What is the value in viewing?

Viewing is an important time because it reinforces the reality of death. It may not be easy to do but that is okay. Viewing allows family and friends to see that their loved one is at rest and free from pain and discomfort. It gives us a peaceful memory to cherish.

Why is embalming recommended?

Embalming is important for maintaining the health and safety of the public and the funeral home staff. This procedure ensures the preservation of the body from the time of death until disposition and it allows us to create an acceptable physical appearance of the deceased for the visitation time. Certain regulations exist that makes embalming necessary if the body is to be conveyed by public transportation.

How do I get an Official Death Certificate?

British Columbia residents applying for an official death certificate must apply through a local Vital Statistics Agency. There is $27.00 charge for each Death Certificate.

What is a Funeral Director’s Statement of Death?

It is a document supplied by the funeral director that can be used as proof of death in most cases. It contains the name and age of the deceased, the place and date of death, and the name and address of the funeral service provider. It does not include the cause of death.

Are You Competitively Priced?

At Oliveira Funeral Services Ltd. We dedicate ourselves to serving families well. This not only means we strive to assist them in putting together services that will be meaningful to them, it also means we strive to do so in such away as to make things affordable and value added. When some one you love passes away, you don’t want to have to worry about whether or not you are getting the best price. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our fee and those of our competitors. We honor all Memorial Society Contracts.

How do you make funeral Preplanning?

It is not a difficult or complicated task. Simply call our office and make an appointment or come by for a tour and cup of coffee. There are no fees for preplanning consultation. We provide price quotations on all our products and services without cost or obligation. Preplanning can be made at our Funeral Home or in the privacy of your own home. Your wishes will be recorded in writing and retained on file until needed.

Who Preplans a funeral?

People of all ages.Family members or an executor who is responsible for the care of someone in a nursing home or extended care facility.Family members who are caring for someone terminally ill.Anyone can consider preplanning.

What are the advantages of making Prearrangements?

Peace of mind and the assurance that your wishes are recorded.Preplanning provides an opportunity to ask questions and to get clear and concise answers on all aspects of the funeral.Personal choices can be considered and economic decisions made without emotional stress.Relieves family members of difficult choices at time of death. Preplanning is a practical idea that makes sense.Funeral Preplanning is every bit apart of sensible estate planning as Making a Will is or signing a personal directive.

Can a Preplan funeral be prepaid?

Yes, it’s your choice.Based on the last five decades, we know the cost of cemetery and funeral arrangements will continue to increase. Prepaying allows the costs to be frozen at today’s prices.Payment can be made in installments.You can also Pre-plan without payment.

If I choose to Pre-pay my funeral what Prepayment options do I have?

With a Pre-Need Funeral Trust Plan.Payments can be made by single payment or up to 5 year installments.(with interest free Payments) The funeral home must deposit your funds in trust. The accrued interest growth is applied to any cost increase when the services are required.

What happens when a death occurs at home?

If the death occurs unexpectedly or suddenly, the family should immediately contact the local police and inform them. The Coroner’s Office will be notified by the police and a Coroner will come to the place of the death to investigate the death. The deceased will then be transported to the nearest hospital for further investigation. After their investigation has been completed, the deceased will be released into the care of the funeral home selected by the family.If the death has been anticipated and the deceased was under a physician’s care, it is not necessary to contact the police. The family should advise the attending physician of the death and have the doctor complete a medical certificate of death. The family can also contact a funeral home of their choice to arrange for the transport of the deceased to the funeral home. The funeral home staff will then proceed to the residence and transfer the body to the funeral home without delay.

What happens when a death occurs in a care facility?

If an anticipated death occurs in a care facility, the attending physician will be notified and asked to complete the medical certificate of death. After the physician has signed the medical certificate, the care facility will notify the selected funeral home and they will come promptly to the deceased’s room at the care facility and transport the deceased to the funeral home.The family will have many options to consider following the death of their loved one so it is wise to consult a funeral director and determine the needs and wishes of the family. Consultation with a funeral director prior to the time of death will provide the family with information that can ease some of the burden faced when a death occurs. It also allows the family to supply the care facility with the name of the desired service provider so that the hospital can contact the funeral home as soon as possible following the death.

What happens when a death occurs while away from home?

When a death occurs away from home, it is preferable to contact a funeral home in the area where you wish to have the funeral service and interment. It will be more cost effective if the funeral home deals directly with a funeral firm in the place of death, rather than the family making the arrangements. After contact with the family, the funeral provider can then proceed to the place of death, if it is within a reasonable distance, or they can arrange for a local funeral firm to complete the necessary preparations to have the deceased returned home. Once the family returns back to their home, the remainder of the funeral arrangements can then be made with the funeral service provider.

How Long Do You Have to Wait For Your Loved One To Be Cremated?

In BC, you will need to wait 48 hours before a deceased body can be cremated by law. This is because cremation is a final process, and you will not be able to determine the exact cause of death after the cremation is completed.

How Does The Cremation Process Work?

Most cremations take place in a crematory. After a body is prepared for cremation, it is placed in a casket and slid into the cremation chamber. Only one casket is permitted at a time. Once everything is in place, an operator begins the cremation process, and this usually takes between two to three hours. Here the temperature is raised to approximately 1,400-1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, and after a period of two to three hours, the physical remains are consumed by heat.

Can I Watch The Cremation Process?

This may be possible with sufficient notice. You can contact Oliveira Funeral Home for additional information on rates and requirements.

What Happens After The Cremation Process?

The cremated remains are carefully removed from the cremation chamber. The cremated remains are then cleared off all metallic articles and are then run through a processor. These remains are transferred to an urn. Urns are labelled correctly with proper identification to ensure they are not misplaced or misidentified. The remains are then handed over to the family.

Is Cremation Becoming More Common?

Cremation has become the more popular over the past 2 decades. It may be due to cultural or religious requirements. In comparison to burial, cremation may be a less expensive option. Some people view cremations as being a greener option than burial.

What Can You Do With The Cremated Remains?

There are several different things that people choose to do with the cremated remains. You can keep the urn in your home, scatter the cremated remains on land or water, bury it in a cemetery plot or any other option.

Is Scattering Cremated Remains Illegal in B.C?

In British Columbia, cremated remains do not come under the laws and regulations for burials or cremations. If you plan on scattering the cremated remains on somebody else's property, you will need prior permission. You may scatter the cremated remains on water but make sure that it is not a marine park.You may have questions about Cremating a loved one and we’ll try our best to answer some of them for you below. If you have any additional questions, please contact us at Info@oliveirafuneralhome.com.

Nicola "Nick" Russo - Oliveira Funeral Home

Funeral Details
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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Nick Russo, who left us
peacefully at home on February 6, 2025, at the age of 68, surrounded by his loving
family. While widely known for his passion for the outdoors and his culinary talents,
those who knew him best recognized that his greatest love was his family. Nick’s
presence will be profoundly missed by his devoted wife of 37 years, Daphne; his
daughters, Stephanie and Sabrina; his sons-in-law, Luke and Waylon; his cherished
granddaughter, Zoe; his parents, Orlando and Nancy; his sister, Luciana; and his
nephews, Michael and Vincent, niece Nicole, and niece-in-law, Paulina.
Nick was a man of many passions—an avid fisherman, a talented chef who delighted
family and friends with his creations, a musician, entomologist, and biologist. Above all,
he was a devoted husband, father, Nonno, uncle and a beloved friend to many.
Nick’s early years were spent in Vancouver and the Burnaby Heights, where his love for
nature and the outdoors took root. He fondly remembered learning to fish with his
grandfather, experiences that laid the foundation for a lifetime of outdoor adventures. As
a teenager, he joined the Venturers, which led to many unforgettable trips to Whistler
and even Europe. In his late teens and early twenties, Nick played drums in a local
band, performing at weddings and events, always adding rhythm and energy to the
celebrations.

His academic journey took him to Simon Fraser University, where he earned a degree in
Biological Sciences. His love for insects was reflected in his impressive collection of
insect display boxes. He worked for several years as an entomologist before
transitioning into a career as a biologist with the Province of British Columbia. He later
moved on to work for the federal government, serving as a Spill Impact Assessment
Biologist and Environmental Emergencies Coordinator with Environment and Climate
Change Canada.

Nick found great joy in spending time with his family at their cabin on Allison Lake, as
well as on trips to Banff and the Kootenays. His passion for fishing took him on annual
trips to 100 Mile with his dear friends Tony and Dave. He also loved spending time with
his German Shorthaired Pointers, sharing his love of bird hunting and the outdoors with
his loyal companions.

Nick’s wisdom, generosity, and deep love for his family will live on in all who had the
privilege of knowing him. His legacy will endure through the lives of his children, grandchild, nephews and nieces, and the countless memories he created with those he held dear.

A prayer service will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Saint
Helen’s Catholic Church, 3871 Pandora St, Burnaby. The Mass of Christian Burial will
take place at Saint Helen’s Catholic Church on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.
Following the Mass, Nick will be laid to rest at Ocean View Burial Park, The Grand
Mausoleum, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC. Family and friends are invited to join
the family for food and refreshments afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the BC Cancer
Foundation in Nick’s memory.

https://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/site/TR/TributePage/ResponsiveTR?px=3017370&pg=personal&fr_id=3390

Date :10 Feb 2025

Tribute :It is hard to imagine that we no longer have Nick in our lives. We have so many happy memories of time spent together with the extended families. Celebrations of family events and always Christmas. He was such a gracious, fun-loving host and quite the chef! He was frequently trying something new, and the meals were always delicious whether at the stove or at the BBQ. With Nick and Daphne there was always room for one more as family was all important to them. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Daphne, Stephanie, Luke & Zoe and Sabrina & Waylon as well as the extended Russo family. Nick will always be alive in our memories and in our hearts. Love Ian & Joanne

Ian

Date :10 Feb 2025

Tribute :I am deeply sorry to Nicks’s family and friends. We had many enjoyable times with Nick and his family when the girls were younger. May he Rest In Peace ❤️

Tami Durante

Date :11 Feb 2025

Tribute :Just heard about Nick! We are so very sorry Daphne, we send much love and condolences to you and all your family.It has taken a while for the sad news to reach us here in Sussex so apologies for not being in touch sooner.Thinking of you,Phil and Dot

Philip Smith

Date :11 Feb 2025

Tribute :Nick was such a pleasure to work with. If you had Nick on your team during a spill response, you knew that you could rely on his wealth of knowledge and expertise. When people brought difficult questions forward, Nick had the answers. I feel very lucky to have worked with Nick and will continue to remember him as a legend at Environment Canada. Wishing his friends and family my sincere condolences during this difficult time.

Ashley

Date :11 Feb 2025

Tribute :My deepest condolences to Daghne and all the family I will miss him very very much he was a great family man and a good friend to me I very much enjoyed his company every time a saw he and we had a lot in common especially when it came to fishing and the outdoors he will be missed so much

Italo Cirillo

Date :13 Feb 2025

Tribute :Daphne, Orlando and Nancy, Luciana, our condolences on Nick’s passing. Nick was our drummer in our weekend band Springtime (Primavera). I remember his humour and his knowledge of biology, the environment, and fishing stories that he would share with the other band members between sets. Nick was a rock solid reliable guy, and it was an honour to have known him, and to have called him a friend. May he rest in peace.Ralph and Lucia Luongo

Ralph Luongo

Date :13 Feb 2025

Tribute :Nick Russo was a passionate advocate for the environment. What stood out to me was his kindness and infectious enthusiasm; it was a privilege to have known and worked with him. He was truly a wonderful person. Nick’s legacy lives on in the work he championed and the many lives he touched with warmth.

Stafford Reid

Date :13 Feb 2025

Tribute :I first got to know Nick during the events leading up to Daphne and Nick’s wedding. Nick was such a nice man. He was so easy to talk to and had a great sense of humour. I was happy that my friend found a keeper. Nick was a real family man and a great Dad. Too kind-hearted to dispatch a pigeon that was wounded while training one of the dogs (and upset his young daughter) he brought her home and she followed him around the house for the rest of her life.Nick was a great cook and enjoyed entertaining. He and Daphne liked to put in the effort to make their guests have a good time. I learned more about Nick from a visit to the house at Allison lake. He was quite a craftsman and you could see his handiwork everywhere. He even made all the chandeliers! And he had a thing for bears and moose (mooses?) All in all, Nick was a special person and he will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy for Daphne and Stephanie and Sabrina, their spouses and the grandchild he got so little time with. And of course to all the Russos and the Baileys.

Tracy Jeffery

Date :14 Feb 2025

Tribute :I will miss Nick. He was a kind and gentle. Man.

Wendy Wallace

Date :14 Feb 2025

Tribute :I worked with Nick at Environment and Climate Change Canada, though we were in different groups. My specialty is wildlife, and I only interacted with Nick on few files in which it was me answering questions and giving input. I remember him consistently being very calm, prepared, inquisitive, and professional. Very pleasant to work with; I always felt like I was able to contribute effectively and that my time and efforts were appreciated. This sounds kind of cliche as I write it, but I realize now that what Nick represented as a colleague has perhaps become less common. Something for me to reflect on in my own work. Lastly, I used to see Nick working with much younger coworkers and they always seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Stephen Hureau

Date :14 Feb 2025

Tribute :Nick’s work contributed directly to the health of the planet, and he had two beautiful daughters and a granddaughter. Through these, his legacy now lives on. But Nick’s Superpower was inspiring the love and friendship of his wife, family and friends. A man so surrounded can only be considered successful, fortunate, deserving, and loved. All who knew him may be considered the same. Rest in Peace, Nick.Daphne, Stephanie, Luke, Zoe, Sabrina,

Terri Macdonald

Date :16 Feb 2025

Tribute :Dear Daphne, We are sorry to hear your sad news of Nick which was passed onto us by Brian Dyer. Although we did not know Nick we had enormous pleasure in meeting many members of your lovely family when a large cohort came over to the Isle of Wight one sunny June. Please accept are sincere condolences to you and the family at this sad time.Lesley and Mohamoud

Mohamoud and Lesley Ismail

Obituaries

Nicola “Nick” Russo