Cremation Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

You may have several questions about the cremation process. See our list of Frequently Asked Questions Below or contact us and we would be glad to help.

What Happens during Cremation?  The Cremation Casket is placed into the Cremation Retort. Temperatures reach up to 1800 degrees Celsius. After about two and a half hours of heat and evaporation the Cremation is complete and now a Cooling down period commences. Using a Magnet any metal is removed. After the cool down process is finished the Cremated Remains are processed into a finer size and put into a temporary cardboard urn or an urn that has been purchased by the family.

What are Cremains  Cremains are the finer size bon fragments that are the result of a cremation. More commonly known as ashes.

How Long does the Cremation Process Take?  The cremation process with a cooling period takes roughly four and a half hours to be completely finished.

Who Conducts the Cremation Process at McKenzie Funeral Services?  George McKenzie, licensed cremationist since 1990, conducts all of the cremations for the family's we serve. He is also one of owners/licensed funeral directors.

What is a Witness Cremation?  At many times, family and friends often want to be at the Funeral Home/Crematorium to say a final goodbye to their loved one. A witness cremation is a small service to watch or be there as their loved one is placed in the cremation chamber.

When can I pick up my Loved Ones Cremated Remains:  Since we own and operate our own Crematorium, once the cremation is completed and all paper work is finalized you can received your loved ones cremated remains the next day. Unlike other Funeral Providers we do not charge extra for a rush cremation.

Are Cremations Processed Individually?  Yes, by law each cremation is performed individually.

What type of Cremation Casket must I Choose?  The law requires a deceased individual to be cremated in a cremation casket. What type of casket is decided by the deceased's family/executor. We offer a wide variety of cremation caskets for all price ranges.

How long after the Death until the Cremation can take Place?  By law in British Columbia, a cremation cannot take place until 48 hours after the time of death and once all proper documentation has been completed. 

Is there any Preparation needed before the Cremation can take Place? All pacemakers or any other medical equipment must be removed before the Cremation takes place. Embalming is not required. If there are any certain items you wish to have back or placed in the Cremation Casket with your loved one please ask one of our Funeral Directors.

Must I Choose an Urn? We supply a temporary cardboard after every cremation is completed. Every family has the option of purchasing Urn from all types of materials and price ranges through us. It is not a requirement to purchase an Urn.

What do Cemeteries offer for an Internment of the Cremains?​ Both cemeteries on the North Shore are operated by their respected districts. Each one has several options for interring urns into their cemetery. From in ground burial or above ground niches.

What are the Laws towards Scattering Ashes? There are no provincial regulations prohibiting the scattering of ashes but there are regulations in certain districts. It will be advised to talk with your local district and municipality to see what the regulations are in your area.

Scattering may seem to be appealing to many people but do remember that once scattered this action is irreversible. Already we have seen many regret the action of scattering for there is no permanent place to remember their loved one. There should be strong consideration in a permanent resting place for your loved one if scattering is not the right decision for you.

If I am Cremated.. Can I be placed in the Grave of my Spouse who is Buried? Yes, but it does depend on the Cemetery where your spouse or loved one is buried and what type of plot the family purchased . You must talk with the cemetery. Many cemetery's have grave sites for multiple urns and family plots.

Can I take the Cremated Remains Home Yes. Once the cremation is complete and you wish to receive your loved ones cremains you have many options for a resting place for the urn. Such as bringing them home.