison with Basic Funerals, spoke with Pierrette Raymond on Moving Forward Radio about what has changed in the funeral industry and what you can do to honour your loved one in a cost-effective way that is both beautiful and memorable.

We’ve taken some audio clips from the show to serve as answers to questions you may have about Basic Funerals and funeral arrangements generally.

Click here to listen to the entire interview.

The post Interview with Moving Forward Radio appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Why Cremation is More Popular Than Ever

Thu, 14 May 2015 15:00:00 GMT

More than ever before, people are choosing cremation as an option . In 2015, 68.8% of Canadians stated that they were “definitely” or “somewhat likely” to choose cremation as an option. By 2020, the number is projected to be somewhere around 74%.* So what’s all this love for cremation about?

Cremation is Simple

Cremation is a cost-effective, flexible, and customizable way to honour a life lived. It can be as straightforward or as elaborate as you want it to be. Unlike a traditional funeral service, you don’t have to go for all the bells and whistles, unless you want to. There’s no need for a casket, a chapel service, pallbearers, or a funeral coach. You don’t have to purchase cemetery property or commission a grave marker. You don’t even need to buy an urn if you don’t want to.

Cremation is Flexible

Cremation offers you the gift of time. Where a traditional service requires things to move along at a brisk pace, cremated remains can be kept until you’ve decided on a scattering, burial, or memorial site. Cremation allows families the time to travel in order to be together, taking away the stress of planning a service in the days following a death. There’s enough emotion and confusion during this difficult time- why make it any harder than it has to be?

Cremation is Customizable

Cremation can be tailored to suit every need. For families hoping for a quick process, direct cremation offers tremendous value. Need something extra? A cremation with viewing could be just right. Prefer to plan a traditional service? Not a problem. You can have a funeral service with casket present followed by a cremation. Regardless of the reason behind choosing cremation, you can be confident in your choice. After all, it’s rise in popularity is happening for a reason.

*“FAMIC Study,” Funeral & Memorialization Information Council (FAMIC). 2015.

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Why Pre-plan Your Funeral?

Thu, 09 Apr 2015 15:00:00 GMT

Generally speaking, people tend to avoid talking about their funerals. After all, confronting your own mortality isn’t the stuff of cocktail party conversation. Despite all this, there are tremendous benefits to prearranging your funeral, provided that you do it right. We really believe in the importance of preplanning- read on to find out why .

You’re in Control

By prearranging your own funeral services , you can ensure that your final wishes are respected. Often, in the emotional days following a death, it becomes hard to make decisions or come to agreements. By taking the time to decide how you’d like things to play out, you’re saving your loved ones the stress of having to guess. Do you want to be cremated? Would you like a traditional service? These are the things to know ahead of time.

You’re Saving Money

Prearranging your funeral saves you money. It’s as simple as that. When you pay for your funeral ahead of time, you’re saving your family from significant financial stress. When prearranging, the money that you spend is put in trust where it remains until the time of need. The money will always be portable and will always be refundable. Any interest that is accrued goes towards paying for inflation and should any funds remain after the services have been rendered, they will be returned to your estate.

You’re Helping Your Family

The death of a loved one takes a serious toll. Why make a difficult time even harder on your family? Prearranging your funeral service ensures that at the time of your death, your loved ones can spend time together, not fussing over price lists and casket selection, something that goes a long way in providing comfort

You’re Getting Expert Advice

Death is a monumental (and inevitable) part of life. It’s important to make informed decisions, to understand your choices, and to know where your money is going. Working with a licensed funeral preplanner , you can be confident that you’re receiving expert advice from a professional in a relaxed, unhurried environment. You can ask questions, weigh your options, and discuss any concerns that you may have without feeling any pressure. This goes a long way in providing peace of mind, something that you’re bound to be grateful for.

For more information about preplanning your funeral service, don’t hesitate to contact us.

The post Why Pre-plan Your Funeral? appeared first on Basic Funerals .

The Benefits of a Burial Service

Thu, 19 Mar 2015 14:41:00 GMT

When deciding on the type of arrangements that will most suit your loved one, the first decision is whether they would want a burial service or cremation service .

Burial may be a better fit from a religious or spiritual perspective, depending on the wishes of your love one. Burial is often considered more traditional. A visitation and service commonly accompany a burial, but a graveside service with no ceremony at a venue is also an option.

Attending the burial may provide some family members with more closure than waiting for cremation completion. Having a fixed place to visit is also a benefit; though still possible with cremation, interring the remains can be less common.

The Basic Funerals team would make the necessary booking arrangements with the cemetery, allowing your family to focus on personalizing the finer details of the funeral to best honour your loved one. This can help with the general grieving process, as friends, families, neighbours and colleagues can find comfort in the personalization when they attend the burial service to pay their final respects.

Our funeral service team will handle all of the administrative arrangements so that the family can focus on handling their grief.

For more information about how we can help you with a funeral burial service, contact us today.

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Funeral Cost Breakdown

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 16:15:00 GMT

One of the hardest parts of planning a funeral service is getting a clear understanding of the cost. There’s a range of prices that depend on a lot of factors. For instance, if you’re looking for a direct cremation with no service, you’re likely to pay a lot less than if you opted for a traditional funeral service with a burial. When it comes to comparing funeral homes, price is an important factor . At Basic Funerals, we want you understand your options as far as cost is concerned. Here are a few tips on how to maximize your budget without sacrificing what’s important to you.

Funeral Service Options

Considerations for Planning:

The breakdown of expenses for a funeral depends on the details. It is imperative that you bring up any questions or concerns with the funeral director. The more information they have, the better they can serve your family in this time of need.

For more information about funeral costs and arrangements, contact us today .

The post Funeral Cost Breakdown appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Funeral Burial Service: What To Do If Someone Dies Abroad

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 18:19:00 GMT

If a family member or loved one dies abroad, there are several steps you must take before you can arrange the funeral burial service . The first thing is to contact your nearest Embassy, as they will be able to give you advice on how to proceed. Secondly, you will have to register the death in the country in which it occurred. Your Embassy will be able to assist you with this process and the information typically needed is full name, date of birth, passport number, where and when the passport was issued and details for the deceased’s next-of-kin. After the proper people have been contacted, you can begin making funeral arrangements.

A Burial Service Procedure that Honors the Deceased and brings Closure

You have several options when it comes to the funeral burial service. A graveside service allows family and friends to gather together and celebrate the person who has passed, while someone – typically a pastor – will talk about the life of the deceased. Graveside services are a way to pay final respects with dignity, honour and community support. Traditional burial and visitation allows people to say their goodbyes to the deceased, followed by the burial. Some families want to allow people to visit the casket before the burial, while others prefer to hold a funeral service after the burial takes place. If you’re unsure about which option is best, please consult with our team and they will be happy to talk through the different choices with you.

Contact us for Compassionate, Caring Burial Service Assistance and More

For more information about funeral burial services from Basic Funerals, if you have any questions about the burial service procedure, or if you want to know how much a burial service costs, please do not hesitate to contact us today . Our team is standing by and ready to help and we look forward to hearing from you.

Back to funeral burial service

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Cremation Service: Do I Have to Make Different Funeral Arrangements if I Choose Cremation?

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 18:09:00 GMT

If you’ve recently experienced the loss of a loved one, a cremation service may be how the deceased wishes to be remembered. The time immediately following a death in your family can be very overwhelming, but the compassionate and caring team at Basic Funerals is here to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. We do everything we can to give you peace of mind while arranging a respectful service for the deceased. Many people often wonder if they will need to make alternative funeral arrangements if their loved one is cremated. You have several options, so you can choose which works best for your family.

Your Options when Choosing a Cremation Service

There is no one-size-fits-all format for a cremation service. Cremation with a final viewing offers you and your family the chance to say your final goodbyes before the cremation process takes place and many people choose this option as it gives them closure. You may opt to have a memorial service alongside the cremation, as it is a lovely way to commemorate the life of the deceased. Friends and family can gather around and support one another during this difficult time. If you’re interested in having a traditional funeral in addition to cremation, it allows you to incorporate the benefits of a traditional funeral service, such as having the casket present at the service. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and your family and we are here to support you during the entire process.

Contact Us Today and Let Us Help You Through This Difficult Time

For more information about cremation services from Basic Funerals, or if you have any questions about conducting a cremation service, please do not hesitate to contact us today . Our cremation service programs give you and your loved ones the closure you deserve during this difficult time. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Funeral Service: Burial, Cremation or Repatriation?

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 17:22:00 GMT

When planning a funeral service , there are several options available. A funeral is generally held to commemorate the passing of an individual, but what do you do after that? Do you bury the deceased within the earth? Do you opt for a cremation? Would the deceased have liked to be repatriated? Gaining clarity on each option can give you a guide as to what you would prefer.

Burial

A funeral service vs. burial is a choice on which many people dither. The burial service is the time-old tradition of laying the deceased to rest in a grave or tomb. Your loved one will be lowered into the burial plot and usually a headstone will be placed above. This gives the family a place to visit when wanting to pay homage to the deceased and can give a sense of closure. At the same time, a funeral burial service can be held, in which the family will hold both events, one in the church and the other at the graveside. This option can be arranged with ease.

Cremation

Cremation is the process of reducing a body to ashes by high-temperature burning and oxidation. This option opens up different choices for the family as to the resting place of the ashes. They can either bury them as you would a body, scatter them in a place where they feel the deceased would have wanted, or keep them in an urn or other container.

What is repatriation?

Repatriation is the least common option people take after a funeral. This happens generally if the deceased expressed their wishes of being returned to their homeland after their death.

Who can provide these options for you?

You need to ensure the funeral home you choose can cater for your funeral service needs. Contact Basic Funerals today and discover all the ways we can help you and your family through your time of need.

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How much should a funeral cost?

Fri, 26 Dec 2014 16:56:00 GMT

How much is it going to cost? It’s a question that plagues the minds of many individuals who are arranging a funeral service. Unfortunately, the answer is not black and white. There are various contributing factors that can affect the overall price of service. However, at the end of the day, the final cost depends a lot on the person making the arrangements.

Questions to ask yourself?

The Cost of a Funeral

The cost of a funeral can be divided into two sections; the costs associated with the funeral home and the costs associated with third parties. At Basic Funerals, we offer two further divisions dependent on which option you choose; a funeral with a cremation, or a funeral with a burial.

There are many variables involved when it comes to pricing a funeral but with the right funeral home by your side, this difficult time can be made a lot easier.

Let Basic Funerals Help You Today

Basic Funerals offers professional, compassionate services. Our goal is to provide customers with a stress-free and experience that will offer complete peace of mind. Contact us today for a quote.

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How to Plan a Funeral or Memorial Service

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 17:44:00 GMT

planning a funeral or memorial service

Types of Services

Traditional Funeral Service
– Usually held shortly after the death has taken place
– Includes the body of the deceased in either an open or closed casket
– Can include a visitation before the funeral service takes place
– Often held in a funeral home chapel or place of worship
– Typically concludes with a cremation or cemetery burial

Graveside Service
– Takes place shortly after the death has occurred
– Involves a gathering at the site of a grave in a cemetery
– Can follow a traditional funeral service or be held as a unique ceremony
– Is held for both traditional burial or for cremated remains

Memorial Service
– Can be held at any time following a death
– No body is present (but cremated remains often are)
– Can take place in just about any location
– Easily customized

Things to Consider When Planning a Service

When planning a funeral or memorial service, ask yourself a few questions. First, decide on which type of service you’d like. Then consider the following:
– What is your budget? Traditional funeral services tend to be more expensive than memorials
– Will you require a celebrant or clergyperson?
– How many attendees do you anticipate?
– Do you want flowers?
– Are you planning on serving food and drinks?
– Will there be a need to accommodate guests from out of town?
– Are there religious or cultural practices to take into consideration?

How to Get Started

At Basic Funerals, we make it our goal to ensure that you get the service you want. Whether you’re looking to arrange a traditional funeral service for 200 or a memorial service for 4, we’re here to guide you through every step. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or for more information, we’re here to help.

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Memorable Life Blog Provides Funeral Planning Advice and Guidance

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 21:48:00 GMT

The Basic Funerals Memorable Life Blog aims to provide grieving individuals and families with the advice, guidance and how-to knowledge to handle funeral planning with confidence.

Our tips and interesting articles should provide you with further information and in depth knowledge into how funeral planning works, how to do estate planning before you die and what the steps are to follow when handing the affairs of a deceased family member or loved one.

We Will Keep You Regularly Informed With Our Blog

Check back to our Memorable Life Blog regularly to be kept up to date and in the know. To learn more about our funeral planning services, contact us at Basic Funerals today.

The post Memorable Life Blog Provides Funeral Planning Advice and Guidance appeared first on Basic Funerals .

Red Fisher: Jean Béliveau was a special man on and off the ice

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 16:49:00 GMT

The years have flown by, but as long as anyone can remember — even before he was to become everything that was good about this Montreal Canadiens franchise — Jean Béliveau has been special.

Was there ever a player blessed with more grace on and off the ice, a quiet leader who led by example? He walked tall, skated taller — and this one-of-a-kind man, who passed away on Tuesday, always will be remembered that way.

Ask anyone who knew Béliveau of what his life and NHL career has meant to all of us, and they would begin with what he brought to the Canadiens and to the game wherever it was played… Read the full article here.

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A mother’s campaign will take son’s ashes into space

Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:02:00 GMT

Hallie Twomey never imagined that a campaign to have her son’s ashes scattered around the world would reach so far.

On Monday, a portion of the ashes of 20-year-old C.J. are expected to be launched into space by a Houston company called Celestis, which has been sending cremated remains into Earth orbit, onto the lunar surface or into deep space since 1997.

“We didn’t even know this was a possibility,” Hallie Twomey said. “When Celestis reached out to us we were literally blown away. We were very emotional when we found out not only that was this something that can happen but that the CEO was offering us a sort of complimentary ride into space.”… Read the full article here.

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