How can you Help us Nick?

Are you looking for a funeral celebrant or priest or funeral clergyman? I officiate at ceremonies related to a burial, cremation, funeral, interment or Celerbation of Life. I welcome people from all backgrounds, traditions, faiths and orientations.

When I officiate at a funeral (burial or cremation), I collaborate with your funeral home of choice. Many funeral homes in and around Ottawa know me already.

Alternatively, if you plan an End of Life ceremony after a private burial or cremation, I work with you directly to plan a meaningful memorial event. Please call me or contact nickoverduin@gmail.com for an initial free consultation. when you feel ready.

We would like to organize an End of Life event months later, after the private burial or cremation

It’s becoming common for families to organize an End of Life event some months after the most stressful time around the death of a loved. Time may be needed to restore the strength of caregivers. Perhaps family living far away need time to make travel arrangements. The point is to come together with purpose in a way that makes sense to the family and friends of the person who passed. I’ve officiated at End of Life ceremonies in backyards, at a cottage around a campfire, at rented spaces and in living rooms. Sometimes a simple graveside ceremony is preferred. Death is never easy. I cherish helping you find ways to meaningfully gather as family and friends to remember the person who passed.

My family and I would like to organize a Life Celebration around my MAiD

It is becoming more common to organize Life Celebrations for a person planning Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). I feel it is critically important to include some “official” moments during this type of event. Who is going to speak? What is the tone we’re looking for? Who should be invited — or not? For most Canadians, our collective experience of organizing and attending a MAiD event is still very new. I can work with you as the person seeking MAiD, and your family and friends, to help shape an event that celebrates your life while giving time to family and friends to share meaningful memories and goodbyes.

What role does a celebrant fill during a funeral, memorial, cremation or burial?

Please read my blog post listing six key tasks for a celebrant at an End of Life event.

Your family not now or never affiliated with a religion or church?

Many families are no longer or never have been part of a religion. You may feel uneasy about traditional funeral or cremation ceremonies. They are often held in a chapel or other formal setting. These are beautiful settings as we often see in movies! However, most funeral homes today will be happy to accommodate other, more informal settings. I can help you plan an event that works for your family.

What can I expect when I call you about being our funeral celebrant?

During our initial phone conversation, I will ask you some basic questions as follows:

• The name and age of the deceased person.
• Key facts you wish to share about the deceased person’s family and/or friends (e.g. names of surviving partner/spouse and any children, siblings, other significant individuals).
• The name of your funeral home and funeral director (if applicable).
• Or your preferred location if planning a memorial after a private burial or cremation.
• We will set up a time to meet to further discuss the ceremony.
• Other family members can be part of this discussion if you wish.

Can our family just attend the cremation or funeral ceremony while you do most of the planning?

Yes. For many different reasons, many families prefer for me to plan the cremation or burial ceremony. Contact me at any time. With your permission, I will contact your funeral home director to ensure collaboration and avoid overlap of activities and services.

How do you work with a Funeral Home?

I am not qualified to provide the many excellent professional services provided by Funeral Directors. I only help to plan the content of the cremation, funeral or memorial itself and will officiate at the event. For example, you may want to select music or think about some readings. Often, families ask me to say a prayer, read a reflection or share a poem. I can help you find appropriate content and music.

I will normally give an opening talk that sets the tone based on what I learn about the person you are mourning. You may want to think about who you want to invite to say a few words during the occasion. There are different options. I can provide a full eulogy about the deceased person if that’s your preference. Also, I can read speeches on behalf of friends or family members who wish to share but prefer not to be in front of a microphone. A funeral celebrant like myself sometimes fills a role similar to tasks completed by a “master of ceremonies.”

Can you help organize an End of Life Ceremony after a private burial or cremation?

Yes. I can come to any location within the Ottawa region. I work in Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, Orléans, Kemptville, Wakefield, Carleton Place and throughout the Ottawa Valley.

What are your fees?

My Officiant fees for cremations, funerals and burials are often handled by your Funeral Director associated with your funeral home of choice in Ottawa, Kemptville, Wakefield, or anywhere in the Ottawa Valley. My fee will generally be included within the Funeral Home’s overall invoice to you and will usually be around $400 to $500 which includes mileage within the Ottawa region.

If you are planning your memorial event after the burial or cremation, I will invoice you or arrange an e-transfer.

Are there any other costs associated with your services?

Additional travel charges may apply for events located outside the Capital region. I serve the entire Ottawa Valley, including Ottawa, Orléans, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, Kemptville, Smith Falls. Contact me anytime.

Other questions?

The Ontario Funeral Association has many resources listed on its excellent website or visit my resources page.