We choose cremation for a variety of religious, philosophic, economic, and environmental reasons. Many people simply feel that cremation options afford them a more comfortable pathway toward a closure harmonious with their lifestyle.

Cremation is the process of reducing human remains to its basic elements in the form of bone fragments through flame, heat and vaporization (usually 1800 – 2000 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more). Cremation occurs at a crematory in a special kind of furnace called a cremation chamber or retort. The resulting bone fragments are further reduced in size through a mechanical process and are referred to as “cremated remains”. (It may surprise many to learn that ashes are not the final result since cremated remains have neither the appearance nor the chemical properties of ashes.) After processing, the cremated remains are placed in an urn or other container suitable for memorialization, transport or interment. Depending upon the size of the deceased’s skeletal makeup, there are normally four to eight pounds of cremated remains resulting.

A casket is not required for a cremation to take place. In most states, all that is required is an alternative container which can be constructed of wood or fiberboard/cardboard, and is cremated along with the deceased.

Absolutely not. Public health law states that any human remains held 24 hours beyond death, and not yet cremated or interred at a cemetery, shall be either embalmed, or kept under refrigeration. Most reputable funeral establishments and crematories have on-site refrigeration.

Yes, in most situations, the cremation provider will permit family members to be in attendance when the body is placed into the cremation chamber. Actually, a few religious groups include this as an integral part of their funeral practice.

Most major religions readily accept cremation, with the exception of Islam and Orthodox Judaism. Today, all of the Christian denominations allow cremation and are pleased for their members who choose it. (The Catholic Church approves cremation, but advocates the interment of the cremated remains in a cemetery.) Buddhists favor cremation, and for Hindus, cremation is the orthodox method of disposition.

All organic bone fragments and all non-consumed metal items are collected into a stainless steel cooling pan located in the lower front of the cremation chamber. All non-consumed items, such as metal from clothing, joint replacements, and dental bridgework, are divided from the cremated remains. This separation is accomplished through visual inspection as well as using a strong magnet for smaller and minute metallic objects. Items such as dental gold and silver are non-recoverable and may be commingled with the cremated remains. Remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size, sealed in a plastic bag, and then placed into a cremated remains container/urn selected by the family.

Processed cremated remains are a mixture of powdery and granular substances, and are varying shades of gray to white in color. The remains of an average sized adult usually weigh between four to eight pounds.

With the exclusion of minuscule and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are returned to the family.

There is no law requiring an urn. Nevertheless, the cremated remains must be held in some type of durable container. A more traditional urn may be desired if the cremated remains are to be memorialized at home, at a public memorial service, or the remains are to be interred at a cemetery. A family member may also supply a durable container or containers suitable for holding the cremated remains.

In California, after the cremation, the cremated remains may be returned to a designated family member or friend to be kept at home, scattered at sea (over 500 yards off the coast), scattered on private property with written permission, or released to a cemetery for burial or above-ground entombment. We also offer a non-witnessed scattering service three miles off the coast of Southern California. Cremated remains are often divided to satisfy various memorialization requests. There are smaller urns and even jewelry which hold “keepsake” portions of cremated remains. Cremation offers infinite possibilities to memorialize a loved one.

All responsible cremation providers have thorough operating policies and procedures in order to provide the highest level of service and reduce the possibility of human error. If you have questions, ask the cremation provider what procedures they use relating to the cremation, including retrieval, processing, and packaging of the cremated remains. It is not only your right, but also your responsibility to gain a feeling of confidence in your cremation provider’s facility, employees, policies, and procedures. Choosing your cremation provider is one of the most critical decisions you need to make.