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Research in Other Countries => Canada => Canada Lookup Request => Topic started by: snikwahrm on Tuesday 18 February 14 00:24 GMT (UK)
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I know from a court document that my grandfather Henry Octavious Atkinson born England in 1877 died on 11 March 1943 in Montreal. I would like to have sight of his death certificate, but have been unable to trace any record of this. He was not a religious man, so suspect it would not appear in church records, as he may well have been cremated; anyway this would not tell me how he died. He had no next of kin in Canada - hence the court hearing to settle his affairs & pay the undertaker.
As his death is now in excess of 70 years ago, would I be able to obtain this document from the Quebec authorities please? I think I have the relevant address from the BMS2000 site. And please would they be likely to respond to a letter in English?
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Hello there.
You should find the info you need about ordering a death cert in Quebec at this link. It will take a bit of poking around and you can order in English. You do need to meet certain requirements which are outlined in the link.
http://www.etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca/en/certificate-copy-act.html
This is the application form from the above website.
http://www.etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca/publications/DCCA-Death_2013-2014.pdf
PB
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Thank you PB, for those useful links. I've studied the 'rules' & can't say how I 'fit'. I am inclined to think I had better accompany my request with a letter of explanation & some proof of my relationship!
I am interested in the cert. as it may state how he died (though I am not certain about that in 1943, as it says it contains his SS no., place & date of death. My interest is not only genealogical - as all living descendants are outside Canada & know nothing much about him, it could be useful information about any inherited medical problems.
I have been attempting to learn, for over 10 years, something about his life in Canada between 1917 when he married my grandmother & 1943 when he died.
Had a small victory last evening - by perseverance or maybe pure chance, I discovered through a link on Cindi's list, the cemetery where he was buried & have sent by email for a transcript of the record.
I have attempted to glean info from Canadian bureaucracy before, but never say die, perhaps I will get lucky now with that death cert!.
Thank you again for your interest & assistance.
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You're very welcome. Pleased I could help and hope you are successful in your quest.
Having said that .....
Civil registration of BMDsdid not begin in Quebec until about 1994 (Yes!) so I believe the burial would only likely have been recorded through a parish record. This would not usually give cause of death, however. This record, if I remember correctly, would be what is termed the "Acte" in the order form.
Hopefully, the death cert itself will give you the info you are looking for. I would do the letter and proof as you mentioned. It has been 70 years so you may get lucky.
PB