100 Mile Funeral Service Ltd. - 100 Mile House, BC, Canada

Most people do not like to think about their own death or the death of a close family member. Still, a death in a family unit occurs, on the average, once every 12 years. It is a time of decision making, often in the midst of deep sorrow. Some people are unprepared to cope with the responsibilities that must be faced. Yet, the decisions to be made are most times irreversible.

PUT YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER NOW

Appoint An Executor

The job of an executor is demanding and time consuming. Judgement and knowledge are critical to the decision making process when appointing an executor. An inexperienced family member or friend is often named executor. Unfortunately, the appointment is viewed solely as an honour, without due consideration.
An executor / executrix is the person who will be responsible for carrying out the instructions in your Will after you die. (There can be more than one executor.) The executor is also the person who has the legal authority to "control the disposition" (make funeral arrangements) for the deceased. You can name an alternate executor to take on the responsibility if your chosen executor cannot or will not accept the responsibility. It is essential to talk to this person prior to naming him or her as Executor / Executrix. Your alternate executor must also be consulted and both should have a copy of your Will.

Lawyers And Trust Companies

If your affairs are complicated, lawyers and trust companies provide executor services. They are experienced in looking after administrative details, insurance claims, taxation concerns, setting up, and administrating trusts. This is also a way to avoid burdening family or friends with the responsibility of attending to estate business. Lawyers and trust companies usually base their fee on a percentage basis of the estate.

Have A Valid Will

The grief your family may suffer following your death will be greatly magnified if you do not have a valid Will. Families have been shattered over poorly drawn up Wills or the administration of the estate. A properly drawn, up to date Will, is one of the finest protections that a person can give their family.

THREE IMPORTANT REASONS TO MAKE A WILL:

To avoid conflicts after you are gone, it is also advisable to name beneficiaries of family heirlooms and/or household effects. Keep a separate list and change it, as you need. This will prevent the hassle of amending the Will. The list should be signed and kept with the Will.

WHEN THERE IS NO WILL
The Estate Administration Act says how your estate will be divided if you die without a Will. A court will have to appoint someone to handle your estate. That person is called the Administrator. The Administrator is similar to the Executor who would have been named if you had made a Will. Usually the Administrator will be one of the people who will share in your estate. Sometimes people will disagree about who should be appointed and the Court has to decide whom to appoint. This can take a lot of time and money. If no one is willing to be the Administrator, then the Public Guardian and Trustee can do the job. The Court will also appoint a Guardian if you have children and their other parent is not alive. In most cases your survivors will have a much easier time if you make a Will. A Will is the best way to ensure your estate will be divided the way you want and that your children will be taken care of by the person you want.

Who Can Apply To Administer Your Estate?

If living with the deceased at the time of death, the spouse of the deceased or a common law spouse is the first person who can apply to administer your estate. If you have no spouse or if your spouse is not willing or able to administer your estate, then one or more of your relatives can apply, according to the priority set out by law. If there are no relatives willing or able to do this, then:
1. Any other person who may be appropriate could apply to be Administrator. This many include a friend of yours, or a professional such as a lawyer or accountant.
2. The Public Guardian and Trustee, as Official Administrator for the Province of B.C. might also apply to administer your estate in some circumstances; for example, if your estate is insolvent or if no one else is willing to act as Administrator.

WHERE TO KEEP YOUR WILL & IMPORTANT PAPERS

Keep your Will safe from fire, floods, theft and other damage. A good idea would be to place the Will in a safety deposit box in your bank. It is extremely important to note that a copy of the Will and any instructions with respect to funeral arrangements be kept in a location other than a safety deposit box that is known to the Executor or family.
Funeral arrangements are often made within 48 hours after a death has occurred. A death does not necessarily happen between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and access may not be available to these important documents. Remember that it is the legal representative named in the Will that has the authority to make funeral arrangements.
Do not leave the matter of funeral arrangements in the Will, as it is usually not read until after the funeral has taken place. It is therefore extremely important that the Executor has copies of all the necessary documents in order to expedite your wishes. This especially could hold true if a death occurred over a long weekend or during the holiday season when banks, trust companies and law firms are generally closed.

FUNERAL PLANNING

Today more than ever, people are choosing to pre plan or prepay for their own funeral arrangements. Such planning spares survivors making arrangements on short notice, reduces emotional strain and helps to ensure that the wishes of the deceased will be respected.

Direct Selling

Funeral homes and cemeteries by law are prohibited to engage in direct selling at a person's residence or to engage in telephone solicitation. An individual selling funeral and or cemetery arrangements may enter your home after receiving an invitation from you at least twenty-four hours in advance. This ban also applies to direct selling of any form of insurance intended to provide for cemetery property, funeral service and memorials.

Any concerns should be directed to the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority of BC - Telephone: 1-888-564-9963 or (604) 320-1667. For further information you may also wish to visit their web site www.bpcpa.ca. Because the Last Will and Testament is often read after the funeral, the best approach is for a person to speak to the family and a funeral director about arrangements then write those wishes down and keep in a known place. The person who sets these personal wishes down will be performing a thoughtful gesture. A pre-arranged funeral plan may be arranged with most Funeral Service Association of British Columbia members.

Funeral services plan contracts are required by law to include an itemized listing of all goods and services purchased and any other costs involved.

Money collected under a prepaid agreement must be placed in a government regulated trust account within 21 days.

The full sum of the agreement may be collected or an amount may be agreed upon to be paid on a monthly or time basis.

A prepaid agreement may be cancelled at any time. The funeral provider is entitled to a deduction for selling expenses of not more than 20 per cent of the amount received.

In a prepaid plan, the cost does not increase even if the services do not take place for many years.

With many funeral providers you can have a pre - planned arrangement without prepaying. For example, you may register your wishes at a funeral home for no fee.

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 pre plan, 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.

Funeral Costs Explained

To the families we serve…

It has been said that an individual adult may only need to arrange a funeral once every ten or more years. We recognise that under these circumstances the expenses of funeral services and merchandise may not be familiar every one. We present the following information with the intention of helping each individual acquire a clearer understanding of the costs associated with the services we provide.

By law, every funeral home is required to provide you with an up-to-date price list that clearly identifies the costs associated with the various services provided. One should also have open access to material that identifies manufacturer and model name or number of, the caskets, urns, vaults, and other merchandise offered so that you may compare prices in an educated manner. You should be cautious of any price list that does not clearly outline costs and identify the merchandise offered.

When arranging a funeral, there are basically three areas of expense to be considered:

The first is the Funeral Service Charge. This refers specifically to our professional staff and service fee; which includes the individual work we do, our facilities and the vehicles we provide.

The second expense to be considered is the cost of various merchandise, this refers to the casket or alternate container, burial vault, cremation urn and other items that may be purchased. When comparing the cost of merchandise it is important to note the manufacturer, model number or name and the material and craftsmanship used in the construction.

The third area of expense includes cash disbursements that the funeral home may pay on your behalf and include on your funeral account. These may include such items as cemetery or crematorium costs, newspaper notices, catering for at the service, clergy offerings and coroner's fees. These items are charged to you at their exact cost.

Prices will vary from funeral home to funeral home, and you are well within your rights being a purchaser to expect a clear and accurate estimate of costs for the type of service you are contemplating before you make a final decision. As mentioned, all funeral homes must provide you with a price list upon request. Costs are always within your control, and of course will depend on the type of service you are requesting.

We would be pleased to provide you with an accurate estimate of costs based on the type of service you are interested in. Please contact us by phone or e-mail and we will provide you with complete information, at no obligation or cost.

Death Benefits & Assistance

CPP – DEATH BENEFITS:
Canada Pension Plan survivor benefits are paid to a deceased contributor's estate, surviving spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. There are three types of benefits:

MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCES:
Any person, regardless of station in life, should rightfully expect that when death occurs society will remove his/her body and accord it the dignity of a proper burial. The Government of British Columbia, through its Ministry of Human Resources, may provide assistance. In the event of a death, those qualified to receive assistance must first obtain approval for assistance from the Ministry. If there are no relatives able to assume responsibility, staff will make arrangements for services and payment to the funeral home. Once you have qualified to receive assistance from the Ministry, you should call the funeral home as soon as possible to make an appointment to arrange services. The Ministry of Human Resources and the Funeral Service Association of B.C. have negotiated rates for items and services that will be included. The Ministry will not pay for any funeral fees beyond the set rate; nor will it contribute an equivalent sum for a more expensive funeral. If you require additional information, you should contact your financial assistance worker at your local Ministry of Human Resources - District Office.

Website: www.mhr.gov.bc.ca/publicat/bcea/Funerals.htm

PUBLIC GUARDIAN & TRUSTEE:
The Public Guardian & Trustee of British Columbia is a division of the Ministry of Attorney General for the Province of B.C. The Public Trustee has a legal responsibility to protect the rights of mentally incapable persons, minors, and the estates of missing persons and deceased persons where there is no named executor, or where there is no one willing or able to act as executor. The Public Trustee's Estate Administration Division secures assets, settles debts and claims against the estate, and then identifies and locates the estate's heirs and beneficiaries.
For more information contact:

Estate Administration Services,
Public Guardian & Trustee of B. C. #700 - 808 West Hastings St.,
Vancouver, B.C., V6C 3L3
Telephone: (604) 660-4444 Fax: (604) 660-0374
Website: www.trustee.bc.ca

THE CRIME ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The Crime Victim Assistance Program is a new program administered by the Victim Service Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The program, which came into force June 30, 2002, replaced the Criminal Injury Compensation Program previously operated by the Workers' Compensation Board. The program is governed by the Crime Victim Assistance Act and the Regulations. Under the Act, victims injured as a result of certain crimes, immediate family members or an injured or deceased victim and some witnesses may be eligible for financial assistance including funeral expenses. As defined in the Crime Victim Assistance (General) Regulation, the director may award an immediate family member a funeral expenses benefit for the expenses related to a funeral service, burial, cremation or related ceremonies. The director may not award more than $5000.00. Other financial assistance or benefits include: income support, counselling; protective measures (such as changed locks or home security systems); transportation or travel expenses; loss of earnings due to bereavement leave; crime scene cleaning.

Victim Services province-wide telephone service VictimLINK:
1-800-563-0808

VictimLINK is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, provides information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims. The line is TTY accessible and provides interpretation services for all the major languages spoken in British Columbia.

Website: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/victim_services

INSURANCE CORPORATION OF BC:
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia will provide no-fault accident benefits. These benefits include payment for funeral expenses up to the cost of the funeral or $2,500.00, whichever is less.

If you require more information contact the ICBC Information Unit at
1-800-663-3051

Website: www.icbc.com

THE LAST POST FUND / VETERAN AFFAIRS CANADA:
Effective March 16, 1998, the BC Branch of the Last Post Fund has assumed responsibilities from Veteran Affairs Canada to action all funerals and burials for qualified war veterans, Merchant Mariners and certain other qualified persons. All notifications of veteran deaths are now being passed to this office by the various VAC District offices as well as the Pacific Region office. The grant is means tested and estate and spousal assets must be declared on the grant form. In some cases, depending on the assets declared, a partial grant may be awarded. The surviving spuose or other responsible person should obtain the deceasd's regimental number, then contact:

T he Last Post Fund, BC Branch
Suite 203, 7337 137 St.
Surrey, BC
V3W 1A4

Telephone : (604) 572-3242 or call Toll Free: (800) 268-0248.
Website: www.lastpostfund.ca

Cremation Explained

Statistics show that in British Columbia close to 77% of families chose cremation in 2000. 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. We 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 REQUEST

Why should we 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. The cremation takes 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 will 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, an approved container must be purchased that is sufficient to prevent a health hazard to crematorium personnel. This is provincial law.
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 information must be disclosed to the Funeral director and the device will be removed prior to cremation. It is possible to have an individual 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.
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 has options for final disposition and provides a permanent place for a monument tribute. It also lends itself as the place for family to visit to 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. It also provides a space for a plaque where the deceased’s name and information can be recognised.
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. For 100 Mile House and surrounding area you may want to consider 100 Mile House
Memorial Garden.

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

Burial Explained

You may have a preferred cemetery in the community or perhaps your family already owns a cemetery plot. Some cemeteries are commercially owned and some cemeteries are municipally owned.

You may wish to purchase from the cemetery a burial plot for either the full casket or for an urn that holds cremated remains. You are actually "not buying the plot or grave" but rather the "right of interment" in that plot or grave. In addition you will need to purchase the open and closing of the plot to allow for interment (burial), and you may be required by the cemetery by-laws to purchase a cement liner.

The price of memorial markers (headstones, tombstones, plaques or monuments) will vary depending on size, design, and the material it is constructed of. Before purchasing a marker, make sure it meets the standards of the cemetery you have selected. All cemetery operators and memorial (monument) dealers are required by provincial law to provide you with an itemized price list. All cemeteries in the Province of BC are regulated by the Business Protection and Consumer Protection Authority.

Information on local cemeteries

Creating a Meaningful Service

The Funeral - A Celebration of Life

Why have a funeral? 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. For thousands of years, funerals have been a means of expressing our beliefs, thoughts and feelings about the death of someone we love.

The funeral ceremony:

HOW CAN YOU CAPTURE THIS UNIQUE LIFE?

Consider his or her passions, hobbies, pastimes, likes and dislikes. Be creative as you can together with your family, friends, funeral director and person who will lead the service. Memories are the most precious legacy we have after someone we loved dies.

Create a "Memory Board" or "Memory Table" - Many funeral homes make available tables or boards for families to display memorabilia and photos. If the person who died had a favourite hobby, consider setting up a display that represents this (i.e. fishing tackle; bridge table; golf clubs, musical instrument with sheet music). Physical objects that link family and friends to the person who died can also be displayed (i.e. special articles of clothing; favourite toys for a child; an old soccer jersey or curling sweater; achievement awards etc). You could also set out family photo albums and framed pictures. Memory tables are a good place to gather and share memories of the person who died. A Memory Board and Memory Table can be set up during the visitation, during the funeral ceremony or gathering and also at the reception.

Memorial Cards – Memorial cards usually include a picture, the deceased’s date of birth and death, a personal history and surviving members of the family. It should be personalized to represent who the person was by including poems or stories you wish to share. They are given to the family and people attending the funeral and may be sent to those who cannot attend the service as a keepsake.

Memorial Cards

Memory Videos / Slide Presentations - Transfer your home movies, slides or photos to a "Video" or "Power Point Presentation" and have it played at the service. Some funeral homes offer memory videos that incorporate visual images with music. Videos and presentations can be saved to CD and preserved for future generations and provide a sense of history. Ask your funeral director for their assistance. Most funeral homes have the equipment and experience to co-ordinate the details.

Music - Consider music that was meaningful to the person who died or to your family. Most funeral homes, churches or community centres have the capacity to play CDs or tapes. Your funeral director can help you co-ordinate your music selections, check sound systems, and ensure that your music selections are played at the appropriate time during the ceremony. The funeral director can also help you with selecting live music options including soloists, pianist, organist, choirs, quartets etc. You're as likely to hear Elton John, Frank Sinatra or Celine Dion played at a service as you would some traditional hymns such as Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art.
Here are some contemporary songs that are often played at funerals:

Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
The Best - Tina Turner
Angels - Robbie Williams
You'll Never Walk Alone - Gerry and the Pacemakers
Candle In The Wind - Elton John
Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers
Time To Say Goodbye - Sarah Brightman

Memory Letters / Memory Baskets - Some friends and family members may want to write a personal letter to the person who died. Children may want to draw pictures. These letters and pictures can then be sealed and placed in the casket. You may also wish to provide a time and place during the visitation or service where people can write down memories on paper and place them in a "memory basket". Some of these memories can be read during the ceremony or eulogy or tacked on a board for others to read. Through memories, those who have died live on in us. Be sure to talk to your funeral director about ways of sharing memories at the funeral. These are just a few suggestions. The more creative you can be, the more meaningful the service will be.

When a Death Occurs Away From Home

WHEN A DEATH OCCURS AWAY FROM HOME
In the event that a death occurs 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 to also assist you or visit www.embassyworld.com
The Department of Foreign Affairs offers an enquiries service Call by phone:
1-800-267-8376

Funeral Planning

What Can I Do Now to Assist My Family?

Funeral Costs Explained

Cremation Explained

Burial Explained

Creating a Meaningful Service

When a Death Occurs Away From Home