"No funeral!?" That's the reaction many people have when a loved one tells them their wishes, or when they're told there will be no service for dearly departed friend or family member. It can be hard to believe that someone wouldn't want this time-honoured tradition. While we at Chapel Ridge…
After someone has died you might hear people use the term wake and you might be wondering what it means. You might assume this term is interchangeable with "reception" or "viewing", and sometimes people use it like that. However, the a wake is a tradition with a very specific meaning…
Now that 2019 is coming to an end, many of you will be making New Year's Resolutions. While there are plenty of common ones out there - eating healthier, getting fitter or starting a new hobby, there are some practical resolutions you may not have thought of. As we get…
Many municipalities, such as Hamilton - the focus of a recent Hamilton Spectator article - are running out of room for people in its cemeteries. Not only this, but the population is looking for more economical burial options, and traditional burial in a cemetery can be pricy. It's not just…
Every day we are faced with stories about over-population, climate change, carbon footprints, pollution and the overall impact humans have on earth. It's a lot to think about. To respond, there have been some changes made by the funeral and burial industry regarding how human remains are returned to the…
At this time last year, we published a list of new year's resolutions for the grieving. It featured a list of items to help those who lost someone very close to them get through the new year. We stand by this list and encourage those going through the grief process…
Even though it's one of the most human things in the world, many of us are still very uncomfortable talking about death and dying. Even though it is inevitable, most of us are hush-hush about it. Some people are trying to change this. That is where the death cafe comes…
While there is no guide book for handling grief, a recent article in The New York Times (Oct 12, 2018) attempts to shed some light on the subject. The piece, titled "A Handbook for Grieving" by Caroline M. Grant, deals with the months, week and days leading up to the death…
Whether you're looking for services for your immediate need or pre-arrangements, there are many common questions about funerals, burials and other important details. Talking about, or even thinking about death can be difficult - especially when it's regarding a loved one or yourself. While it is one of life's most…
