Do you know all the options available for funeral services and memorials? Are you prepared to make arrangements with respect to your loved one’s final wishes? Does your family know what you’d want in the event of a tragic occurrence? If you aren't aware of all the types of funeral services and memorials available, then you could risk not honoring someone in the way they deserve.

Funeral services and memorials have changed drastically through the years. While they still offer traditional services in a religious setting or funeral chapel, they are also able to add unique ways to pay tribute to a lost loved one.

If you’re interested in knowing how to better honor a loved one, or how to help your family best honor you in the event of your death, then invest 20 minutes to listen to this edition of the Forever in their Hearts podcast where host Erik Reynolds interviews Dale Martin, Jr., President of Martin Brothers Funeral Homes in Vancouver, about the different options for funeral services and memorials.

The Funeral Association of Canada* states, “From simple touches like displaying personal photographs to events created around a favorite pastime, funerals can reflect any aspect of a person's life and personality.” This podcast is a chance to learn how to prepare a meaningful service to celebrate your loved one’s life after they've passed.

What to Do When a Loved One Passes

Dale kicks off the episode by explaining what to do when the passing of a loved one takes place in a controlled environment, like a nursing home or a hospital. He then segues into the benefits of calling someone in from the funeral home sooner than later. One benefit is that the funeral director can anticipate questions that the family may have, to help relieve stress in this initial time of mourning.

Next Dale discusses what happens when someone you care about passes away in a non-controlled environment, like in their home. After stressing the importance of dialing 911 first, followed by the funeral home, he shares a personal story that explains why this is so imperative.

If your family doesn't have a plan for what to do if tragedy should strike, then you’re taking a gamble with the entire funeral process.

The Importance of Family Communications

Then Dale explains the importance of tackling this sensitive topic with your spouse or other loved ones. Take a moment to consider the plans your family has made for their final wishes, then consider the advice Dale gives on the topic. During the podcast you’ll hear him discuss this in more detail as well as answer these questions:

-What’s the first thing I should do when someone dies?
-Who should I call first when a loved one passes away?
-How can I start the funeral pre-arrangement process?
-What types of funeral services and memorials are available?
-How does failure to plan affect my friends and loved ones?

Dale adds that funerals are not for the person who died, but for the loved ones who wish to honor that person’s life. Do you want a traditional funeral service, or a unique memorial that will celebrate your life? Have you made these wishes known to your family? If you answered “No” then it’s time to complete funeral pre-arrangements so that your family can honor you should the unthinkable happen.

Adding Personal Touches to Funeral Services and Memorials

Next Dale discusses all the various options that are available to family members in regards to funeral services and memorials. He explains that the service in a funeral chapel or some other setting and the cremation or burial process are all quite separate. Then he offers suggestions for some of the ways that listeners might honor the lives of their loved ones.

There are several rites of passage in our lives, from the time we are born until the funeral services or memorials that celebrate our lives after we’re gone. Next Dale offers details about some of the alternate locations and venues where he has directed services in the past, outside of a church or funeral parlor, including; golf courses, beaches, services at sea, and more.

Funeral services and memorials can be as personal and unique as the person whose life is being honored. Your family deserves the peace of mind of knowing that they’re honoring your final wishes. If you haven’t started funeral pre-arrangements, then what is the delay?

Dale explains that a lot of people state, “I don’t care what happens to my remains after I die.” Then he goes on to discuss why this is a bad idea, and how it robs your family of the opportunity to properly grieve your passing in the few days after your death. Dale suggests letting your family participate in your funeral pre-arrangements and assuring them that it will be okay to grieve.

Are Your Robbing Your Family the Chance to Grieve?

Have you made arrangements for funeral services or memorials after you die? How do you want your family to honor your life in the event of your death? Are you aware of how failure to plan will affect your family? If you have questions or comments after the podcast, you can share them below. We’d love to hear your feedback.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada
V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

*http://www.fsac.ca/Meaningful_Services_367128.html