In this section you will find
helpful information such as a Brockville accommodation
directory, information on general funeral topics, grief
resources and more. Use the menu on the right to easily
navigate throughout this section.
The first thing to do when death occurs is call the Funeral
Home. The earlier they are notified, the earlier they
can begin taking care of the many details that are involved.
Remember that funeral directors are 'on-call' 24 hours
a day and can respond at once. An appointment will be
made by the funeral director with you in order to discuss
the wishes of the family and to help guide them designing
an appropriate service.
A Medical Certificate of Death must be completed by the
attending physician. This document requires the person's
name, age, and date and cause of death. The body must
be pronounced dead by medical personnel before being transported
anywhere. This certificate, with the Statement of Death
must be completed before registration of the death can
take place and before a Burial Permit can be issued by
the local registrar.
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Death or Burial Away From Home
- When death occurs away from home, it is important to know
what to do. These circumstances present no difficulties to
the funeral director as plans can be made from anywhere in
the world. Call the hometown funeral director for help if
confronted with this situation. At that point, they will assume
responsibility for the return of the deceased to their community.
They will engage the services of a funeral director in the
place of death to act as their agent.
The Coroner's Role - When a death occurs within 24 hours
of admission to a hospital, in a nursing home, in an institution,
or is due to other than natural causes, a coroner may investigate.
The coroner, without the consent of the next-of-kin, has the
authority to order an autopsy. The authorization of a coroner
is required prior to cremation or transfer of a body outside
the province.
Proof of Death Certificates - Proof of Death Certificates
are issued by all funeral homes and may be used for many purposes
such as obtaining Canada Pension Plan benefits, bank or credit
union releases, some insurance claims, and other legal matters.
An official Certificate of Death can be obtained by writing
to the Office of the Registrar General of the Province of
Ontario if necessary. Application forms for such can be obtained
from the local funeral home, city clerk or post office. There
is a fee for each certificate.
Some Things to Consider
- More times than not, there is no more difficult time than
that encountered immediately after death. Death touches and
affects relatives, friends, and associates in a direct way.
Consider the feelings of others who shared in or benefited by
the life of the deceased when planning a funeral service. A
funeral gives the community an opportunity to acknowledge and
respond to the changes that death has brought about. The funeral
is an opportunity to pay tribute to a life lived.
Religion - The importance of a spiritual advisor to
the family at the time of death is something that is recognized
by funeral directors. Religious advisors give warmth, understanding
and support to those who mourn. Their experience and training
can help the family reaffirm its values and think again on
the meaning of life. Spiritual advisors can make a service
thoughtful and inspiring by working with the family and the
funeral director. They can make sure that the emotional and
social needs of the survivors are met.
The Visitation - Family, friends and the community
can express their personal feelings and respect for the deceased
during the period of sharing time that is often referred to
as 'the visitation', 'calling hours' or 'the wake'. This sharing
is important to the bereaved family. It can also be important
to others who may share a special bond to the person who has
died.
Children at Funerals - Children have awareness and a
response to death at a very early age. An option of attending
the visitation and funeral service should be presented to children.
They need to participate with their family in sharing the sorrow
and expressing love and devotion in their own special way. By
shutting them out of the experience, they are denied the meaningful
experience, which can affect their future emotional development.
If a child is unwilling to participate, they should not be forced
to attend a funeral. However, they will appreciate being given
the choice.
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Cemeteries - Local government,
church groups or private enterprises operate cemeteries. Some
cemeteries permit traditional upright monuments, other permit
only ground level markers. Others contain a mausoleum, in
which internment is above ground.
Some cemeteries require the casket to be placed in an outer
burial container. This container, which prevents excessive earth
settlement, is usually made of concrete, steel or fibreglass
and will vary in price and quality.
Crematorium - Crematoriums are operated almost exclusively
by cemeteries.
Cremation does not mean elimination of the funeral and the
value that the funeral provides. Visitation and a service
in the funeral home can still take place. The body is cremated
in the casket that is purchased. Some funeral homes provide
a rental casket for the visitation and funeral service. However,
an alternative casket or container must be used for the cremation.
Normally, the cremated remains are available for disposition
shortly after the service and in some cases can be present
for the service. Urns and other types of containers to hold
the cremated remains are available from the funeral home.
Many cemeteries have various options for the disposition of
the cremated remains.
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Most people wish to memorialize their
loved one by marking the graves. Ground level markers and upright
monuments can be purchased from monument dealers. Cemeteries
have regulations regarding the actual size and types of markers
and monuments that may be used. Costs will depend on size, material,
design and craftsmanship.
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The death of someone you love is the beginning of one of the
most difficult times of your life. It is a period of time when
your life can become unglued. When you lose someone or something
of value, the natural response to that loss is to grieve.
Five Basic Facts About Grief
1) Grief is a process that takes a lot of time, energy
and determination. You won't "recover" from your grief
right away.
2) Grief is intensely personal - this is your grief,
don't allow others to tell you how you should be grieving.
3) Grief is an assault on your entire being. It will
affect you emotionally, physically, socially, mentally and spiritually.
There will be days that you may not understand your reaction
to certain people or situations.
4) You will be affected by the lose for the rest of your
life. As time passes, you will develop new insights into what
this death means to you.
5) Grief has the potential for being transformative.
Your values may change and you will see life from a different
perspective.
How Can You Help Yourself?
In the end, you will find that you must take a conscious decision
to work through your grief. It will be painful at times but
you will gradually start to notice the signs of healing. Here
are some tips that others have found helpful:
1) Learn all you can about grief - there are many resources
available on the topic of grieving. Visit www.griefwords.com
- a comprehensive library of articles and book excerpts about
grief for bereaved families.
2) Give yourself permission to grief - to feel the pain
and accept the reality of your loss.
3) Be patient with the process - it takes time. In many
aspects of your life, you may expect immediate results, but
remember that grief is difficult. Take time and be patient with
yourself.
4) Get plenty of rest - your body needs it while it is
recovering from emotional stress.
5) Treat yourself occasionally - you're worth it! Things
that add beauty to your life will comfort and encourage you.
Activities like massage therapy or yoga can work wonders!
6) Find people with whom you can share your loss - many
new bereaved people find it a great deal of support and encouragement
from bereavement support groups. You may find it helpful to
talk with your doctor, clergy person, funeral director or a
counselor.
7) Take time to reflect and reassess your life - ask
yourself things such as what did you gain from the relationship
you had?, how long will that relationship sustain and guide
you now?, how has the experience changed you? The greatest tribute
you can pay to your loved ones is that you learned and experienced
personal growth from them. This ongoing influence in your life
will help you carry on.
8) Draw on the resources of your faith - let whatever
helps you make sense out of life sustain you at this time. The
journey through grief is a spiritual one. Allow your spirituality
to become a focus of your life. Listen to the words and the
music of your spirituality. Let them give you courage and hope
for your journey.
For more information on living through grief or to be put
in contact with grief councilors in the Brockville area, please
contact Barclay Funeral Home at (613) 342-2792.
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Preferences and tastes vary, as do financial circumstances.
The cost of a funeral will depend on the extent of services
provided by the funeral director and upon the options selected.
Funeral services are available in many different forms and therefore
the costs will vary according to the family's wishes.
For a detailed explanation of funeral costs and details,
please contact Barclay Funeral Home at (613) 342-2792.
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An individual may not give both organs and the body for transplant
and research purposes. Body donations go to a medical school
of anatomy where they are used by medical students for anatomical
study and dissection. There may be a cost to the deceased person's
estate when donating a body to a medical school.
Those considering organ or body donation should advise family
members. At time of death, unexpected requests may cause confusion
and strife among distraught family members.
For further information speak to the funeral director or contact:
The Chief Coroner of Ontario
26 Grenville Street Toronto, On
M7A 2G9
(416) 314-4000
Organ Donation Ontario (ODO)
250 Dundas Street West Suite 406
Toronto, On
M5T 2Z5
(416) 351-7328 or 800 263-2833
www.organdonationontario.org
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The funeral is a ceremony of proven worth and value for those
who mourn. The type of service conducted for the deceased is
specified by the family. Funeral directors are trained to help
families arrange the type of service they desire. A brief overview
of all that is involved with funeral services is as follows:
Private Service - this is a service by invitation only
and may be held at place of worship, a funeral home or a family
home.
Memorial Service - a memorial service is a service without
the body present. It can vary in ceremony and procedures according
to the family's community and religious affiliations.
Pallbearers - pallbearers are men or women who carry
the casket before and/or after the funeral service. Friends,
relatives or business associates may be asked to serve as pallbearers.
Honorary Pallbearers - if the deceased were active in
political, business, religious or civic circles, it may be appropriate
for the family to ask close associates of the deceased to serve
as honorary pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers don not actively
carry the casket, they may follow immediately behind the casket
before and / or after the funeral service.
Eulogy - the eulogy is a brief speech that offers praise
and celebrates the life of the person who has died. A eulogy
may be delivered by a member of the family, clergy, a close
friend or a business associate of the deceased.
Funeral Procession / Cortege - when the funeral ceremony
and the cemetery/crematorium services are both within the local
area, friends and relatives may accompany the family to the
cemetery.
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Flowers - The presence of flowers can bring a sense of
comfort. Flowers add beauty during the period of the funeral.
When placed in the funeral home or place of worship, they add
warmth to the visitation and to the service. The value of flowers
can remain for days or weeks. They can be further enjoyed in
someone's home, at place of worship or in an institution to
which they were taken from after the service. The family can
then share in the beauty of the flowers, which were part of
the funeral service.
Memorial Donations - Memorial donations to a specific
cause or charity can be just as appreciated as flowers. There
are a large number of charities available and your Funeral Director
can give an explanation of each. If made to a charitable institution,
some donations may be tax deductible.
Mass Cards -The offering of prayers is a valued expression
of sympathy to a Catholic family. A card indicating that a Mass
was arranged for the deceased person can be obtained from any
Catholic parish. It is possible to obtain Mass cards at the
funeral home. A Mass offering card or envelope is provided to
the family as an indication of understanding, faith and compassion.
Proper Acknowledgments - Floral gifts, memorial donations,
and spiritual offerings should be acknowledged.
Spiritual Advisor - an informal personal note or suitable
thank-you card is best. A gratuity or honorarium is also appropriate.
The funeral director can offer advice.
Pallbearers - an informal personal note or suitable thank
you cards is best.
Letters - an informal reply is desirable.
Sympathy Cards - do not require acknowledgment
Personal gestures, like sending flowers or supplying food, should
be acknowledged with a simple personal note. There may be other
people who were of special help at the time of the funeral such
as doctor, nurse, hospital staff; people associated with a place
of worship or club, or the funeral home staff. A thank-you is
a gracious gesture and is always appreciated by the recipient.
Sympathy Expressions
When a person calls at the funeral home, sympathy can be expressed
by clasping hands, an embrace, or a simple statement of condolence,
like:
"I'm sorry"
"My sympathy to you and your family"
" It was good to know John"
"Jane was a fine person and a friend of mine. She will
be sadly missed"
The family member may say the following in return:
"Thanks for coming"
"John talked about you often"
"I didn't realize that so many people cared"
"Come see me when you can"
Encourage the bereaved to express their feelings and thoughts,
but don't overwhelm them.
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The Canadian Pension Plan provides a survivor pension which
is payable to the estate, the surviving spouse and the dependent
children of a deceased CPP contributor.
The deceased must have contributed one third (1/3) of the years
since 1966 or since age 18 and a minimum of 3 years contribution.
There are 3 types of SURVIVOR PENSION.
1) Death Benefit - a lump sum payment is paid to the
estate of a deceased contributor
2) Surviving Spouse's Pension - a monthly pension is
paid to the surviving spouse of a deceased contributor.
3) Orphan's Benefits - flat rate monthly benefits are
provided for the dependent child(ren) of a deceased contributor
Making Application - you should apply for these benefits
as soon as possible after the contributor's death. Failure to
apply within a year of death could result in lost benefits.
The executor, or a representative of the estate, the surviving
spouse, the next of kin, or the person responsible for the funeral
expenses may apply. Documents that may be required when applying
for benefits:
1) Birth Certificates and Social Insurance Numbers for
these persons: - the deceased contributor - the surviving spouse
- any dependent children
2) Marriage Certificates
3) Proof of full-time attendance at school or university
for those children between 18 and 25 years of age
A copy of the funeral contract or receipt for the funeral expenses
indicating who has assumed responsibility for the funeral costs.
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Throughout history, in all ages and cultures, the disposition
of the dead is a solemn act requiring ceremonial observation.
Out of a sense of loss, grief mystery or terror, people developed
patterns of conduct for their behavior during the death cycle.
From these patterns, funeral customs were developed.
Evidence of earth burial dates back to the Paleolithic (Old
Stone) era., approximately 600,000 to 700,000 years ago.
The ancient Egyptians had highly developed beliefs and practices.
Although they were not the first to embalm, they seem to be
the first to set aside a class of priestly functionaries for
whom embalming was a solemn and prescribed duty.
Many of the funeral beliefs and parasites observed in Canada
today are rooted in Judeo-Christian traditions. Although early
Judeo-Christian burials were simple, gradually the Western World
developed ceremonies surrounding the funeral. Medieval Europe
witnessed great funeral pageantry. By the 17th and 18th centuries,
the English 'undertaker' was becoming a recognized profession.
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Best Western White House Motel
1843 Highway
2 East, Brockville - (613) 345-1622
Brockville Travelodge
7789 Kent
Blvd., Brockville - (613) 345-3900
Comfort Inn
7777 Kent
Blvd., Brockville - (613) 345-0042
Days Inn
160 Stewart
Blvd., Brockville - (613) 342-6613
Quality Hotel Royal Brock
100 Stewart
Blvd., Brockville - (613) 345-1400
Robertson House Inn
10 Broad
St., Brockville - (613) 345-7378
Comfort Inn 1000 Islands
785 King
St. E, Gananoque - (613) 382-4728
The Gananoque Inn
550 Stone
St. S., Gananoque - (613) 382-2165
Quality Inns and Suites
650 King
St. E., Gananoque - (613) 382-1453
For further information on funeral services please contact
Barclay Funeral Home at (613) 342-2792.
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with thanks to The Ontario Funeral
Service Association for kindly providing some of the content
on this page
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