When someone dies suddenly it can be difficult to know what to expect. Unless there’s a Notification of Expected Death in the Home or No CPR form already in place, all deaths are treated as unexpected, and the first step is to call 911. This connects you with BC Emergency Health Services, who coordinate the response from ambulance, police, and…
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross didn’t just study grief—she transformed how the world talks about it. Before her, death and dying were often taboo topics, quietly avoided in hospitals and living rooms alike. But through her empathy, curiosity, and deep respect for human experience, Kübler-Ross opened the door to honest conversations about loss and healing. Born in Switzerland in 1926, Kübler-Ross trained as…
At our most recent community meeting, Emily Bootle from DeathCareBC.ca was our guest speaker. She generously allowed us to record her talk – it has been sent by email to those on the Way To Go list. If you’d like to hear it and are not on this list, email quadrawaytogo@gmail.com and ask for a copy. What follows is an excerpt from a…
Thanks to a generous Small Neighbourhood Grant administered by the Quadra Island Community Foundation, the Way To Go library is now home to six new, enriching books. From compassionate caregiving to the ways we can support children through grief, these additions deepen the resources available at the southwest corner of the Quadra Island branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library….
In the introduction to Anatomy of the Spirit, American author Caroline Myss recounts a personal experience that profoundly altered the direction of her life. Upon arriving in Alaska to start her summer job, she shared a brief tea with Rachel, a woman in her early eighties of both Russian and Athabaskan heritage. The following is an excerpt from their conversation. Caroline…
Come join us for the Death Education Fair on March 2nd, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the QCC. Drop by anytime and stay as long as you like. This welcoming event offers a warm and friendly opportunity to learn about aging, dying, death, and grief while you have the cognitive and emotional capacity to do so. Most of us…
For many, conversations about death remain uncomfortable, often avoided until we have no choice but to face them. Yet, understanding the end of life—just as we do birth, growth, and change—can provide clarity, reduce fear, and help us make informed choices that align with our values. Join Way To Go for a Death Education Fair on Sunday, March 2nd, from 1:00 – 4:00…
When we lose someone dear to us, how do we say goodbye? For centuries, families tended to their deceased loved ones at home, embracing the rituals and tasks of care as a natural part of life. Today, most turn to funeral homes for assistance. However, a growing number of people are rediscovering the intimacy and connection of home funerals. While…
Swedish Death Cleaning, or döstädning, is a thoughtful way to prepare for the inevitable: death. It’s about simplifying your life and easing the burden on those who will have to manage your belongings when you’re no longer around. While the term might sound a bit morbid, it’s really an invitation to take control of your possessions before it’s too late….
The start of a new year is an ideal time to set the intention to organize your end-of-life plans. Preparing now can save your loved ones time, money, heartache, and disagreements later, and is kind to those you leave behind. Broadly, there are two areas requiring attention: your health care and body, and your earthly possessions and responsibilities. Two timelines…