wareing-cremation-2

Purpose of Planning

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:57:49 GMT

Wareing Cremation Services is a strong advocate of Planning. Organizing yourself and getting your financial and legal house into proper and complete order is a responsible way to exist; leaving an exit plan demonstrates true compassion.

You having discussions now with specific professionals for fact gathering, followed by some critical thinking, and then firm action based on sound and informed decisions is what Preplanning is.

Not convinced.

Step into your favourite space in your home or yard. Take a seat and close your eyes. Visualize all of the special occasions and celebrated events you look forward to. Think about your style, your priorities, the people, possessions, and intentions that are important to you.

Sit for a few minutes more in the sounds that surround you right now….. clock ticking, traffic outside, birds chirping in the trees, the happy sounds of children out in their own yards.

Take a deep breath and appreciate what you can hear, smell, and taste, and steep in the thoughts and emotions you can and are feeling. Now, another deep breath, and see that space without you; those celebrations without you; your priorities erased or dismissed.

Visualize that immediate when you cease to be here….. for forever.

Ask yourself what additional motivation YOU might wait for before you move forward to properly organize your here and now, and take care of the important details for your then.

Wareing Cremation Services Inc. meets with individuals who are interested in being provided with factual information and options with which to make their plans.

It is what we as Providers of Final Arrangements, and Pre Arrangements, can be entrusted to assist you with. Making sure that the most important aspects of your Final Arrangements are understood, documented and accomplished.

To make an appointment, telephone Paul Wareing at 519-290-5575 in Woodstock, or Barb Wareing at 519-409-5575 in Tillsonburg.

Tillsonburg Move and Thank You

information@wareingcremation.ca (Barb Wareing) — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:20:32 GMT

Wareing Cremation Services has moved our Establishment to a larger and brighter building at 161 Broadway St., Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 3P9. Our new location is on the corner of Broadway and Ridout St. West.

Our interior has been given a thorough makeover, and our exterior signs and light fixtures are complete save one sign over our main door.

It has been a whirlwind first 18 days of February and we would never have crossed the finish line without the absolutely brilliant professional services provided by so many local business people....Signarama's James and Arik who have gone above and beyond with the timeline and most especially giving us the signage we absolutely love; Jodi, Mar, and Jacob of Flooring Canada with an assist from Neil and Olivia for the heavy lifting in giving us beautiful floors throughout; absolute genius of Paul and Brian McCord with interior painting top to bottom; Jay Kopcok of Electro King Electric with his apprentice Caden in every refit of existing and new electrical install completed; Josh and his Crew at R. V. Window Cleaning for taking on probably the grubbiest ground in dirt construction clean ever and giving us sparkling clean windows inside and out; Aaron Pattyn for his direction in coordinating the logistics of a move; David and Quinn who moved us from the old into the new on an incredibly bitter cold February day operating with one team member absent to boot; Andrew from Rogers for his updates and connections; our most trusted George from Personal Computer Systems Tillsonburg who got us connected and up to speed with absolutely everything that allows our business to operate; Justin McElroy for his expertise with the most perfect window treatments; Linda Fenn and her Crew at Tillsonburg's Garden Gate for the gorgeous completing touches from pots to plants to bench; Phil who has been a rock in moving snow every day from our sidewalks and parking lot.

Paul and I could not have done this without these people - all local business people - from Tillsonburg, Woodstock, Ingersoll, and Dorchester. Each and every one of you have given of your time and talents to assist us with a huge undertaking and we are so grateful to have placed our trust in your abilities.

Wareing Cremation Services....your trusted Provider for Final Arrangements and PrePlanning Arrangements.

We invite you to become a death curious explorer and make an appointment to preplan ....because we believe that understanding a good death takes informed planning.

Lessons from an Ostrich

information@wareingcremation.ca (Barb Wareing) — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 16:38:57 GMT

Name one fact you remember learning about the Ostrich in elementary school? Well, what fact comes to mind first?

As a child, remembering that an Ostrich sticks its’ head in the sand stands out for me. Why?

Can’t remember why an Ostrich does this…just remember learning this. Silly Ostrich!

Simple, serious, or silly - things are not always what they seem. Circumstances change; plans get shifted; new opportunities present; tragedies occur.

It’s a myth that fear makes an Ostrich hide his head. Would seem that Ostrich isn’t so silly after all! An Ostrich with its’ head in the sand is an Ostrich building its’ nest. This bird who lives on land and cannot fly makes a home, does the work in preparation for what comes next, and is always ready to be on the run…to fast track.

So today I would like to suggest that you make like an Ostrich and get your head in the sand!

Preplanning Final Arrangements should be part of your immediate considerations too. Whether you are organizing a vacation abroad, preparing to spend the winter in the sunny south, or sitting down to write your 'to do list'….Home is where your family and your heart is - so for yourself, or for those you represent as a POA or a future Executor, make an appointment with your Bereavement Provider of choice and be prepared to fast track the practical part when death forces you to be ready - and it is only then that you will understand just how important it was that you prepared in advance "a space" that allows for emotion to be your priority.

Wareing Cremation Services...trust us with those last steps!

Tillsonburg Establishment: 519-409-5575

Woodstock Establishment: 519-290-5575

Wareing Cremation Services Inc.

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 18:48:59 GMT

On Thursday August 14, 2014 Wareing Cremation Services Inc., opened our door for the very first time at 346 Simcoe Street in Tillsonburg, Ontario. Paul Wareing and Barbara Wareing believed that there was a need for Direct Cremation Services and Direct Burial Services in our Town, County, and surrounding areas, because the concept of Direct Cremation or Direct Burial wasn't mentioned or advertised as an option available locally, until Wareing Cremation Services Inc. arrived.

We believed there was a better way. We wanted people to pause, consider, and reflect because we truly did believe there was a way to clear the obstacles and myths and help individuals to find some peace in their decisions, and maybe even a sense of contentment with One's Final Arrangements. We hoped that others would make the time to pause and fully consider what "they" really thought and understood about Final Arrangements; pause to understand and have input on what the landscape would look like when it was "their" time and what Final Arrangements would be the best reflection of "their" life and style....knowing that one day each of us will step out of sight on the path.

Paul and Barb Wareing set out to create an Arrangement that is a blend of a Trusted Provider with integrity and transparency of processes and concepts, a welcoming establishment, and a financially sound way to complete those final steps One takes as a human being and as a family member. There would be no compromise on dignity, respect, caring, and compassion. There would be rather a return to personal preference, and a framework of the necessaries that was familiar to our ancestors. Whether that included ceremony, celebration, or something more simple than even that would be for the family to organize.

Indeed, there was a realization that we would cause waves....but there is that spark in most of us that relishes discovering the release and beauty when we jump through the waves and can see the rainbows in the mist, the sand free of marks, and the ripples that spread out from where we and the waves met. There is good, and there is better, and there is rest once something is done the best, and each of us has a vision of what is best for us!

As we celebrate eight years, we wish to extend a heartfelt and genuine "THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH" to every individual and family that has placed their trust in us as a Provider of Final Arrangements.

We are grateful for everyone that has taken the time to learn exactly what this little Transfer Service Class 2 that could.... actually can do for you.

We are extremely proud of the individuals that have made appointments to ask questions, or called with their questions, to educate themselves, and research for complete information.

We have tremendous gratitude for every individual and family that has trusted us with their Prearrangements and with their Final Arrangements.

We continue to be thankful every day for all of those individuals who recommend us to relatives, friends, neighbours, and coworkers who are finding themselves searching for a Provider in planning, or making Final Arrangements.

Wareing Cremation Services has grown with the demand for our Services and was pleased with the opening of a second Establishment in March 2018 at 225 Norwich Avenue in Woodstock, Ontario.

The future stretches before us and Paul Wareing and Barb Wareing give our commitment to continuing to do our very best for every person that comes through our door.

Thank You for trusting us with those last steps!

Mental Health Week 2022

Tue, 03 May 2022 18:48:36 GMT

What does mental health look like to you?

This first week in May of 2022 - May 2 to 8 - is designated Mental Health Week in our province of Ontario.
The focus is Empathy.

Take a few minutes and ask yourself why empathy plays a part in Mental Health Week.

Empathy is the action of understanding, being aware of and being sensitive to the experience of another.
As a human being, empathy is an important and essential character trait we must harness and ingrain into our very being at a very young age.

Health is defined as the state of being free from illness or injury; a person’s mental or physical condition.
Perhaps the purpose of designated week’s like this one is that attention is drawn to the concept of well being and the ability to restore soundness and strength.

As a designated sedentary even I must admit that physical and mental are joined. Just like the childhood song said… the ankle bones connected to the shin bone and the shin bones connected to the knee bone and so on…. each of us needs all of the body and mind to be communicating well with each other for the best outcome each and every day. Each of us deserves the ability to make the best choices for our personal physical and mental health....to navigate our own path to the best of our ability. Empathy doesn't block another's path with obstacles like imposed opinion, criticism, and judgment.

“Sing like no one is listening and Dance like no one is watching”, we have all read or heard this statement.
Good advice for enjoying the moments that make up our own lifetime and embracing our individualism plus an excellent attitude to possess….but can you “dance like no one is watching”?
What holds you back?

Is it that you worry or wonder about those watching – whether they are frightened of you or you of them; whether they are kind hearted and fun loving or calculating, vindictive, cruel; whether they will judge you to be crazy, unreliable, under the influence, socially unacceptable? Are you intimidated by real, imagined, or influenced thoughts of others? Can a sensitive person survive scrutiny and ridicule? Can anyone cope with being ostracized? Does someone else's possible judgment affect or put limitations on your conduct? Your happiness? On your well-being? Does it change the way you feel about your self? Does it alter your opinion of your abilities or even of their abilities?

What is your general state of mind when you move through your day? Are my own thoughts clear or cloudy; scattered or concise; open or judgmental; kind or cruel; serene or scary?

How do your opinions affect me? How do my thought processes, opinions, and actions affect others?

Empathy is an action that comes from a place of pureness.

Perhaps this week we should all reflect, research, and contemplate on the message of Mental Health 2022.

Find the Meaning In Your Life

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 19:53:31 GMT

The definition of closure - closure NOUN:
1. an act or process of closing something, especially an institution, thoroughfare, or frontier, or of being closed.
2. (in a legislative assembly) a procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote; closure.
3. a sense of resolution or conclusion at the end of an artistic work.
4. a feeling that an emotional or traumatic experience has been resolved.

The definition of resolution - resolution NOUN:
1. a firm decision to do or not to do something.
2. the quality of being determined or resolute.
3. the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.
4. the process of reducing or separating something into its components.

My point with the definitions is that I would like to suggest that closure has no place in the discussion of final arrangements – in the funeral arrangement. Is the passing of a family member or friend reduced to an act or process of shutting something? Reducing and separating as the result of a decision? Surely a person’s life should not be equated with the action of closing a door, or solving a problem.

Loss is personal, and complicated. Most often one’s personal thoughts are kept as such. While there can be expressed emotion, intense emotions kept tucked inside are no less. Death experienced has the emotional and physical potential to be intense, disorienting, overwhelming, unbearable, and limitless.

Visitation with a viewing of the deceased’s body will not bring closure.
A Funeral Service in a chapel or at graveside will not bring closure.
For anyone to suggest, or promise, that these processes will result in “closure” is cruel.

Death is confirmation that our days were numbered; death is a certainty.
For the individual - understanding this should give our life meaning.

For those left to mourn our absence – there will be a time when we must be accepting of death, real comprehension of our loss and the pain that brings. We must accept that an important person in our life isn’t among us anymore.

There is a song that speaks of voices, hearing voices. The voice of Mom telling him to put money in the collection plate on Sunday, the voice of Grandpa telling him to have a few but not to cross that line, and more. In our heart and heads those voices remain clear down through the years; reminders of expectations, love, familiarity. Confirmation that people who loved us had our back.
I think of the expression of “the ties that bind”.

Death does not have to sever those ties.

Death makes those ties even more important, stronger, because they may be the threads that keep us on an even keel mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, the threads that help us to make sense of what is to come in the days of our future.

All of us have people who bring a smile. My personal thread is my Dad...gone from us almost 3 years now but such a positive human being and he is remembered by us and many others as a man with a ready smile, always with a friendly wave as he passed on his walks, and even in his 90's wearing his great grandson's bike helmet he wanted the bike to go faster!

None of us wants to be forgotten or ignored.

None of us want to be the source of angst and sadness, ever.
So, as you make your Christmas lists may I make a suggestion? Christmas is a perfect time to engage in those important conversations and activities that build relationships, form happy memories, and are filled with laughter, silliness, and hugs.

Make hot chocolate with loads of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles with your granddaughter.

Eat too many jelly bellies while watching movies together, bake cookies with your grandson, load up the car and drive around town to view all the twinkling lights.
Get outside and make snow angels and snowmen.
Push back the furniture and teach your grandchildren to waltz. Grab the remote and let someone show you how to decimate aliens with a button.
Kiss someone special under the mistletoe.
Take in a hockey game at the local arena.
At dinner, pour that first glass of wine for your ‘almost adult kids’ and toast to what is in your heart.
Let all of them see you, get to know you for you…just find your best self, and the rest will follow. Positive times and memories bring incredible happiness….and someday they will give incredible peace and strength.

Closure and resolution. Words to describe ending 2021 in a really good place, and committing to beginning next year as a more solid unit, a more enlightened individual, a more familiar family member, and a more content person.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have experienced the death of a loved one. That empty chair, that empty bedroom, these can be difficult to look at every day, but the holidays may stir emotions even more. Time doesn’t heal all, it just has the potential to change the intensity.

When the time is right, Wareing Cremation Services encourages you to approach preplanning of final arrangements as a well-planned eventual life event with your own messages, celebrations or service plans, and remembrances designed to strengthen and support the people in your life.

Perhaps it would be better to focus on what you will leave, written and spoken, that will make your life existence so positive that Good Bye isn’t even part of the vocabulary!

Believing that this end leads to another beginning is a reminder that truly believing in all that is Christmas allows me to continue to hear the sleigh bells.

When you are gone from sight but still here as one of those “voices”….your wisdom, your personality, your smile, your uniqueness will live on in those that knew you and loved you.

How will you find your way to give them healing, give them a belief in the sunrise of tomorrow, encourage them to say your name out loud, and give them your wishes and reasons to embrace their future?