Thompson Funeral Service

What Do I Do?

Someone in your family has died. Nothing can soften the shock and emotional distress you feel. To help you gather all the necessary information you will need, here is a guide to follow.


You will find it helpful to review this information prior to meeting with one of our directors. You will also find it helpful to review the other pages of our website to learn more about the service options available to you.

When someone dies in hospital, hospice or a nursing home

As soon as possible contact Thompson Funeral Service. Later, notify family members and close friends.

When someone dies at home or unexpectedly

It is customary to call the police at 911. The Coroner may become involved, as well. As soon as possible contact Thompson Funeral Service. Later, notify family members, close friends, employer, school, college and/or other institution.

Gather Data for the Funeral Arrangement Conference

You will usually require the following information for the completion of a death certificate and for various other legal matters such as: life insurance policies, bank accounts, stocks and bonds, drivers license, real estate transactions, pensions, health insurance, retirement plans, Federal / Provincial income taxes, Probate Court and Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. During the arrangement conference with our staff, it will be helpful for you to have these details about the deceased:


  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Legal residence
  • Name of spouse (maiden name of wife)
  • Occupation (prior to retirement)
  • Social Insurance Number
  • Place of birth (City, Province or State of birth)
  • Father’s full legal name
  • Mother’s full legal name (maiden name)
  • Birth places of father and mother



Other information to bring with you when making arrangements with the funeral director: 


  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Insurance Card
  • Personal Health Number
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Will
  • Recent Photograph or Photographs of the deceased
  • Insurance Papers (if used to pay for the funeral)
  • Pre-arranged Funeral Data (if any)

Miscellaneous

Clothing

If you would like your loved one dressed, a full complement of clothing is required, including under garments and outer garments of your choice. Shoes are not needed. For women an outfit with a closed neckline and long sleeves is desirable. For men, a suit, sport coat or customary outerwear is appropriate.

Other Personal Items

Jewelry, eye glasses and religious items (if any) should be brought to the arrangement conference, or prior to the service. On the day of the funeral, it is customary to confirm which items you wish to be left in the casket and which are to be returned to you.

Cremation

It is customary for any personal items such as jewelry, pictures and other memorabilia to be removed prior to the cremation, as they will be destroyed during the cremation process. Instead, these items may be placed in the selected urn or be returned to you.

Arrangement Appointment Time

Please call us to schedule a time, convenient to you, to make the funeral arrangements. Although most arrangements are conducted during normal business hours, we are available by appointment on weekends.

Week 1:


  • Locate Will
  • Contact executor, lawyer, trust officer, or other legal advisor
  • Make funeral arrangements
  • Contact Clergy/Celebrant
  • Contact other family, friends or co-workers
  • Receive original Death Certificate from funeral home
  • Make appointment with After Care Specialist who will provide valuable information and a checklist that can be used for estate purposes
  • Apply for a will search (Vital Statistics) if necessary



Weeks 1-4: 


  • Probate will
  • Locate Bank Accounts and Investments
  • Check Safety Deposit Box
  • Obtain unpaid wages and / or other benefits from employer (if any)
  • Cancel Credit Cards (that are not joint with spouse)
  • Cancel Driver’s License
  • Death notification Canada Customs & Revenue Agency
  • Death notification to cancel benefits and apply for Survivor Benefits (CPP/OAP)
  • Death notification to Health Care Agency
  • Death notification to Blue Cross and / or Extended Health Benefits
  • Death notification and cancellation of Superannuation (Federal / Provincial) and apply for death benefits
  • Death notification Passport Canada
  • Veterans Affairs Canada – Death notification to cancel benefits and apply for death benefits


These are some of the details you will be called upon to deal with. If you require further assistance please contact your director.

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