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Let hospital staff guide you - they handle the proceduresContact family members who need to knowTake your time - the person's body goes to hospital morgue, no rushCollect personal items when you're ready
Call 911 - they'll contact BC Coroners ServiceContact immediate familyWait for guidance from authorities
Do NOT call 911 if death was expectedContact funeral home listed in hospice paperwork (when ready)Contact family and spiritual advisor if desired
Notify employer - arrange for final pay, benefits, personal items Professional associations - cancel memberships Business contacts - notify if self-employed Colleagues - personal notification if appropriate
Faith community - notify religious leader and congregation Clubs and organizations - cancel memberships, notify members Volunteer organizations - notify of person's passing Community centers - cancel programs or memberships
Close friends - personal notification beyond immediate family Neighbors - inform those who should know Service providers - hairdresser, doctor, veterinarian Children's schools - if they were grandparents or caregivers
Locate the will - check home, safety deposit box, lawyer's office Identify the executor - this is the person named in the will to handle affairs Gather identity documents - birth certificate, marriage certificate, SIN card Contact estate lawyer - get professional guidance on what's required for your situation Determine probate needs - this is a court process that may be required (professional assessment recommended, could ask a friend/family member to help confirm your process) Open estate bank account - wait until legal authority is established
Register the death - funeral home handles this OR contact Service BC (1-800-663-7867) Order death certificates - funeral home or BC Vital Statistics can advise on quantity needed Get Medical Certificate of Death - from hospital physician or coroner
Service Canada - CPP, OAS, EI benefits (1-800-277-9914) Canada Revenue Agency - tax matters (1-800-959-8281) - consult tax professional Elections BC - voter registration (if died outside BC) MSP/Health Insurance BC - cancel coverage (1-800-663-7100) BC Registries - business or manufactured home ownership if applicable
Joint bank accounts - the surviving owner typically keeps full access Individual accounts - notify bank, they'll tell you what documents they need Credit cards - cancel all cards to prevent fraud Investment accounts - notify firms, check beneficiary designations (these are people named to receive the money automatically) Safe deposit box - each bank has different rules for access
Life insurance - contact insurance companies with death certificate Home/auto insurance - notify for policy changes Extended health benefits - cancel or check transfer options Work benefits - notify employer about group insurance coverage Investment accounts - notify firms, check beneficiary designations (these are people named to receive the money automatically)
CPP Survivor Benefits - apply through Service Canada BC Pension Plans - notify if member of public sector plan (1-800-663-8823) Company pensions - contact employer or pension administrator RRSP/RRIF accounts - consult tax professional about transfer options
Final tax return - consult tax professional about deadlines and requirements Estate tax return - professional assessment needed Tax clearance certificate - required before final distributions (consult professional)
Property title review - check ownership type with legal professional BC Land Title transfer - legal consultation required Property insurance - notify insurers of ownership change Property taxes - notify municipality Utilities - transfer or cancel services
ICBC registration - transfer vehicle ownership Auto insurance - change or cancel policy Driver's license - return to ICBC
Manufactured/mobile homes - notify BC Registries for ownership transfer if applicable Boats/RVs - transfer registration and insurance if applicable
Online banking - secure access or change passwords if possible Email accounts - secure primary email, set auto-response if needed Social media - decide on memorialization vs deletion (can wait) Phone/internet services - cancel or transfer accounts
Password managers - check for saved passwords if accessible Cloud storage - secure Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox accounts if possible Digital photos - save important images before account changes Cryptocurrency - locate wallet information if applicable (seek professional guidance)
Streaming services - Netflix, Spotify, etc. Gym memberships - cancel to stop auto-payments Subscription boxes - cancel recurring deliveries Professional services - accountant, lawyer, financial advisor
Family doctor - notify of passing Specialists - cancel appointments Dentist/optometrist - cancel ongoing appointments Home care services - cancel if applicable
Return rental equipment - hospital beds, oxygen, wheelchairs Donate usable equipment - AssistList, Hope Haven Canada, Red Cross Dispose of medications - return to pharmacy for safe disposal Medical aid devices - hearing aids, prosthetics (family may want to keep)
Choose burial or cremation - based on their wishes or family decision Select funeral home - or arrange direct services Plan memorial service - location, format, participants Choose officiant - religious leader, celebrant, or family member
Religious requirements - timing, rituals, specific practices Cultural traditions - community customs and expectations Music and readings - meaningful songs, poems, or scriptures Memorial donations - choose charity or cause they supported
Obituary writing - newspaper, online, or both Photo collection - gather meaningful images for service Memory sharing - plan for family and friends to participate Reception planning - food, location, coordination
Secure valuable items - jewelry, important documents, cash Check pockets - clothing may contain important items Pet care - immediate and ongoing arrangements Plant care - arrangements for garden or houseplants
Set aside meaningful pieces - for family members to decide later Donation preparation - Big Brothers, Habitat ReStore, Salvation Army Special items - wedding dress, uniforms, cultural clothing Practical items - work clothes, everyday wear
Kitchen items - donate usable appliances and dishes Furniture - family distribution or donation to Habitat ReStore Books and media - donate to libraries or community centers Collections - evaluate for value before donating or disposing
First week - only clear what's immediately necessary First month - sort with family input when emotions are more settled Ongoing - final decisions on remaining items when ready
Executor named in will (has authority when will is valid)Spouse (including common-law after 2+ years together)Adult children (eldest has priority, then by age)Parents of the deceasedOther relatives in order of closeness
Estate value exceeds $25,000, OREstate includes real estate, ORFinancial institutions require it
Joint accounts: Access typically continues for surviving owner (verify with institution)Individual accounts: Notify banks, prepare to provide death certificateAuto-payments: Stop non-essential recurring charges where possibleCredit cards: Cancel to prevent fraud
Insurance claims: File life insurance claims with death certificatesGovernment benefits: Apply for available survivor benefits through Service CanadaRetirement accounts: Consult tax professional about spousal transfer optionsEmployment benefits: Notify employer about final pay and group insurance
Investment transfers: Work with institutions and professionals for account transfersTax planning: Consult qualified tax professional about filing requirementsEstate distributions: After legal requirements completed
Sacred fire often maintained for 3-4 daysCommunity gathering with storytelling and shared memoriesElder guidance important throughout the processCultural items: Cedar, sage, sweetgrass, tobacco in ceremoniesContact: Urban Native Youth Association, First Nations Health Authority
Consult religious leaders about inclusive approachesConsider separate religious and community celebrationsFocus on shared values and common elementsRespect dietary restrictions and ritual requirements
Family notification and immediate supportProperty security if others have accessPet and dependent care arrangementsBanking fraud prevention measures
Death certificate requests and distributionInsurance claim initiationGovernment benefit notificationsEstate legal consultations
Social media account managementPersonal belongings distributionInvestment account transfersSubscription service cancellations
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Honoring Grief
STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Sudden Loss: Complete Practical Guide (Vancouver)
"Grief is love persisting." — Harvard Medical School
FIRST HOURS: THE ONLY URGENT TASKS
HOSPITAL DEATH
HOME DEATH - UNEXPECTED
HOME DEATH - EXPECTED
THAT'S IT FOR NOW
Everything else can wait hours, days, or weeks. Seriously.
Important: Grief affects your ability to think clearly and make decisions. This is normal. Don't hesitate to ask family or friends to help with specific tasks. You don't have to handle everything alone
When we're grieving, it's natural to want to retreat and handle things privately. But this is exactly when you need people around you most. Consider identifying one or two trusted people - a friend, family member, or neighbor - who can learn the key details of your situation and speak on your behalf when needed. Even better, create a small support team where different people can help with different types of tasks: someone good with phone calls, someone organized with paperwork, someone who can coordinate meals or child/petcare. Think of it as creating a caring community around you during this difficult time.
Many people want to help but don't know how - giving them specific tasks actually provides them with a meaningful way to support you.
COMPREHENSIVE CHECKLIST: WHEN YOU'RE READY
"Take it one day at a time. One task at a time. One breath at a time."
SOCIAL & COMMUNITY
These notifications help ensure that important people in their life know about the death and can offer support to your family. Many of these calls can be made by close friends or family members on your behalf.
Workplace
Community Organizations
Personal Relationships
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Estate Foundation
Note: These legal steps can feel overwhelming. Consider having a trusted friend or family member help you with phone calls and appointments.
Death Registration & Certificates
Government Notifications
FINANCIAL MATTERS
These tasks help protect against fraud and begin the process of transferring financial accounts. If numbers and financial details feel overwhelming right now, consider asking a trusted family member or friend to help with these calls.
Banking & Accounts
Investment & Insurance
Remember: Financial institutions are used to helping families during this time. You can ask them to explain anything you don't understand.
Pensions & Retirement
Tax Obligations
PROPERTY & VEHICLES
Real Estate
Vehicles
Other Property
DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY
Essential Online Accounts
Digital Assets
Subscriptions & Services
HEALTH & MEDICAL
Healthcare Providers
Medical Equipment & Supplies
MEMORIAL & SPIRITUAL
"What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." — Helen Keller
Planning how to honor someone's life is a sacred act of love. This isn't just about organizing an event - it's about creating meaningful ways to celebrate who they were and what they meant to you and your community. Take time to consider what would truly reflect their spirit and bring healing to those who loved them.
Many faith communities have established support systems for families during this time. Don't hesitate to reach out to religious leaders, even if you haven't been actively involved recently. They often provide practical help alongside spiritual guidance.
Important note: Religious requirements (like burial timing) may affect some administrative decisions. Discuss any time-sensitive religious needs with your faith leader early in the process.
Memorial Planning
Faith & Cultural Considerations
Celebration Elements
HANDLING THEIR BELONGINGS
Immediate Decisions
Clothing & Personal Items
Household Items
Emotional Pacing
DETAILED GUIDANCE & RESOURCES
"The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not 'get over' the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it." — Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
UNDERSTANDING LEGAL AUTHORITY
Who Can Make Decisions (BC Law)
Order of Priority:
Important Note: Power of Attorney expires immediately at death - it no longer has any legal effect.
When Probate May Be Required in BC
Generally required if:
Professional consultation recommended for estate planning decisions. Requirements can vary significantly based on specific circumstances.
FINANCIAL GUIDANCE BY TIMING
Immediate (Days 1-7)
Short-term (Weeks 2-4)
Medium-term (Months 2-6)
HANDLING BELONGINGS WITH CARE
Medical Equipment Donation (Vancouver)
AssistList - Vancouver non-profit specializing in health equipment exchange Hope Haven Canada - Refurbishes equipment for international use () Canadian Red Cross - Health equipment loan program ALS Society/Spinal Cord Injury BC - Disease-specific equipment programs
Household Donation Centers
Big Brothers Greater Vancouver - Free pickup, items in boxes marked "BB" Habitat for Humanity ReStore - Furniture, appliances () Salvation Army/Value Village - Multiple locations, wide range of items
Emotional Timeline for Belongings
Week 1-2: Only clear what's immediately necessary for safety or hygiene Month 1-3: Sort systematically with family input when emotions have settled Month 3+: Final decisions on remaining items when you're emotionally ready
FAITH & CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
Indigenous Traditions
Christian Variations
Catholic: Funeral Mass preferred, burial traditionally favored, three-part service structure Anglican/United Church: Flexible location and format, celebration of life common Protestant Denominations: Varies by church, often emphasizes eternal life and comfort
Other Faith Traditions
Jewish: Burial within 24 hours preferred, 7-day shiva mourning, 11-month kaddish prayers Islamic: Burial as soon as possible, simple shroud, no embalming, facing Mecca Hindu: Cremation required, 13-day mourning period, specific purification rituals Sikh: Cremation preferred, continuous scripture reading, community meal (langar) Buddhist: 49-day transition period, meditation and chanting, merit-making activities
Multi-Faith Considerations
When families include different traditions:
Community Support: Most faith communities have established systems to help families during loss - from meal preparation to practical assistance with arrangements. Even if you haven't been regularly involved, reaching out to religious leaders often connects you with this support network.
TIMING REALITY CHECK
"There is no timeline for grief."
Actually Urgent (Days)
Important but Not Urgent (Weeks)
Can Definitely Wait (Months)
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