End-of-Life Seminar

Despite the fact that we must all experience dying, we seldom talk about what that may mean for us or look like for our loved ones. At the End-of-Life Seminar, we will consider common challenges we face as we near our final years and days, with four engaging sessions hosted by local experts.

Click to BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE. 

Click "Show More" below to learn about our sessions, speakers, ticket info and more! 

Who should attend?

People who are concerned or curious about their later years and how to manage a slow decline and death. While this seminar is created with an older audience in mind, younger attendees may also find benefit. Please keep an eye on Kelowna Unitarians for upcoming sessions and workshops on death and dying for all life stages.

How will you benefit?

Guests will have an opportunity to gain insight, listen and share with speakers and one another in a comfortable setting. Learn about common challenges and how to face them for yourself and your loved ones.

GET YOUR TICKETS

Tickets are $20 per person*. 

Click to buy your tickets online. 

If you would like to purchase tickets by cash, e-Transfer or cheque, please click to reserve your tickets with our online form.

If you have any questions or if *price is a barrier, please contact Valaura Jones, Community Development Manager, at valaura@kelownaunitarians.ca and use the subject line "End-of-Life-Seminar Tickets."

SESSIONS

Live Until You Die, Presented by Rev. Brian Kiely

By age 65, the likelihood of ‘dropping dead’ diminishes. Most enjoy years of fair health until some medical event starts a steep decline that can last a long time. Not many plan for that drastic change. Let’s talk about it.

Representation Agreements and Power of Attorney, Presented by Paul Hergott

Power of Attorney – what is it and what is its value? Paul will explain. He will also outline choices you are able to make in advance about your end-of-life medical care and how a substitute decision maker can be appointed by way of a Representation Agreement.

How to Talk About Difficult Things, Presented by Clair Jantzen

This session will explore some of the reasons why crucial conversations don't happen (around death, for example) and what we can do to facilitate them. Understanding the difference between a difficult topic and one's own challenges with delivery can promote communication at a more meaningful level.

MAiD Today, Presented by Rev. Brian Kiely

Medical Assistance in Dying was legalized in 2016. What is its status today? What are the requirements? What is contemplated for the future? And what other kinds of choices are available?

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

Paul Hergott

Paul Hergott is a Kelowna lawyer and columnist. He has lived through the decline and death of his own parents, giving him direct context for offering advice about end-of-life legal matters.

Clair Jantzen

Clair holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and is a Registered Professional Counselor with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association. He has also completed advanced training and is certified as a Support Group Facilitator with the Grief Recovery Institute. He has over 40 years experience in counseling, support group facilitating and workshop presenting. Clair is currently in private practice as Loss and Grief and Marriage and Family therapist.

Rev. Brian Kiely

Rev. Brian Kiely is the minister of Kelowna Unitarians. He has been an advocate for choice in dying for four decades. He has served as a spokesperson for Dying With Dignity, written a study guide on choice, drafted policy for the Canadian Unitarian Council and presented a brief to the Canadian Senate. He has given lectures and participated in debates including for the Law Society of Alberta.