What is the value in viewing?

Viewing is an important time because it reinforces the reality of death. It may not be easy to do but that is okay. Viewing allows family and friends to see that their loved one is at rest and free from pain and discomfort. It gives us a peaceful memory to cherish.

Why is embalming recommended?

Embalming is important for maintaining the health and safety of the public and the funeral home staff. This procedure ensures the preservation of the body from the time of death until disposition and it allows us to create an acceptable physical appearance of the deceased for the visitation time. Certain regulations exist that makes embalming necessary if the body is to be conveyed by public transportation.

How do I get an Official Death Certificate?

British Columbia residents applying for an official death certificate must apply through a local Vital Statistics Agency. There is $27.00 charge for each Death Certificate.

What is a Funeral Director’s Statement of Death?

It is a document supplied by the funeral director that can be used as proof of death in most cases. It contains the name and age of the deceased, the place and date of death, and the name and address of the funeral service provider. It does not include the cause of death.

Are You Competitively Priced?

At Oliveira Funeral Services Ltd. We dedicate ourselves to serving families well. This not only means we strive to assist them in putting together services that will be meaningful to them, it also means we strive to do so in such away as to make things affordable and value added. When some one you love passes away, you don’t want to have to worry about whether or not you are getting the best price. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our fee and those of our competitors. We honor all Memorial Society Contracts.

How do you make funeral Preplanning?

It is not a difficult or complicated task. Simply call our office and make an appointment or come by for a tour and cup of coffee. There are no fees for preplanning consultation. We provide price quotations on all our products and services without cost or obligation. Preplanning can be made at our Funeral Home or in the privacy of your own home. Your wishes will be recorded in writing and retained on file until needed.

Who Preplans a funeral?

People of all ages.Family members or an executor who is responsible for the care of someone in a nursing home or extended care facility.Family members who are caring for someone terminally ill.Anyone can consider preplanning.

What are the advantages of making Prearrangements?

Peace of mind and the assurance that your wishes are recorded.Preplanning provides an opportunity to ask questions and to get clear and concise answers on all aspects of the funeral.Personal choices can be considered and economic decisions made without emotional stress.Relieves family members of difficult choices at time of death. Preplanning is a practical idea that makes sense.Funeral Preplanning is every bit apart of sensible estate planning as Making a Will is or signing a personal directive.

Can a Preplan funeral be prepaid?

Yes, it’s your choice.Based on the last five decades, we know the cost of cemetery and funeral arrangements will continue to increase. Prepaying allows the costs to be frozen at today’s prices.Payment can be made in installments.You can also Pre-plan without payment.

If I choose to Pre-pay my funeral what Prepayment options do I have?

With a Pre-Need Funeral Trust Plan.Payments can be made by single payment or up to 5 year installments.(with interest free Payments) The funeral home must deposit your funds in trust. The accrued interest growth is applied to any cost increase when the services are required.

What happens when a death occurs at home?

If the death occurs unexpectedly or suddenly, the family should immediately contact the local police and inform them. The Coroner’s Office will be notified by the police and a Coroner will come to the place of the death to investigate the death. The deceased will then be transported to the nearest hospital for further investigation. After their investigation has been completed, the deceased will be released into the care of the funeral home selected by the family.If the death has been anticipated and the deceased was under a physician’s care, it is not necessary to contact the police. The family should advise the attending physician of the death and have the doctor complete a medical certificate of death. The family can also contact a funeral home of their choice to arrange for the transport of the deceased to the funeral home. The funeral home staff will then proceed to the residence and transfer the body to the funeral home without delay.

What happens when a death occurs in a care facility?

If an anticipated death occurs in a care facility, the attending physician will be notified and asked to complete the medical certificate of death. After the physician has signed the medical certificate, the care facility will notify the selected funeral home and they will come promptly to the deceased’s room at the care facility and transport the deceased to the funeral home.The family will have many options to consider following the death of their loved one so it is wise to consult a funeral director and determine the needs and wishes of the family. Consultation with a funeral director prior to the time of death will provide the family with information that can ease some of the burden faced when a death occurs. It also allows the family to supply the care facility with the name of the desired service provider so that the hospital can contact the funeral home as soon as possible following the death.

What happens when a death occurs while away from home?

When a death occurs away from home, it is preferable to contact a funeral home in the area where you wish to have the funeral service and interment. It will be more cost effective if the funeral home deals directly with a funeral firm in the place of death, rather than the family making the arrangements. After contact with the family, the funeral provider can then proceed to the place of death, if it is within a reasonable distance, or they can arrange for a local funeral firm to complete the necessary preparations to have the deceased returned home. Once the family returns back to their home, the remainder of the funeral arrangements can then be made with the funeral service provider.

How Long Do You Have to Wait For Your Loved One To Be Cremated?

In BC, you will need to wait 48 hours before a deceased body can be cremated by law. This is because cremation is a final process, and you will not be able to determine the exact cause of death after the cremation is completed.

How Does The Cremation Process Work?

Most cremations take place in a crematory. After a body is prepared for cremation, it is placed in a casket and slid into the cremation chamber. Only one casket is permitted at a time. Once everything is in place, an operator begins the cremation process, and this usually takes between two to three hours. Here the temperature is raised to approximately 1,400-1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, and after a period of two to three hours, the physical remains are consumed by heat.

Can I Watch The Cremation Process?

This may be possible with sufficient notice. You can contact Oliveira Funeral Home for additional information on rates and requirements.

What Happens After The Cremation Process?

The cremated remains are carefully removed from the cremation chamber. The cremated remains are then cleared off all metallic articles and are then run through a processor. These remains are transferred to an urn. Urns are labelled correctly with proper identification to ensure they are not misplaced or misidentified. The remains are then handed over to the family.

Is Cremation Becoming More Common?

Cremation has become the more popular over the past 2 decades. It may be due to cultural or religious requirements. In comparison to burial, cremation may be a less expensive option. Some people view cremations as being a greener option than burial.

What Can You Do With The Cremated Remains?

There are several different things that people choose to do with the cremated remains. You can keep the urn in your home, scatter the cremated remains on land or water, bury it in a cemetery plot or any other option.

Is Scattering Cremated Remains Illegal in B.C?

In British Columbia, cremated remains do not come under the laws and regulations for burials or cremations. If you plan on scattering the cremated remains on somebody else's property, you will need prior permission. You may scatter the cremated remains on water but make sure that it is not a marine park.You may have questions about Cremating a loved one and we’ll try our best to answer some of them for you below. If you have any additional questions, please contact us at Info@oliveirafuneralhome.com.

Why Do We Have Obituaries? A Gentle Guide for Grieving Families

July 17, 2025

What Is the Purpose Behind Obituaries?

In times of loss, many families find themselves overwhelmed by a wave of emotions, practical decisions, and unexpected responsibilities. Among those responsibilities is the writing and publishing of an obituary. At first glance, it may seem like a mere formality or tradition. But the question often arises: why do we have obituaries? The answer goes far beyond information-sharing. Obituaries serve as heartfelt tributes, connection points for communities, and an essential step in honoring the life of someone who has passed.

Obituaries offer a way to publicly acknowledge the loss of a loved one. They allow families to share the details of their loved one’s life—both the big milestones and the quiet moments that made them who they were. Through an obituary, families can highlight not just when someone passed, but how they lived, what they loved, and who they impacted. In doing so, the obituary becomes not just an announcement but a memorial in itself.

How Do Obituaries Help with the Grieving Process?

Grief is deeply personal, and everyone navigates it in their own way. However, having an outlet to express thoughts and memories can be a powerful part of the healing journey. Writing an obituary offers families a moment of reflection. It allows them to sit with their memories, to revisit the meaningful chapters of their loved one’s life, and to share those moments with others. This act of storytelling can bring emotional comfort during a difficult time.

Why do we have obituaries when we are already surrounded by grief? Because they offer structure amidst emotional chaos. They provide something tangible that helps bring a sense of closure. They give family members and friends something they can hold on to, revisit, and share as they begin to cope with the loss.

Why Are Obituaries Important to the Community?

When a person passes, their absence is not just felt by close relatives but also by extended family, old friends, neighbors, and even acquaintances who may not be immediately informed. An obituary helps spread the word with dignity and respect. It becomes a central source of information—when and where services are being held, how to send condolences, or where to donate in memory of the deceased.
But more importantly, it allows the community to grieve together. A well-written obituary can bring people together, sparking memories, shared stories, and long-lost connections. It serves as an invitation for the community to join in honoring the life lived. This collective mourning is often an essential aspect of healing, both for the immediate family and for others whose lives were touched by the deceased.

How Can a Thoughtful Obituary Provide Emotional Comfort?

A thoughtfully crafted obituary has the power to ease pain and foster remembrance. It gives family members a way to ensure their loved one’s legacy is remembered not for how they died, but for how they lived. Names, dates, and locations are only part of the story. Describing a person’s character, hobbies, career, and impact on others brings depth and warmth to the obituary, making it truly reflective of the life it honors.

So, why do we have obituaries? Because they are an opportunity to preserve love. They give voice to the memories that otherwise might fade too quickly. They remind us of the laughter, kindness, resilience, or generosity of the person we’ve lost. In doing so, they bring comfort to those left behind.

What Role Does a Funeral Home Play in Crafting Obituaries?

Many families feel unprepared when it comes time to write an obituary. During a time of loss, even simple tasks can feel overwhelming. Funeral homes and memorial service providers can offer support by guiding families through the process. Whether helping choose the right words, organizing key facts, or simply proofreading the final version, professional assistance can ease some of the burden.
A compassionate funeral home understands that this is more than just a notice—it’s a tribute. Families are encouraged to take their time, to collaborate with loved ones, and to think about what truly reflects the person’s life. The question isn’t just why do we have obituaries—but rather, how can we ensure this one truly tells their story?

Where Can Families Find Gentle Guidance?

Writing an obituary is one of many emotional and practical steps after a loss. During this tender time, families deserve not only professional services but also kindness and compassion. Whether you’re planning a funeral, selecting memorial details, or trying to navigate your grief, having experienced support by your side can make all the difference.

Oliviera Funeral Homes is here to help you honor your loved one’s memory with grace and care. If you have questions, or need help crafting a meaningful obituary in Vancouver, we welcome you to reach out gently and allow us to walk with you during this journey.