I would like to insure my older brother's life - preferrably without
him knowing (thus no medical exam).  He is 48 and a smoker.  I was
just forced to bury my mother and it was very expensive. Can this be
done AND who (what specific company) will write the policy?

Hello, Rkimball...

In a previous existence I was an insurance agent here in Canada. 
There are many companies which issue life insurance without a medical
exam; AIG and Blue Cross for example (at least here in Canada).  These
"guaranteed issue" products are more costly than conventional
insurance.  However, they are popular because of the convenience; and
certainly can be cheaper than burying someone out-of-pocket.

The sticking point may be the "without his knowledge" aspect.  I do
not believe that any jurisdiction in North America permits the
purchase of insurance without the informed consent of the insured
party.

I'd suggest talking to your brother about it.  With a guaranteed issue
product there is absolutely no hassle for the insured party; and if
you're going to carry the premiums why would he refuse to permit it? 
Some carriers even offer a "minimal screening" product at reduced
rates; essentially if you can say "no" to 4-6 screening questions you
get the better rate (ie, "Do you presently have cancer?").  That's
still a pretty minimal commitment from the person being insured.

As for finding an insurer, that's not very difficult at all.  As with
so many internet searches, the key is to know the correct search
terms.  If you type the phrase "guaranteed issue" into Google, you
will get over 85,000 hits (see the following link):

://www.google.ca/search?q=%22guaranteed+issue%22&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&start=10&sa=N

These will mostly be the websites of comparison services (online
quotes from multiple insurers) and individual consultants, however
once you've gotten comparison quotes from a few of these you should
have a good idea of what's out there on the market (the comparison
services don't all show the same insurance companies).  Once you've
narrowed your choices to two or three, you will be ready to make some
phone calls.  The majority of the online quote services will put you
in touch with an agent in your area, if you wish.

Bear in mind that price is the tip of the iceberg when comparing
insurance policies.  Most guaranteed issue products offer a limited
benefit initially; you'll want to know how long (two years is
typical).  Some increase the death benefit over a period of years;
others go immediately to the full benefit once the initial period of
limited benefits is over.  Some even provide a modest cash value in
the later years.

Good luck with this, and if I have been unclear just use the "request
clarification" button to let me know.

-Chromedome

This may be of interest to you:

http://www.heritage-insurers.com/Con_Life.htm

In the UK, arrangements can be made to pre-pay funeral expenses.

I've no experience of this even though I know it exists and (I think)
that payments can be phased.

Maybe (if there are similiar schemes in Canada) this might provide a route?