When Someone Dies

Without a doubt, this is a difficult time for you and your loved ones. Yet, it’s comforting to know every member of the funeral home staff will be there to do their utmost to make this difficult time a little bit easier. The Funeral Director will guide you in making all the necessary decisions. It’s good to know you are not alone.

Would You Like Someone to Go with You?

Perhaps you would like another member of the family to come along with you. Or maybe you would rather have a friend, or close neighbour join you in the first visit to the funeral home. While it is not necessary to bring someone with you for moral support, it can be very beneficial.

Who is Responsible for Making the Decisions?

It’s important to know exactly who is legally responsible for making the funeral arrangement decisions for a loved one. If the deceased has not expressed their wishes through a written document such as a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, or a Last Will and Testament, where the deceased has designated an agent to fulfill their wishes; then the chain of command is commonly as follows:

Legal Spouse/Partner
Surviving Adult Child/Children
Surviving Parent
Surviving Adult Sibling
Ex-Spouse
Parent of Minor Child

The person designated as the responsible party, whoever they may be, needs to be present to make decisions, and sign documents. If you have questions about the accepted kinship-related order of precedence, or are unclear as to who is the responsible person in funeral planning, call us.

Have You Gathered the Necessary Documents?

Life and death are full of legalities. When a loved one dies, it is not just an emotional matter for those left behind; it is a legal one which requires the timely completion of paperwork. The Funeral Director will tell you one of the first steps in caring for your loved one involves completing, and filing of documents.

These documents need to be completed as accurately as possible and if you are not prepared with the necessary information, much of your initial meeting may be spent retrieving this information.

To assist the funeral home in preparing all the necessary documents, it’s helpful to bring some of the following information with you:

  • Deceased's Social Insurance Number
  • Deceased's Date of Birth
  • Deceased's Place Of Birth
  • Deceased's Parents Names (Including maiden names)
  • Deceased's Parents Place Of Birth
  • Recent or Favourite Photo  (Optional)