Plan Ahead
You do not need to predict every detail of your death. Planning ahead means leaving a few clear signposts for the people who may one day have to speak, decide or act for you.
Start with what matters most. Write it down. Tell someone where to find it. You can revisit the rest as your life changes.
Begin with three things
01
What matters to you if you become seriously ill or cannot speak for yourself? Consider comfort, independence, relationships, cultural or spiritual practices and what quality of life means to you.
02
Choose someone you trust. Tell them what matters to you and where your important information is kept.
03
Write down your wishes, contacts and practical information. Some documents have specific legal requirements in British Columbia, so use current provincial guidance.
Planning checklist
Different decisions need different tools
These documents are connected, but they do different jobs. One document does not automatically cover every decision. In British Columbia, several also have specific signing and witnessing requirements — use current provincial guidance, or work with a lawyer or notary.
Conversation prompts
Keep these somewhere you will see them. Bring one to a walk, a drive or the kitchen table.
What makes a day feel meaningful to me?
What am I most worried about?
What does comfort mean to me?
Who do I trust to speak for me?
Where would I hope to be cared for?
Are there cultural or spiritual practices I want respected?
What would make things easier for the people I love?
Who knows where my documents are?
Official British Columbia and Island Health information for the planning documents above.
People in Campbell River and the Comox Valley who support planning ahead — hospice programs, planning and legal help, death doulas and funeral preplanning.
Browse in the directory: Hospice and palliative care Practical and legal planning Death doulas Funeral homes and cremation
CAMPBELL RIVER Campbell River
Community Partner
A local educational guide to green burial at Elk Falls Cemetery, including planning information, options and questions to ask.
Green Burial Campbell River is a related And Grace Too project.
Last checked September 2, 2026
CAMPBELL RIVER Campbell River
Counselling, grief groups, trained volunteer support, palliative support, caregiver peer support, advance-care-planning workshops and complementary relaxation services.
Last checked September 2, 2026
CAMPBELL RIVER Campbell River
Official information for Campbell River Cemetery and Elk Falls Cemetery, including traditional and natural-burial options.
Last checked September 2, 2026
BOTH AREAS Courtenay, Campbell River
Funeral, burial and cremation services in the Comox Valley and Campbell River.
Last checked September 2, 2026
COMOX VALLEY Comox Valley
Support for people who are dying, grieving or caring for someone, including counselling, volunteer support, groups, education and community programs.
Last checked September 2, 2026
COMOX VALLEY Courtenay
Municipal cemetery information covering burial sites, cremated remains, columbaria, a scattering garden, maps, rules and fees.
Last checked September 2, 2026
COMOX VALLEY Cumberland
A Green Burial Society of Canada certified natural burial area offering full-body and cremated-remains interment options.
Last checked September 2, 2026
BOTH AREAS Campbell River and the Comox Valley
Janet O’Dell provides non-medical end-of-life doula support, death education, grief support and funeral or rites-of-passage celebrancy.
Last checked September 2, 2026
No advance-care-planning or planning sessions are listed right now. Check back soon or explore the full community calendar.
01
Put your wishes and practical information somewhere findable.
You are here
02
Compare body care, burial, cremation, donation and ceremony choices.
Read this pathway →
03
Use clear prompts to begin the conversation.
Read this pathway →
