Is
embalming required by state law?
No.
Oregon law requires that human remains held longer than 24 hours
after death be either embalmed, refrigerated, or cremated. There
can be circumstances when embalming will be required by a cemetery
for entombment in a Mausoleum or to transfer the remains across
state lines.
What
is embalming?
Embalming
is a temporary preservation the the remains. The purpose is to
help, temporarily, slow down the natural processes and to sanitize
the remains for public viewing.
What
if I want to be a anatomical donor?
We
work with all the anatomical donation programs. There is no cost
to the family for most anatomical donations. The family can have
any type of service that they wish after donation. We also can
help the family plan on whole body donation. There is a fee from
the funeral home for this type of donation. The Oregon Health
Science University Body Donation Program
needs a funeral firm to remove the remains
from the place of death, embalm the remains and transport them
to the University. The funeral home also takes care of all the
necessary permits and paperwork.
If
my family member is cremated, how will I know I am getting them
back?
In
Oregon, there are many systems in place to assure that you will
get your loved one back, and no one else. You can also be assured
that we cremate only one person at a time. Funeral homes, crematories
and cemeteries are all licensed by the Oregon State Mortuary and
Cemetery Board which is a licensing board that governs these facilities.
You may contact the board at (503)731-4040.
Are
more people choosing cremation today?
Yes.
In recent years the percentage of cremations have increased. Cremation
is accepted by most religions. In Oregon the percentage of cremations
is over 55%.
I
am Catholic, can I be cremated?
Yes.
The Catholic Church allows cremation. You should speak with your
parish priest to see what your local church recommends for the
memorial service or memorial mass. Cremation is only the final
form of disposition and you may have a full mass with casket present,
if you wish, and cremation can take place after the mass. We have
the "Cremation For Catholics Brochure" available that
you can request
What
is Cremation?
The
body of the deceased is placed into a cremation chamber. Only
one body at a time is cremated. Through heat and evaporation the
body is reduced to basic elements that some people call ashes.
In fact, they are not ashes, but our skeletal remains processed
to fit into an urn.
Can
I scatter the cremated remains?
The
family may scatter the cremated remains on family private property,
or in the ocean. Many hire a boat for this service. You can also
contract with a "scattering service", who will scatter the cremated
remains for you via plane or boat.
Will
the Veterans pay for the service?
Not
in most cases. The veteran who passes away in a V.A. Hospital,
or is on V.A. disability or retirement may receive a burial reimbursement
of 300.00. All honorably discharged veterans are eligible for
burial of casket or urn at a National Cemetery. Your funeral director
will help make application at a National Cemetery.
What
type of information should I bring to the funeral home?
There
are many details to attend to when making funeral arrangements.
The family will bring in statistical information that will go
on the death certificate. This information includes, persons full
name, date of birth, place of birth, social security number, parents
names - including mother's maiden name. The funeral home will
also want a copy of the veteran's discharge papers, if available.
If the family desires an obituary in the newspaper, the funeral
director will get more detailed personalized information on the
deceased, such as, church membership, organizations that the deceased
belonged. Also, if the family desires a viewing this is the time
to bring in clothing and perhaps a picture of the deceased to
help the funeral home with the viewing preparations.
"With
deepest gratitude for the respect and dignity with which you cared
for my father. The service was beautiful and your professionalism
and assistance are greatly appreciated."
