I am often questioned about cremation. Some people are in favour of cremation and some are not. Some are simply undecided and are looking for some facts to make an informed decision. Regardless, cremation represents a personal choice that is becoming more and more popular. I would estimate that of the great number of funerals I pre-arranged this year, at least 40 percent of them will include cremation at the time of death which represents an increase in the number of cremations that we generally do.
Right now, the closest crematoriums to us are in Windsor, Sarnia and London. We use the services of Windsor Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Crematorium but as a consumer you have the right to choose which crematorium you prefer. I can’t say anything negative about any crematorium; I guess it’s just that we have always respected the work and the staff of Windsor Memorial Gardens and haven’t felt the need to go elsewhere.
In order for a cremation to take place, we need to register a death and receive a burial permit. We need to get a Coroner to sign a form that will allow the cremation and we need the executor or next of kin to sign an application for the cremation. The rules of the crematorium include that a body must be in a combustible container. Another rule is that if a pacemaker is present, it will need to be removed prior to the cremation. Presently the cost of the actual cremation is $400.00
Jewelry is not recoverable after cremation. For that reason, jewelry that is to remain with a loved one is usually removed prior to the cremation and placed into the urn or other container after the cremation.
Cremated remains are also called cremains. They are returned to the Funeral Home inside a plastic bag which is contained in a heavy plastic box. We then place the plastic box into an urn bag and most times, that is how cremains are buried. To purchase an urn is a personal choice, not a requirement. You can make your own urn if you want…generally the interior measurements of an urn are 220 cubic inches.
For more information on cremation, don’t hesitate to ask.
