Funeral Advisory and Memorial Society
of Saskatchewan

Frequently Asked Questions
regarding FAMSS
the Funeral Advisory and Memorial Society of Saskatchewan

• What is a memorial society?

• What is FAMSS?

• How does FAMSS operate?

• Where is FAMSS located?

• What services and benefits does FAMSS provide?

• What do I receive as a member?

• How do I join FAMSS?

• Are there any restrictions on FAMSS members arrangements?

• What if I join and then move?

• Does my FAMSS membership fee qualify as a tax-deductible expense?

Q. What is a memorial society?
A. A memorial society is an association of like-minded people from all walks of life, who respect the need for a simple, dignified alternative to the elaborate and increasingly costly funeral services promoted by the conventional funeral industry.

Q. What is FAMSS?
A. FAMSS is a non-profit, non-sectarian and non-political society.  FAMSS was incorporated under Saskatchewan law in 1969 as the Memorial and Cremation Society of Saskatchewan.

Q. How does FAMSS operate?
A. Board members are volunteers elected at meetings of the general membership.  Half of the Board is elected each year to provide continuity.  We have no paid staff and are entirely self-supported by donations and memberships.  FAMSS does not own or operate any funeral home, crematorium or monument company.

Q. Where is FAMSS located?
A. FAMSS mailing address is Box 1846, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7K 3S2.

Q. What services and benefits does FAMSS provide?
A. FAMSS carries on a continuing education program urging dignity, simplicity, and economy in funeral rites.  Speakers are available to address interested.

Q. What do I receive as a member?
A. Members receive:

• a membership card

• designation forms to record your wishes concerning funeral services

• a Member's Manual - a guide to funeral planning

• a family register to record important family information

• a price list negotiated with a funeral provider in your area

• an annual newsletter

• assistance by telephone: 374-5190 (Saskatoon) or toll-free 1-866-283-2677

Q. How do I join FAMSS?
A. Complete the application form (online printable form , or contact us to receive a form by mail), and then mail the form with your lifetime membership fee of $20.00.  Please make cheques payable to FAMSS.

Q. Are there any restrictions on FAMSS members arrangements?
A. There are absolutely no restrictions.  You may choose burial or cremation.  If you wish services to be held, they can be religious or secular.  Services may be held wherever you wish - in a church, chapel, private home or elsewhere.  Naturally, costs are less when arrangements are kept simple.

Q. What if I join and then move?
A. Membership is transferable among all societies in Canada and, indeed, among almost all the more than 180 memorial societies in North America, for a nominal fee.

Q. Does my FAMSS membership fee qualify as a tax-deductible expense?
A. No.  Unfortunately, FAMSS is not categorized as a charitable or not-for-profit organization, for the purposes of providing receipts for income-tax deduction purposes.