Cremation Information
What is Cremation?
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.
When deciding between different end-of-life services, there are many important factors to consider. These considerations include religious or spiritual beliefs, finances, or environmental concern. If any of these factors have led you to consider cremation, please do not hesitate to call us and ask speak to one of our cremation specialists. They will explain everything you need to know about cremation.
More Explained About Cremation
Cremation has slowly grown in popularity in Canada over the years. Now that people are more educated on the benefits of cremation, it has become a standard choice for the average family. According to this article posted by CBC (2013), upwards of sixty percent of all Canadians now choose cremation.
But Why Choose Cremation?
Everyone has their own personal reasons for choosing cremation over traditional casketed burial. Here are some cremation benefits:
Cost
Choosing cremation will save you from traditional expenses such as caskets and burial fees.
Full funeral services can cost a fortune between things like venue rental, burial plot fees, caskets, and other accommodations. Depending on the type of cremation service you would prefer, you could save yourself and your family a great deal of money. Visit our cremation options page to learn about the cremation packages we offer.
Flexibility
Cremation allows creative memorial services such as celebrations of life or ash scattering ceremonies that can also take place at any time before or after the cremation.
While the cremation process can occur almost immediately (once all the proper paperwork is complete), the decisions required in planning a meaningful memorial for a loved one can be made in a relaxed, rational way.
Religious/Spiritual Benefits
Some religious groups have loosened their restrictions on cremation.
Given the religious, ethnic, and regional diversity among us, there are many other reasons for the dramatic rise in the number of cremations performed each year. According to Tyler Mathisen of NBC, one of those reasons "is the softening of the Catholic church's views of the practice. For centuries—until 1963, in fact—the church outlawed it. The church's laws still express a preference for burial. But the outright ban is a thing of the past."
Environmental Benefits
Cremation can be less damaging to the environment.
What is Required to Arrange for Cremation?
Once the cremation-over-burial decision has been made, all that's required is authorization. This is provided by the person who is the legally identified or appointed next-of-kin. Once all authorization documents are signed, and service charges are paid; the body can be transported from the place of death to the crematory and the cremation process can take place. However, there are some additional things you may wish to consider, such as:
- Is there a special set of clothes (such as a military uniform or favourite dress) your loved one would appreciate the thought of wearing? This will be a focus of the cremation arrangement conversation, and you will be advised by your funeral director as to your best options regarding jewelry or other valuable personal items.
- Are there any keepsake items you'd like to include in their cremation casket? Perhaps there's a special memento, such as a treasured photograph or letter? We sometimes suggest family members write cards, notes or letters to their deceased loved one, and place them in the
casket 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? Because we know how healing it can be to take part in an act of "letting go", we welcome the opportunity to bring interested family or friends into the crematory. Please discuss your desire to participate with your funeral director.
- What will you keep the cremated remains or ashes in after the cremation or the service? Many families are simply unaware that they can purchase a cremation urn to be placed in a special place such as the family home. We offer a large selection of urns that will help memorialize your loved one.
Ask one of our caring funeral directors to see the wide variety of urns.
Are You Ready to Talk About Cremation?
- What is Cremation, Cremation Association of North America
- Mathisen, Tyler, "Cremation is the Hottest Trend in the Funeral Industry"
226-290-9093
Serenity Burial & Cremation Services Inc.
361 Main Street
(Entrance on Chapman Street)
Port Dover ON N0A 1N0
