Resources


Answers to Your Immediate Questions


Someone has died, what do I do first?

At home:

If the death is not expected, call 911. Let the operator know somebody has passed away and they will arrange for emergency personnel to arrive. If the death is expected you should call the attending doctor. If they are not available, call 911.


If the deceased is participating in an “Expected/Planned Death in the Home” program, follow the detailed program instructions. There will be contact names and phone numbers in the event of a death. If the information cannot be found, call 911. The emergency personnel will be able to assist you.


In Hospital or Nursing Home:

The staff will contact the attending doctor and arrange for the Medical Certificate of Death to be signed. The funeral home is not able to transfer the deceased until the proper documents have been signed.

Who do I call next?

The first phone calls should be made to family members. It is quite common for family members visit the deceased at the place of death before the individual is transferred.


The funeral home should be contacted and informed of the death. We will guide you through the process and contact clergy, cemetery and all those involved in any funeral arrangements.


Any family member may contact the funeral home. The executor of the deceased estate is responsible for funeral arrangements. If the deceased did not have a will the next of kin is responsible for making decisions.

What happens if someone dies at 2am?

Our phones are answered 24 hours a day. Once contacted, our caring team will guide you through the process.

What documentation do I need?

Most of the information that is needed for the funeral arrangements can be found in a persons wallet. Drivers licence, birth certificate and SIN number will have most of the information that is immediately required. Any Cemetery paperwork is helpful. Our team will provide you with a list of the most required documents to assist with settling the estate.

What do I need to bring to the funeral home?

There are a number of government forms to be completed. An example of the type of information that is required: place of birth, parents names, mother’s maiden name, SIN, residence address. If you don’t have the information at the time of arrangements, please don’t worry. You can let us know later.


We usually ask for clothing, undergarments, socks, shoes, everything that someone would normally wear.


Photos are important to bring in as well. For every family we care for, we provide a complimentary video tribute. Usually we ask for 40-60 photos.

If I have a question, can I call Ward Funeral Home?

Yes. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by licenced funeral directors. Please call today so we can better assist you.

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