The Annual Report for the British Columbia Vital Statistics Agency states that in BC close to 79% of families chose cremation in 2006. Nationally, earth burial is still the chosen means of disposition by the majority. Yet, many people know little about their options – such as, what type of service or gathering is available and where should it be held? What type of container and final resting place is preferred? And, what type of memorial and where should it be displayed?
It is often found that many people decide upon cremation having only received very little information by word of mouth from friends. The members of the Funeral Service Association of British Columbia believe that the general public needs more information on cremation.
WHAT IS CREMATION?
We feel any decisions made about cremation should be educated decisions. Cremation is, in fact, only one process in a series of events that will take place. Cremation is where the body is prepared for final disposition. Over a period of 2 to 3 hours the body is transformed by intense heat (1600 – 2000 degrees Fahrenheit) to a state of small skeletal fragments and not fine ash as some people believe.
After the cremation process is complete, the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber and placed in a tray for cooling. They are then processed to their final reduced consistency. The processed cremated remains are generally placed in a small cardboard box or other temporary container at the crematorium. Most cremated remains weigh between 4 – 8 pounds. The cremated remains are returned to the family or to the Executor / legal representative of the deceased.
Now that you understand the process of cremation, there are still many other decisions that will have to be made.
NO SERVICE BY RERQUEST
Why have a service? What’s the point? As difficult as it can be to discuss death, grief and funerals, it is ultimately more difficult to avoid the topic. A ceremony is held in the memory of the deceased individual as a way of assisting the needs of the bereaved to acknowledge and express their feelings of loss. Some form of service for the deceased is the final celebration of their life, the summary of an individual’s beliefs, philosophy, accomplishments, and their relationship to others left behind. A service for the deceased is similar to other ceremonies in our lives. Like a graduation ceremony, a wedding, a baptism, a funeral or some form of service, it is a rite of passage by which we recognize an important event that distinguishes our lives.
The death of a loved one is never easy but a meaningful service will help.
One of the biggest misconceptions about cremation is that there can’t be any funeral, or because the final disposition is cremation, there will be no funeral.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Even with cremation many families choose the comfort of a traditional funeral with the cremation taking place afterwards. A memorial service differs from a funeral in that it takes place after the cremation. Often the urn containing the cremated remains is present with memorabilia, photographs, awards or any personal effects that are meaningful or special.
Sometimes we hear of “No Service by Request” or “Immediate Disposition”. This generally refers to the fact that a service will not be held for the deceased, however, it should not be confused with the many details that will have to be tended to prior to the cremation taking place. This is important to understand. By provincial law, cremation can not take place until 48 hours after death and therefore requests for immediate disposition can be misleading.
Immediate disposition includes: the transfer of the deceased from the place of death; obtaining and securing documentation for the registration of death; securing the cremation permit.
The deceased need not be presented in a casket for cremation but, in the absence of a casket, a suitable container* must be purchased that is sufficient to prevent a health hazard to crematorium personnel. This is provincial law.
A *SUITABLE CONTAINER as defined in the BC Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Regulation is a container that encloses human remains and must be combustible and rigid. For the purpose of cremation, the container must NOT contain any of the following:
- plastic
- fiberglass
- foam or styrofoam
- rubber
- polyvinyl chloride
- zinc
Requirements for containers must meet the follow requirements:
a) it must have sufficient strength to contain and move human remains
b) it must be capable of being closed so that the public is not able to see the human remains
c) it must be constructed so that it does not leak or otherwise cause a hazard to any person’s health
d) it must be rigid.
The container or casket is then placed into the cremation chamber. Only one container or casket is placed in the cremation chamber at a time. If the deceased had a pacemaker, this must be removed by the funeral home staff. A person can be buried or cremated with simplicity, however, there is a certain amount of administrative duties and physical preparation of the deceased that may need to be performed prior to the cremation taking place.
Whether a more formal religious service is preferred or an intimate gathering of family and friends, your funeral director has the flexibility to meet every family’s needs.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER CREMATION?
For individuals and families choosing cremation a decision regarding a final resting place must also be made. A cemetery with its many options for final disposition and memorialization provides permanency. A place for family to visit and remember their loved one, on important family occasions such as special holidays and anniversaries.
URNS: Usually cremated remains are placed in some type of permanent receptacle, or urn, before being committed to a final resting place. An urn is a container designed to hold cremated remains permanently. It can be constructed from a variety of materials including: hardwoods such as oak, cherry and mahogany; metals such as bronze, copper, brass and pewter; or stone such as granite, marble or cultured marble. An urn should be approximately 3,277 cubic centimetres (200 cubic inches) in capacity. Some families choose to provide their own urn. It is important that such urns be of an appropriate size.
EARTH BURIAL OF THE URN: Among the many options available, a very common choice is burial. If another member of the family has, or does not choose cremation, burial of the cremated remains offers families the flexibility to still be placed to rest near each other.
COLUMBARIUM: A columbarium is an above-ground structure, usually in a cemetery, where an urn is placed in a small compartment called a niche.
SCATTERING: Cremated remains also may be scattered in cemetery gardens especially created and dedicated for this purpose. The location where the cremated remains have been scattered in the garden can be identified by name on a special memorial plaque or marker. Some cemeteries have rose gardens that are designed specifically for the scattering of cremated remains.
There are no provincial regulations that prohibit the scattering of cremated remains on land, sea or by air. However, municipal by-laws may dictate otherwise. You may wish to check with your local city hall to ensure that scattering is not prohibited in your area. Once you have checked and you have decided to scatter the cremated remains, it is highly advisable that a site be chosen with a permanent member that will provide a place of pilgrimage for immediate and future generations who want to remember and celebrate the life of their loved one.
The decision to scatter should be chosen carefully. Although the act of scattering over land or water may have idyllic appeal to some, it is an irreversible decision. Already we are starting to see the emotional results this has had some years later on the survivors, who have come to regret no permanent memorial site. The emotional value of establishing a permanent site is worthy of consideration.
In British Columbia, there are hundreds of cremated remains that have never been claimed from the funeral home. Many funeral directors have gone to great lengths in order to ensure dignified final disposition for these unclaimed cremated remains. Under provincial regulations, if the cremated remains are not retrieved within one year from the date of cremation, the funeral home has the right to bury the cremated remains in common ground at a local cemetery.
For this reason alone, it is important to understand that cremation, is only one process in a series of events that will take place. If your choice is cremation, you must carefully consider the options for final disposition of the cremated remains.
Mostly all of the arrangements you have read about can be made in advance. By planning ahead you have the opportunity to consider all of the options and make decisions based on what is right for you and your family. By pre-planning ahead of time, families may be spared making difficult decisions at a stressful and emotional time. When you preplan, not only are the arrangements chosen by you, the costs are also decided by you. And, by paying for services in advance, you are guaranteed that the costs will never be more than they are today.
All prepaid funeral plans must be placed in a provincial government regulated trust account. We hope that you have found this information helpful by showing the variety and flexibility that cremation offers.
BURIAL AT SEA
Federal government law must be adhered to with respect to a burial at sea. Strict regulation and guidelines now make a burial at sea virtually prohibitive. A permit application must be made well in advance of need (at least 8 weeks).
A notice of intent must be published in a local newspaper. Proof of the notice must be sent to Environment Canada and include an application fee. Other stringent regulations include nautical miles from land for burial site and casket specifications.
It is recommended that alternative arrangements be made since burial at sea regulations and costs have become very restrictive, if not impossible.
THE BODY DONATION PROGRAM
The Body Donation Program in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC) has been in service since 1950.
Over the years many individuals have donated their bodies for the purpose of anatomical study and medical research making a very special and valuable contribution to the education of our health care professionals and the communities they serve. The growth of the UBC Faculty of Medicine has created an increased need for donated anatomical material required for educational and research purposes.
In order to obtain detailed and essential knowledge of structure and function of the human body, future doctors, dentists, rehabilitation therapists and scientists must study human remains as part of their training. The donation of one’s body is a very special gift to the future healthcare professionals of our community.
Most body donations are used for teaching purposes and will be the subject of student examination and disection. However, some donations will be used specifically for medical and research training. These donations will help to advance surgical training techniques and enhance progress in areas of medical research.
Students preparing themselves for careers in medicine, dentistry and related professions are fully aware of the special privilege granted to them and the obligation they have to conduct themselves in a professional manner during their training. People who donate their bodies to the medical school can be assured that all human remains are accorded the dignity and respect that our society customarily grants the dead.
Registration
You can register as a body donor by completing our two consent forms. Please read and check the sections on these consent forms. After signing both consent forms, return one copy to UBC and deposit the other with a close family member or your physician, who will be in a position to carry out your wishes at the appropriate time. An executor or next of kin may complete and sign an executor consent form after the death of a potential donor, or on behalf of an individual unable to give consent. Our donors have the option upon registration to consent to an indefinite donation: this allows the University to retain some of the anatomical material longer than the typical six month to three year period. This provides a significant contribution for the education of our students. It is also important that donors are aware that consent to donate one’s body may also include consent for tissue sampling, serology testing and medical imaging of anatomical material for educational and research purposes.
At the Time of Death
As soon as possible after death has occurred, the executor, next of kin or health care professional must contact the UBC Body Donation Program at 604-822-2578. Prolonged delay in notification can result in the decline of the donation. If death occurs outside regular business hours (9am – 5pm, Mon – Fri), please contact Mount Pleasant Funeral Home at 604-876-2161. If a funeral service is desired it is strongly recommended that it take place in the form of a memorial service without the presence of the body. It is suggested that arrangements be made for this type of service prior to death. In order to determine if a body is appropriate for donation, our staff must first contact the physician and family of the deceased. A medical history for the deceased will only be obtained after death. The executor/next of kin and physician will be notified once we determine if the donation can proceed. Once accepted, we will make all of the necessary arrangements for transport of the body by our approved funeral home and licensed transport provider to UBC. If declined, it will be the responsibility of the executor or next of kin to make alternate arrangements for the deceased.
Accepted Body Donations
Accepted donations will remain under the care of the University for a period of six months to three years. In addition, if an individual has specified on their consent form that their remains be donated indefinitely, then a portion may be retained for use in teaching, training and research. After use, the University will arrange for cremation of the remains and the executor/next of kin will be contacted to collect the ashes. All cremated remains must be claimed at this time. The University will bear the cost of cremation and simple urns. The executor/next of kin is responsible for providing any special urns, burial plots, monuments or memorial services for the donor.
Is there an upper age limit for donors?
No, but donors must be over the age of 30 to qualify.
Does the university accept all registered donors?
No, some conditions will not allow for donation to occur. The University reserves the right to decline any donation if considered unsuitable for its purposes. It is recommended that alternate arrangements be made in the event that the donation is declined.
What conditions may prevent body donation?
• Infectious diseases (e.g. HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B or C)
• Severe antibiotic resistant infections (e.g. MRSA, VRE)
• Obesity
• Extensive trauma to the body (including recent major surgery)
• Suicide or traumatic death
• Autopsy or Coroner’s case
• Delay in notification of death
• Most organ donations with the exception of corneal transplant (eye donation)
What are the costs involved?
If death occurs outside the Greater Vancouver Regional District, the estate or the next of kin are responsible for costs associated with transport of the donated remains to the University of British Columbia. The University will bear the cost of cremation when it occurs.
Prior to death, forms must be obtained from the University of British Columbia, Department of Anatomy, and completed and returned.
You must state in your Will that you wish to donate your body for medical instruction.
All human remains received at UBC will be embalmed.
Download Body Donation Brochure
CAUTION – make alternate pre-arrangements … not all human remains will be accepted. Before you consider this option it is also important to discuss it with your family, Executor and physician.
WHEN DEATH OCCURS AWAY FROM HOME
Should a death occur when you are away from home, it is wise to contact the funeral director in your community. The funeral director will act on your behalf and help coordinate all the details required in order to have the deceased transferred back to their hometown. If you are in another country where there may be language or cultural barriers, it is recommended that if logistically possible, you contact the nearest Canadian Consulate www.embassyworld.com
The Department of Foreign Affairs offers an enquiries service and an excellent brochure called “Bon Voyage But …” Call 1-800-267-8376 for a free copy of this brochure or visit the D.F.A.I.T. website at http://www.voyage.gc.ca/publications/bon-voyage-eng.asp
