cremation
At the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS), we've noticed a growing preference for cremation due to its affordability and flexibility compared to traditional funeral and burial options. In fact, cremation is the most popular plan among our members.
However, many people are not fully familiar with the cremation process. We created this article to inform our readers about cremation and clarify commonly misunderstood industry terms.
However, many people are not fully familiar with the cremation process. We created this article to inform our readers about cremation and clarify commonly misunderstood industry terms.
The Definition of CrematioN
Cremation is a method of body disposition that serves as an alternative to traditional burial in a casket.
The body is placed in a cremation container and incinerated in an Industrial furnace, known as a
cremation chamber or retort. This process reduces the body to gasses, ashes, and mineral fragments,
which are collectively known as cremains.
Cremains pose no health risk and are returned to the deceased’s family. There are several ways to honour
and memorialize your loved ones using the cremains:
The body is placed in a cremation container and incinerated in an Industrial furnace, known as a
cremation chamber or retort. This process reduces the body to gasses, ashes, and mineral fragments,
which are collectively known as cremains.
Cremains pose no health risk and are returned to the deceased’s family. There are several ways to honour
and memorialize your loved ones using the cremains:
- Transfer them into an urn or other special container or divide them among family
- members and friends.
- Inter them at a memorial site, either buried or inside a columbarium.
- Disperse them during a special ceremony.
What Happens During the Cremation Process
The entire cremation process takes roughly three hours to complete, although it will take additional time
for the family to receive the remains. Alberta law dictates that only one body can be cremated at a time,
and a carefully controlled labeling system is used for identification throughout the process.
Once the remains are surrendered to the crematory, any medical devices or implants, such as pacemakers,
are removed. Items like silicone or metal implants may have to be separated from the remains afterward.
The container is placed inside the chamber, and the temperature is raised to approximately 1400°F to
1800°F (760°C to 982°C). After a few hours, all organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation. The
remaining bone fragments are carefully removed from the chamber, cleared of all metal components, and
processed into a fine particulate that resembles ash.
The cremains are then placed in a temporary container, or an urn purchased or provided by the family. We recommend you consult with our funeral service provider to ensure you have the correct type of urn for your purpose.
for the family to receive the remains. Alberta law dictates that only one body can be cremated at a time,
and a carefully controlled labeling system is used for identification throughout the process.
Once the remains are surrendered to the crematory, any medical devices or implants, such as pacemakers,
are removed. Items like silicone or metal implants may have to be separated from the remains afterward.
The container is placed inside the chamber, and the temperature is raised to approximately 1400°F to
1800°F (760°C to 982°C). After a few hours, all organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation. The
remaining bone fragments are carefully removed from the chamber, cleared of all metal components, and
processed into a fine particulate that resembles ash.
The cremains are then placed in a temporary container, or an urn purchased or provided by the family. We recommend you consult with our funeral service provider to ensure you have the correct type of urn for your purpose.
What is “Direct Cremation”?
Direct cremation involves cremating the body shortly after death without any embalming, viewing, or
visitation. This is one of the most affordable cremation options. When families work with one of our
service providers, the cost typically includes necessary paperwork such as death certificates, basic service
fees, transportation, and crematory fees. However, the container or tray is not included in the CMS plan,
as there are various options to choose from and prices vary by option. This item can be purchased directly
from the funeral home starting just under $300. Once the cremation is complete and the family has
received the cremains, they have the option to hold a memorial or dispersal service.
visitation. This is one of the most affordable cremation options. When families work with one of our
service providers, the cost typically includes necessary paperwork such as death certificates, basic service
fees, transportation, and crematory fees. However, the container or tray is not included in the CMS plan,
as there are various options to choose from and prices vary by option. This item can be purchased directly
from the funeral home starting just under $300. Once the cremation is complete and the family has
received the cremains, they have the option to hold a memorial or dispersal service.
Why Do People Choose Cremation
Making final arrangements is a very personal choice. Among CMS members, cremation is the most
popular option for final arrangements. Some common reasons people choose cremation include:
popular option for final arrangements. Some common reasons people choose cremation include:
- Lower costs
- Environmental benefits
- Fear of burial/natural decomposition
- Simpler arrangements
- Flexible service options
Thinking ABout Cremation?
Choosing cremation over traditional burial increases your options for commemorative experiences and
makes planning a service much less stressful. Additionally, it allows more time for distant family
members to make travel arrangements and plan a memorial.
makes planning a service much less stressful. Additionally, it allows more time for distant family
members to make travel arrangements and plan a memorial.
More Information
City of Calgary, Cremation Internment Options
City of Edmonton, Cremation
Government of Alberta, Burial / Disposition Permit
City of Edmonton, Cremation
Government of Alberta, Burial / Disposition Permit
Last updated: July 8, 2024