FAQ

General Questions

  • Why is Having a Funeral / Celebration of Life Important?

    Throughout human history, and around the globe, people have gathered together to acknowledge the death of a member of the community. No matter who the deceased was, a funeral, celebration of life, or ceremony are one (and sometimes the only) opportunity for everyone to come together to acknowledge their death, recognize the community's shared loss and share the burden of grief.

  • How Much Will Funeral Services Cost?

    The cost for funeral services depends on the specific services and products selected by the family. Such as, do you wish for a cremation or a burial? Is a service being held? Is a cemetery involved?


    To learn more about our pricing we encourage you to view both our cremation and burial prices listed on our website. 

  • Are You a Family Owned Funeral Home or a Corporation?

    We are a family owned funeral home. Our family, The McKenzie Family, has been in the profession for over 70 years.


    When you call us, you will speak directly to George, Mildred, Mark, or Geoff. 

Cremation Questions

  • What Happens During Cremation?

    The deceased is placed in the casket of the families choice. From there, our funeral directors place the cremation casket into the Crematorium Retort. Temperatures reach up to 980 degrees Celcius. After about two and a half hours of heat and evaporation the cremation is complete and now a cooling down period commences. Using a magnet, all metal is removed. After the cool down period is finished the cremated remains are broken down into a finer size and put into a temporary cardboard urn or an urn that has been purchased by the family. 

  • What are Cremains?

    Cremains are finer size bone fragments that are the result of cremation. More commonly known as ashes.

  • How long does the cremation process take?

    The cremation process with a cooling down period takes roughly four hours to be completed. Times can vary.

  • Who handles and operates the crematorium for cremation?

    Our staff and family members, George McKenzie & Geoff Fahlman, conduct all of the cremations for the family's we serve.

  • Can I attend the cremation?

    Yes you can. We call this service "Attending the Cremation". This is a small service where the family can be in attendance when the cremation takes place.


    You have the option of being present when the casket enters the crematorium and have the option of turning the crematorium on.


    If this is not for you, there is an option of attending the cremation but sitting in our lounge outside the crematorium.


    Families will never see the cremation process.

  • After the cremation is complete, when can I pick up the urn?

    We can have the urn ready for pick up the following day, as long as the funeral account has been paid.

  • Does the deceased need to be in a casket for cremation?

    In the province of British Columbia, the deceased must be in a container that encloses human remains and one that is combustible and rigid.


    We have several cremation caskets for families to choose.

  • How long after the death until the cremation can take place?

    By law in British Columbia, a cremation cannot take place until 48 hours after the time of death and once all proper documentation and permits have been completed.

  • Is there any preparation needed before the cremation can take place?

    All pacemakers or any other medical equipment must be removed before the cremation takes place (does not include metal hip replacements or joints). Embalming is not required by law unless requested by the family. If there are any certain items you wish to have back or placed in the cremation casket with the deceased, please ask one of our funeral directors.

  • Must I choose an urn?

    We supply a temporary cardboard urn after every cremation is completed. Every family has the option of purchasing an urn from all types of material and price ranges through our funeral home. It is not a requirement to purchae an urn. 

  • What do cemeteries offer for an internment of the cremains?

    All three cemeteries in the Sea to Sky Corridor are owned and operated by their respective districts. Each one has different options for interring cremains.


    Mount Garibaldi Cemetery in Squamish and the Whistler Municpal Cemetery both have the option of in gorund internment or above ground internment into Niches- Columbariums.


    Talk with one of our funeral directors for more information.

  • What are the laws toward scattering?

    There are no provincial regulations prohibiting the scattering of ashes. However there are regulations in certain districts. It would be advised to talk with your local district or municipality to see what the regulations are in your area.


    Scattering may seem to be appealing to many people but do remember that once scattered the action is irreversable.   

  • Can I place an urn in the grave of a family member who is buried?

    Yes, but it does depend on the cemetery where your loved one is buried and what type of plot was purchased. You must talk with the cemetery to see if this is a possiblity. 

  • Can I take cremated remains home?

    Yes. Once the cremation is complete and you wish to receive your loved ones cremains you have many options for a resting place for the urn. Such as bringing the urn home. 

Burial Questions

  • How much are cemetery fees?

    Fees differ by cemetery and district. All three cemeteries in the Sea to Sky Corridor are owned by their respective municipalities. Give us a call or review our cemeteries page on our website to see more information and pricing.

  • Is embalming required by law?

    Embalming is not required by law. Embalming is the practice of preparing the body for visitation, repatriation, and to sanitize and clean the body to reestore a natural apperance.


    There are certain times however, that our funeral directors may recommend embalming, depending on the nature of the death. 

  • What clothes should my loved one wear?

    This is a very common question we receive. Many families think stereotypically that their loved one needs to be dressed in a suit/formal wear. The decision is entirely up to the family.


    We recommend choosing clothing that best represents your loved one. This could be from a nice pair of jeans and a Hawaiian shirt for example.

  • What is a hearse?

    A Hearse is a traditional vehicle that transports the casket to the cemetery. Our Cadillac Hearse is black and can be used for both burial and cremation service. 

  • What type of caskets are available?

    There are a wide variety of caskets to choose from. Including hardwood, metal, cloth covered and precious metal.


    Prices vary on material and construction. Take a look at our burial services and prices page to see our casket options and prices.

  • Do I need to purchase a grave marker?

    After a burial is completed, the cemetery will put a temporary identification marker on your loved one's grave. It is only intended as a place holder until a permanent headstone or grave marker is placed.


    It is not a requirement to purchase a grave marker. If you would however like to purchase a grave marker, please talk to our funeral directors who can show you many options.

  • What is a graveside service?

    Rather than having a funeral/celebration of life and then adjourning to the cemetery for burial; some families choose to gather solely at the cemetery. 


    There, they are led through a ceremony, either by our celebrant, George McKenzie, or a clergy, or family representative. The ceremony will mark the lowering of their loved ones casket into the grave.

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