Medicine Hat Burial Services and Graveside Services

Saamis Medicine Hat Burial Services Rose on HeadstoneIn order to provide your family peace-of-mind, Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Centre/CGR Holdings Ltd. offers complete care so that you can focus on comforting each other as you prepare to say goodbye to your loved one. We think that it is important for you to understand that Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Centre/CGR Holdings Ltd. is not just any Medicine Hat funeral home - we are one with years of experience. Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Centre/CGR Holdings Ltd. takes pride in combining professional, compassionate and respectful staff, with beautiful facilities, and online resources that exceed your expectations.
 
Below we have put together a number of pages that will help you make a decision about what kind of burial service, or graveside service, is right for your loved one. There are also some other general information pages that might answer other questions that you may have.
 
It may seem odd, but the first thing we like to do is answer the most fundamental question - what is a funeral? Please click below and read the article we have put together for you.

What Makes a Funeral? What are Funeral Rites?

No matter where it's held, a funeral is a structured ceremony, with a beginning, middle and end. Each is intended to engage the living participants in activities which will transform their status within the community, and provide mourners with a collective grieving experience. It's a socially-acceptable way for members of a community to re-affirm and express their social attachments.

What are funeral rites? Anthropologists label funeral rites and a funeral as rites of passage, which affect everyone involved, including the deceased. His or her social status changes dramatically, from a living contributing member of the community to one whose contributions are in the past, and relegated to memory. But the status of each of the survivors, the immediate family most especially, has also changed. In fact, the funeral service can be the start of a defined period of mourning for bereaved family members, marking this transition in a uniquely identifiable way. 

It could be said then, the focus of a funeral - no matter where, no matter when - lies in acknowledging change. And without doubt, human beings (as individuals and as a community) have trouble dealing with profound changes like the death of an integral member of the group. When you take this perspective, it becomes easier to understand the importance of ceremonially acknowledging the tear in the social fabric and the symbolic restoration of its integrity.

Our Burial Services

Since this section of the website is in fact about burial services, we think you should read through our burial services page. Here you will find information about different burial options, as well as other decisions that need to be made if you decide to go with a burial.
 
Once you’ve decided that a burial service if what your loved one would have wanted it’s time to learn how to plan a burial service. Follow the link below to our page which will explain what is involved in planning a burial service, and other important information.

Custom Monuments

We are also proud to provide on-site monuments if you would like to incorporate that as part of your arrangement. 
 
We also offer a memorial service option in addition to the standard burial service.  Visit our memorial service page to find out more.

Funeral Services in Our Area

For families and individuals living in this region (as elsewhere in the nation), a funeral service can mean many things. Some fall back on what is commonly called a "traditional funeral"; others see that same traditional service as an emotionally unfulfilling event. Fortunately, thanks to a number of unique social forces, there are alternatives. Today, end-of-life commemorative services range from that "traditional" format, to a memorial service and the increasingly popular celebrations-of-life. If you have yet to realize the immense value of such a collective acknowledgement of loss, reach out to us. Call 403-528-2599 or 1-800-317-2647 to speak with one of our experienced funeral service professionals.

 
Sources:  
Huntington, Richard and Peter Metcalf, Celebrations of Death: The Anthropology of Mortuary Ritual, Cambridge University Press, 1979.
 
 
What is a Funeral? What are Funeral Rites?
Turning to the social sciences for a more holistic idea of what makes a funeral, we learn the common features of funeral services around the world. You'll learn all funeral services are rites of passage, transforming status and reaffirming social ties.
Planning a Traditional Burial Service in Medicine Hat
A simple burial service is a preferred custom in many societies and faiths. Read more about our burial services so you can best decide if a burial service is appropriate for your deceased loved one and his or her survivors.
True Measure of Excellence
The International Order of the Golden Rule selects those outstanding funeral homes that have demonstrated their commitment to the funeral profession through dedicated service and a high awareness of the needs of their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions on Burial Services
Wondering if a burial service is right for you? This section answers some of the most common questions people have about burials and the elements surrounding them.
Now that you are armed with all of the information you need to make a choice we want to bring something special to your attention. Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Centre/CGR Holdings Ltd. is proud to share with you our true measure of excellence. We know that there are lots of funeral homes in Medicine Hat, but we want you to know why we are truly special.
 
Of course, we understand that most of you will still have questions for us, so we’ve put together a frequently asked questions page in hopes that some of your questions will already be answered. If not we invited you to give us a call at 403-528-2599 or 1-800-317-2647 or reach us through our online contact form.
 
We also want to remind you that if you are in immediate need we are available to you 24 hours a day, so do not hesitate to give us a call - we are here to help!
 
Wonderful place in a time of need!!...Very professional, kind helpful, supportive and understanding staff. - Mrs. E. N.
 
 
We are proud to be a leader among the funeral homes in Medicine Hat. Click here to return to the homepage