Frequently Asked Questions

What does a funeral cost?

The price of a funeral is dependant on a wide variety of factors. A licensed funeral director can greatly assist family and friends in making practical, informed decisions to realistically organize and finance a service. A funeral service for a loved one need not be lavishly expensive. A basic breakdown of service costs are as follows:

  • Professional service fee
  • Transfer of the deceased
  • Documentation
  • Basic sanitary care
  • Facilities & equipment
  • Merchandise
  • Cemetery and/or Crematorium fees
  • Indirect Costs (cash disbursements)

Is it necessary to have a casket for cremation?

A suitable container must be purchased for the protection of funeral home personnel as well as crematorium staff. Provincial law in British Columbia states that a rigid container sufficient for transportation is required for cremation purposes.

What does a Funeral Director do?

Making sure proper arrangements are made for everything from professional and sanitary care of the deceased, legal documents and family consultations; a licensed funeral director is both an organizational specialist and a professional caretaker.  Listed below are a few tasks a licensed Funeral Director can help you with:

  • Removal, transportation and professional sanitary care of the deceased.
  • Complete and thorough consultation with family members.
  • File and register all necessary certificates, permits and authorizations.
  • Compile an obituary, and make arrangements with family’s choice of clergy person, church and other personalized requests.
  • Assist with Canadian pension plan, veteran’s benefits and other death related claims.
  • Care and management of floral pieces, memorial books/cards and monument selections.

What options are available in Services and Disposition?

A valuable aspect of contemporary funerals is their individuality and versatility. A funeral service should reflect both the life of the deceased as well as those of the family members and other survivors. In today’s society, three basic forms of final disposition are practiced:

  • Earth Burial. A commonly chosen method, an earth burial consists of preparing the body, placing it in a container of the family’s choice and selecting a cemetery or other designated area for burial.
  • Cremation. An increasingly popular method, cremation involves preparing the body by reducing it through intense heat over the course of several hours.  The Cremated Remains are placed in a container of the family’s choice which can then be buried, placed in a memorial niche, scattered (where permitted by law) or kept in another personal location.
  • Entombment. Entombment in a crypt is one of the most historic forms of disposition and involves the placement of the deceased in a mausoleum or outdoor garden.  A suitable container of the family’s choice is required for entombment.

For more information and descriptions about the types of services Schoening’s provides, please see our ‘Service Guide’.

Are there any laws about scattering cremated remains?

There are no provincial regulations that prohibit the scattering of cremated remains by land, sea or air, however some municipal by-laws may prohibit.  Cremated remains should not be scattered on private property without permission.  This decision should be carefully considered as there is no permanent memorial site and the act is irreversible.  Please consult one of our licensed directors before making this decision.

How do I get a copy of the official Death Certificate?

In most cases, the funeral director will obtain the death certificate from Vital Statistics.  There is a “Medical Certification of Death” provided by the attending physician which should not be confused with an official death certificate.  The Medical Certification of Death is required in order to apply for a Death Certificate.  Again, one of our certified directors can assist you in obtaining these documents.

Can I make my funeral arrangements before I die?

Yes.  Today, prearrangement and prepayment of funerals are becoming more common.  Prearranging your own funeral allows you to carefully review your options and relieves family and friends from the emotional and financial weight that often comes when a loved one passes away.  Schoening’s currently has a full time Pre Need Councillor on staff, to provide this valuable service and can answer any questions or concerns you may have.  Please see Shirley McCaffrey in the ‘Pre Planning’ section of our site for contact and booking information.

All information from, Helpful Information,
Funeral Service Association of British Columbia 2008/2009.
Further information can be viewed at
http://www.bcfunerals.com/

 

 

 

 

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513 Seymour Street
Kamloops, British Columbia
V2C 2G8

Ph: (250) 374–1454
Toll Free: (800) 668–3379
Fax: (250) 374–1061