What To Do When Someone Dies

You have our sincerest sympathies. Whether someone’s passing is expected or sudden, it is a shock for everyone involved.

the correct order to do things

Please click the situation most similar to the one you find yourself in. This will explain more about a things such as how doctors become involved.


After this, your next step will be registering the death.

Can a funeral director register a death?

No, legally we’re not allowed to. However, we can offer you help and advice.

For immediate help or advice please call us on 01723 859 279 at any time. When you call us, you’ll speak to one of our experienced team. We’re here to help you through every stage of the process. If you have any questions, please just ask.

The letter m is made of flowers and is sitting on a wooden table.
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A coffin covered in white flowers and greenery is sitting on a wooden table.

What to do when someone dies

A black circle with an arrow pointing to the right on a white background.
A black circle with an arrow pointing to the right on a white background.
A black circle with an arrow pointing to the right on a white background.
A black circle with an arrow pointing to the right on a white background.
A black circle with an arrow pointing to the right on a white background.
A black circle with an arrow pointing to the right on a white background.

What to do when someone dies at home

Our traditional funeral services provide a dignified, respectful way to honor your loved one which includes all aspects of a classical ceremony. We assist with organizing viewings, services, and the burial or cremation, ensuring each element reflects the wishes of the deceased & their family.

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What to do when someone dies in a hospice or home

We offer personalised burial services, helping families select a final resting place for their loved ones. Whether you prefer a traditional grave site or a more contemporary memorial park, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

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what to do when someone dies in a nursing or care home

Our cremation services cater to various preferences, including both direct cremations without an attendant service and non-attendance cremations. We ensure to handle the process with the utmost care and respect, providing options for ashes to be returned to the family or laid to rest in a meaningful way.

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How to register a death

Our traditional funeral services provide a dignified, respectful way to honor your loved one which includes all aspects of a classical ceremony. We assist with organizing viewings, services, and the burial or cremation, ensuring each element reflects the wishes of the deceased & their family.

Learn More →

dealing with the coroner

We offer personalised burial services, helping families select a final resting place for their loved ones. Whether you prefer a traditional grave site or a more contemporary memorial park, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Learn More →

what to do when someone dies abroad

Our cremation services cater to various preferences, including both direct cremations without an attendant service and non-attendance cremations. We ensure to handle the process with the utmost care and respect, providing options for ashes to be returned to the family or laid to rest in a meaningful way.

Learn More →

Useful North Yorkshire addresses and contact numbers

Scarborough Hospital

 Woodlands Drive
Scarborough YO12 6QL

Tel: 01723 368111

Website: www.york.nhs.uk

York Hospital

Wigginton Road
York YO31 8HE

Tel: 01904 631313

Malton Hospital

 Middlecave Road
Malton YO17 7NG

Tel: 01653 693041

Whitby Hospital

 Springhill
Whitby YO21 1DP

Tel: 01947 604851

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • Do you dress the deceased?

    Yes we can dress the deceased for you, you need only hand over the belongings to us. Otherwise they are carefully shrouded in a silken gown.

  • Can we view the deceased?

    Yes. We just need appropriate notice to ensure absolute privacy for you.

  • Will the deceased need to be embalmed?

    Embalming is not usually necessary given the advancement in storage facility technology. However, we can arrange for embalming if requested.

  • Do you have coffin bearers?

    Yes, we have trained coffin bearers. We pride ourselves in being able to offer pallbearers who carry the coffins on their shoulders rather than using a trolley. Family members may carry, but here at F A Stockill we will always ensure there are enough bearers on hand on the day, just in case. Please note we never allow family to lower coffins on a burial.

  • How many coffin bearers will be needed?

    This depends on the size and weight of the coffin. Usually there are between four and six bearers.

  • Do funeral directors re-use coffins?

    No, most definitely not. The coffin is cremated or buried with the deceased.

  • Can I touch the coffin as I leave the ceremony?

    Yes, absolutely.

  • As a member of the congregation, can we take away the Order of Service or should we leave it there?

    Please take it with you. An Order of Service can provide a lovely memento of your family member or friend for quiet contemplation later.

  • Do crematoriums cremate more than one person at a time?

    No. The only exception is if the next of kin have requested it for a mother and baby or small twin children.

  • What happens when the curtains shut at the crematorium?

    Nothing happens until the congregation have left the building. The coffin is removed from behind the curtain after the service has taken place.

  • When do we collect the ashes?

    They are usually available two to three days after the service. In case of urgent matters such as limited time or travel they may be available on the same day.


    We will never hassle you to collect the ashes from us. Some families wish different things and maybe wish to wait until the other parent has passed to scatter both. We have stored some ashes for over 25 years. However, we do encourage family to arrange a resting place for them as soon as they feel able so as not to cause further upset later.


    You may find our cremations section helpful.

  • Do funeral directors expect a tip?

    We’ve included this as it’s a frequently asked question on the internet. The answer is no. Although Claire has never met a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates she didn’t like!

  • I have a question that isn’t answered. Can I ask you anonymously?

    Absolutely – we welcome any feedback or questions. Just fill in this online form and we will post the answer on this page.

Plan ahead with golden charter pre-paid funeral plans

A funeral plan is an easy way to arrange the funeral you want in advance. A plan allows you to specify your wishes and pay for the funeral director’s services included in your plan. As customers often tell us, that can bring peace of mind to you and your family. A plan from Golden Charter also includes an allowance towards third party costs. These are essential, non-funeral director services such as the cremation or burial fees, plus the minister or officiant’s fee to perform the service.

At F. A. Stockill & Son we work in partnership with Golden Charter to provide you with a simple way to plan ahead. As one of the UK’s largest funeral plan providers1, Golden Charter has helped over 900,000 people to plan ahead2, so we’re completely confident in offering their plans to you.

Everyone has different needs when it comes to funeral planning, so we make sure the plans we offer are as flexible as possible. When you get in touch, we’ll be happy to discuss your funeral requirements and tailor a plan to suit you. Rest assured a plan from Golden Charter is available to all UK residents regardless of age or state of health.

F. A. Stockill and Son Funeral Directors trading as F. A. Stockill and Son Funeral Directors is an appointed representative of Golden Charter Limited trading as Golden Charter Funeral Plans which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:965279).

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A wicker coffin with flowers and a heart hanging from it.
A wreath of flowers is sitting on a concrete surface
A wreath with white flowers and greenery is sitting on top of a wooden table.
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