Our Services

The human race has, for millennia, faced death by caring for our dead. However, in today's modern culture, phrases such as "its just a shell" or "they're not there anymore" are often used to describe the earthly remains of those who have died. While both statements may be factually true at their core, intellectually and emotionally speaking, the body that remains is still the physical representation on this earth of someone who was loved and offered love to others.

We believe that every family deserves the opportunity - if they so choose - to say goodbye to the physical body at the funeral home during a viewing. In fact, we believe so strongly in this element of our care that some form of viewing is included (at no additional charge) with every type of service we offer.

When a family chooses to hold a ceremony, they send a message to their community that they welcome their friends and neighbors to join them in saying goodbye to their loved one. By holding a service, we allow our community to support us during this difficult time. And while we may use different terms to describe it - funeral, memorial, celebration of life or even "a party" - the event to mark the end of a person's time on earth, while celebrating their life, is an important component in one's grief journey.

Our team of professional funeral directors can help you organize any celebration or service you might have in mind - whether at the funeral home, your home, a church, or another location. We will help you build a ceremony that honors your loved one and helps tell their story.

Movement: Going the Distance with Our Dead

Over the years, you have probably seen a funeral procession go down the road. It is also a ritual that is seemingly going by the wayside. However, it one that should not be overlooked or skipped when cremation is selected over burial. It is our belief that cremated remains in an urn deserve the same respect and reverence as those in a casket.

The procession is intended to activate community support. Drivers are encourages to pull over and show respect for this final rite of passage, which signifies the transition between life and death. The procession puts the entire community on notice that one of their own has died.

Disposition is the term used for what ultimately happens to the physical body, whether it be burial, cremation or an alternative method such as alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) or natural organic reduction (composting). Donation for educational purposes or transport to another state for ceremonies and burial are also options.

While we will provide information on all available disposition options, ultimately the decision falls to you (if planning ahead) or to your family as to what method best fits with your family's traditions, values and preferences.

To have a service or not to have a service is a difficult decision to address as a hypothetical because the circumstances surrounding someone’s death and family dynamics are all different.

As such, we would encourage you to read this article by Dr. Alan Wolfelt, a nationally recognized grief specialist, on the importance of having something instead of nothing.

"When words are inadequate, have a ritual."
~ Anonymous

Some families find comfort scattering the cremated remains in a place that was special to their loved one. Johnston & Williams also holds a permit to be able to scatter your loved one's cremated remains on the Columbia River.