Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Inc.

As cremation rates rise across Canada, families are looking for more personal and unique options to memorialize their loved ones.

One thing is for sure, memorialization is no longer dominated by only two options –– a cremation urn or a monument.

To support that demand, a flurry of new memorial options have become available and personalization options have boomed.

Nowadays, society is beginning to ask questions like:

How do you want to live?

How do you want to die?

How do you want to be memorialized?

These questions matter because they get to the heart and soul of what it means to be a conscious, living being on this planet. Our answers will vary and that is the point. Death is being taken out of the “do not talk about” corner and brought to the forefront. 

Turn cremated remains into beautiful keepsake jewellery. 

One of the more popular memorialization options includes creating keepsake jewellery to house a portion of the cremated remains. From a diamond pendant or a pin, memorial jewellery is a longstanding funeral tradition that's only now being rediscovered as a way of commemorating your loved one. Canadian company, Eternity’s Touch creates an exact replica of a person’s fingerprint, so you can be assured the keepsake jewellery is a one-of-a-kind legacy gift to cherish for life. 

Scatter far and wide. 

One of the most popular options is to scatter cremated remains, perhaps because it’s fairly easy and inexpensive. If considering this option always look into the legality of where you are wanting to spread cremated remains.

Become one with the sea. 

Maybe your loved one was a big fan of the water, and if so, you can choose an urn or other keepsake item, designed to be sent out to sea. A biodegradable urn will, eventually, sink down into the ocean and naturally scatter. Around the world, many companies offer scattering ceremonies out on the waves. If you are looking for something more private, you could even charter a boat and hold a sea burial ceremony. In Canada at this time, you are not required to obtain a license to scatter cremated remains at sea. It is well-advised however to be aware of others in the area and be apprised of all weather conditions before scattering the ashes.

 Become part of a coral reef. 

Speaking of the sea, there are companies that combine cremated remains into an artificial coral reef. They will use the ashes to create coral reefs with a new type of concrete that encourages marine life growth when placed in the ocean, thereby inviting people to become a part of a more permanent living legacy.

Planting a tree in their memory.

At Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, we are big advocates of green. In fact, with every family served, we plant a tree in honour of the deceased through our program with the Rideau Valley Conservation Association program. To date we have planted over 30,000 trees, reforesting an estimated 37.5 acres of local land to create new habitat, clean the air and water, capture carbon and contribute to vibrant, healthy communities. Memorial trees have the unique ability to provide long-lasting peace for family and friends.

Memorial tattoos and body ink. 

It's been a longstanding practice for many to get a likeness or commemoration of their deceased loved one on their body in the form of a tattoo. There are now some studios across Canada offering custom ink containing cremated remains.

Create meaningful art.  

Similar to using ashes within tattoo ink, you can commission a painting that has your loved one’s remains mixed into the paint. Many people choose to have the artist paint a portrait of their loved one or of a landscape the deceased loved. This is a unique way of remembering your loved one and keep them near at the same time

Help them become music. 

Was your loved one a music lover? This will be the perfect way to memorialize them. You can press their cremated remains into a custom vinyl. Each record can be personalized, including being pressed with favourite music tracks, special voice recordings, and some companies may be able to design the record cover's artwork just for you.

Let them soar thought the cosmos.  

This is a send-off of a lifetime. An exciting and ethereal experience can be arranged as a last hurrah for your loved one, send them up into space. There are providers that can send cremated remains into orbit around the Earth, the moon, or even further into a far-off galaxy. You can track your loved one while on their trip and potentially fulfill a lifelong dream of theirs.

Artisan and keepsake urns. 

Maybe you like the idea of keeping an urn nearby containing your loved one’s cremated remains but want something that is aesthetically pleasant to look at. There are many artisan urns to choose from. 

Bury them - of course. 

It might be obvious, but you can of course bury your loved ones cremated remains. For some, being able to visit the burial site can provide great future comfort. 

Can cremated remains be separated? 

Yes, cremated remains can be separated. Some for example might be separated and scattered in one or more of the deceased’s favorite locations while the remainder could be buried. 

Can you take cremated ashes on a plane?

Yes, you can take cremated ashes on a plane. It is recommended that you bring them with you as a carry-on item. Do expect to be stopped at airport security checks and asked about the remains. Border agents are trained on this type of item and are prepared to work with you to make the transportation of your loved one’s ashes as easy –– and safe –– as possible. 

Are human ashes bad for the ocean?  

No, human ashes are perfectly safe to spread in the ocean. However, laws require that you spread ashes in the ocean at least 3 nautical miles from land. This means you’ll need to be on a boat to ensure you are the proper distance away. Also, if it isn’t your boat, you’ll need permission from the captain.

Can you keep cremated ashes at home?  

Yes, absolutely. Many people choose to keep their loved one’s cremated remains at home in an urn. This may be a choice for those wanting a future permanent resting place. 

For more information, please email us at contact@hpmcgarry.ca  

This page contains excerpts from content creators and marketers Anita Chauhan and Tracey Wallace.