It's more than a shiny car and nice clothes...
Manitoba is fortunate to have over two hundred licenced funeral directors who take care of many details about the funeral event, coordinating everything to make it run smoothly, creating comfort for everyone.
So, other than driving in a nice car, dressed like we're meeting the banker, what else do we do?
While a funeral director's role is wide-ranging, collecting information and providing documents are essential tasks we do.
Every death is registered with the province, territory or other jurisdiction the death occurred.
While some information required varies from place to place, the basics are:
Full legal name of deceased
Place of Death
Date of Death
Home Address
Social Insurance Number
Date of Birth
Age
Marital Status
Spouse' name (maiden)
Occupation (ex: Mail Order Clerk) Retired is NOT an occupation; that's your goal.
Industry (ex: T. Eaton Co. Ltd.)
Deceased father's name and place of birth
Deceased mother's name (maiden) and place of birth
Informant's name, relationship and address
Disposition (cremation, burial, other (body donation to science))
Date of Disposition
As I gather this information (on my Mac if I'm at your at home), the program I use also prepares many other documents to provide the executor:
Canada Pension Death and Survivor's Benefit applications
Funeral Home Proof of Death
Provincial Death Certificates
Provincial Burial Permit
And several more...
And with a few clicks, they are printed or emailed to you.
This part of our work does not take as much time as other aspects of creating the funeral event. But it is essential, as it helps aid in the administration of the Estate and, like everything we aim to do, lessen the burden and stress.
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Yes, You Can Get Biodegradable Caskets in Winnipeg When I originally wrote about biodegradable caskets back in 2020, natural and green burial options were still relatively unfamiliar to many people in Winnipeg. A lot has changed since then. Awareness and interest in natural green burial have continued to grow. In June 2025, the City of Winnipeg’s Brookside Cemetery became the first cemetery in Manitoba to receive Green Burial Provider Certification from the Green Burial Society of Canada. And in June 2026, we were proud to become the first funeral company in Manitoba to be certified by the Society as a Green Burial Funeral Service Provider. For families who want a more environmentally conscious approach to burial, there are now more options to consider. What Is Available? There are many choices, but these are three of the most common: Caskets Natural caskets can be made from sustainable wood or woven materials such as tree branches. They are made without metal handles or hinges and use natural or organic finishes. Burial Trays These simple carriers, made from sustainable wood, offer another option for natural burial. Burial Shrouds A burial shroud can be as simple as a natural cotton wrapping placed in or on a casket or burial tray. There are also specially designed shrouds with reinforced strapping that allow pallbearers to carry the person and lower them into the grave. We’ve also worked with families who have provided their own shrouds. These products can be purchased online, locally, or through a funeral director who offers environmentally friendly funeral and burial options. Choosing a Natural Burial Product Whenever possible, I like to support local options. Here in Winnipeg, we are fortunate to have The Village Casketmaker , which has been making caskets and urns locally for more than 20 years. We also purchase natural cotton and make our own simple burial shrouds. Another option we support is Mourning Cloak Shrouds , which creates shrouds designed so they can also be used to carry the person. What Is Right for You? There isn’t one natural burial product that is right for everyone. You may be thinking about the environmental impact, where the product is made, the materials used, cost, or simply what feels most appropriate for you or your family. That’s part of what we’re here to help you work through. If you have questions about biodegradable caskets, burial trays, shrouds or green burial options in Winnipeg, give us a call at 204-219-1126 or email richard@richardrosin.ca . We’re here when you need us.
You do NOT have to buy an urn from the funeral home or cemetery.
We Come To You Arrangements in the Comfort of Your Home
A helpful guide when making funeral arrangements.
The Five Principles of Green Burial A Guide To Environmentally Friendly Death Care Practices
Green Burial in Winnipeg: A Sustainable, Meaningful End-of-Life Choice As the world gets warmer, many of us are trying to reduce our impact cutting energy use, composting, and advocating for change. But there’s one question most people haven’t considered: What will your environmental legacy be after you’re gone? For many families in Winnipeg, that question is leading them to explore a more natural, meaningful option: Green Burial. What Is Green Burial? Simply put, Green Burial is the way people cared for their dead long before the modern funeral industry existed. It’s a return to simplicity. A return to nature. Green Burial reflects your values your desire to reduce your impact on the earth, even in death. It allows the body to return naturally to the soil, continuing the cycle of life that has been practised across cultures for thousands of years. The 5 Core Principles of Green Burial Green Burial is guided by five key principles: No embalming, Direct earth burial Ecological restoration & conservation plans Simple memorialization Optimized land use These principles ensure that the process is as gentle on the environment as it is meaningful for families. Common Misconceptions About Green Burial Some people believe Green Burial is: A new or fringe idea Only for environmentalists A lower-cost, “less meaningful” option A poor use of land Less environmentally friendly than cremation The truth is quite different. Green Burial is actually one of the oldest traditions in human history , practised across cultures for generations. Today, it’s growing in popularity because it aligns with the values of people from all walks of life and want their final act to reflect how they lived. And for many families, it becomes a deeply meaningful way to honour a loved one, rooted in simplicity, presence, and connection. Green Burial Options in Winnipeg In Canada, the Green Burial Society of Canada certifies funeral homes and cemeteries that meet strict environmental standards. There are currently certified sites across the country, including right here in Winnipeg. Brookside Cemetery officially certified its Green Burial section in June 2025, making it possible for local families to choose this sustainable option close to home. Why It Matters: Your Environmental Legacy Most people don’t realize they have one final opportunity to make an impact. Your Environmental Legacy doesn’t stop when your heart does. There is still one more decision to make, one more way to reflect your values, care for your community, and protect the earth for future generations. Start the Conversation If Green Burial speaks to you, the next step is simple: Ask questions. Have conversations. Make a plan. Because the best decisions are made with clarity not in a moment of urgency. Questions about Green Burial? Richard Rosin, Winnipeg’s Friendliest Undertaker Call 204-219-1126 or email us to learn more.
