Funeral Education Guide Presented by The Simple and Affordable Choice for Cremations and Funerals www.basicfunerals.ca/guide 1-855-212-4037
INTRODUCTION FROM THE AUTHOR Hello, My name is Eric Vandermeersch and I am the founder and CEO of Basic Funerals. The purpose of this guide is to offer you the education you need to accomplish 3 main objectives when making funeral arrangements: 1. Create the most meaning and value from the services you choose. 2. Completely understand all of the options available to you and your family. 3. Choose the best location and get the best price possible. Basic Funerals was founded on the principles that funerals should not be so costly and that the funeral arrangement process should be free of pressure. We have served over 5000 families with this in mind. We believe everyone has the right to a fair price and fair treatment, no matter what funeral provider they choose. Funeral traditions have evolved over the years, and there are so many options of which the general public are not aware. I hope that the information we have compiled in this guide will help you with planning what so many families describe as the most difficult time in their lives. Eric Vandermeersch CEO and founder of Basic Funerals 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Where to Start 6 2. Funeral Overview 7 2.1. Service Types 7 2.2. Burial vs. Cremation 7 3. Caskets 8 4. Urns 9 5. Final Disposition 10 5.1. Cemetery 10 5.2. Mausoleum 10 5.3. Columbarium 10 5.4. Scattering of Cremated Remains 10 5.5. Burial of Cremated Remains 10 6. Pre-Payment 11 7. Who Has Legal Authority? 12 8. Alternative Payment Options 13 8.1. Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit 13 8.2. OPGT 13 8.3. Insurance 13 8.4. Social Services/ODSP 13 9. Multi-Cultural Services 14 9.1. Funeral Traditions 14 9.2. Shipment to Home Country 14 10. Choosing a Funeral Home 16 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont) 11. Creating a Meaningful Memorial Service 18 11.1. Eulogies 18 11.2. Music 19 11.3. Pictures and Movies 19 11.4. Memorial Table 19 11.5. Gift 19 12. Glossary of Funeral Terms 20 12.1. Funeral Documentation 20 Certificate of Cremation/Letter of Contents 20 Coroner s Cremation Certificate 20 Death Registration 20 Burial Permit 20 Medical Certificate of Death 20 Proof of Death Certificate 20 Statement of Death 21 12.2. Funeral Terms 21 Beneficiary 21 Body Donation 21 Burial Vault 21 Casket 21 Cremated Remains 22 Embalming 22 Funeral Coach 22 Funeral Reception 22 Lead/Clergy Car 22 Urn Vault 22 Visitation/Viewing 22 13. Funeral Planning Guide 23 14. Funeral Arrangement Form 25 5
1. WHERE TO START Planning a funeral can be a daunting task and most people avoid planning until the time of death. Unfortunately, waiting until the time of death typically makes the task more difficult. Many funeral service providers build their business on taking payment in advance for services. However, if payment in advance is not an option for you at this time, simply getting your wishes down on paper is a very positive option. The descriptions below will help you get started on the arrangements whether you are planning in advance or facing an imminent passing. Planning at the time of death Transfer from the Place of Death If your loved one passes away at a residence or nursing home, the transfer must be done quickly. If your loved one passes away in a hospital you have up to a week, if needed, to decide on a funeral home. The reason for this difference is that most hospitals have refrigerated storage and have the capacity to hold decedents, whereas nursing home care facilities and hospices do not. Planning the Service Decisions about the service will also need to be made relatively soon. This can be difficult if you are unaware of exactly what the person wanted as his or her final wishes. Try talking to family and friends to see if they have ever discussed funeral arrangements with the person who has passed. Getting everyone together, either in person or by phone, is often the quickest solution to planning the service and delegating the tasks. Planning in advance Ask Your Loved One It is much easier to make funeral decisions before the stress of the death has set in. When you are able to speak to the person whose funeral is being prearranged, or if that person is able to make the arrangements themselves, you will always have the satisfaction of knowing that his or her wishes were followed. Educate Yourself Educate yourself on funerals, shop around for the best price and location and decide if you would like to prepay for the services. This guide will assist you in making the most educated decisions possible. At the back of this guide you will find a funeral planning questionnaire that will help you even further in deciding the type of service that you want. 6
2. FUNERAL OVERVIEW There are about as many different types of funerals as there are people. The funeral should be unique to the person whose life is being celebrated. There are 3 main categories we would like to discuss to get you started. 2.1. Service Types Immediate Disposition This service provides only what is required for the deceased to be cremated or buried. There is no celebration of life, visitation, or viewing arranged with the funeral home. Memorial Service This service provides a celebration with a picture, urn, or both as a focal point. There is no casket present. Memorial celebrations often make for unique and memorable services. Families report that this type of service provides the greatest value for money spent. Traditional Funeral This service provides a casket present, open or closed, and usually visitation hours prior to the funeral service. They average the highest in price of the three standard categories. At one time, as little as 20 years ago, this category of service made up most of funerals arranged in Ontario. 2.2. Burial vs. Cremation Each category can be followed, or preceded, by cremation or burial. Here are some things to think about when choosing between the two: CREMATION POSITIVES Many options with what to do with the cremated remains (see section 5) Often less costly because a burial plot and marker are not required BURIAL POSITIVES Families may find that the formal, burial interment provides closure Burial may be preferred for religious or cultural reasons 7
3. CASKETS Whether you choose cremation or burial, you must purchase a casket for the final disposition of your loved one. Here are three examples that will help outline the differences you should think about. CASKET OPTIONS A cardboard casket meets the minimum requirements for cremation in Ontario. This is an economical and environmentally friendly option for those who do not plan a funeral with the casket present. Funeral homes will typically charge $100-$300 for a casket such as this. If a funeral home does not offer such a container you can ask if it is possible to order one. A casket such as this can be used for cremation or burial and is suitable for visitations. The flat top and absence of refined details means you should be able to find this casket at an affordable price of around $700-$1,200. This casket is also suitable for cremation or burial. This type of casket is more often used for traditional burial services with visitation. The mahogany wood, glossy finish and rounded edges all add to the cost. Caskets like this would start at around $1,600 and could go as high as $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the funeral home. Keep in mind that most funeral homes get their caskets from the same major casket manufacturers. You have no obligation to purchase a casket from the funeral home directly. Feel free to shop around for the best priced casket you want. 8
4. URNS If you choose cremation you will have a number of urns to choose from, including not purchasing an urn at all. Here are some of the options: URN OPTIONS The temporary container supplied by the crematorium and included in the cremation fee. This Ionian cultured marble urn has tan and cream marbling and is highly durable. This makes it suitable for burial. Prices range from $300-$500 Prices range from $125-$250 Prices range from $200-$400 Constructed of metal alloy, these urns are light in weight but functional and attractive and can also be personalized. A wooden finish is often an affordable alternative to a hardwood urn. Half the weight, half the cost and the same look. Prices range from $400-$800 Prices range from $350-$650 Hardwood urns are easy to engrave and present very well at a service or at the home if you choose. The traditional art of Cloisonné. Brass and enamel are elaborately fashioned into intricate floral designs. Similar to caskets, you have no obligation to purchase the urn from the funeral home you choose. You can find a selection of urns online, at other funeral homes or alternative containers may be provided by the family. There have been services provided where the family used a cookie jar, or even a toolbox belonging to the deceased. 9
5. FINAL DISPOSITION Once you have decided between cremation or burial you will have to decide exactly what you want to do with the cremated remains or casket. Below is a list of the most common options. 5.1. Casket Burial When choosing a cemetery, the most important thing to consider is location, especially if you plan to visit the cemetery often. Other factors such as heritage or religious beliefs may affect your choice. Be sure to check to see if your loved one already owns cemetery property. Many people prepay for their plot years in advance. Regardless of whether a plot has been purchased in advance, you should always confirm with the cemetery if there are any additional matters to address, such as opening and closing fees or whether a vault may be required. 5.2. Mausoleum Entombment A mausoleum is an above ground facility for caskets. The placement of a casket in a mausoleum is referred to as entombment. Some families may find greater emotional worth in entombing their loved ones as opposed to burial. A wide variety of options are available as far as placement, marker engraving and locations. Entombment is generally the most costly interment option. Note that maintenance fees may be applied by the mausoleum for upkeep. 5.3. Columbarium A columbarium is a wall of small niches just big enough to place an urn inside. The act of doing so is called inurnment. There are many different niches available, such as companion niches big enough for two urns, or glass covered niches that allow you to see the urn within. Adding an engraved plaque is also an option. 5.4. Scattering of Cremated Remains Scattering the cremated remains can be done in a cemetery scattering garden, on unoccupied crown land or crown land covered by water. It is recommended that you check municipal bylaws before scattering. Ashes may be scattered on private property with the consent of the property owner. Remember that scattering ashes is irreversible. 5.5. Burial of Cremated Remains Cremated remains can be buried on top of an existing grave or in an urn plot. The number of urns to be buried in an existing grave varies from cemetery to cemetery. Be sure to discuss it with the cemetery and confirm their bylaws. 10
6. PRE-PAYMENT You will have the option to pay in advance for services that you prearrange and it is important to understand the details before you decide on whether to prepay. Here are some questions we often come across: Where does my money go? At any funeral home, the funds taken for prearrangements go directly into a trust or an annuity account where they will remain until the death occurs. Once the death occurs the funds are released so that the funeral provider may perform the services you purchased on the prearrangement contract. Why should I prepay? Once you pay in full for the services of the prepaid contract, those services are guaranteed. You will not have to pay any additional fees in the future. Will my investment earn interest? Yes. Any interest accrued will go toward covering future increases in price. If there are any funds remaining after the present day costs are covered, the remaining funds will go back to the estate of the deceased. What happens to my money if the funeral home goes out of business? Your money is held in trust to protect you and your funds. The funds are always yours, and always portable and refundable. What if I want to change the funeral home of my prearrangement? Prearranged funerals are simple and easy to transfer from one service provider to another. Typically the provider you are changing to will be able to assist you in the transfer. Do I have to pay for everything upfront? You should be able to choose from a variety of plans ranging from 1-20 years and payment is arranged in monthly installments. 11
7. WHO HAS LEGAL AUTHORITY? Making funeral arrangements is a very serious matter, especially when it comes to the disposition of the body (burial and cremation). Sometimes families do not get along well enough to agree on what the arrangements should be and the funeral home is forced to take direction from the person with the legal right, but who is that? First and foremost direction will be taken from the executor/executrix of the estate. Also known as an estate trustee, this person represents the deceased now that he or she can no longer represent him or herself. If there is no will and therefore no estate trustee, there is a common law priority that has been given to next of kin. Below is the order of which priority will be granted: 1. Spouse 2. Adult children (age 18 and older) 3. Grandchildren 4. Great grandchildren 5. Father or Mother 6. Brothers or sisters 7. Grandparents 8. Uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces 9. Collateral relatives of more remote degree If there are substantial disagreements between family members, the funeral home may ask for a court appointment before moving forward on the arrangement to avoid legal issues. 12
8. ALTERNATIVE AT-NEED PAYMENT OPTIONS 8.1. Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit The Canada Pension Plan Death Benefit is a possible reimbursement that can supply up to $2,500 paid by CPP toward the cost of the funeral services. This fee is based on what the deceased paid into CPP over his or her working years and is prorated if maximum contributions were not met. This may be applied for once payment has already been provided to the funeral home. 8.2. OPGT The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee is part of Ontario s Ministry of the Attorney General. They protect the financial interests and affairs of those appointed the assistance of a public guardian. Their realm of influence generally applies to those mentally incapable of handling their own affairs, or those whose estate trustees have been deemed unfit. 8.3. Insurance Life insurance of the deceased may be put toward the funeral arrangements. The funeral provider may supply the bank with any information they need to release the funds to the beneficiary, who can then provide the funeral home with payment. 8.4. Social Services/ODSP In the event that a family has insufficient funds to proceed with funeral arrangements for a loved one, the family may apply to the department of Social Services in their local municipality (the city or township in which the deceased resided) for assistance. Restrictions may apply to the services available to those who are approved for assistance. If someone is registered with the Ontario Disability Support Program for his or her disability, he or she may be provided with monetary and accessibility assistance. Funds from the account may be applied to his or her funeral arrangements upon passing. 13
9. MULTI-CULTURAL SERVICES At Basic Funerals, we strive to deliver services that are sensitive to, and appropriate for, each culture and religion. Be sure to communicate any information about your beliefs that you feel might be significant to the funeral home you choose. 9.1. Funeral Traditions Because there are so many different cultures in Canada, people want to make sure that their religious traditions will be properly respected at the funeral service. Most funeral homes are prepared to serve nearly any religious background. If your religion is not one that your chosen funeral home typically serves, discussing the services in detail will allow them to better prepare. 9.2 Shipment to Home Country Quite often people wish to be shipped to their homelands for funeral rites. It can be a complicated and time consuming process, but necessary for some families. Be prepared to provide the funeral home with extra documentation such as the deceased s passport and driver s license. Shipment can also be costly. Most of the fees come from other organizations such as the airline, consulate, and translation services. There are a number of additional documents that must be provided to these organizations and they each have individual fees. The airfare is typically the biggest charge. It is also important to note that the casket selected must be approved and hermetically sealed. Of course, all of these things are organized by the funeral home on your behalf. 14
9. MULTI-CULTURAL SERVICES (Cont) In cases of long term care it is always important to communicate your expectations in the event of a passing with the coordinators of the care establishment. See the following religious and spiritual information as an example. Note that elements may deviate from standard procedure. ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN Place cross in hands Icon or book of gospel near body A light or candle (to guide the deceased) BUDDHISM Do not touch the body - leave as is Cover body with sheet Complete silence MUSLIM Close eyes and mouth (wrap gauze around head and jaw) Straighten body (arms to sides and feet together) Turn face to the right Cover body with sheet Help from same gender staff preferred SIKH Bathe and dress without removing the 5 Ks of Sikhism: the Kara (iron bracelet) the Kesh (uncut hair) the Kanga (hair comb) the Kirpan (dagger) the Katchera (uniform shorts) Close eyes and mouth Cover head JUDAISM Ensure feet of deceased are facing doorway ABORIGINAL Provisions set with deceased Moccasins are placed on the feet (to prepare for journey to spirit world) BAHAI Body washed immediately and wrapped in a clean cloth The following examples of religious and spiritual denominations generally require no deviation from the standard procedures of the care establishment: Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Agnostic, Atheist, etc. However, it is always recommended that you confirm the standard procedures with the care coordinators to ensure they will meet your needs in your time of grief. 15
10. CHOOSING A FUNERAL HOME It is important to remember that unless you reside in a very remote area, there are almost always options out there for you to consider. The following is a list of helpful tips and suggestions for the big decisions you are about to make: 1. Take your time Families have a natural sense of urgency when someone they love passes away. Remember, take the time you need to make decisions you won t regret later. If you re not sure exactly what to arrange with the funeral home, speak to family members and friends for advice. Once you re comfortable with your decision, move forward, not before. What matters most at a time like this is you and your family. 2. Call more than one funeral home The funeral industry is no different than any other and should compete for the honour of serving your family. There is absolutely no shame in shopping around to find a good price and people you can trust. Don t be afraid to ask who owns this funeral home and why should we use your services? If you don t like their answer, call someone else. 3. Check out online options There are huge variations in price in the funeral industry. One of the biggest factors is the ease, convenience and affordability that the internet business model provides. You might be wary of arranging a funeral online but companies that rely on this model often provide the most flexibility. 4. Consider location Location is extremely important when it comes to making service arrangements. It is always best to consider the friends and relatives that will be attending and try and find a central venue. There is no wrong choice for a venue. 5. Get help to manage emotions Preparing for someone you love to pass away is one thing but when he or she actually does, the sudden emotional build-up can affect your judgement. If you arrange for any in-person appointments, bring a friend along to help you determine what you need and what you don t. It s always helpful to hear alternative opinions. 6. Check the cremation price Cremation prices differ widely depending on the crematorium used, even if they are in the same general area. Many funeral homes are affiliated with a specific crematorium. Ask your funeral director to provide you with information on the closest crematoriums and their prices before accepting any terms. Make it your decision. 16
10. CHOOSING A FUNERAL HOME (Cont) 7. Learn more about embalming Embalming is easily the most controversial topic in the funeral services industry. It is a rather invasive process. You have the right to know the details if that is what you believe will allow you to make the best decision. Embalming is not generally a mandatory procedure, though it may be necessary in certain circumstances depending on the details of the passing. There is an alternative of washing and dressing for short viewings, but embalming is generally recommended for open casket visitations. If you believe an open casket viewing will provide your family with the closure they need, that is your decision to make, but remember that you always have the option of a closed casket. 8. Consider memorials and celebrations of life Directors are legally required to be present at any event with the casket, but memorials and celebrations of life can be arranged separately from the funeral home. Think of all the alternative locations, such as churches, restaurants, parks, and formal event venues. Use a picture or urn as a focal point, ask a family member or friend to act as an MC, and see if a few people are willing to deliver eulogies. You could even provide food and beverage. A memorial event can be a warm and positive one. See the following section for tips. 9. Decide on the best urn for your purposes If you plan on traveling with the urn, wood or plastic are the most suitable materials. Metal urns cannot proceed through Canadian airport inspection due to the x-ray requirement and the Canadian Airport staff will not check the contents manually out of respect to the deceased and your family. 10. Decide on a vault Concrete burial vaults are porous and won t keep nature out forever. Rather than protecting your loved one from the elements, vaults prevent the earth around the grave from settling. Depending on the cemetery, a vault may be a mandatory requirement. This is more often the case in rural areas because of reduced staff to tend grave settling. Depending on your choice of cemetery, the decision of selecting a vault is up to you. 17
11. CREATING A MEANINGFUL MEMORIAL SERVICE Celebrating the life of a loved one can be a very difficult thing to do. Trying to pack years of stories, relationships and experiences into one event is impossible. However with the right combination of atmosphere, people, music, and stories, you can paint a picture that won t soon be forgotten by the relatives and friends in attendance. Keep an open mind and be creative. The funeral service should be as unique as the person you are remembering. We hope these tips help you to create a lasting and positive memory. 11.1. Eulogies There is always the option of hiring a speaker or celebrant to preside over the service, but sometimes the best people to speak are the ones closest to the deceased. It s important to try to focus on honouring them, while also taking into account the people present. We recommend a quick synopsis of the person s life, two or three relevant or specific stories, and a closing that leaves the attendees with a fond sense of remembrance. Two meaningful eulogies, one delivered by a family member and one by a friend, help portray an accurate picture of the deceased. A family member will typically discuss the softer side of the deceased and the friend will depict the more adventurous side. Remember that it s still OK to laugh. Opening up the floor to others who would like to share is also a nice touch. 18
11. CREATING A MEANINGFUL MEMORIAL SERVICE (Cont) 11.2. Music Music has a place in nearly everyone s life. Music can be just as important to a funeral service as it was to the deceased. Consider playing favourite songs of the deceased, or songs that relate to memories of your time with them. It s amazing how strongly this can affect the gathering 11.3. Pictures and Movies Pictures and movies will always be the best memorialization of people because it allows everyone to remember the deceased as he or she was. The moments that the family may currently feel are lost can be brought to life again for a little while. Slideshows and picture boards are excellent ways to create conversation. Editing together home movies can also be a heartwarming addition, but you don t have to be tech savvy to pull off a special memorial service. 11.4. Memorial Table Personal items placed around the focal point (urn, picture, etc.) is an excellent way to honour the deceased: Golf clubs for the golfer, gardening tools and plants for the gardener, a favorite car, tool box, or cooking paraphernalia, anything that the person held dear. Items that he or she used in life add tangible warmth to the funeral that people appreciate. 11.5. Gift Something to hold onto can provide the closure that people need by grounding their memories. Providing something for everyone to take home something unique to the person who has passed away like a favourite food, something to plant and watch grow, a copy of a magazine he or she used to read, or a CD with his or her favorite song can tether grief in a positive way. 19
12. GLOSSARY OF FUNERAL TERMS Remember, if you don t understand something when discussing with funeral professionals, pause the conversation and ask. You have a right to understand everything that is happening. 12.1. Funeral Documentation Certificate of Cremation/Letter of Contents Certificate provided by the cemetery indicating the contents of the urn and information of the deceased. This is necessary for interment, shipment, or travel with the cremated remains. Coroner s Cremation Certificate A certificate signed by the coroner stating that no further investigation into the cause of death will be required. The signed certificate is required for the cremation to proceed. Death Registration This is the submission of a complete Medical Certificate of Death and Statement of Death to the province. Upon submission by the funeral home, they are granted a burial permit. Burial Permit This is the document given to the cemetery or crematorium which allows for either a burial or cremation to take place. Medical Certificate of Death Often confused with the proof of death certificate, this government form is filled out by a doctor to record the cause of death. This document is processed during the registration of the death with the province. It is not generally provided to the family, though it may be requested through Service Ontario by the legal next of kin 6-8 weeks after the registration of the death. Proof of Death Certificate Signed and sealed original certificates are provided by the funeral home for the settling of estate 20
12. GLOSSARY OF FUNERAL TERMS (Cont) matters. We recommend 15-20 certificates for the average estate. These documents should generally be provided by the funeral home at no extra cost. Statement of Death This is a government form that collects all of the relevant statistical information that the province requires to register the death. The process is similar to the registration of a birth. 12.2. Funeral Terms Beneficiary This refers to the person that the funeral arrangements are for. It is most commonly used in regard to pre-arrangements when the death has yet to occur. Body Donation Prior to passing, the deceased may make the decision to donate his or her organs for transplant, or his or her entire body to scientific research. These arrangements must be made directly with health professionals. To learn more, visit the Trillium Gift of Life Network website at www.giftoflife. on.ca. Burial Vault This is a concrete outer container that protects the casket from the elements after the burial. Casket The deceased must legally be placed in a casket for disposition (burial or cremation). It may be bought, or you may provide your own as long as it meets the requirements of the cemetery or crematorium. Caskets may be decorative or not. An example of a simple alternative casket would be unfinished wood with no cloth lining, or a casket made of cardboard. 21
12. GLOSSARY OF FUNERAL TERMS (Cont) Cremated Remains The remaining bone fragments after the cremation process. The remains contain no other matter. Once the cremation is complete, the bone fragments are then processed into the particles commonly referred to as ashes. Embalming This is a chemical process that helps to preserve, disinfect and restore the living likeness of a deceased body. The bodily fluid is replaced with varying chemicals. The body is then bathed completely, dressed, cosmetized and placed in the casket. Funeral Coach Also known as a hearse, this vehicle carries the casket to the place of final disposition (cremation or burial) within a formal service. Funeral Reception A time of fellowship usually following the funeral service, though it may be held as an alternative on its own, where family and friends gather for refreshments. Such celebratory gatherings are becoming increasingly popular compared to the traditional funeral. Lead/Clergy Car This is the vehicle in a funeral procession that leads the cars safely through the streets and carries the funeral celebrant/clergy. Urn Vault This is a concrete outer container that protects the urn from the elements after burial. Visitation/Viewing This is a time for friends and relatives to gather and pay their respects to the deceased and the family. There can be an urn or casket present, or occasionally just a picture as a focal point. Visitations are becoming more popular as a stand-alone service with no formal ceremony. 22
13. FUNERAL PLANNING GUIDE More often than not funeral arrangements were not discussed before the time of death. This can add a lot of stress to the arrangement process because you re not sure what your loved one might have wanted. Whether you are prearranging your own funeral or making arrangements for someone else, answering the 13 questions below will help make things much easier. 1. What kind of gathering would be most valuable to your family? Private family gathering Public gathering open to all friends and family No gathering 2. What type of funeral would be most meaningful to your family? Formal service led by clergy Funeral celebration led by a funeral celebrant Family service lead by family members No funeral celebration 3. What kind of reception would you like to provide? Sit down with a hot meal Finger foods served while visiting and mingling Alcoholic beverages provided No reception 4. What location would best suit this service? Local hall or event venue Church or place of worship Restaurant or pub Park, beach or other outdoor location (weather permitting) Specific Location 5. What will the type of disposition be? Cremation Burial Undecided 6. What focal point would your family be most comfortable with? Urn Open Casket Closed Casket Picture Other specific items 7. What kinds of flowers would best be displayed at this service? Roses Carnations Lilies Other All 23
13. FUNERAL PLANNING GUIDE (Cont) 8. Is there a charity that you would like to support on behalf of the deceased? _ 9. Who would be best suited to deliver a eulogy at this service? Family Member Friend Others 10. What items would be most meaningful to display at the service to help illustrate hobbies, careers etc.? 11. What music or vocals should be played at this service? Background music at visitation Introduction song before service Final song at the end of the service 12. Would you like to place an obituary notice? Name the newspaper(s): With or without a photo Published for days 13. Which funeral home will be taking care of the arrangements? Basic Funerals Phone: 1-855-212-4037 Email: info@basicfunerals.ca OR Other Funeral Home Name: Phone: Email: See next page for the statistical information that the funeral home will require to complete the arrangements. 24
14. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENT FORM Next of Kin/Executor Information Relationship to Beneficiary Is There a Will? Yes No Unsure First Name Middle Name Last Name Street Address City Postal Code Phone Email Beneficiary Information First Name Middle Name Last Name Street Address City Postal Code SIN Longest Occupation Father s Birth of Place Date of Birth Marital Status Industry Mother s Name (Maiden Surname, First) Place of Birth Spouse s Maiden Name Father s Name (Surname, First) Mother s Birth of Place 25
www.basicfunerals.ca/guide 1-855-212-4037