Cremation without Ceremony

Cremation Without Ceremony provides for the essential arrangements for cremation, without a funeral, memorial service or Celebration of Life.  It is commonly referred to as direct cremation or cremation only. A McCall Gardens funeral director will guide you through the required paperwork and decisions.

No. It simply means that a formal ceremony is not included as part of the immediate cremation arrangements. Family and friends may still gather privately or arrange a celebration of life, memorial service, or other gathering at a later date. 

Every person entrusted to McCall Gardens is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the type of arrangements selected. We follow strict identification, documentation and tracking procedures throughout every stage of our care. Cremated remains are kept securely in our until they are released to an authorized representative.

No. A traditional casket is not required for cremation. However, provincial law requires that the deceased be enclosed in a rigid container, which is cremated with the deceased. We offer a range of options, from simple cremation containers to traditional caskets for families who choose to have a viewing before cremation.

No. Purchasing an urn is entirely optional. If an urn is not selected, the cremated remains are returned in a temporary container at no additional charge. For families who would like an urn, we offer a wide range of options suitable for burial, placement in a columbarium niche, keeping at home or scattering, including biodegradable urns designed for burial or water scattering. Keepsake urns and cremation jewellery are also available for family members who wish to retain a small portion of the cremated remains.

There are many options for cremated remains. They may be buried in a cemetery, placed in a columbarium niche, kept at home, scattered in a meaningful location or memorialized using a combination of these options.

Before choosing to scatter cremated remains, it is important to understand that the decision is irreversible and, if all of the cremated remains are scattered, there may be no permanent place of memorialization. For some families, having a permanent place to visit, reflect and remember is important.

In British Columbia, certain legal and administrative requirements must be completed before cremation can take place. This includes registering the death and obtaining the required authorization and permits. Provincial law mandates that cremation cannot take place until at least 48 hours after the death.

Yes. An obituary is included with the arrangements. Families may prepare it themselves or with our assistance. Obituaries are published on the McCall Gardens website at no additional cost to the family. We can also assist with arranging publication in the Victoria Times Colonist or another newspaper of your choice.

Yes. McCall Gardens’ Family Aftercare program is available to every family we serve at no additional cost. Our Aftercare Concierge provides practical information and guidance on government benefits, pensions, insurance, financial accounts, vehicle and property matters, necessary notifications and other responsibilities that may arise following a death. The program provides guidance but does not replace professional legal or financial advice.

Yes. You can preplan Cremation Without Ceremony for yourself or help make arrangements for a family member. Preplanning allows your wishes to be documented, gives you an opportunity to understand the options and can make future decisions easier for those close to you.