The selection of funeral merchandise is only one small part of the total cost of a funeral, but it is probably the most visible decision that a family must make, and therefore an important part of the funeral arrangement process. Regardless whether or not burial or cremation is to follow, there are decisions that must be made with regards to merchandise. A container or casket must be selected for the body. In the case of burial, the family must decide on the use of and type of outer container for the casket (ie: burial vault). With cremation, a container must be selected to place the cremated human remains into.

          With our selection rooms, we have attempted to make the selection process as simple and "painless" as possible. The display rooms in both of our locations are nearly 1000 square feet in size, they are bright and finished in warm colours that follow the decor throughout our funeral homes. Prices are clearly marked on all caskets and containers, and your funeral director will stay with you to explain ALL your options, and the differences in the materials and quality of the various products. However, your funeral director will never try to sell you anything. The choice is yours, regardless of how simple or elaborate. Tactfully, they will also encourage you to work within your financial means.

          In containers for the body, we offer numerous choices - everything from a very simple cardboard container (with a weight capacity restriction), to solid wood. Keep in mind that for cremation you can select any container or casket that is made of a combustible material. The container for the body, is for the protection of the body and the funeral home staff and crematorium workers. In Ontario, both the container and the body are cremated together.

          For those who are planning a funeral followed by cremation, another option is a rental casket. With the selection of a rental casket, the remains are placed in the casket for a chapel service (rentals do not leave the funeral home), and then transferred into another container for the cremation.

          In caskets, we offer the largest selection of caskets in Thunder Bay, from a simple grey cloth-covered casket to a solid 48 oz. bronze unit. Construction materials include cloth-covered particleboard, wood and wood veneer, solid wood, steel, copper and bronze. Ultimately the quality of the materials and workmanship dictates the difference in our cost, and your final price. While the mid-range offerings at the funeral homes in Thunder Bay are comparable, in our funeral homes we provide the largest selection of both the entry level (lowest priced) caskets, and the higher priced caskets. We have the largest selection in Thunder Bay, in an effort to provide something for everyone. Don't ever be overwhelmed by some of our higher priced offerings, the final choice is up to you and your budget. Likewise, if your selection is a more economical casket, you will still receive the highest quality of compassionate service, and be served with the utmost of respect.

          In cremation urns, we offer you everything from a temporary cardboard container, to a solid bronze figurine. Just like our caskets, we wish to offer the cremation family a fair choice, regardless of their tastes or budget. For those who are thinking of scattering ashes, we will provide them with some thoughtful tips and insight. They can also purchase special urns that are designed with the scattering of ashes in mind. Keepsake urns, also allow a family the opportunity to save a small portion of the ashes in either a miniature urn, or a specially-designed locket. Personalized plaques and engraving is also an option you have. Once again, we make the offerings, and the final choice is yours.

          For those who might feel uncomfortable in our selection rooms, we can provide photo catalogues to assist you in your selection. Ultimately, as part of this web-site we also intend to have our complete merchandise available, complete with prices and photos.

          At our Westfort site, the selection room is conveniently located near the visitation rooms. When a service or evening gathering is being conducted, we leave the selection room lights on and one door open. It has been amazing just how many people wander through the selection room, to take a look at what we have to offer. Visiting the selection room ahead of time, makes it much easier when the time comes that you are faced with decisions.

          At our Waverley location, the selection room is situated in the basement, and accessed via a brightly-lit staircase from our main arrangements office. While not located in the main area of the funeral home, it too is available for your visit at any time.

          Thank you for visiting our web-site and touring our funeral homes. We hope that you are learning something new about Everest of Thunder Bay.