Final Arrangements

SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2020 3 SPECIAL SECTION Final Arrangements 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg Ph (204) 586-8044 1800 Day Street, Winnipeg Ph (204) 224-8044 During this COVID-19 pandemic, we remain dedicated to caring for families suffering the loss of a loved one with the highest level of care and compassion. We are committed to the health and safety of you, your family and our staff members. To do this, we are changing the way we work, while maintaining the unparalleled service you have come to expect from us. We're Here to Help By Pat Rediger M usic is known to lift your spir- its, so it's only appropriate that it has a significant role in any funeral arrangement. Lee Berringer, a celebrant at Cropo Funeral Chapel in Winnipeg, says music has always played an important role in funerals since songs often epitomize the loved ones' philosophy or beliefs, and provides an op- portunity for those gathered to reflect on what they've just heard during the ceremony. There are many different types of songs that can be chosen for a funeral and music has changed with the times. Although there are hymns that match certain religious services, funerals for those who do not attend church usually feature a wider spectrum of music. "There are still a lot of traditions with the church so the music is usually selected in con- junction with the minister and the suggestions are made because that's part of the liturgy. The music has to support those readings. But for people who are not churchgoers, then it's really more of a family choice," Berringer says. Berringer will typically meet with a loved ones' family and determine if the ceremony will be a religious service or not. If the service is taking place in the funeral chapel, then there are a variety of musical options to be considered including using a piano, organ, CDs or playlists. "The sky is really the limit when you're do- ing it in a funeral home," he says. "Sometimes the families will supply us with the music and sometimes we will download the music for them." Berringer says that the chosen songs should mean something important to the person's life that you are celebrating, even if the choices don't necessarily seem like music you would typically hear at a funeral. It could be that per- son's favorite artist or a song from their favorite film. Even happy songs are OK at a funeral since most services tend to be a celebration of the deceased's life. When deciding which songs to choose, it's important to consider the tone that you want to set and how you want people to feel. Even funny songs can be used if the point is to make people laugh and that's what the deceased would have wanted. Don't forget to read the lyrics just in case they contain something that might not be appropriate for the occasion. Berringer recommends no more than three songs during a service as too many songs will tend to detract from the stories and remem- brances of the deceased. Music is also usually played before and after the service and should be considered during the preparations. Although the music selection depends on individual tastes, music before the service tends to be more somber, and becomes more upbeat after the service to reflect that the ceremony is changing into a different phase – usually involv- ing food and visiting. The funeral home usually provides this music, although families can also bring their own music. More people are choosing to show Power- Point presentations during the service and those often have music running in the back- ground that reflects the mood of the images. The musical choices represent the family's interpretation of the loved one and best repre- sents that life. "If I was making arrangements for a funeral, then I would like to pick a specific artist that I felt best symbolizes or represents the way that I lived. That's why music is such an integral part of the funeral service," Berringer says. With so many variables regarding music, Ber- ringer suggests that people consider all options while pre-planning a funeral so it's not up to their loved ones to make those decisions. "Pre-planning is always a good thing so that it puts the broad strokes in place for family members so they are not second guessing your tastes," he says. "The funeral is a balance between the requests of the deceased and the reflection and values of the surviving family to make it meaningful. We are always trying to find that happy medium between the deceased wishes and the surviving family so the day is respectful and dignified. Music is a very import- ant part of that." Music to our ears Choosing the right songs a key part of funeral arrangements PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY Lee Berringer says the songs chosen for a funeral service should be reflective of something important in the person's life. "Music is such an integral part of the funeral service." – Lee Berringer, Cropo Funeral Chapel.

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