The Final Disposition De-Mystifying Death, Funerals, Cemeteries & Ceremonies

I received notice of this interesting one day forum titled:

The Final Disposition De-Mystifying Death, Funerals, Cemeteries & Ceremonies.
Mountain View Cemetery is a wonderful location with a beautiful celebration hall where this forum will be held. I have attended a seminar there before, sponsored by Lees and Associates on Cemeteries, and was so impressed with the content and the location.

This particular session will provide a screening of the film "A Family Undertaking: Home Funerals in America." When I was a student I studied with a woman who was involved in the making of this film. It is a very interesting film.

The speakers who I know are all quality presenters.... (Romayne Gallagher, from "our" HPC community is an engaging and fabulous speaker. Stephen Olson is one of the real gems in the Cemetery field!)

But mostly, I am impressed at the topics that are being addressed. The topics reflect current issues, and will stimulate fascinating discussion. These topics have been brought forward by professionals working with funerals and cemeteries themselves! Way to go!

If you attend, please be sure to let me know how you find it. I will be returning from a conference in Ontario and on route to the birth of a grandbaby... so doubt I will make it in person ! :)

Saturday, April 24, 2010
10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.

11:00 am – Noon Film Screening
“A Family Undertaking: Home Funerals in America”
A one hour, provocative documentary exploring the psychological,
cultural, legal and financial issues surrounding the home funeral movement

12:30 – 1:15 pm Romayne Gallagher
Romayne Gallagher is Providence Health Care’s Division Head of Palliative
Care, and the Physician Program Director for the Palliative Care Program at
Providence.
What is hospice palliative care, what services are available to those living with
a life-limiting illness in Vancouver, dying at home and useful information resources
for patients and families.

1:15 – 2:00 pm Barry Jeske
Barry Jeske is an independent funeral director and co-owner of Wiebe & Jeske
Burial & Cremation Care Providers in Abbotsford.
The Funeral Home, the Funeral Director. What do they do? Does a bereaved
family really need one? Can someone “do it themselves” in British Columbia?

2:00 – 2:45 pm Glen Hodges
Glen Hodges is the Manager of Mountain View Cemetery.
The cemetery is much more than just a place to bury our dead. Learn about the
many roles of the cemetery and how they can help future generations. Even if
your loved ones are not buried here, find out how the cemetery can become an
important place for you, your family and friends.
2:45 – 3:00 pm Break

3:00 – 3:45 pm Stephen Olson
Stephen Olson is the Executive Director of Royal Oak Burial Park in Victoria
Green burial, is it a fad or a trend? From concept to reality, the story behind
Canada’s first urban natural burial site in Victoria’s Royal Oak Burial Park. For
the ecologically minded green burial is regarded as the final act of selflessness
for the benefit of environment.

3:45 – 4:30 pm Paula Jardine and Marina Szijarto
Paula Jardine is the Artist in Residence at Mountain View Cemetery
Marina Szijarto is a contemporary rites of passage celebrant, artist & designer
As long time celebration artists and the creators of MVC’s Night For All
Souls, Paula and Marina have a deep understanding and appreciation for the
power of community experience and expression. They were led to their work
in honouring the dead through personal experience, and a need to understand
- and reclaim - the role of the artist in the sacred life of the community.
They will give an overview of what they have learned about various cultural
practices, and each will talk about ceremonies they have led.

Refreshments: Tea and cookies will be available but please bring your
own snacks/lunch as there are no restaurants on site.
Mountain View Cemetery
Celebration Hall & Courtyard
5445 Fraser St

Registration: The event is free, but registration is mandatory as seating
is limited. Please phone or email the office to confirm your space.
604.325.2646 mountainview.cemetery@vancouver.ca