What should I do if a death occurs?

Someone in your family has died and nothing can soften the shock and emotional distress you feel. To help you gather all the information you will need in the days ahead here is a checklist to guide you along the way.

Who should I call if a death occurs?

When a death occurs notify Everden Rust, the family and close friends of the deceased. And, their employer, school, college or other institution (if any).

Why have a funeral?

A funeral is a ceremony to mark a person's death. It is a custom for the living to show respect for the dead.  It is a way to say goodbye. It is a ritual that provides a way for family, friends and community to gather and support one another. A funeral is the first step in the grieving and healing journey.

Why embalming?

Embalming helps to temporarily preserve the body. It minimizes the decomposition process and enhances a body's appearance to make it suitable for display at a funeral.

Embalming has a long and cross-cultural history. It is not a requirement of law in Canada; however, most provinces require embalming when a death has occurred from a contagious disease or when a body is to be transported, by common carrier, from one province or state to another.

Can I decide what I want done with my remains while I'm still alive?

Yes. Just as you plan for a college education, a future wedding or a new home, you may plan for your own funeral. It is the best way to ensure that your wishes for final disposition are followed.

If a death occurs while I'm travelling in another province or country can Everden Rust help me?

Yes.  We can make all the necessary arrangements, on your behalf, with a funeral provider in the area where the death took place. Everden Rust can help you transfer the remains to another province, to another country or from another country back home to Canada.

Is a funeral or memorial service always held in a funeral home or place of worship?

No. A service can usually be arranged at a location that family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate. Your funeral director can assist you with arranging a meaningful service.

Can a service less formal than a funeral or memorial be arranged?

Yes. A wake or gathering of friends may be arranged and both are less formal events. They allow for family and friends to gather share memories and support one another. They may include refreshments and may be held at any appropriate location including an accommodating funeral home, a park, a restaurant, or the home of a family member or friend.

Does the price I get from the funeral home include all charges?

Not always. The Funeral Director is responsible for explaining all charges that are specific to the funeral home services and the merchandise as stated in it's price list. Additional charges, however, may fall under the category of cash advances which may be for newspaper notices, flowers, opening and closing the grave, honorarium's for clergy, soloist, organist or some other special request etc..

Why are funerals so expensive?

Prices may vary between funeral homes depending on the type of funeral service and merchandise you purchase. Talk to the funeral director making the arrangements about your concerns and additional options that may be available for your particular situation.  It can be a challenge to shop around for a funeral service at the last minute so you may want to speak with Everden Rust ahead of time to plan a service that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Will life insurance pay for funerals?

No.  Unless the type of life insurance was specifically funeral insurance, the executor or next of kin is responsible for settling the funeral service account at the time of the arrangements.  The person who pays the funeral services account may then request their reimbursement from the estate or primary beneficiary of the policy.  It's a good idea to speak with your funeral and insurance provider well in advance to discover what your insurance policy may be applied to when a death occurs.

Is it appropriate to have a viewing and not a service?

Yes, if it is the wish of the family. In such a case the funeral director will arrange designated times for calling hours, have the times published in the newspaper and simply add to the obituary notice that services will be private or at the convenience of the family. This information will make it clear to the public as to the arrangements and fulfill the wishes of the family.

How can I personalize a funeral service?

There are many ways to personalize a funeral service and your funeral director can assist you with arranging meaningful choices. One way might be to bring a personal item/items into the funeral home to be displayed in or near the casket. For example, an avid golfer might have a favorite putter placed in the casket; an avid hunter or fisherman might have some of their personal fishing or hunting gear placed in the casket; a potter or artist might have some of their work displayed on a memory table.

Do clergy always officiate at a funeral service?

No. In place of clergy it is appropriate for the funeral director, a family member or a friend to share personal thoughts, memories and feelings about the deceased as part of the service.

Is a funeral or memorial service always held in a funeral home or place of worship?

No. A service service can usually be held at any location that family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate. Your funeral director can assist with arranging a meaningful service.

These are some of the many questions you may have. If there is a question that is not answered here please ask the Funeral Director:

                    In Kelowna:      (250) 860-6440 or jason@everdenrust.com
                    In Penticton :    (250) 493-4112 or bill@everdenrust.com