End-of-life planning involves a range of important tasks aimed at ensuring a person’s wishes are respected and their affairs are in order as they approach the final stage of life. These tasks include supporting in the completion of documents such as advance care plans and directives, and powers of attorney to outline medical and financial preferences. It also involves making decisions about healthcare, funeral arrangements, and the distribution of assets.

Communicating these plans with loved ones and healthcare providers is essential to avoid confusion and reduce stress for family members. Additionally, organizing important documents, reviewing insurance policies, and addressing digital legacies can help ensure a smoother transition and peace of mind for everyone involved.

As an End of Life Doula (not a lawyer) Cory can help you get organized, methodically work through all the steps, and have those challenging conversations with family members and loved ones. 

In British Columbia, creating an Advance Care Plan is essential for ensuring that your preferences regarding life-prolonging treatments are respected if you become incapable of making decisions. This plan allows you to express your values and wishes concerning medical interventions, such as resuscitation or artificial nutrition, and to appoint a representative—known as a substitute decision-maker—who can make health care decisions on your behalf.

Without such a plan, decisions may default to individuals who may not be fully aware of your desires, potentially leading to treatments that do not align with your values. By documenting your choices and designating a trusted representative, you provide clear guidance to your loved ones and health care providers, reducing uncertainty and emotional burden during critical times. 

End of Life Doula Cory Bretz can walk you through the process of creating your Advance Care Plan, legally designating your representatives, and communicating your wishes to your family and loved ones. 

As an End of Life Doula, Cory Bretz offers compassionate and practical support to individuals who are dying and to their families by facilitating meaningful family meetings, creating personalized rituals, and guiding the development of thoughtful and dignified vigil plans.

Cory helps families navigate difficult conversations with clarity and tenderness, ensuring that everyone feels heard and supported.

Grief, anger, guilt, regret, fear and many other emotions are normal through the journey of dying. Cory is highly skilled at holding space for sharing and processing these emotions to be able to move through to resolution, connection, peace and love with those you care about. 

Through custom rituals—whether spiritual, cultural, or uniquely personal—he can help mark significant moments, honour life, and bring a sense of peace and connection. With vigil planning, Cory works closely with the individual and their loved ones to create a calming, sacred space that reflects the person’s wishes, values, and legacy, allowing for a more mindful and meaningful end of life experience.

Working with experienced End of Life Doula Cory Bretz offers a compassionate, insightful, and deeply personal approach to life review and legacy creation. Drawing on years of guiding individuals and families through meaningful conversations and reflective storytelling, Cory helps people uncover the essence of their life journey and express it in lasting forms—such as beautifully crafted family movies, personal memoirs and published books, custom memory boxes, and other legacy projects.

His ability to listen with empathy and distill the significance of life’s experiences allows clients to celebrate their identity, values, and relationships in ways that bring healing, connection, and inspiration to both themselves and future generations.

End of Life Doula Cory Bretz hosts frequent events supporting people dealing with death and grief, living fully their remaining time, working on legacy projects, and doing end of life planning. See the menu tabs at the top of the page. 

Services are sold in packages of hours.

When one package of hours is nearly exhausted, you’ll have the option of purchasing an additional package. All the above listed services are included in packages and are provided in a customized way.

Services à la carte
$185 per hour plus GST. Two hour minimum inperson.

The Mouse Path Package
Gentle beginnings; basic guidance and check-ins.
Work on your Advance Care Plan to set into place your wishes around life-prolonging treatment and who will speak for you should you be incapacitated. Share your feelings and thoughts in confidence.

Four hours over multiple sessions in person Greater Vancouver (two hour minimum) or on Zoom or phone.
$675 plus GST

The Owl Trail Package
Wisdom and presence; deeper support, including legacy planning and vigil coordination.

Eight hours over multiple sessions in person Greater Vancouver (two hour minimum) or on Zoom or phone.
$1,320 plus GST

The Wild Heart Passageway Package
In depth, steadfast companionship through transition, legacy, and family care. Complete Advance Care Plan facilitation, difficult conversations support, legacy project services, vigil planning and support, and family and grief companioning.

Twenty hours over multiple sessions in person in Greater Vancouver (two hour minimum) or by phone or on Zoom.
$3,000 plus GST

Note: Services do not include medical care, legal advice, funeral director services, signing, certifying, or filing death certificates, post-death body care, house cleaning/cooking, will preparation, hands-on care, mental health counseling, or musical therapy.

Deluxe legacy projects may be purchased as a separate package given the larger time investment and the potential use of subcontractors.