Humanist funerals have become increasingly common both in Canada and elsewhere.  They may be more appropriate for those who neither lived according to religious principles, nor accepted religious views of life or death. A Humanist funeral or memorial ceremony focuses on celebrating the life of the person who has died as opposed to an “after-life”.
While a Humanist ceremony is non-religious, many people who come from religious or spiritual backgrounds are increasingly finding a Humanist ceremony more in line with some of their day to day beliefs – particularly in a time of increasing diversity and blended families. Humanist funerals, or memorials, allow friends, relatives and acquaintances to express their feelings and to share their memories with warmth, love and sincerity. Humanist funerals/memorials also recognize that not everyone wants a sorrowful ceremony but instead a ceremony that celebrates the life and accomplishments of the person.
As a Humanist officiant, I will try to meet with or speak to the family or friends who are most closely connected with the person who has died. I will want to learn as much about the person as possible, so that the funeral or memorial tribute justly captures the life and personality of that person. Whatever the circumstances of the person’s life and death, a Humanist officiant like myself is there to show understanding and compassion. I will not moralize or judge.
I will also welcome your ideas for readings and music and, if required, make suggestions suitable for the kind of ceremony you want.
Please know I am also available for pet funerals.
