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Ministry of Health
TABLE 46
METHOD OF DISPOSITION OF DECEDENT
BRITISH COLUMBIA, 1985-1998

Year Burial Cremation Other N.S. Total
  Number Percent Number Percent Number Number  
1985 8,558 40.5 12,434 58.8 108 31 21,131
1986 8,204 39.1 12,686 60.4 98 18 21,006
1987 8,211 38.0 13,279 61.4 104 25 21,619
1988 8,319 37.2 13,926 62.3 96 20 22,361
1989 8,061 35.4 14,616 64.2 81 22 22,780
1990 8,208 35.1 15,088 64.5 91 11 23,398
1991 8,035 33.8 15,675 65.9 75 9 23,794
1992 7,818 32.0 16,512 67.5 97 18 24,445
1993 7,986 31.2 17,211 67.2 151 253 25,601
1994 7,708 29.8 17,886 69.3 175 55 25,824
1995 7,613 29.0 18,358 70.0 184 64 26,219
1996 7,639 27.9 19,545 71.4 190 11 27,385
1997 7,359 27.0 19,645 72.1 204 47 27,255
1998 7,171 25.8 20,386 73.4 224 10 27,791

Note: Percent is based on total deaths in the specified year.
Other includes remains not recovered and donations as per will of deceased.
N.S. - Not stated.
Non-residents are excluded.

HIGHLIGHTS TO TABLE 46
  • In 1998, out of approximately every 100 deaths:

    • 73 resulted in cremations (20,386)
    • 26 involved burials (7,171)

  • Since 1985, there has been a general trend toward cremation as the preferred method of disposition of the decedent.

  • For information on burials and cremations by area, please refer to the information box Methods of Disposition by Decedent's Local Health Area of Residence.