Affinity Funeral Service

04/13/2026

Seeing Goodbye

It wasn’t too long ago when saying goodbye to a loved one included a face-to-face interaction and a heart-to-heart moment. The tradition of the procession to the casket, the paying of respects and reflecting on the relationship that was shared was an integral part of the service. In the presence of the deceased, family and friends were given one last opportunity to bid farewell.

This served many purposes. The funeral had a surreal quality to it. Yes, there was no denying that a loved one was no longer here and the reality of it was they were gone. At rest, in the casket, they were at peace and free of any pain they may have experienced in this world. This was a sad event, though at some level, attending and honouring them one last time seemed to provide relief for many, in allowing for a sense of closure.

This time-honoured tradition has been modified by some in recent years. Instead of the casket, there is an urn, which is still the remains of the deceased, but when saying goodbye, something is lost. Sometimes families are unable to have even this type of service. Covid-19 meant that many experienced the loss of a loved one without any formal service. Other than the legal requirements of caring for the deceased, the only acknowledgement of their death was an obit on the funeral home’s website. Family and friends were only able to take solace within their minds.

The question is… is this sufficient or is a more formal way of saying goodbye needed. Though viewing a loved one in person is sad and difficult, seeing goodbye does provide a much more personal experience… one which helps us better understand the relationship we once shared with them.

© Affinity Funeral Service/CFHC Online

04/10/2026

04/08/2026

Remembering Billionaire Howard Hughes

On the anniversary of his death 50 years ago (1976), we reflect on Howard Hughes, one of the world’s most eccentric billionaires.

There is an old saying that everything is bigger in Texas, which seems to be true for Hughes. Born in the Lone Star State in 1905, Hughes inherited the family’s business, becoming a millionaire at age 18. Over the course of his 70-year life, Hughes grew a business fortune which spanned the aviation, real estate holdings and film production sectors. Not only a businessman, Hughes had a passion for flying, setting numerous records and risking his life in the process.

Some Fun Facts About Howard Hughes:
• A young Hughes showed an aptitude in science and technology, building Houston’s first wireless radio transmitter at the age of 11 and becoming the first person in the city with a motorized bike, which he built from steam engine parts the following year. His fondness for how things worked eventually led to many innovations in the production of commercial aircraft, an industry in its infancy at that time.
• Hughes was obsessed with flying faster and survived four airplane accidents, including a near fatal crash in 1946. He was credited with breaking both the landplane airspeed record and the transcontinental airspeed record.
• Hughes produced several big-budget and often controversial films, including “The Racket,” “Hell’s Angels” and “Scarface.”
• Hughes won the Harmon Trophy (twice), the Collier Trophy and the Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to aviation. During the Second World War, his company operated as a major U.S. defence contractor.
• Hughes has been credited with transforming Las Vegas from a gangster paradise into a more refined tourist destination.

Sadly, Hughes was troubled with mental illness, stemming from an obsessive-compulsive disorder, and became an unrecognizable recluse in his later years. He died of kidney failure on board a Learjet headed from his Mexico home to Houston. He is buried alongside his parents at Houston’s Glenwood Cemetery.

© Affinity Funeral Service/CFHC Online

Howard Robard Hughes Jr. (December 24, 1905 – April 5, 1976) was an American aviator, aerospace engineer, business magnate, film producer, and investor.[2] He was one of the richest and most influential people in the world during his lifetime. He first became prominent as a film producer, and then...

04/05/2026

Happy Easter

Our team at Affinity Funeral Service hope you have an enjoyable day sharing special moments with family and friends.

To families and individuals in our community who are of Christian faith, we wish you peace and happiness as you rejoice Easter and the celebration of the resurrection of Christ.

04/02/2026

View Jacob Dyck's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

04/02/2026

View Arnold James Bryant's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

04/02/2026

Tortilla Chip Dip

This easy to make ‘In-sympathy’ dish can be used as a side or snacking plate. Prep time 20 mins.

Ingredients:
3 medium size tomatoes
1 medium size green pepper
500 ml container of cream cheese
1 1/2 cup of salsa sauce
Grated mozzarella or marble cheese (as needed)
Nacho Chips preferably ‘Scoops’

Preparation
Dice tomatoes and green pepper. In 9x12 glass baking pan add even layer of cream cheese. Top with layer of salsa sauce. Sprinkle even layer of green pepper then tomatoes. Top with thick layer of grated cheese. Quantity of ingredients can be modified to suit personal tastes. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with nacho chips.

Make sure to mark your name on the baking pan and offer to pick it up in a week, so the grieving family has one less thing to do. This will give you a chance to check in at that time, as well.

© Affinity Funeral Service/CFHC Online

04/01/2026

View Marc Edgard St. Laurent's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

04/01/2026

View Norbert zoel Couture's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

03/30/2026

Being Informed
Understanding What’s Involved

Some recent trends are influencing the way in which funeral service decisions are being made. Rising cremation rates and changing attitudes about religious services are, in some cases, affecting the choices families make. There are a lot of voices out there, saying different things. Some are informed, and… some are uninformed.

The acknowledgement of the life of a loved one still remains very important for most families, despite wishes to simplify the saying of goodbyes and bidding farewells. Which begs the question: Why are some of us deciding to choose: no service? In the arrangement office, we sometimes hear the following: “They didn’t want anything.”

The impact of these decisions needs more consideration. A funeral service has many purposes. Paying respects and honouring or paying tribute to a loved one holds value for everyone involved.

There is an old saying: “funerals are about the living.” Though funerals are a place to pay respects and honour the deceased, they are also about those who mourn, providing them an opportunity to come to terms with their loss.

Careful consideration of the impact of all funeral decisions is needed. Coming to conclusions without information gathering and a discussion with professionals can lead to a sub-optimal choice. Directors can provide helpful insights and inform families about what options are available. You’d be surprised at the number of ways families are honouring their loved ones. Contact us to learn about and the benefits of choosing a service which is unique to you and meets your needs.

© Affinity Funeral Service/CFHC Online

03/27/2026

Flowers and Love:
Japan’s Hanami Viewing Parties and the Symbolism of the Cherry Blossom

Each year, the country of Japan celebrates cherry blossom season with Hanami or viewing parties. Food and Sake are part of these celebrations which have been occurring for more than 1000 years. It is believed Hanami first started at some point in the eighth century.

The cherry blossom is a fragile and beautiful flower, and appears annually for only a brief a time. Emerging blossoms represent hope, beauty, and new life. As such, the significance of Hanami means much more in Japanese culture. This is a time to honour loved ones and ancestors. The short time of the bloom is a metaphor to the limited time we share with those who we care about. These blooms are here and then gone, symbolizing the transience of life. The cherry blossom sends us a message about the importance to live life in the moment.

Hanami season typically runs from March through to early May every year. That said, in some parts of the country trees begin to bloom as early as January. Though there are no set dates for the season, peak blooms are witnessed usually in a two-week period beginning the last week of March, with Cherry Blossom Day set on March 27th.

© Affinity Funeral Service/CFHC Online

03/25/2026

Let these notes of condolences be a source of comfort for those mourning.