Cremation is an alternative to the burial process, and it is chosen by many people because of religious beliefs, the desire to preserve the environment or It was requested by the person who died. Cremation can be a less expensive option in comparison to a burial. The remains are placed in a container that is combustible and placed in a special furnace called a cremation chamber or a crematory where through intense heat is reduced to bone fragments that are then reduced to resemble course sand. The cremated remains of an average adult body will weigh about 6-9 pounds. Cremation is not an alternative to a funeral, but rather an alternative to burial or other forms of disposition.

Cremated remains can be scattered or buried or they may be kept with the family in a decorative urn. There are many new and different ways to dispose of ashes today. Cremated remains can be placed in an artificial coral reef in the ocean, they can be launched into space. Or they can be spun into glass pieces of art or diamonds.

Some religions welcome cremation while others forbid It. The Catholic Church had banned cremation up until 1963, but now accepts It. The Catholic Church does prefer to have the body present at the funeral mass followed with Cremation. In other Christian denomination cremation was historically discouraged but nowadays it is more widely accepted. In eastern religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism cremation is mandated, while in Islam it is strictly forbidden. Orthodox Jews also forbid cremation, other sects of Judaism support cremation, but burial remains the preferred option.
Visit our website to view a wide range of urns and keepsakes available.

CREMATION FAQ

WHAT IS CREMATION?

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame. Cremation is not the final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service.

WHAT IS A BASIC CREMATION?

A basic cremation also known as direct cremation would consist just the preparation and the cremation It would not involve any ceremonies or services.

IS A CASKET NEEDED FOR CREMATION?

No, a casket is not required. However provincial regulations require the body to be in a container for Cremation. This may be constructed of wood or cardboard or a combination of the two you may also use a casket that has been designed for cremation or burial if you wish. The difference is that a container normally will not have any lining inside where a casket designed for cremation will have a pillow, a bed and other lining inside.

IS EMBALMING REQUIRED PRIOR TO CREMATION?

No, in fact it is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise.

CAN THE BODY BE VIEWED WITHOUT EMBALMING?

Yes, most funeral providers allow viewing the deceased prior to cremation.

CAN THE FAMILY WITNESS THE CREMATION?

Yes, they can: some cremation providers will allow family members to be present when the body is placed in the cremation chamber. Some religious groups even Include this as part of their funeral custom.

CAN A CREMATION URN BE BROUGHT INTO CHURCH?

Nearly all Protestant Churches allow for the urn to be present during the Memorial service. Most Catholic Churches also allow the remains to be present during the Memorial Mass. It is encouraged that cremated remains be a part of a funeral as it provides a focal point for the service.

WHAT CAN BE DONE WITH THE CREMATED REMAINS?

While laws vary from province to province, for the most part remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or a cremation garden, interred in a columbarium. Kept at home or scattered.

HOW CAN I BE SURE I RECEIVE THE CORRECT REMAINS?

All reputable cremation providers have developed rigorous sets of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize the level of service and minimize the potential for human error. Crematoriums will place a stainless-steel disc with the decedent which has an identification number on it. This disc is assigned to the decedent when they come into the care of the crematorium. The disc remains with the decedent throughout the entire cremation process and is attached to the bag containing the cremated remains. Since it is Illegal to perform more than one cremation at a time. It Is next to impossible to receive the incorrect remains.

HOW LONG DOES THE ACTUAL CREMATION TAKE?

It all depends on the weight of the Individual. For an average sized adult, cremation can take two to three hours at a normal operating temperature of between 1600- and 1900-degrees Fahrenheit.

WHAT DO THE CREMATION REMAINS LOOK LIKE?

Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color. The remains of an average sized adult usually weigh between 6 and 9 pounds.

ARE ALL THE CREMATED REMAINS RETURNED?

With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family.