Talk About Death
You do not need the perfect words or the perfect moment. A short, honest exchange now can spare the people you love a great deal of guessing later.
Start small. Ask one question, or share one preference. You can always come back to it.
Why talk now
When people know what matters to someone, they carry less doubt and less second-guessing at a hard time. The talk does not settle everything, and it can change over time. Its value is that it happened at all.
Choose your opening
Five ways to start the same conversation. Copy one and keep it in your pocket for when the moment comes.
Keep it practical
If something happened to you, would I actually know what you would want?
Begin with curiosity
Have you ever thought about how you would want things handled?
Use a story
I read something about green burial and it made me wonder what you would choose.
Name the awkwardness
This feels a little strange to bring up, but it matters to me that we talk about it.
Start with yourself
I have been thinking about my own wishes, and I wanted to tell you where things are.
Questions that open the conversation
What matters most to you about how you are cared for?
Where would you want to be if you were seriously ill?
Who would you want making decisions if you could not speak for yourself?
Is there anyone you would not want involved?
What does a good day look like for you right now?
Are there treatments you would want, or would not want?
What would you want the people around you to know?
Are there cultural or spiritual practices that matter to you?
Do you have a will, and does someone know where it is?
Have you written any of this down anywhere?
When someone does not want to talk
Not everyone is ready, and that is allowed. Pushing rarely helps. You can make it clear the conversation is welcome whenever they are.
Try
“That is okay. We do not have to talk about it today. Can I bring it up again another time?”
When the conversation is already urgent
If someone is seriously ill now, the care team can help you understand what is being decided and what the choices mean.
If someone is in immediate medical danger, call 911.
After the conversation
A short note now is easier to trust later than memory. Keep it with the documents it relates to.
People in Campbell River and the Comox Valley who help families talk and plan — hospice programs, advance care planning support, caregiver support, death doulas and spiritual care.
Browse in the directory: Hospice and palliative care Practical and legal planning Caregiving and home support Death doulas Spiritual and cultural care
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
ONLINE Online across BC
Education, support groups and programs for people living with dementia and their care partners.
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
October 6, 2026
CAMPBELL RIVERCampbell River Hospice Society
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Campbell River Hospice Society
Book club · Contact host · Registration required Contact Campbell River Hospice Society at 250-286-1121 or [email protected] for the current book and to register.
October 13, 2026
CAMPBELL RIVERCampbell River Hospice Society
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Campbell River Hospice Society
Book club · Contact host · Registration required Contact Campbell River Hospice Society at 250-286-1121 or [email protected] for the current book and to register.
01
Put your wishes and practical information somewhere findable.
Read this pathway →
02
Compare body care, burial, cremation, donation and ceremony choices.
Read this pathway →
03
Use clear prompts to begin the conversation.
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