Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

A prearranged funeral is the arrangement of a funeral made prior to death. The arrangements are made with a Funeral Director, by the person for whom the arrangements involve or by someone responsible for their care. There is no charge for prearranging a funeral. Prearrangements can involve the deposit of funds for payment of the funeral or can simply be the gathering of information. It is a way for people to ease the emotional and financial strain for those family and friends left behind.

What happens to the money deposited on a prearranged funeral?

The money is deposited with a financial institution for a renewable term. When the need arises, the money is available to the funeral home for payment of the funeral account. The money is transferable, refundable at any time, and protected by provincial legislature through the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation. The monies held in trust by a funeral home are inspected and monitored by the Ontario Board of Funeral Services.

Who prearranges a funeral?

Usually individuals who are retired and getting their affairs in order make prearrangements. Also, those individuals that are responsible for the care of someone who may be terminally ill, or in a nursing home, retirement home or the hospital, often make these arrangements along with all other necessary planning. Anyone can prearrange a funeral, and will find it relieving to know that their arrangements are taken care of.

What information will I need to prearrange a funeral?

You will need a name, address, birth date, Social Insurance Number and birthplace. Other information gathered will be full name of spouse, occupation, mother and father's full name and birthplace, and name and address of executor/legal representative/next of kin. It will also be important that you have given some thought to what services you would like, where you would like them, and any other special requests you might have.

Are pre-paid funeral funds in an income tax shelter?

Yes, they are exempt from income tax under Bill C-70. This bill states that all pre-paid funeral deposits in trust, and accruing interest are protected from income tax. There is further protection from income tax on any surplus interest earned, if that surplus is applied against funeral related expenses (ie. Newspaper notices, cemetery expenses, etc.)

Who is responsible for making funeral arrangements?

Yourself, or someone responsible for your care can complete funeral arrangements prior to their need. At the time of need, the arrangements are made by the next of kin, executor or legal representative. It is important that your funeral wishes be shared with the individual that will be responsible for making your arrangements, so they know what you want.

Do I need to have visitation?

This is your choice. However, feedback from families served, supports visitation as an essential element in the grieving process. Your community, family and friends care. Knowing they care and sharing your grief with them helps you to heal.

Do I have to have embalming?

No, embalming is not required. It is strongly recommended when there is to be visitation for the deceased or there is a delay in burial. Embalming is the preparation, preservation, restoration, and disinfection of the body. When a body is to be shipped out of province there are laws in place that make it mandatory that the body be embalmed prior to shipping.

Can I have a visitation period and a funeral service if cremation is selected?

Yes you can. It is possible to have either visitation or a funeral, or both, before or after cremation has taken place.

Is there a specific funeral ritual to follow?

Most definitely not. The funeral service is just as individual as the person it is for. We encourage you to bring in personal items, favorite music, pictures, books, etc. For the most part you are limited by only your imagination.

What happens when I am cremated?

Cremation is a process by which the body is reduced by intense heat over a period of time. The result of this is a few pounds of small fragments, that are further reduced in size. The 'cremated remains' are then returned to the funeral home and handled according to the family's wishes.

What does a Funeral Director do for you?

The Funeral Director plays several important roles in the funeralization process;

• Remove/transfer the deceased to the funeral home
• Embalm/Other body preparation - professional embalming is the preservation, restoration, preparation and disinfection of the deceased.
• Arrange the funeral service with the family, and then facilitate those wishes.
• Complete and file all necessary government documents
• Conduct the visitation and funeral
• Receive and place donations
• Receive and arrange floral tributes
• Distribute honourariums and pay invoices on the family's behalf
• Clean the facilities and cars both before and after the services are complete

How much does a Funeral Cost?

The cost of a funeral varies with the type of service requested and the casket/container/urn selected. The best way to determine the cost of the type of service you want is to talk with your Funeral Director.

Should children be included in the funeral process?

Children should be given the choice of whether to be involved in the funeral process or not. This is for their benefit as well as the adults. It is important that children not be 'protected' from death. Death is a very real, and common occurrence and something that the child must learn to understand and deal with. We have special literature available to assist you in dealing with their questions and concerns.

Do you have a children's area?

We have a main floor lounge located conveniently beside the visitation rooms. This room has a TV and VCR and allows the children to have their own room, but be close enough to be monitored by parents.

Do you have a Reception Facility?

Yes. Immediately adjacent to the Funeral Home is a self-contained facility. 50 - 60 people can be served there.

How do I make a donation in memory of someone?

You can visit the funeral home, call and speak with one of our staff, or email us at mightonfuneral@wightman.ca . We would be happy to assist with placing a donation.

What happens if a loved one dies out of the province/country?

You are encouraged to call us for help. All necessary arrangements to safely return your loved one can be facilitated and coordinated by our funeral home.

Can my Power of Attorney complete my funeral arrangements?

No. The role of your Power of Attorney ceases upon your death. At your death, the Executor assumes control of your funeral wishes. It is for this reason that it is important your Executor be named, and be made aware of your funeral wishes.

How do I become a Funeral Director?

There are currently two Funeral Service Education programs within Ontario; Humber College, Toronto, and College Boreal, Sudbury (French instruction). If interested, please visit the websites for these colleges to learn more about their application, prerequisites and course load.
Humber College - www.humberc.on.ca
Humber Funeral Service Education -www.postsecondary.humber.ca/07321.htm
Boreal College -www.borealc.on.ca/programmes