Author Archives: Michael Bernardo

Is There a Difference Between Cremation Service and Funeral Home Professionals?

You’ve probably heard the terms undertaker, mortician, embalmer, and funeral director, but do you really know what they all mean? Whether you’re looking into cremation services in Castro Valley, CA or wanting to learn more about funerals and funeral homes in general, it’s important to know the differences between the different titles for these industry professionals as to not offend and be sure to give these hardworking individuals the respect they’ve earned.

For starters, you probably shouldn’t use the titles undertaker and mortician as they are out of date and a little negative. They are pretty much synonymous with the title of funeral director even though the term funeral director really didn’t start taking hold until the early 1900s when industry professionals actively set out to change their name from undertaker to something new. Funeral Director is the most modern, and correct, term for a professional in the industry. A funeral director is a funeral or cremation professional that helps arrange, plan and coordinate a funeral or cremation services.

Funeral directors are professionals that are hardworking, thoroughly trained, and committed and help with funeral and cremation services. Funeral directors have to be licensed according to local laws. This is especially true in states where the funeral director is legally responsible for making sure the crematory or funeral home is complying with all health, mortuary, and vital statistic laws of the area. They perform a lot of services from funerals and visitations to memorials and wakes, as well as helping prepare the body for a funeral or cremation, including placing the body in the casket or cremation container.

On the other hand, an embalmer is a cremation and funeral professional that is responsible for making sure the body is ready for burial. As the name denotes, embalmers perform the act of embalming, meaning they remove all body fluids and replace them with embalming liquid to slow down the body’s decomposition for a funeral service. In most states funeral directors and embalmers require different licenses and training courses. However, it is common for some people to be both depending on their professional interests, their business models, or local ordinances.

Funeral director is the preferred title as it is the most modern and gives the respect due for these hardworking professionals, even though none of the terms are technically incorrect. The next time you’re in a funeral home for a cremation service or are making plans for a loved one’s recent passing, you will know what to call the industry professional that is helping you.

If you have more questions on industry terms and names or would like to learn more about your options for Castro Valley, CA cremation services, you can’t go wrong with Deer Creek Funeral Service. We offer a range of services from 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546. Please stop by and visit us, or give us a call at (510) 317-7890 to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss.

Personalization at Funeral Homes

There are tons of ways you can choose personalization at a funeral home in Castro Valley, CA. From making the event a celebration of life to using modern technology, personalized funerals are the way of the future. They are popular because they allow the bereaved to both grieve their loss and celebrate the unique life of their lost loved one.

Here are a few interesting facts about personalized funerals in funeral homes and beyond to give you more information:

Most families don’t want a traditional funeral – According to a recent study, 71% of families do not want a traditional funeral as they see them as gloomy or dark. Most families want something unique that reflects the special qualities of their lost loved one.
Funerals are a celebration of life – Funerals are no longer sad and gloomy events. People want to celebrate their lost loved ones in special ways, remembering them for their unique qualities and happy memories.
Religion is on its way out – According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the percentage of people that think religion is an important part of a funeral has gone down by more than 10%. More people are placing personalization over religion.
People want a party – In another recent study, 500 participants were asked to name something they really want at a funeral. The top 5 answers were music, family, people, beer and flowers. When put all together, these 5 things equal a celebration.
Cemeteries are overcrowded – About 2.7 million Americans die every year. That’s the entire population of Chicago. With so many deaths, it’s no wonder cemeteries are too crowded. That’s why many people are opting for non-traditional ways of putting their lost loved ones to rest.
Digital obituaries – Since most obituaries are now placed on memorial websites rather than printed in traditional newspapers, they are becoming more and more important, thorough, and personalized.
Traditional burials are out – Traditional burials are now thought of as wasteful and bad for the environment. For example, in one year in America, burial puts enough embalming fluid into the ground to fill an Olympic swimming pool.
Memorial videos – Memorial videos put modern technology to good use. They allow families to make personalized tributes for the deceased for people to enjoy at the funeral and beyond.
Webcasting – The internet is also allowing families to be a part of funeral services even if they can’t be there in person. Funeral webcasting is becoming very popular all across the US and is only getting cheaper which makes it more accessible for everyone.

If you have more questions about personalized funerals or Castro Valley, CA funeral homes, you can count on Deer Creek Funeral Service. We offer a range of funeral and cremation services from 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546. Please feel free to stop by and visit us or give us a call at (510) 317-7890 to learn more about the different ways to personalize a funeral, or for more information about what we can do for you in your time of loss.

Common Religious Takes on Cremation Services

There are tons of cremation services in Walnut Creek, CA happening all the time, just as there are tons of different religions co-existing in the area at the same time. The religion and cremation debate is not a new one, as some belief systems have been encouraging or discouraging cremation for centuries. For many, the choice between burial and cremation is a religious one, as some religions accept cremation, while others do not.

Since there are so many belief systems in Walnut Creek, here is a short list of what some common religions say about cremation:

Spiritism – Spiritism, or Reincarnation, is a kind of belief system that promotes the idea that all humans carry immortal spirits that will go to another host after death. Cremation is also widely accepted in Spiritism. However, believers do require a certain period of time between the death and the cremation as they believe that the spirit can sometimes remain with the body for a time after death.
Christianity – Cremation is fully accepted in Christianity. There are even verses in the Bible that seem to encourage the practice. Take, for example, Genesis 3:19, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” However, there are some Christians that cite biblical examples in support of traditional burial, such as Christ being buried, or various Old Testament burials. All in all, when it comes to Christianity and burial, it really depends on what the individual prefers.
Judaism – The Jewish faith does not allow cremations, as per scripture in the Torah. However, some more modern Jewish families do choose cremation if it coincides with their personal beliefs.
Hinduism – The Hindu religion pretty much mandates cremation. Hindus believe that fire is a purifying agent that can help release the deceased’s spirit from its physical body so it can move on to a spiritual dimension. Hinduism also calls for a memorial service after the cremation to keep memories of the deceased alive.

At the end of the day, no matter what you believe, the only important thing is that the deceased is treated with respect and remembered fondly by those that loved him or her. There are tons of options for you to honor and remember your lost loved one, be it through traditional burial or a cremation. You are sure to find the right solution for you, your family, and your beliefs in Walnut Creek.

Deer Creek Funeral Service offers compassionate, expert, and considerate Walnut Creek, CA cremation services. We have experience working with people from all kinds of religious beliefs and backgrounds and would be happy to do what we can for you in your time of loss. Please stop by and visit us at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546, or give us a call at (510) 317-7890 to learn more about what we can do for you.

Common Funeral Home Myths and Their Truths

There is a lot of fake news circulating about funeral homes. These myths can have a negative effect on bereaved as they search for the right funeral home in Walnut Creek, CA, or make important funeral planning decisions. Rather than just believing everything you hear, get to the truth of the matter so you can be prepared when planning after a recent loss or preplanning for your eventual passing.

The following list of funeral home myths and their truths will help shed some light on common misconceptions so you can know the truth about funeral homes:

Funerals homes are sad, depressing places. While this may have been true in the past, funeral homes have changed a lot. Funerals themselves can be very joyous occasions as loved ones celebrate the deceased’s life. In a typical modern funeral, laughter and music coexist with tears and ritual.
Funeral directors only want to make money. Like any other professional in customer services, from doctors to florists, funeral directors do charge for their services but strive to make those services worthwhile. There are some funeral directors who are “bad apples” but they are few and far between.
Funeral home products like caskets and cremation urns have to be bought from the funeral home. There’s actually a law that prohibits that! The Federal Trade Commission’s 1984 Funeral Rule protects consumer’s right to purchase funeral products from any source.
Funerals are expensive. You can spend as little or as much as you like when planning a funeral. Services vary in cost depending on location.
A high-quality casket and vault will preserve remains forever. Caskets and vaults that are well made with durable construction and high-tech seals help keep water and dirt out, but they will never stop decomposition entirely.
There are strict laws governing the disposition of cremated remains. Laws about cremated remains vary greatly from state to state, but they only deal with burial or scattering. Some states have regulations on where ashes can be scattered, but there are no federal laws. Be sure to double-check your state’s laws before scattering remains.
The law requires embalming. The law does not require embalming in most situations. There are some circumstances that vary by state in which embalming is required. However, these are rare.
The law requires burial vaults. Some cemeteries require burial vaults, but there are no laws that require them. Check with your cemetery to make sure you understand their requirements before the funeral.
Cremation is the only environmentally friendly alternative to burial. While cremation can be greener than burial, that’s not always the case. There are also lots of other green alternatives out there, and you can choose to have a green burial where there are no embalming fluids, chemicals or unnatural casket materials.

If you want to learn more about Walnut Creek, CA funeral homes, Deer Creek Funeral Service is here to help. Please stop by and visit us at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546, or give us a call at (510) 317-7890 for more information on what we can do for you.

Basic Information on Scattering Ashes After Cremation Services

Once a cremation service in Dublin, CA is over the bereaved still have to make decisions about what to do with the ashes after a cremation. There are a few different options, such as burying the ashes, keeping them in your home, or scattering them. If you want to go the scattering route, keep reading to learn some basic information and tips.

The following are a few tips and reminders for scattering ashes after a cremation service:

You Don’t Have to Scatter All the Ashes – You can scatter as much or as little of the ashes as you want. Sometimes different members of the family each take a turn scattering, or some of the ashes are kept to be scattered at a later date, in a different location, or not at all.
There are Different Scattering Methods– Scattering can mean more than just tossing ashes into the wind. There are in fact two main ways of scattering ashes: casting and trenching. Casting is scattering the ashes into the air, and trenching is burying the ashes just below the ground surface. You can also rake ashes into soil, cast ashes from an airplane, or even send ashes into space.
Come Prepared – It seems obvious, but it’s important to make a clear plan for who will scatter the ashes, and this might not be as straightforward as it may seem. Sometimes families wish for a religious leader to do the scattering, or other times families hire a company to help.
There Might be Bones – Most cremations reduce the body down to fine ash mixed with coarse, sand-like ash containing bone fragments. Be aware of this fact when considering scattering.
Check the Wind Direction – Be sure to take note of the wind direction on the day you want to scatter. You do not want to have ashes blown back into your face. It’s not unhealthy or dangerous, just very uncomfortable.
Look Up Local Laws – Rules and regulations about where you can scatter ashes varies from state to state, and even city to city. Be sure to read up on your local laws to avoid getting fined for scattering in a prohibited place. The same goes for more unique scattering locations, such as at sea or in national parks. Sometimes you even need a permit.
Create Memories – You can take photographs of the scattering to help preserve memories, and to have something more concrete to honor the deceased. Sometimes people regret scattering as it takes away any concrete memorial, so the photographs can be a good stand in for the ashes themselves.

There are many ways to scatter ashes and memorialize a loved one after a Dublin, CA cremation service. Deer Creek Funeral Service, located at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546, can give you any additional information you may require. Please stop by and visit us, or give us a call at (510) 317-7890 to learn more about what we can do for you in your time of loss.

What Happens in Funeral Homes from Around the World

Funeral homes in Dublin, CA have lots of traditions, each one offering comfort and honor in the time of grief and loss. However, there are also tons of funeral homes all across the globe that have their own unique traditions. While we may never get to experience them in person, it’s a good idea to learn about these traditions as they can inspire our funeral homes with creative and unique ways to honor our deceased and ease our grief.

Japan Ruriden Columbarium – Tokyo is one of the densest urban areas in the world, making it hard for the Japanese to find places to bury their dead. The colorful and high tech Ruriden Columbarium is a solution to this problem. It features thousands of crystal Buddhas, each representing a recently deceased. The ashes are interred in the columbarium for 33 years before being moved to a communal burial site beneath the temple, allowing people to grieve in the traditional way before making space for others to do the same.
South Korea Departed Beads – South Koreans have started using loved one’s cremated ashes to make colorful beads that they then display in decorative dishes or glass containers. Though the beads can range in color, they are most commonly pink, blue, or black. This practice has become more popular in recent years as cemeteries are filling, and South Koreans need new ways to honor the dead.
Ghana Fantasy Coffins – In Ghana, most people believe that life continues after death, and therefore funerals should be celebratory. To embody this idea, the Ga people make fantasy coffins in unusual shapes and colors. Each coffin is one of a kind, and usually represents the deceased’s life or career in some way.
Italy Capsula Mundi – The Capsula Mundi is an eco-friendly burial container that uses cremains to fertilize and seed a new tree. The Latin name refers to a proverb that states, “transformations of our body between the mineral, vegetal and animal worlds: the three key elements of life on Earth.” Italians are embracing this new tradition as a way to remind everyone that death is not forever, as the death will breed new life in the form of a tree.
Tibet Sky Burials – The ground in Tibet is much too rocky for burial, so instead Tibetans lay out their deceased as offerings to the local giant griffon vultures. Though this sounds grotesque, it is a normal part of life for Tibetans, and is a main part of their Buddhist beliefs as it is said that this practice makes it easier for the dead to move onto their next life.

These are just a few of the many funeral home cultures and traditions from around the world. If you want to learn more about Dublin, CA funeral homes and traditions, please reach out to Deer Creek Funeral Service by visiting 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546, or calling (510) 317-7890.

How to Choose the Right Cremation Urn

Finding the perfect cremation urn after a loved one’s cremation service in Castro Valley, CA can be overwhelming. From trying to make sure you honor the deceased in the best way possible and taking care to stay in budget, not to manage dealing with grief, it can be hard to find the right cremation urn.

The following tips can go a long way to help you find the right cremation urn for your lost loved one:

Think About Urn Use– There are different kinds of urns for different uses. For example, if you’re going to scatter the ashes, you can get a scattering urn. Or if you are going to cast the ashes from an airplane, you need a special airline safe urn. If the urn is going to be displayed outside, you need to be sure you get an outdoor safe urn.
Put the Deceased First – Not everyone will have a specific plan laid out for after their death, but be sure to do exactly what your lost loved one laid out if he or she did so. If there is no plan in place, use your best judgement as to what he or she would have wanted. Was the deceased a big gardener, or a fan of protecting the environment? If so, you might want to consider an eco-friendly or garden urn. Was your lost loved one a big golfer? Look into golf-themed urns for a fun twist.
Don’t Forget About Material – There are tons of different urn materials including wood, metal, crystal, natural stone, and even glass. You can narrow down your options by considering what material your loved one would value the most, and what material works with what you want the urn to do. For example, an outdoor or buried urn needs to be a different material than an indoor display urn.
Size is Vital – Urn size varies, and you should consider size when shopping for an urn. If you’re going to display the urn, it should be able to fit in the place in which you want to display it. For example, if you want to place the urn on your fireplace mantle you need to be sure the base of the urn is the right size to fit on the mantle space. Larger urns are better when placed low to the ground, or even on the ground. Be aware of the space and the urn size when shopping.
Consider Urn Art– Urns can be made as beautiful as any piece or art, and they can range in style from painted and colored to specially molded and shaped. Art urns are also ideal for display, as they lend a unique and personalized air to the memorial.

If you would like more assistance looking for or buying an urn for after your loved one’s Castro Valley, CA cremation service, Deer Creek Funeral Service is here for you. We offer a range of services from 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546. Call (510) 317-7890 today.

How to Act in a Funeral Home

What’s considered proper etiquette is changing all the time. This includes funeral home etiquette. With all the changing rules, it can be hard to know how to act at a funeral home in Castro Valley, CA., but it’s vital that you are up to date on what personal, religious or cultural considerations you need to make for the deceased’s family and friends. If you need a bit more guidance on what to do and what not to do in a funeral home, keep reading.

What to do in a funeral home:

Offer Sympathy: It’s almost always appropriate to offer sympathy to the deceased’s friends and family. Oftentimes a simple “I’m sorry for your loss” is all you need. Always remember to be respectful, but feel free to offer your own personalized condolences.
Find out the Gift Preferences: Its tradition to bring some sort of gift for the deceased or the family. Usually flowers are the best choice, but sometimes the family requests charitable donations in lieu of flowers. Always be sure to include a note or a signature so the knows who the gift is from.
Sign the Book: The registry book may seem silly, but it can be an important way for the family to look back and enjoy who came to honor their lost loved one. Include your name and relationship to the deceased for easy identification in the future.
Inquire About the Dress Code: Black is the classic funeral color, but sometimes the event or the family calls for a different look. If you’re unable to discover the family’s wishes, dress conservatively and avoid bright colors.
Reach Out: Don’t be afraid to reach out to the family after the funeral. A simple phone call may go a long way in comforting them in their difficult time.

What not to do in a funeral home:

Bring Overactive Children: Loud or disturbing children have no place in a funeral home. It’s all right to bring the kids if they understand how to be respectful, but if not, leave them with a sitter.
Avoid the Family or Receiving Line: A quick hug, hello, or “sorry for your loss” goes a long way with a grieving family. Never skip the receiving line, even if it’s long.
Leave Your Cell Phone On: Turn your phone to silent! Also, never check your messages during the funeral service. It can wait.
Stifle Your Emotions: Its ok to laugh and cry at a funeral home. The deceased’s life was filled with emotion, so it makes sense for his or her funeral to be too.
Overstay Your Welcome: Don’t feel like you have to stick around the funeral home for too long. Sometimes a quick condolence is enough.

If you want to learn more about Castro Valley, CA funeral homes and proper etiquette, please reach out to Deer Creek Funeral Service. You can visit us at 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546, or give us a call at (510) 317-7890.

What Do You Do After Cremation Services?

Cremation services in Walnut Creek, CA come with a lot of options. From direct to classic cremations, memorial services or funerals, to whether or not you want a fancy cremation casket, there are lots of different ways you can make a cremation unique. You can also make a cremation unique after the actual cremation is over.

There are lots of classic options after cremation including scattering, inurnment, burial, entombment and more. However, you can also get even more eclectic and unique to your loved by doing things like:

Create Glass Art – Cremation ashes can be transformed into glass with the help of professional glass blowers. These artists can take small portions of the deceased’s ashes and create glass art in a range of shapes, colors, and sizes. You can display the art at home on your mantel, or somewhere else special.
Order A Diamond – While expensive, this memorial will really last forever. Special companies can extract carbon particles from the cremated ashes and grow a real diamond. You can personalize the color, shape or cut to make the diamond even more unique for the deceased.
Shoot Off Fireworks – Help your loved one go out with a bang with a fireworks display. Some pyrotechnics companies help you scatter your loved one’s ashes by placing them inside fireworks. These incorporated ashes scatter when the fireworks go off, making for a memorable end to a memorial service.
Plant a Tree – Really go green with cremation, and help your deceased loved one continue to give back long after he or she is gone. Buy a biodegradable urn that’s specially made to be buried without any harmful impact on the environment. Plant the Bio Urn with some ashes and seeds inside. The ashes will help nourish the seed until it grows into a beautiful tree people can enjoy for generations to come.
Commission Jewelry – Keep your loved one close by placing ashes in cremation or memorial jewelry. People have been placing memories of deceased loved ones in jewelry for centuries. However, modern technology makes it easy to order personalized pieces like lockets, pendants, rings and more filled with small portions of ashes. You can order pre-made pieces online, or have a jewelry maker custom make a piece for you

These are just a few of the many, many options for cremation services. If you need more ideas, think about the deceased and their interests or unique qualities. Take inspiration from them, to make their cremated remains memorial as respectful and special as it can be.

If you want to learn more about what to do with cremains post cremation, or about cremation services in general, Deer Creek Funeral Service would love to answer your questions. We offer a range of Walnut Creek, CA cremation services from 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546. Give us a call today at (510) 317-7890 for more information on what we can do for you.

What Do Funeral Homes Actually Do?

When you think about funeral homes in Walnut Creek, CA, you probably just think about flowers, caskets, undertakers and black suits. However, funeral homes in California actually offer a lot more services that what you might imagine.

From organizing funerals themselves and dealing with the more practical aspects death to grief counseling and other helpful things, funeral homes offer a wide range of services aimed at honoring the deceased and helping the bereaved through the difficult time of loss. Some of the most common services are:

Funerals – A funeral is a formal event or ceremony about the deceased, typically with religious or cultural leanings. Funerals are time of remembrance and celebration for the deceased, and provide an opportunity for family and friends to grieve together. A funeral usually happens a few days after death in a funeral home, church, or even the deceased’s house. For an event to be a true funeral, it requires the body to be present and intact.
Viewings and Visitations – Viewings and visitations are also generally held in tandem with a funeral or memorial as they allow family and friends to visit with and express sympathy for the bereaved. Viewings and visitations help people grieve together in an intimate, less formal setting than funerals, and are usually held at the funeral home, but can sometimes take place in a church, home or other location. Viewings, specifically, have an open casket for final goodbyes and visits, and occur before or during the visitation.
Memorial Services – Memorial services are very similar to funerals, except for a few key differences. First, the body does not present or necessarily intact at a memorial service. Since the body is not present, there is no time or scheduling constraints for memorial services, and the body can be cremated beforehand. Memorial services are typically less religious and more informal than funerals, and are hosted in a variety of locations.
Committal (or Graveside) Services – While memorials and funerals oftentimes include a graveside service, graveside services can also be performed independently from other funeral and cremation services. When a graveside service is not preceded by a funeral or memorial, it’s called a committal. Committal services are generally very brief, but have some ceremony around lowering the body into the grave and covering it with soil. These services take place at the cemetery, columbarium, mausoleum or wherever the body’s final resting place may be.
Other Services Funeral homes also provide a long list of other helpful services including:
- - Transfer of the deceased from the place of death
  - Help notifying relatives, friends and coworkers
  - Filing all permits, certificates, and authorizations
  - Planning special ceremonies or events including Veteran’s services
  - Assistance with social security claims

Not every funeral home offers the same services, so be sure to check with your local options to see if they can provide what you need. For example, Deer Creek Funeral Service is a Walnut Creek, CA funeral home that offers lots of different services from 20630 Redwood Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546. If you want to learn more, give us a call at (510) 317-7890 today.

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