Frequently Asked Questions

To begin with, it is probably easier to describe what cremation isn't. Cremation is not a final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service. Rather, it is a process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame. 

It depends on the weight of the individual. For an average size adult, cremation takes from two to three hours at normal operating temperature between 1,500 ºF to 2,000 ºF. 

All organic bone fragments, which are very brittle, as well as non-consumed metal items, are "swept" into the back of the cremation chamber and into a stainless steel cooling pan. All non-consumed items, like metal from clothing, hip joints, and bridge work, are separated from the cremated remains. This separation is accomplished through visual inspection as well as using a strong magnet for smaller and minute metallic objects. The remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into a temporary or permanent urn, selected by the family. 

Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light gray in color. The remains of an average size adult usually weigh between four to eight pounds of cremated remains. 

We return remains in a temporary container but we offer a variety of affordable urns. The family may choose to provide their own container in which the cremated remains will be placed.  

Your loved one's care is overseen by the licensed professionals at Blue Sky Cremation Services until cremation can be provided. 

Contrary to many funeral homes, we do allow the immediate family to schedule a time for a final goodbye before the cremation with some limitations.

In the State of California, Funeral Homes and crematories are regulated by the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau. 

Never. Not only is it illegal to do so, but most modern cremation chambers also are not of sufficient size to accommodate more than one adult. Thus it would be a practical impossibility to conduct multiple cremations simultaneously. 

Yes, because we own and operate our own crematory, we are able to accommodate many different cultures and traditions when it comes to witnessing the cremation.

We own and operate our own crematory and do not contract out the cremation process. Your loved one never leaves our care. Positive identification of the deceased is assured throughout each stage of the cremation process. We only allow certified professionals operate our cremation equipment. 

With the exceptions of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all cremated remains are given back to the family. 

No and it is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise. 

The Scientific name for Aquamation is Alkaline Hydrolysis, and it is also known as aquamation. This process uses 95% water and 5% alkali salts to accelerate the natural decomposition process.

We use 90% less energy than other cremation alternatives. We do not use any fossil fuels, release no emissions into the environment, and our facility operates with electricity only.

Here are some of the benefits of aquamation:

• It is a more environmentally friendly option than traditional cremation.
• It is a gentler process that does not involve burning.
• It is a more affordable option than traditional cremation.
• It can be a more personal option, as families can choose to scatter the ashes or keep them in an urn.

If you are looking for a more environmentally friendly and affordable option for final disposition, aquamation may be a good choice for you.

Yes, as a result of the gentler process of Alkaline Hydrolysis, usually 20% more cremated remains are the

result, when compared to flame cremation.

What is the benefit in choosing this process?

This process is gentler on the body, and an environmentally responsible choice for our planet.

In Addition:

 Over 90% of energy savings compared to flame-based cremation

 No burning of fossil fuels

 No direct emissions of harmful greenhouse gases or mercury

 20% more ash remains returned to the family

Is this process available in other states?

Currently there are 20 states utilizing this process and is under consideration in several other states.

This process is gentler on the body, and an environmentally responsible choice for our planet.

• Over 90% of energy savings compared to flame-based cremation
• No burning of fossil fuels
• No direct emissions of harmful greenhouse gases or mercury
• 20% more ash remains returned to the family

Currently, there are 20 states utilizing this process and is under consideration in several other states.

No, Alkali also known as potassium hydroxide is a non-organic compound. It is a base solution and not an acid solution. When combined with water in the Aquamation process, it mimics the natural decomposition process in an accelerated fashion. Alkali is safe and found in many of the products we use, such as soap, cosmetics, and household cleaning products.

The liquid by-product of aquamation is a non-toxic solution of amino acids, peptides, sugars, and soap. This water is returned back to our ecosystem.

An urn is not required by law. However, an urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or the cremated remains are to be interred in a cemetery. If an urn is not selected, the cremated remains will be placed in a plastic bag and then placed in a temporary plastic box or container provided by the family. 

A rigid, combustible container is required by the crematory. We provide a basic alternative cremation container which is included in our package pricing. 

Peace of Mind

Many who have undergone the emotional strain of arranging a funeral within hours of losing a loved one have made the choice to pre-plan their own funeral. Doing so lifts the burden from their loved ones by relieving decision-making pressure at a time of grief and emotional stress. 

Personal Choice

Funeral arrangements are a deeply personal choice. Pre-planning provides you with the time needed to make practical, detailed decisions that reflect your standards, lifestyle, taste and budget. And we assure you and your family that the choices you make will be carried out as planned.

Lower Costs

When you finalize your plan, we can advise you of the total cost. You do not have to set aside funds for your plan, but doing so protects you against escalating funeral costs. By locking in today’s funeral costs and ensuring that the necessary funds are set aside, you help relieve yourself of unnecessary future worry and your survivors of an unexpected expense.

• Select a few firms to call for information.
• Ask them to mail information on their prices.
• How were you treated over the telephone?

    o Courteous, caring and helpful

    o Somewhat friendly

    o Unreceptive

    o Cold and unprofessional

• Read the information when you receive it.
• Call the firms you were most comfortable with and make an appointment.
• Compare your experiences at each firm. If you had a good feeling about a firm, it will likely carry over through the entire process.

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• Make a will stating your directive for cremation.
• Pre-purchase your arrangements and file all documents with your will.
• Inform others of whom your arrangements are with.
• Choose and appoint a willing executor to handle your will.
• Make your executor aware of the location of your will and cremation contract.
• Tell your family or other responsible person about your directive(s).
• Have a Power of Attorney signed and ready.
• Have a Living Will signed and ready. Give copies to family and physician.
• Have a Health Care Power of Attorney signed and ready.
• Include advance directives in your Health Care Power of Attorney, including “Do not Resuscitate” orders and other medical directives dealing with nutrition, hydration, medication, etc.

• Pacemakers must be removed prior to cremation.
• Artificial joints are not removed prior to cremation, but do remain intact after cremation and are removed from the cremated remains.
• Implants made from silicone or saline must be removed prior to cremation.

• Property transfers
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• Trusts
• Attorneys
• IRS
• Credit cards
• A Veteran is entitled to:

    o One free Certified Copy of the Death Certificate

    o A Flag

    o A Headstone

    o A grave in a National Cemetery