Where Do I Start?

The most difficult of times is presented to us when a loved one dies. The emotional loss is compounded by the myriad tasks that need to be fulfilled in order for the deceased to be laid to rest, and for you to continue with your life. The following is a list of tasks that must be addressed when arranging for your loved one's final resting place.

1. Consult the Will of the deceased for any unique arrangements to be made.

2. Inform the following people as quickly as possible:

• The deceased's relatives and friends
• The deceased's employer
• Insurance company
• The doctor(s)
• The cemetery or memorial park (if one was specified in the Will)
• Any organizations, clubs, or unions to which the deceased may have belonged.

3. Arrange the Funeral Service (items with an * denote choices that a Funeral Director can assist you with):

• Choose a Funeral Home (if desired)
• Arrange a meeting with the Funeral Director
• Choose a location (for example Church) if the service is to be performed elsewhere*
• Decide on a time for the service*
• Choose a type of service (i.e. religious, alternative, personalized, military, etc.)*
• If necessary, choose clergy to officiate service*
• Specify burial or cremation
• Choose a Casket or Urn*
• Choose a Vault or Crypt*
• Flowers *
• Music *
• Create the Funeral Car list
• Choose an outfit for the deceased
• Choose the following members to participate:
  • pallbearers (if necessary)
  • scripture readings (if not to be performed by clergy)
  • deliverer of eulogy (if not to be performed by clergy)
• Provide relevant information (i.e. surviving family members, location of services, etc.) for the newspaper and online notices*
• Specify a Charity for donations in lieu of flowers*
• Ensure that multiple copies of the "Proof of Death" are ordered (for life insurance claims, survivor's benefits, etc.)*
• Make arrangements for a caterer or friends and family to help if you are having a gathering after the services
• Arrange for baby-sitting of very young children if necessary
• Organize room and board for out-of-town relatives and friends

4) The following information will be required in order to request/process "Proof of Death" certificate:

• Name, home address and telephone number of deceased
• Name of business, address and telephone number of deceased
• Occupation and title of deceased
• Deceased's Social Insurance Number
• Veterans Serial Number
• Date of Birth
• Age at time of death
• Date of death
• Location of death (i.e. City, Town)
• Place of birth
• Citizenship
• Father's name
• Father's birthplace
• Mother's maiden name
• Mother's birthplace
• Religious name (if any)

5) Assemble the following documentation for the executor:

• Will, Living Will
• Trust(s)
• Birth certificate
• Social Insurance Number
• Marriage license
• Citizenship
• Insurance policies (life, health, accident, property)
• Bank statements
• Deeds to real estate
• Vehicle Ownership
• List of all assets (i.e. stocks, mutual funds, bonds)
• List of pension and retirement accounts (RRSP, RRIF)
• List of all living relatives
• Contract for the Cemetery or Memorial gardens
• CPP Benefits
• Veterans discharge certificate