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FUNERAL QUESTIONS

Common Funeral Questions

It’s common to have questions, so we’ve put together a list to get you started. Let us accommodate your Celebration of Life in one of our multiple venues. We have religious and secular spaces available, so no matter the type of ceremony you want, Kearney Funeral Services can help. Whether it will be a small gathering or a larger event, our funeral planning specialists make the day a special and uplifting memorial experience.

Funerals & Ceremonies

  • Who do I call first?

    If an unexpected death occurs, call the police immediately and wait for assistance. In the event that your loved one has died in a hospital or at home, call the location that is most convenient for you. One of our Funeral Directors will be able to assist in answering all your questions and arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care. Our Funeral Directors are available on-call 24 hours a day to assist you.

  • What do I do when a death has occurred?

    If a death is unexpected, call the police immediately and wait for assistance. In the event that your loved one has died in a hospital or at home, call the location that is most convenient for you. One of our Funeral Directors will be able to assist in answering all your questions and arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care. Our Funeral Directors are available on-call 24 hours a day to assist you.

  • What is the difference between a Traditional Funeral and a Celebration of Life?

    In general, the difference between a Celebration of Life and a Traditional Funeral is the presence of your loved one’s body. The decision to have the body present or a visitation is an important one, and can be a very important part of the grieving process. Some choose to have a Celebration of Life with friends and family and their loved one’s cremated remains present following the cremation, while others choose not to have them present at all. It is important to understand that a visitation can be held before cremation when a Celebration of Life is the kind of service taking place.

  • If we have cemetery property, are we required to use the cemetery's funeral home?

    No. Regardless of the location of your cemetery property, you are free to use the Funeral Home of your choosing. Most people do not know this and often believe they are required to use the Cemetery Funeral Home. This can come at a much higher cost than other funeral providers offering an equivalent level of service.

Celebration of Life

  • How is the funeral arranged?

    Funeral Directors in British Columbia complete a two year apprenticeship program consisting of both practical and academic components. Furthermore, at Kearney’s our Directors receive additional training to ensure an exceptional level of professionalism and knowledge. This training prepares our Funeral Directors to help guide the families that come to us through the many decisions which need to be made. To arrange a funeral, the Director will walk you through the many different options available and help you make the decisions that are right for you and your family. Taking the time to understand your individual needs and help you plan around them is what separates Kearney’s from the many other Funeral Providers. This process of helping starts from the moment you call us, and continues long after the Funeral has concluded.

  • Are there music options?

    When it comes to music there are many options, whether you want music played from a CD or iPod. If prefer to have live music, we are able to book arrangements for the service to ensure you have a truly meaningful experience.

  • Where can I hold a Celebration of Life?

    A Celebration of Life can be held anywhere. We have three beautiful chapels to choose from. However, if your preference is for another venue, we would be happy to assists in the booking and planning at another location for a truly memorable service. Even if your service is taking place at another location, proper planning can deliver a truly memorable and meaningful experience. Please let one of our Funeral Directors help you.

  • If we hold our celebration of life at another location, can Kearney's assist us?

    We are experts at planning memorable and meaningful services. If you decide to have your service elsewhere, our Directors have the knowledge and experience to make the experience truly meaningful. No matter where you decide you would like your service to take place, we are happy to assist in planning and carrying out your wishes.

Pre-Planning

  • I have a change of address. How do I let you know?

    If you have recently moved and need to change the contact address for your pre-arrangements, simply contact the location where your pre-arrangements preside and our helpful staff will be happy to assists in updating this information.

Burial and Cremation

  • How do I decide between burial and cremation?

    When a death occurs, one of the most personal decisions to be made is whether to choose burial or cremation. Kearney’s staff has the knowledge and expertise to assist you in making these decisions, whether they are based on personal preference, environmental considerations or religious reasons. We respect your personal needs and can help you make the right decisions for you and your family.When a death occurs, one of the most personal decisions to be made is whether to choose burial or cremation. Kearney’s staff has the knowledge and expertise to assist you in making these decisions, whether they are based on personal preference, environmental considerations or religious reasons. We respect your personal needs and can help you make the right decisions for you and your family.

  • Can Kearney's help with selecting burial property?

    Kearney’s does not own or operate a cemetery, so we are happy to assists you to find a cemetery that will best suit your needs. Although, for purchasing and planning for interment, you will need to deal with the cemetery directly. We are happy to provide you with options and help you assess relative costs and cemetery regulations.

Covid Pandemic

  • What is Kearney's COVID-19 Pandemic response?

    To ensure our continued service, we ask that you respect our guidelines for ensuring everyone’s health and safety.


    • Please call and book an appointment before coming in to one of our locations.
    • If you have been exposed to COVID-19, call our offices so that we can help you remotely.
    • Respect social distancing and proper hand hygiene if you choose to meet with a director at one of our locations.

    Through these difficult times, we remain committed to serving your family with the highest levels of care and service that you have come to expect from Kearney Funeral Services If you have been exposed to COVID-19, call our offices so that we can help you remotely. Respect social distancing and proper hand hygiene if you choose to meet with a director at one of our locations. Through these difficult times, we remain committed to serving your family with the highest levels of care and service that you have come to expect from Kearney Funeral Services

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