End of Life Services
On August 22 2023, Doreen C. was laid to rest at Heritage Gardens Cemetery (a green cemetery environment) in Aldergrove, B.C. There was a small group of family and friends who attended as the deceased was transferred to the gravesite and laid upon a platform of cedar boughs. Everyone had an opportunity to place a red rose upon the deceased before the ceremony began. Doreen’s young grandson brought an Aero chocolate bar which was a favorite and his mother gently placed the candy among the roses. The poem by Elizabeth Frye “Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep” was read and greatly appreciated. The funeral staff were very professional and helpful. Afterward, we gathered a short distance away under a large tent to share beverages and treats and memories of Doreen.
Good luck, Doreen, on your next adventure.
January 18, 2023
Over seventy family & friends gathered at Wisteria Place in Steveston on Wednesday January 18, 2023 to bid farewell to Terry Thoburn. Terry joined the military when he was only 18. He became an air cadet and when he was 19 he got his wings as the youngest flying officer in Canada at that time. He later became a commercial pilot with CP Air until he retired from Air Canada. Many people paid tribute to Terry, his retired pilot peers, his family and friends. His two grandsons lit a Memorial Candle and both read poetry to honor their grandfather and his love for flying. The facility did a stellar job and despite the sad reason to gather there was much love and laughter amongst the guests. (excerpt from Flying West by Cpt. Michael J. Larkin
“I hope there’s a place, way up in the sky,
Where pilots can go, when they have to die.
A place where a guy can buy a cold beer
For a friend and a comrade, whose memory is dear;”
On to your next adventure, Captain Terry!
Oct 17, 2022
Ron Chisholm, beloved brother of Bruce and Allen and father to Catrina was celebrated on Monday October 17 at the Celebration Hall-Mountain View Cemetery. Ron’s mother was Scottish and so it was fitting that his Urn was piped into the Hall. Family, friends and colleagues gathered to share their thoughts about Ron. At the front by the podium were some gorgeous flowers, in purple and blues, his favorite colors. I was privileged to read many tributes from his family. His niece put together a lovely DVD with pictures of Ron’s life. So much love in the Hall.
May 30. 2022
Ted Almas beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend was honored in a beautiful ceremony at the Burnaby Mountain Golf & Country Club on May 30 2022 at 1:30 p:m. The life Ted lived was one full of vitality, humor and kindness. He was eulogized by his wife, Margie, brother, brother-in-law, daughter, co-worker and grandchildren. The banquet room was beautifully surrounded by the lovely lush greenery of the course. Such a wonderful man to have known and a blessing to those who did. Peace be with the family and all friends.
Thank you, Kim, for working with us to honor and celebrate Ted’s life. Through our meetings and phone calls you spent hours crafting a personal and meaningful service. Your delivery was charming and sincere, making the ceremony warm and comforting for his family and friends during this difficult time.
I am grateful that you introduced us to the candle lighting, a way for our family to include and celebrate Ted in special family occasions going forward.
Warmly,
Has someone recently passed and did they or do you want a ceremony to celebrate their Life? There are times when an individual and their families would prefer to have a gathering to celebrate their life, rather than the traditional funeral.
At our first meeting, where would you be more comfortable – in your home or any other familiar place? Let’s meet so that I can learn about your loved one and create a personal ceremony for them, learn about their contributions and how they have touched the lives of others.
Their actual ceremony could be anywhere. Did your loved one like a particular sport like tennis or perhaps they enjoyed nature and parks? Perhaps something simple on the water might be perfect for their final tribute.
You can hold your celebration of life anywhere, a park, a tennis court, or a dock.
Green Burials
Newly opened is Heritage Gardens, located at 19082 16Ave. Surrey, BC 604-538-0074
Please click on this link which will give you more information on Green Burials including education webinars and many options you may wish to become aware. While this is a US site, it is rich with information.
Green Burial Council https://www.greenburialcoun
Here is the link for resources available to you in Canada.
Green Burial Society of Canada http://www.greenburialcanada.ca/
Community Deathcare Canada https://www.communitydeathcare.ca/
Cremation
Funeral Homes
You have more choice about yourself or your loved one than you may realize.
Celebration of Life
A personalized service honouring the wishes and needs of the deceased and their loved ones, using rich symbolism such as a Memorial Candle Lighting, eulogies, poetry readings and illustrating unique aspects of the deceased – truthful, loving, honest and uplifting
Memorial Tributes
An in-home service honouring recently departed care home residents allowing fellow residenta a way to pay tribute and say farewell. Typicallyu honours multiple residents at one ceremony, with individually personalized tributes. Service format customized to suit each individual care home
Scattering Ceremony
A personalized sacred ceremony for the disposition of cremains at the location of your choosing: at sea, in a forest, near a lake or in a montain meadow.
Final Blessing
A unique service for the families of individuals who pass at home. Kim will attend the home to perform a tribute and/or blessing while the deceased’s body is still present.
Hospice and Palliative Care
Many family members find it difficult to plan for After-Life Ceremonies while their loved one is still alive. By contrast, those facing death often find it therepeutic to discuss the details of their end-of-life ceremony. Bridging that gap, Kim will meet with the individual to carefully and compassionately listen to their final requests.
March 19 2022
Family and friends of Marjorie Humphrey paid tribute to their grandmother, mother, aunt and friend at Newlands Golf Club on March 19th. The sun came out to shine and the facility provided amazing food for the 75 plus guests.
Marjorie’s granddaughter Michelle played a very important part in her life and wrote a beautiful tribute with her partner by her side. The eldest great granddaughter, bravely sang “Hallelujah” accompanied on guitar by her Mum’s partner. There were tears and laughter and a true celebration of a woman who lived fully and loved life to the fullest!
December 3 2021
The sons of Peggy Doyle, Klayton, Joshua and Julian paid tribute to their mother who died too soon from complications around Covid. Queen’s Park Centre Lodge in New Westminster on December 3 2021 was beautifully decorated with a front table laden with cedar boughs, Peggy’s picture, flowers and other personal items. Klayton eulogized his mother with his partner close to his side. Peggy’s generous heart touched everyone who attended the ceremony. It was peaceful and serene as her life was remembered by family and friends.
November 21 2021
Thomas Bernard was memorialized by friends and family at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Centre on November 21, 2021. Tom’s only child and daughter Kelsey was surrounded by loving friends and 3 of her uncle’s. We lit a Memorial Candle so that the light of Tom’s presence will be included in all celebrations he might normally have attended. The center provided good food and everyone was made welcome and to hear personal memories of Tom at the end of the ceremony.
On Saturday September 26th 2020 at 1:00 the family bid farewell to their Mum, sister, Grandma and friend. Dixie passed away almost a year ago October and so the farewell in her honor was a long time in coming.
Despite the inclement weather a small group gathered at Bear Creek Park in Surrey to say good-bye. Dixie was present in her Urn upon a table which was front and centre with flowers and a photo display of her long life. The service began and ended with a traditional Bell Ringing. Although unorthodox, the deceased loved Disney and so a part of the ceremony included a Disney poem which began “….Spaghetti noodles trapped Between doggie lips – In Lady and the Tramp….”. At the conclusion her son was able to read a beautiful tribute written by of Dixie’s best friends.
A sweet service and lots of love was evident.
“Thank you, Kim. Your eulogy was spot on. The poems you picked out were perfect. Everyone praised you in a perfect manner! Would have hugged you pre-Covid”!
On July 11th a dear Mother (Marg), a mother-in-law, Aunt, sister, Grandma and good friend to many was reunited with her dear husband at Ocean View Cemetery at 1:30 in the afternoon under a canopy and cloudy skies. The attendees consisted of Marg’s 4 children, their 3 spouses and one grandson. The family helped me to choose 3 lovely poems honoring the Mother they had lost and their grief at such a sad farewell. The love for this dear lady was palpable and despite the small gathering the service was gentle, calm and healing.
Marg’s Urn was surrounded with a beautiful display of long stemmed colorful roses, which as a gardener, Marg would have a appreciated
Blessings and love to her and to all who knew her.
“When our mother passed away during the time of strict Covid-19 restrictions, our family nevertheless felt a need to gather and to lay her ashes to rest. Kim met with the family in advance and helped us plan an intimate graveside interment for the closest family members. She listened carefully as each one of us expressed our thoughts about our mother and our wishes for the respectful goodbye we were seeking to process our grief. She suggested some poetry and biblical passages that appropriately captured our mother’s kind nature and love for her family. At the graveside, Kim incorporated the family’s wishes in a sober, yet lovely ceremony, and she offered some well-chosen words of comfort. It was exactly the healing gathering we needed, combining both religious and secular elements. At Kim’s suggestion, we each said a final goodbye to our beloved mom with a rose.
Thank you, Kim, for creating this memorable occasion to honor our mother!”
Sudden Parting
It is always difficult to cope with loss never mind the sudden and unexpected death of a friend or family member. On a cloudy autumn afternoon we laid to resta father, husband, brother, uncle and friend in an urn internment at Valley View Cemetery. Forty to fifty people gathered to show their respect and love. Most everyone had an opportunity to add a pink carnation to the site and say a gentle good-bye. Bagpipes were played at the end of the ceremony before the Celebration of Life ceremony at Guildford Golf Club.
“Ms Evans truly captured and honored my father’s spirit. She carefully considered our family dynamics and created and delivered a thoughtful Eulogy. She is very creative in her approach and offered many unique recommendations specific to our family’s values. I highly recommend Ms Evans as celebrant.”
Ceremony Accross the Miles
It’s not everyday that a Life Celebrant is asked to coordinate and communicate between two different countries yet Kim did not hesitate in helping us from across the miles. My Canadian husband passed away in Australia and his life was to be celebrated in Canada. Amidst the grief, Kim sensitively listened to the stories and memories that we wished to include, guided us in the necessary practicalities of holding a memorial, and drafted a beautiful ceremony. When I stood to honor my husband’s life with my own eulogy, Kim stood alongside me throughout. I was not alone. It is now six months since the memorial and when I reflect back on our small and intimate service I remember a feeling of peace and lightness, and gratitude for this opportunity to gather in honor of my husband’s life.
