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The funeral director's job is to assist the bereaved in various ways to help them

through the loss of a loved one. A funeral director can provide bereavement and

consolation services for the living, in addition to making arrangements for the

cremation or burial, for the deceased.

The following list is not all-inclusive, but describes some of the major tasks of our funeral director:

• Consultation with Families
• Administration and Documentation
• Removal of deceased from the place of death directly to our facility
• Care & Custody while Provincial Medical Examiner approves cremation
• Registration of death with the Province of Nova Scotia
• Burial Permit for interment of transport
• Composition & Submission of obituary notice to newspaper(s) of choice**
• Complementary Obituary on Forest Haven Website
• Basic cremation casket/container & the process of cremation
• 12 Funeral Director Certificates of Death
• Completion & Submission of Canada Pension Death Benefit
• Completion & Submission of Canada Pension Survivor/Child Benefit
• Return cremated remains to the family or authorized representative

A traditional funeral involves a number of services which add to the total cost. Besides a non-declinable basic services fee, other charges may include removal/transfer of the body to the funeral home; embalming; other preparation of the body; use of facilities and staff for viewing; use of facilities and staff for the funeral ceremony; use of a hearse, service car, or van; a basic memorial printed package; metal casket, a vault or grave liner, and purchase of a cemetery plot.

A funeral or memorial service provides an opportunity for the living to show respect for the deceased and pay tribute to their life. It provides a framework to freely and openly express our beliefs, feelings, and thoughts about the death of our loved one. It gives us permission to grieve our loss, share in solidarity, and gain strength from others who are experiencing the same loss.

The four main types of funeral services include the traditional funeral service, the memorial service, the committal service, and the affirmation or celebration of life service.

Yes, cremation or burial is merely the disposition of the body. Funeral services are to honor and remember your loved one, regardless of disposition.

Pre-arranging final arrangements can be done regardless of the final disposition. Pre-arranging is simply recording your wishes with the funeral home and prefunding if you choose to do so.

We require a few documents to register the death with the province, and completion of government applications.

• Details on any cemetery property owned by the deceased or the family
• (grave plot, columbarium space, etc.)
• Specific information on the deceased:
• Full legal name
• Social Insurance Number
• Address
• Date of birth
• Place of birth (city and state)
• Occupation or profession
• Next of kin and other survivors
• Original Will
• Parents Names (including mother's maiden name) & Place of Birth
• Original Marriage Certificate
• Recent photograph within 6 months for Identification
• Obituary and Photo for website or Newspaper Publications

Our experienced team is here to guide you and your loved ones with dignity and respect, ensuring your needs are met.