Question about Homeless family member.

I live on the east coast. My father moved to Edmonton maybe 10-15 years ago. (Divorce when I was like 1).

He has major mental health and substance abuse issues and AFAIK he's been homeless for a big majority of his time in Edmonton. Last I spoke with him was about 6 months ago. I rarely hear from him, maybe once or twice a year.

Question:

If and when he passes away, how would any of our family be contacted about his passing. Is it possible it would be too late to arrange a service or anything due to us not being reliably contacted?

It's grim but I truly don't understand how he is still alive living homeless through Edmonton winters all these years while also being an addict. I have to accept he will soon pass and I just hope we can be contacted in time, whereby we don't loose the opportunity to obtain his ashes or have a service. Would appreciate any insight on how to best approach this or how to ensure the appropriate people have our contact information in Edmonton when he does pass.