James A. Rutherford Funeral Home Ltd
804 Ontario Street Unit C11 N5A 3K1 Stratford, ON, Canada

If you’re undecided as to which funeral home to use and have (wisely) decided to send some emails or make phone call requests regarding costs for servicesplease keep in mind that in order to get a true and exact cost of any funeral there are some very key decisions that need to be made by you. It is not possible for any funeral home to respond accurately to an inquiry that asks what is the approximate cost of a funeral? That’s a big approximate! There are too many questi...ons that need to be asked. The only service a funeral home can answer exactly with the cost of the service, including HST, is a basic direct cremation, because there really are no variables in that choice. Otherwise, if you want to get close to truly knowing what a service will cost, it’s important to take the time to speak with a funeral director in person to really find out what’s needed and what is not needed. See more

Today’s post is simply a sincere thank you to all of the folks in Stratford and beyond who have entrusted me and Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services, in the care of those they love. I am truly humbled by your stories and your thank you notes. It has and will continue to be, a privilege to serve you through this work. Recently, I was reminded how quickly, sometimes in the space of one half hour, just how drastically one’s life can change. And allowing me to wade out into your grief and your healing in some small way will never be taken for granted because I know that when my time comesI would want the same care and consideration. Keep living well.

FUNERAL FACT: Scattering cremated remains on land or in water is not prohibited. There are some things to consider, but it is not against the law and it need not be something that is kept quiet or that is shameful in any way. In fact there are some extremely meaningful, traditional and sacred services that can be carried out within the option of scattering remains.

MUSTS vs. DECISIONS: To expand on a previous post about how the family is in control of the type of service they wish to have and the funeral directors job in making that happen here are but a few things that I’ve had families assume are musts, instead of decisions. 1. Purchasing of an urn is not a necessity after cremation unless the cremated remains are to be placed in a columbarium niche behind glass. ... 2. A vault, likewise, is not a necessity unless a cemetery stipulates that a certain area of the cemetery requires that the casket be placed in a vault, so that the ground is not compromised. 3. Placing an obituary in a newspaper is not a must and most often it is free to place an obituary on a funeral home website. 4. The family does not have to do all of that government paperwork after a death. The funeral home will customarily do all of the necessary filing of paperwork, including the death benefit and the cancelling of important cards and services. 5. Finally, it is not a must to have a will, although it is highly recommended and beneficial to have one. Until soon, LIVE WELL.

Thank you to E. and G. Adams for making your pre-arrangements with me at one of the loveliest locations this year your front porch! I pride myself in personal service and while I have carried out all types of arrangements, from start to finish, through visits to someone’s home so that they need never set foot in the Funeral Home - having those candid conversations over tea on two successive beautiful sunny days has been a highlight for me. Thanks for your gracious service. I promise I will one day, long in the future, return the favour when it is dearly needed