Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a death occurs?
Whether expected or sudden, the moment of a person’s death may be shocking or surreal. Every death, every situation is different and unique. People may die at a hospital, at home, in an accident, or unexpectedly anywhere. You may or may not have a plan in place as to what to do at this time.
Someone is on call 24 hours a day at Heritage North. If it is outside of office hours, the name and phone number of the person on call is on our voice mail.
You may call in advance, or at the time of death. You may have questions, need guidance or wonder what some of your options are. Regardless of the circumstances, one of us can help you with deciding how to take the next immediate steps.
How do I know to choose cremation or burial?
People choose burial or cremation for different reasons. Personal beliefs, feelings and traditions will indicate the best option. It is important to let your loved ones know what you would prefer so they can carry through with these wishes.
Why have a funeral service?
The words “funeral” or “service” are open to broad definition. A service does not need to be religious. Any gathering of people for the purpose of remembering and honouring the life of a person who has died is a funeral service. Funeral service may be very informal, something traditional, large, small or just something that feels appropriate. It can be at someone’s house, at a hall, at a church or outside. The important thing is that it provides a time and place for people to pay their respects, to share stories and to publicly acknowledge the importance of this person is to us. A service offers a time of healing and closure, gives a sense of peace and comfort to family and friends and brings a community together.
Who officiates at a funeral service?
Anybody can officiate at a funeral service: a family member, a clergy, a friend, or a celebrant. A celebrant is someone who will plan with you and lead a funeral service that reflects the character, values and beliefs of person who has died. At Heritage North there are trained and certified celebrants who can offer to help you plan a personal and meaningful service.
How can I personalize a funeral service?
A celebrant can help you to plan a service that truly reflects an individual’s lifestyle and personality. Many people are non-religious and may define their spirituality in different ways. Friends and family often wish to participate in the planning and presentation of a personalized end of life ceremony, but are uncertain how to do so. They may be uncomfortable with public speaking and/or speaking publicly about death and loss. Meaningful end-of-life ceremonies are a vital and integrative part of beginning to heal from loss.
Why have a visitation or a viewing?
A viewing is a time set aside where people may view the body of the person who died. A visitation is a time set aside where the body of the person who died is present but not viewed. The body may be in a closed casket, or it may be an urn with the ashes of the deceased. These times may be private or open to the public.
For many people this is a very important, powerful and healing time. Seeing the body, or being present with the physical remains of loved one helps to acknowledge the reality of the death. It can provide a sense of peace and acceptance, a chance to say some final words to the person, and to say goodbye to the physical body.
Why embalming?
Embalming is a surgical technique that helps to temporarily preserve the body, reduce public health concerns by slowing down the decomposition process and enhance the physical appearance. It is an important consideration when there are plans for viewing, transportation, and/or when time is needed. Embalming is not required by law in Canada.
Can I preplan my own funeral arrangements?
Yes. You may make your wishes known in your will, by telling your friends and family, and/or by making prearrangements with Heritage North. Prearrangements involve writing down your funeral wishes, filling out forms such as Vital Information, Cremation Authorization, Service Details and Funeral Contract. This information is kept at Heritage North until the day it is needed.
Can I prepay for my funeral arrangements?
In Yukon, it is not legal for a funeral home to accept payment in advance of a person’s death. Funeral Insurance is one option. Another option is to find out the funeral costs for what you would like, and set up a special bank account with that amount to be used specifically for funeral costs.
What does an average funeral cost?
Funeral costs can range from $3000 to $10,000, depending on what you would like to do and what your budget is. Like everything else, funeral costs are not inexpensive. It is wise to know what to expect and make plans forthwith.
If a death occurs while I'm travelling in another province or country can Heritage North Funeral Home 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. Heritage North can help you transfer a person’s body to another province, to another country or from another country back home to Canada.
These are some of the many questions you may have. If there is a question that is not answered here please contact us at info@heritagenorth.ca
