MOOSE JAW — Families coping with the loss of a loved one often find themselves wondering what to do with cremated remains, and a Moose Jaw funeral home is offering an answer that blends compassion with innovation.
W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home has become the first and only provider in Saskatchewan to partner with Parting Stone, a Santa Fe, N.M.-based company that transforms ashes into solidified stones.
The unique service is part of a growing movement toward more personal memorial experiences. For families who aren’t sure what to do with an urn, this option offers something different — a collection of smooth, touchable stones that can be held, displayed, or shared among family members. Each stone is unique in size, shape, and colour, resembling a natural river rock.
“Families today are looking for something more personal,” said Dayna Chamberlain, general manager of W.J. Jones & Son. “We want to make sure we’re offering them memorial options that are meaningful, lasting, and reflect the individuality of their loved ones.”
With more than 20 years in the funeral profession, Chamberlain said she has witnessed firsthand how quickly traditions are shifting. The days of families feeling limited to cemeteries or urns are giving way to a broad range of options, tailored to differing needs and values.
“There’s already been growing interest in Parting Stone, especially from those who feel uncertain about what to do with ashes after cremation,” she explained. “We’re currently anticipating the return of one of our beloved community members in stone form. It’s a deeply touching tribute — one that families can display, share, or carry with them. There’s something comforting about being able to hold that memory in your hands.”
The service is part of a larger cultural shift, as many families across Canada explore creative or environmentally conscious ways of honouring loved ones. Beyond stones, options include pressing ashes into a playable vinyl record with custom audio, creating a lab-grown, wearable diamond, or crafting a stunning glass keepsake.
Other memorials range from incorporating remains into eco-safe reef habitats, to launching them into a farewell fireworks display, or even sending a portion of ashes into space for an otherworldly farewell.
While these may sound unconventional, Chamberlain said they reflect an essential truth about grief — that no two families experience it in the same way.
“We’ve been part of this community for generations,” she said. “While we honour tradition, we also recognize that (the expression of) grief and remembrance are changing. Our role is to listen, adapt, and offer options that help people feel truly connected to their loved ones.”
For some, that connection may come through something tactile and simple, such as keeping a small collection of stones in a pocket or garden. For others, it may be through a one-of-a-kind keepsake that captures their loved one’s individuality.
What all these choices have in common is an effort to make the most of a difficult moment. Instead of a single prescribed way of saying goodbye, families are invited to create lasting memorials that fit their values, honour their loved one’s personality, and provide comfort in daily life.
From traditional services to cutting-edge memorials, W.J. Jones & Son continues to blend compassion with innovation, ensuring families have choices that truly resonate with their unique preferences.
For more information, contact Dayna Chamberlain at 306-693-4644 or by email at [email protected]. W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home is located at 474 Hochelaga Street West.
