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 Sargent
and Son have tried to answer some often asked questions, we
provide this service to you in hopes of easing your mind. However
this information is not to replace the quality service you get
when you speak to one of our experienced funeral directors. |
Q. Can a funeral service be arranged in advance?
A. Yes. This service has been offered by funeral establishments in our province for over 70 years. Instructions as given to the funeral director are recorded and kept on file until the time of need. Families can choose to prepay the funds necessary to carry out the terms of the agreement. Funds placed with the funeral director are placed in trust.
Q. Can a family add to the social services allowance for funerals?
A. No. If social services pays funeral costs, the family must accept what is specified. If not, they assume the entire cost of the funeral themselves.
Q. If a family has no church affiliation, who will officiate at the service?
A. We can contact a member of the clergy or a lay-person, who conduct services for families without church connection. They will work with the family to create a personalized funeral service.
Q. Is there a fee for the clergy?
A. It is customary to give an honorarium to the clergy especially if the family has no church connections. In Thunder Bay the fee ranges from $100.00 -$250.00. Certain clergy have set fees.
Q. Can a funeral director arrange for a service in another community?
A. Yes.
Q. What procedure should be followed if a death occurs while away from home?
A. Contact your local funeral director immediately. They will assume responsibility for the return of the deceased person to their community. They will engage the services of a funeral director in the place of death who will act as their agent.
Q. What are funeral costs for a newborn child?
A. Charges will depend upon the services required by the family. Often there is only a minimal charge or no charge at all.
Q. What is the least expensive service?
A. It is a minimum service sometimes called a direct disposition or transfer service. This service is offered by our funeral home.
Q. What is the difference between a funeral home and a transfer service?
A. A funeral home is permitted to and will assist with all aspects of funeral services related to a death. A transfer service company can only supply direct distribution with no variances.
Q. How much do cemetery plots cost?
A. The prices of plots vary from one area of the province to another. In addition to the purchase price there will be extra charges for the opening and closing of the grave. At Sargent & Son we have the rates and regulations of the various cemeteries in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area and can give you advice and counsel.
Q. Is cremation less expensive than burial?
A. Not necessarily. Many factors influence cost. For example, in some areas of the province where crematoria are at great distances, burial may prove to be less expensive.
Q. Can I have a visitation period and a funeral service if cremation is chosen?
A. Yes. Cremation does not preclude having a visitation period and a funeral service. Many people have a time of visitation and a funeral service followed by cremation.
Q. What does the actual cremation process cost?
A. In Thunder Bay there are two crematoriums, and their costs vary by about $10.00.
Q. What is done with cremated remains?
A. Most families choose to have the remains interred in a family plot or a specially designated section of a cemetery or columbarium. If the cremated remains are left with the funeral director and are not claimed within a year they may be buried in a common ground burial site.
Q. Is it necessary to have a casket for cremation?
A. Crematoria require a combustible casket or container. Families may select a casket or container appropriate to their needs.
Q. What type of clothing is usually worn to a funeral service?
A. For an acceptable guide use your own good taste and dress in much the same manner you would when attending church. Some people like to use clothing that was special to the deceased, whether it is a favorite team jersey, or tie.
Q. Who issues a Death Certificate?
A. All funeral homes provide proof of death certificates which are appropriate in most circumstances. An official Certificate of Death must be obtained from the Office of the Registrar General. There is a fee for each certificate.
Q. Must a person deal with a Memorial Society to obtain a reasonably-priced funeral service?
A. No. Any funeral director will provide a funeral to meet the wishes and budget, of all. Most important, no family or individual is required to pay a membership fee. Further, the family may select their own funeral home, not one that the Memorial Society has designated.
Q. What is a memorial service?
A. A memorial service is conducted by a member of the clergy or a lay-person in a church or a chapel where the deceased person's body or cremated remains are not present.
Q. Can anyone other than a Coroner request and autopsy?
A. Yes. There are times when the attending physician may ask permission to perform an autopsy or the family may request an autopsy be performed. In these instances, the written consent of the family is required before an autopsy can take place. It should be noted that if an autopsy is to be performed, the examination is conducted by a specialist in the medical field of pathology. Autopsies sometimes delay the visitation period for families, but do not necessarily affect the choice of an open
casket. There is a cost to the family if they request the autopsy.
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