Kristy Palmatier & Ted Moses

801 Mission Road
Williams Lake, BC
V2G 5K9

Home (250) 296-3524
Cell (250) 305-8678
Fax (250) 296-3584

Amongst first Nations ‘a loss of a loved one’ is a time for everyone to come together to ‘honour’ the deceased’s life. There is a belief amongst the First Nations peoples that when a person dies, that persons ‘spirit’ has left this world and gone on to another place. And that in order for those deceased to rest peacefully, we must ‘let them go.’ To do that there is a proper way of mourning, from one tribe to another those ways may be different.

One aspect that is the same amongst all First Nations is the understanding that all those that have passed on must be treated with respect. Some elements of a funeral are similar across the First Nations: - the use of what the creator has provided like pine, cedar, fir boughs, sage or juniper; the family and or friends staying close by the body until the time of burial; people sitting around and sharing ‘good’ memories of the deceased; and everyone taking part in a celebration of that person’s life.

Respect and cultural understanding are what Ted Moses and Kristy Palmantier bring to their new business of custom wood casket and cremation urns. "We want to give our people a more traditional and dignified farewell," said Kristy. "The caskets from a conventional funeral home do not exemplify the culture and dignity of our people "

Ted and Kristy embarked on their business venture with a lot of thought and preparation. They took a Master’s woodworking course in Quesnel and learned about business procedures and marketing. "We got tired of working for everybody else," says Ted. "We wanted to spend more time at home with the children." With six children at home and their workshop located in the garage, Ted and Kristy can spend more time with their family.

The caskets are custom built to the specifications of the family. "We give the families a choice to personalize or customize the casket to reflect their culture and their loved one’s special place in their family" says Kristy. Families have a choice of the colour and design of the lining, what type of handles they would like (antler is an option) and what, if any, special designs they would like painted on the casket. Ted and Kristy can turn around an order in 24 hrs and deliver it personally to the funeral home. Price range for caskets are $1,600 and $4,200, depending on the amount of work required.

The products they make are cremation urns, special coffins for children, farrier boxes, coat hangers, swings, beds and other western style woodwork.

For more information contact Ted Moses at (250) 296-3524