Funeral convention showcases modern goodbyes

Livestreaming is ubiquitous these days, but at funerals?

That's just one of the trends on display at the Funeral Association of Canada's annual convention in Lake Louise, Alta. this week, competing for attention amidst diamonds made of cremated remains and caskets designed not to last.

"The hue of blue that will come out in the process is happenstance," said Rene de Diego as he shows off the tint of a diamond created from his grandfather's ashes.

The cost of the compressed keepsake starts at roughly $3,000, depending on the size.

Global funeral

Many of the businesses at the trade show saidthey're trying to accommodate today's families,often spread out all over the world andnot always able tovisit a gravesite to pay their respects.

Jason Potter says he has livestreameddozens of funeral services to 120 countriessince he established his business about a year ago in Victoria, B.C.

"We think the potential is significant for this just due to the amount of people who have family elsewhere in the world," he said.

"People have spreadout more than ever before and a lot of timesunfortunately people can't travel on short notice for health or financial reasons. You know, you only have about a week to make the arrangements."

Eco-death

Other items on display at the convention include eco-friendlycaskets and plant-based embalming fluids, allowing you toleave this earthly realm without the impact of a higher-endcoffin or chemical preservative.

And for those left behind? Maybe consider fireworks at the end of an evening memorial, or pick a licensed funeral home so your friends and family can toast the deceased'sgood health.