Understanding the Cremation Process

Today, many people are reconsidering the burial option and are opting for cremation instead. Even people that pre-plan their funeral are now choosing the latter. However, it isn't yet a very prevalent process, and many families aren’t sure about what is involved in cremation. Here is some information that will help you understand the cremation process:

• When you approach a funeral home to organize a cremation for a loved one that has passed away, many modalities need to be completed first.
• The funeral director will help you organize the memorial service or wake as required.
• If the cremation is to take place right away, you would not need to get the body embalmed. However, if you are planning a funeral service a few days after the death, the body would need to be embalmed.
• You would also need to get legal permission before performing the cremation.
• Once the documentation and visitation have been completed, the body will be prepared for cremation.
• Jewelry and any other items that the deceased may have been wearing will be removed to make sure that they do not hamper the cremation process.
• The body will be placed in a wooden casket and moved to the cremation chamber.
• Once the chamber is ignited, the slow warm-up process starts till it reaches a temperature of 2,000°F.
• It takes almost two hours for the body to be reduced to bone fragments and ash.
• After a cooling period of 30 minutes, the remains will be retrieved from the cremation chamber.
• If there are any surgical pins, nails or screws etc. those will be removed from the remains which will be pulverized in a motorized processor.
• The cremains/ashes will be handed over to the deceased’s family members.

Have any questions about obituary, cremation, or related funeral services? Contact us or give us a call (604) 888-9895. We at Arbutus Funeral Service will be happy to help.