There are many misconceptions about cremation such as it is more environmentally friendly than traditional burial. We urge families to consider whichever option suits them best at the time of need. With cremation rates steadily on the rise, it begs the question "Will there still be traditional burial in 50 years?" Each funeral is as unique as the individual so our answer is yes. Families will continue to follow in the path of their previous generations and we will continue to serve our families with which ever options they prefer.

No casket is legally required for cremation, just a simple container, which is strong enough to hold the body. This could be a box of rough boards, pressboard, or plywood. Most Crematoriums accept cardboard however at Fotheringham - McDougall we believe that every human being deserves more dignity than a cardboard box.

Some crematories accept metal caskets; most require the container to be combustible.

Cremation Choices

If the body is cremated:

The remains can be stored by the family
You may take the remains in the simple cardboard box supplied by the crematory and do with what ever you wish. However, "scattering" them is frowned upon and against the law in many public places (Parks, Golf Courses, etc)
The remains can be placed in a niche within a columbarium.
In rural Saskatchewan it is most popular for them to be buried in the ground in a regular plot or in a smaller cremation plot.
The remains can be entombed in a crypt within a mausoleum.

Reasons You Might Choose Cremation

Many people believe that a cremated body becomes one with nature more quickly. Cremation is traditional in your family, religious group, or geographical area
You prefer the body to be returned quickly and cleanly to the elements
You have environmental concerns
Perhaps you are worried about the use of valuable land for cemetery space, or believe it is wrong to fill the ground with materials that won't erode ... metal coffins and concrete vaults.
You want to keep the costs down

Selecting cremation does not mean, however, that you will have an inexpensive funeral.
You might still choose an expensive casket and/or a viewing, and/or decide to have the cremated remains buried in the ground or placed in a columbarium. These choices can bring your costs up to those of a traditional funeral.

Decisions You Must Make If You Choose Cremation

Who will do the cremation. We recommend Prairie View Crematorium (just south of Saskatoon on Highway 11) We have had excellent service from them going back to the 1970's.
Whether to use an urn or container
What to do with the remains
If you are distributing the remains
Some jurisdictions have laws prohibiting the scattering of remains; others require a permit. Ask your funeral director.

Also, ask if there are any firms in your area that specialize in unique ways of distributing the remains, such as a plane to spread them over a mountain, or a ship to scatter them at sea.

Think of places that were especially loved by the deceased, close to home or far away. You can walk in the woods, by a favourite lake, or on the old family farm.

Be sure to ask permission if you want to use private property.

What about using the remains to create new life, by planting a tree? Some survivors choose to mix the remains with the soil in flowerbeds and rose gardens at home. Every time the roses bloom, you will be reminded of your loved one. If you decide to do this, however, consider what will happen if, some day, you move away.

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