In a community (or private) burial family and friends perform all tasks. We have a clear outline of everything needed, and can help with questions or concerns.
Apply for permits
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All permits are available from Service BC (allow 4-7 hours)
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Burial permit: Medical certificate of death plus two pieces of id from the deceased are required (birth certificate, driver’s license, passport) and completed Registration of Death form
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Transfer permit: required to move the body, and should be signed by next of kin
Dig the grave (with cemetery supervision)
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We have sandy soil, and all digging is done by hand. We recommend 3 or more diggers; a full-sized grave takes 2-4 hours.
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All tools are provided
Prepare the body
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Purchase coffin if needed or prepare shroud
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Prepare the body (washing, shrouding)
Transport the body to the cemetery (i.e., from home or morgue)
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We have a transport coffin for shroud burials (Dimensions: 27” wide x 79” long x 16” deep)
Fill in the grave following the burial
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All tools are provided
An Expected Death at Home
When a person has died an expected death at home, a medical doctor or nurse practitioner needs to pronounce death and fill in the Medical Certificate of Death. This needs to be arranged by the family ahead of time including alternate arrangements if the doctor/nurse is unavailable.
Unexpected Death
When a person dies unexpectedly, (accidentally or suddenly) the police need to be called and they will notify the coroner. In all cases of sudden death, the coroner is in charge and an autopsy may be done. The coroner will complete the Medical Certificate of Death.
Printable PDF checklist for private burials