At some point, regardless of burial or cremation, most families will need to purchase a cemetery monument or marker.  This can be an upright headstone or a flat marker.  It may be of a relatively simple design, or it may be quite elabourate.  The engraving may be limited to names and dates, or it may include poems, verses, designs, or even pictures.  Even if an existing stone is in place, the family may wish to add another name or date to the inscription.

          In 2000, in response to the requests from our client families, and in an effort to provide something new to our community, we added monuments to our product line.  However, a few years ago we realized that our client families were better served dealing direct with a monument company - we are Funeral Directors, not monument designers and salespeople.  Therefore, we no longer sell monuments in-house.  We will make you aware of your local options and you can then make your own arrangements with them.  By removing the "middle-man" you have better control over the end product.   

        With some monument companies, a family selects an existing monument from a catologue or from the showroom floor.  The monument company then engraves the appropriate names and dates, and maybe a small design on the selection.  The end result is very nice, but it may limit a family's ability to personalize their permanent memorial.  It is also one reason why so many monuments in the cemetery look alike.  Other companies try to concentrate on special orders and custom work.  The end result may take longer and cost more, but they are personalized works of art.  Ultimately the choice is yours.  

          In recognition of the strong interest in cremation products, monument builders have also deveoped a new line of cremation markers and columbariums.  Columbarium bases can be installed under existing stones, thus allowing for several urns to be placed in the base of the monument, rather than under the ground.  Depending on the particular cemetery's regulations, often you can add a section to an existing monument so that additional names can be added when ashes are buried in the plot.  "Flat" markers, in a number of shapes, designs, and sizes are also available.

            - John-Bryan Gardiner, Vice-President, Managing Partner.

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