[troutman]

https://afsrb.ab.ca/document/5312/Brochure.pdf

The independent approach to prearrangement

You may want to make plans and arrange for payment for your own funeral, without paying money in advance to a funeral home. If so, please refer to the center pull-out section, “Personal Instructions Concerning My Funeral”, and follow these steps:

1. Once you know what you want, set aside the necessary funds in a bank or trust account. (Another option is to purchase an appropriate life insurance policy. Ask your agent.)

2. If you have specific wishes about what is to be done with your body, write them out and discuss with family members and your executor. This can be important if some family members are opposed to the arrangements you want.

3. If there is an objection to your plan and you feel strongly about your wishes , prepare specific instructions and have them written in your Will. Tell your family or personal representative (executor) that your funeral instructions are in the Will, since a Will is not usually read until after the funeral.

4. If your family agrees to your plans, simply write out your preference in a letter of instruction. Describe the type of service you want, and whether you would prefer burial or cremation. Also give any pertinent personal information.

5. Prepare a Will and financial record and advise where you keep it in your letter of instruction. Tell a family member or friend that a letter of instruction has been prepared. Keep this letter, and other important papers where they can be easily located by survivors at the time of death.

The Alberta Funeral Service Association, a non-profit, voluntary organization of Alberta funeral homes, provides information and brochures about funeral arrangements, cost, traditions and organ donations.