[taxbuster]

A few thoughts:
As @firebug will probably tell you, in order to do *anything* with the estate, someone needs to have legal authority to act for the deceased. This is usually a named executor. Where a deceased is intestate (no Will) there are established rules. A Court may need to name an Administrator.

Probate is likely necessary as there is no surviving spouse and the deceased was intestate. AFAIK there is no option to this (I'm more familiar now with BC rules so may be out of date here.) There is, literally, no value here as it may not an inexpensive process.

Presumably the Feds have been notified and have ceased paying CPP, OAS or other amounts, as applicable, as well as any other regular payors. CRA will, ultimately, issue a Clearance Certificate (if requested).

This WILL be a headache for you. Not sure why you want to do this, but it will likely not be a straightforward process, even though his relatives may indeed receive a small amount. Really, it's THEIR problem.