As more people choose cremation, our funeral directors are frequently asked, can you witness a cremation? Yes, that is an option for family members. Watching a cremation is not for everyone, though families may choose this service for a number of reasons: body content of your post goes here.

What does witnessed Cremation mean?

Witnessing is simply another way to say a final goodbye to a loved one in a comfortable, environment prior to the cremation. Many of us think of cremation as taking place in very old, dark places using industrial equipment, with smoke smells and negative connotations. At our funeral home you will be able to witness the cremation in a well-lit and welcoming space. Here they can witness the casket entering the cremation enclosure, which is an often overlooked opportunity to be part of the final journey of their loved one. We don't believe our loved ones last stop should be a warehouse somewhere on the outskirts of town. We feel the final disposition of a loved one should be with honour and respect, not religated to some hidden spot.

What happens at a witnessing ceremony?

Witnessing feels a lot like a memorial service or graveside service. At our funeral home, family and friends will gather in the bright, well-lit, modern and comfortable area. There the casket is placed on a special lift in front of the cremator doors. A faith leader, celebrant or officiant will share a few comforting words with the group and then, at the appropriate time, a button is pressed by a designated family member or one of our staff, automatically opening the doors and gently pushing the casket directly into the cremation enclosure, where the cremation process begins.

Why do people want to witness the cremation?

For many, especially those of the Hindu, Sikh and Jainism faiths, being present during the cremation is an important part of their faith and traditions. For others, it’s a respectful way to say a final goodbye. But until recently, North American crematoriums weren’t suited to accommodate witnessing. Most are old, cramped and very hot. We are building a state of the art facility with state-of-the art equipment and a welcoming environment that completely transform the experience. Now families and friends can witness cremation in a dignified space in comfort. The warehouse effect of cremation is not an experience I want for my loved ones. Even if a family doesn't choose to witness the cremation, they should at least know that nice surroundings was where the cremation took place and not a dingy warehouse.

Are there benefits to witnessing?

The benefits of witnessing are largely personal. For some people, being present when the casket takes its final journey into the cremation enclosure is comforting or may be part of their traditions. For others, it may demystify something that they weren’t able to be part of in the past. But the cremation equipment that makes witnessing possible also has other benefits. Once we put witnessing at the center of the cremation process, we needed specially designed equipment that would accommodate the witnessing room concept. This allowed us to incorporate the most advanced, cleanest and most environmentally responsible cremation equipment in the world.