What Do I Do
When A Death Has Occurred
We have developed a thoughtful guide to help you attend to the numerous details at this difficult time.
When someone dies in hospital, hospice or a nursing home: As soon as possible contact us directly or ask the nursing staff to do this on your behalf. Later, notify family members and close friends.
When someone dies at home or unexpectedly: It is customary to call the police at 911. The Coroner may become involved, as well. As soon as possible contact us. Later, notify family members, close friends, employer, school, college and/or other institution.
Gather Information for the Arrangement Conference: The following details are required by the Director for the completion of a death certificate and other matters such as: life insurance policies, bank accounts, stocks and bonds, drivers license, real estate transactions, pensions, health insurance, retirement plans, Federal / Provincial income tax, Probate Court, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency:
- Full legal name of the deceased
- Date of birth
- Legal residence
- Name of spouse (maiden name of wife)
- Occupation (prior to retirement)
- Social Insurance Number
- Place of birth (City, Province or State of birth)
- Father’s first name
- Mother’s first name and Maiden name
Other information the Director will require:
- Birth Certificate of the deceased
- Social Insurance Card of the deceased
- List of Surviving Relatives and cities of residence
- Recent Photograph or Photographs of the deceased
- Insurance Papers (if used to pay for the funeral)
- Prearranged Funeral Details (if any)
Miscellaneous:
Clothing
A full complement of clothing is required, including under garments and outer garments of your choice. Shoes are not needed. For women an outfit with a closed neckline and long sleeves is desirable. For men, a suit, sport coat or customary outerwear is appropriate.
Other Personal Items
Jewellery, eye glasses and religious items (if any) should be brought to the arrangement conference, or prior to the service. On the day of the service it is customary to confirm which items you wish to be left in the casket and which are to be returned to you.
Cremation
It is customary for any personal items such as Jewellery, pictures and other memorabilia to be removed prior to the cremation, as they will be destroyed during the cremation process. Instead, these items may be placed in the selected urn or be returned to you.
Arrangement Appointment Time
Please call us to schedule a time, convenient to you, to make the final arrangements. Although most arrangements are conducted during normal business hours, we are available by appointment on weekends.
Week 1:
- Locate the Will of the deceased
- Contact executor, lawyer, trust officer, or other legal advisor
- Make final arrangements
- Contact Clergy/Celebrant
- Contact other family, friends or co-workers
- Receive original Death Certificate from your director
- Make appointment with After Care Specialist who will provide valuable information and a checklist that can be used for estate purposes
- Apply for a Will search (Vital Statistics) if necessary
Weeks 1-4:
- Probate Will of the deceased
- Locate Bank Accounts and Investments
- Check Safety Deposit Box
- Obtain unpaid wages and / or other benefits from employer (if any)
- Cancel Credit Cards (that are not joint with spouse)
- Cancel Driver’s License
- Death notification Canada Customs & Revenue Agency
- Death notification to cancel benefits and apply for Survivor Benefits (CPP/OAP)
- Death notification to Health Care Agency
- Death notification to Blue Cross and / or Extended Health Benefits
- Death notification and cancellation of Superannuation (Federal / Provincial) and apply for death benefits
- Death notification Passport Canada
- Veterans Affairs Canada – Death notification to cancel benefits and apply for death benefits
You may also find it helpful to view other pages of our website. Learn more about the various service options and products available to you.
If you have questions or concerns not answered here ask the director.
