About Cremations In Oregon

All cremations are done individually. Every individual that dies in Oregon is assigned a tag/disc number that follows that person and goes on all related paperwork and permits. The crematory keeps records that state the date and time that the cremation process starts.

The cremation process begins with the placement of a casket/cremation container in the cremation chamber. The chamber is subject to extreme temperatures that average 1500 – 1950 degrees Fahrenheit. Most crematories require a combustible, rigid, covered container to go around the human remains, if a casket is not being used. The time for the cremation process varies with the size and weight of each person, but usually takes between 1 1/2 – 3 hours. There is a cooling period for the cremated remains (skeletal remains) before they can be removed from the cremation chamber. Every effort is made to remove all the cremated remains from the chamber. However, a small residue may remain in the cremation chamber.

After the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber, all non-combustible materials (jewelry, dental gold, prosthesis, latches hinges, etc.) will be removed from the cremated remains via visible or magnetic selection and will be disposed of by the crematory in a non-recoverable method.

Processing of cremated remains is a method to reduce the size of the bone fragments to uniform particles. Cremated remains, depending on the bone structure of the decedent, will weigh between 4 to 8 pounds, and are usually white in color, but can be other colors due to temperature variations and other factors.

The urn or temporary container containing the cremated remains are available for family to pick up at Omega Funeral and Cremation Services.

If you and/or other family members have not already decided on the final resting place for the cremated remains, we can help you with a few suggestions:

• Placement of urn in an indoor or outdoor mausoleum or columbarium
• Interment of the urn in cemetery
• Scattering cremated remains at sea, over mountains

(if you scatter cremated remains you may want to choose a site for a permanent memorial, such as placing the name of deceased on a plaque in a special location. Perhaps planting a tree or bush in memorial to the deceased.)