Pacific Interment Witness Cremation

We understand that many families desire the option of a witness cremation to honor their loved ones in a culturally appropriate and sensitive manner. At Pacific Interment, we offer this service to accommodate your needs during this important time. Allow us to provide you with the details of our witness cremation service:

During a witness cremation, participants are provided with 45 minutes in our chapel, where they can gather to say their goodbyes according to their cultural or religious customs. This serene setting allows for a meaningful and personal farewell. At the conclusion of the chapel service, the deceased is respectfully taken into the crematorium.

To ensure a safe and gentle process, the remains are placed on an autoloader, a device specifically designed to insert the deceased into the cremation chamber. If requested, in adherence to Eastern traditions, we allow the oldest child of the deceased to push the “green button,” initiating the automated process of inserting the deceased into the chamber. Within a few hours, the next of kin can return to retrieve the cremated remains.

Witness cremation is often chosen for religious or cultural reasons. Many cultures, including Buddhists and Hindus, incorporate witnessing the beginning of the cremation as part of their disposition rites. We understand the significance of these rituals and are well-versed in conducting witness cremations, including a keen familiarity with Eastern practices. Our centrally located crematorium in Emeryville, California, is owned by Pacific Interment Service, ensuring a seamless and respectful experience.

During this service, minimal preparation of the remains, including sanitizing, setting the features, and combing, is included. Please note that embalming is not provided for witness cremations unless specifically requested.

In cases where the deceased has undergone an autopsy, an additional fee of $150 will be applied. Autopsies involve invasive procedures that require additional work by our staff to ensure the deceased is suitable for viewing, maintaining the utmost respect and care.

Should you require additional time in our chapel for reflection and gathering, we offer the option at an additional fee. Please see our general price list for specifics.

At Pacific Interment, we recognize the importance of witnessing the cremation process and offer this service to provide comfort and closure. Our dedicated team has decades of experience conducting witness cremations and is here to guide and support family members, friends, and religious personnel through every step of the process. Our chapel, located adjacent to the crematorium, provides a peaceful and separate space for your needs.

If you have any questions or would like to explore this option further, please contact our office. We are here to assist you during this challenging time and honor your cultural or religious traditions.