When my daughter died, I wanted cremation, and a privately organized service. No funeral home. However, the crematory I called stated that billing (some fees were eligible to be covered by Income Assistance) needed to go through a funeral home. I was clearly told that I did not have to deal with a funeral home, except for billing, as the crematory did not do direct billing to IA, and that the cost would be the same. I was connected with a funeral home affiliated with the crematory: Cruikshank's. I was called by Lori, who I later found out is supposed to be a licensed grief recovery specialist. Based on my experience, I find this laughable. In every exchange I had with her, she was like a shark. She didn't even pretend to have compassion. She was cold and pushy, and dismissive. I made it clear, on the phone, that I was only agreeing to have Cruikshank's involved for billing purposes, and that I did not want any of the services they offered. Cremation was all that was required and wanted. No visitation. I didn't want my daughter's body handled, made-up, etc. My daughter's service was being completely handled privately. She agreed this was fine, and and asked me to come sign paperwork. Lori was cold and pushy, I would describe her as rude. There were sales pitches. I declined. It seemed that because I wasn't buying, there was no need to even fake any compassion or kindness toward me. She seemed annoyed that I read everything before I would sign. She appeared impatient and bothered, at my questions. It was uncomfortable. I was asked if I would return to identify my daughter, prior to cremation. I agreed. Before this visit, I was called by Cruikshank's and asked to give verbal permission for a "very minimal preparation" prior to me coming in -exact words used. The way it was described, I assumed they may wash her up, a bit, and cover her with a sheet. I made it clear, again, that I wanted her body left alone as much as possible - she had endured so much, prior to her death. I just wanted her to not be handled much. My daughter had an autopsy. I was ok with covering what should be kept from my view. I was ok with brushing her hair a bit and washing anything visible that should be washed. I expected to see a clean body, under a sheet, on a stretcher. Instead, I was shown to a visitation parlour (not wanted) where my daughter was in what they called a "rental coffin" (not wanted) and she had caked on, horrible looking makeup, and it appeared that her mouth has been glued closed. After everything I was so clear on, I could not believe that this had been done. That same day, Lori asked if I wanted to know when my daughter was being cremated. I stated I'd like to know everything that happens with my daughter's body. I was assured, but I received no call. I had to make calls to find out when the cremation was and when her ashes would be available. My last visit to Cruikshank's was to pick up my daughter's ashes. I was told to call to let someone know when I was coming in. I purposely didn't bother calling, after how I had been treated. I have no idea why, but, the staff seemed out of sorts at my unannounced arrival. They acted like teenagers whose parents came home from vacation early. It was weird. Every experience with this place was weird, and not what one would expect, given the situation. I'd like to add that every time I was at Cruikshank's, I could hear the staff kidding and laughing, loudly, in nearby rooms. It was like they had no decency- no empathy - they just didn't even pretend to give a crap about appropriateness. Also, every time I took others with me, and all were in agreement that they shared my perception of what had taken place. Lastly, the IA lady who handled the disbursements called to go over the bill submitted by Cruikshank's. Hundreds of dollars for a rental coffin I didn't want or agree to, hundreds for caked on makeup I never wanted on my girl. And, worse, vaguely described charges, such as "Service Fees", to bring the total up, conveniently, to the allowed maximum. I was dumbfounded. I, personally, organized the entire funeral. Everything - every single details was handled by friends and family. Cruikshank's did nothing. I repeatedly made it clearly known that I only wanted them involved for billing. The cost of the cremation - the one things I wanted to be done, was listed as under $700. Yet, the bill was over $3000. I understand that businesses need to make money. But, this entire experience, was horrible for me, and in my opinion, dishonest. My child died. It doesn't get any worse than that. My experience with Cruikshank's made things more difficult, more stressful, and more hurtful. That is simply not acceptable, when your business is "helping" the bereaved. read more