Cremation Information
Cremation Information
What is Cremation?
Part of making funeral arrangements on behalf of a loved one involves choosing between burial of the body, or cremation. Certainly this is a big decision, based on any number of factors: religious or spiritual beliefs, finances, or ecological awareness are just some of the reasons we've heard for choosing cremation. Before you can make the choice, you need to know exactly what it is you're considering. You can learn the basics below, however, if the content here raises additional questions for you, please give us a call. One of our cremation specialists will address any of your inquiries or concerns.
Cremation Explained
The Cremation Association of North America
describes cremation as, "The mechanical and/or thermal or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments". On our page, The Cremation Process, we offer a deeper look at the most common cremation process which uses extreme heat.
As we said earlier, people choose cremation over burial of casketed remains for any combination of reasons. Sometimes it's the simple fear of burial itself, which may stem directly from the Victorian phobia of being buried alive.
What is Required to Arrange for Cremation?
Once the cremation decision has been made, all that's required is authorization. This is provided by the person who is the legally identified such as an Executor or next-of-kin. Once all authorization documents are signed, and service charges are paid; the body can be transported to the crematorium and the cremation process can take place. However, there are some additional things you may wish to consider, such as:
Do you wish to provide clothing for the deceased? If not, the body will be wrapped in a shroud.
Are there any keepsake items you'd like to include in their cremation container? Perhaps there's a special memento, such as a treasured photograph or letter? Family members may write cards, notes or letters to their deceased loved one, and place them in the container prior to the cremation.
Would you or other family members like to be present for–or participate to some degree in–your loved one's cremation? With a simple cremation, this may be the only opportunity for ceremony.
What will you keep the cremated remains in after the cremation? You may purchase a cremation urn to be placed in a special place such as the family home, cemetery or designed specifically for scattering. We offer a large selection of urns that will help memorialize your loved one.
Do you wish to provide clothing for the deceased? If not, the body will be wrapped in a shroud.
Are there any keepsake items you'd like to include in their cremation container? Perhaps there's a special memento, such as a treasured photograph or letter? Family members may write cards, notes or letters to their deceased loved one, and place them in the container prior to the cremation.
Would you or other family members like to be present for–or participate to some degree in–your loved one's cremation? With a simple cremation, this may be the only opportunity for ceremony.
What will you keep the cremated remains in after the cremation? You may purchase a cremation urn to be placed in a special place such as the family home, cemetery or designed specifically for scattering. We offer a large selection of urns that will help memorialize your loved one.
Why Choose Cremation?
Everyone has their own personal reasons for choosing cremation over traditional casketed burial.
Are You Ready to Talk About Cremation?
We want you to know that no matter your reasons for choosing cremation, we're here to help you explore your options. When you're ready, call us to set an appointment or simply drop by our office. You can also send us an email via our online contact us form.
Sources:
- What is Cremation, Cremation Association of North America
- Mathisen, Tyler, "Cremation is the Hottest Trend in the Funeral Industry"
To access the Consumer Information Guide published by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, please click the link below
