Final Arrangements

JUNE 2017 ❖ 15 A R R A N G E M E N T S Why choose a Manitoba Funeral Service Associa on member funeral home? AS FUNERAL DIRECTORS we acknowledge our obliga ons to the public, especially to those we serve, and our mutual responsibili es to the funeral service profession. TO THE PUBLIC WE PLEDGE vigilant support of all public health laws; and regula ons for the members of our profession; devo on to high moral and service standards; honesty in all offerings of service and merchandise. TO THOSE WE SERVE WE PLEDGE confiden al business and professional rela onships; observance of all respect due the deceased; and dignified conduct of all services entrusted to our care. TO OUR PROFESSION WE PLEDGE support of high educa onal standards and proper licensing laws; adherence to sound business prac ces; observance of all rules of fair compe on; to refrain from decep ve adver sing; and maintenance of honorable professional rela ons. For a complete lis ng of MFSA Members visit www.mfsa.mb.ca " W e S e r v e B e c a u s e W e C a r e " 204-668-3151 MIKE VOGIATZAKIS GENERAL MANAGER "TREATING YOUR LOVED ONE AS WE WOULD OUR OWN" FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED WWW.VOYAGEFUNERALHOME.COM size horse sculpture. There's a big focus on three dimensional monuments, like having unique roses sculpted all the way around. It's quite a unique process to create these monuments. We're provided with a picture and we design it based on that. We send it off to the manufacturers for the cutting and polishing. They have laser water jets that polish the monument in real tight corners." There has also been a renewed interest in memorial benches, which are often placed next to a grave site so visitors can sit and spend time visiting with their friend or family members. When it comes to memorial benches, Everlasting Memorials has taken on some interesting projects. "We've created cremation monuments where we're putting ashes into a bench leg or different places on a bench," From says. "Once the ashes are secured, the bench is closed up. Those types of projects are definitely newer to the industry." Pet funerals are certainly not a new trend, but people are getting more creative in the ways that they pay tribute to their deceased furry friends. Bohn and From both say they've expanded their offerings in this area, from lettered stones to stones shaped like a dog's paw. People are certainly thinking outside the box when it comes to headstones and memorials these days and From notes that Manitoba is a leader in this area. ❖ David Bohn (bottom) of Larsen's Memorials applies the finishing touches to a headstone. Industry experts say families are showing a desire to move away from traditional tombstones and markers. Photos by Darcy Finley

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