January • February 2013 Issue

Transcription

Since 1923
Canadian Funeral Director™
Serving the Funeral / Memorialization Profession in Canada
COAST TO COAST
www.canadianfuneraldirector.com
Vo l . 9 0 , N o. 1 • J a n u a r y • Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 3
Published Since 1923
Don Foster
Recipient of
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal
IN THE FUTURE
EVERYTHING may integrate this seamlessly...
©2013 W.L. Smith & Associates Limited, Ajax, ON
With integrated one-write logic, the Book of Memories™ Tribute Suite)('&%$)#")%'$!) )!)()")%$#)')%$'#%
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EVERYTHING may integrate this seamlessly...
IN THE FUTURE
Or you can EXPERIENCE it with us TODAY.
©2013 W.L. Smith & Associates Limited, Ajax, ON
With integrated one-write logic, the Book of Memories™ Tribute Suite)('&%$)#")%'$!) )!)()")%$#)')%$'#%
&%%$'&%$)$)'$)(%(#')%)&$)(%(#') %$)$%#%)'($)'!%)'$)&('&$)')'%$)"'")
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(
ANADIAN
FUNERAL DIRECTOR
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
published since 1923
table
of
Contents
January • February 2013
Vol. 90, No. 1
Features
C o n t a c t info
Publishers View...................................................................................6
Published by:
CFDCover Story
1 7 8 M c Q u a y B l v d.
W h i t b y, O N L 1 P 1 L 5
905.666.8011
[email protected]
www.thefuneralmagazine.com
Don Foster Recipient of Diamond Jubilee Medal.......... 8
FSAC - London.....................................................................................12
Hearse used as get-a-way vehicle...................................................14
Kingston, Ontario Funeral Director Tim Bailey..............................16
Death Café...........................................................................................20
Scott Hillier
• Publisher
• Owner
• Advertising
As
the
funeral,
memorialization profession
continues to evolve with
industry
trends
and
consumer attitudes CFD
remains
devoted
to
reporting the facts relating
to Canada Funeral Directors
from Coast to Coast.
© Material may not be
reprinted, reproduced, or
duplicated in any manner
without the written consent
of the publisher.
Roy Edward Smyth.............................................................................22
Geoff Carnell - CBC News Human Library Book............................22
Gerald Malcolm Lougheed................................................................24
How to Grow and Profit in a High Cremation Market..................26
Calendar Dates......................................................................................30
e.business............................................................................................31
Classifieds............................................................................................62
CFD •Januar y • Februar y 2013
5
(
ANADIAN
FUNERAL DIRECTOR
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
published since 1923
table
of
Contents
January • February 2013
Vol. 90, No. 1
Features
C o n t a c t info
Publishers View...................................................................................6
Published by:
CFDCover Story
1 7 8 M c Q u a y B l v d.
W h i t b y, O N L 1 P 1 L 5
905.666.8011
[email protected]
www.thefuneralmagazine.com
Don Foster Recipient of Diamond Jubilee Medal.......... 8
FSAC - London.....................................................................................12
Hearse used as get-a-way vehicle...................................................14
Kingston, Ontario Funeral Director Tim Bailey..............................16
Death Café...........................................................................................20
Scott Hillier
• Publisher
• Owner
• Advertising
As
the
funeral,
memorialization profession
continues to evolve with
industry
trends
and
consumer attitudes CFD
remains
devoted
to
reporting the facts relating
to Canada Funeral Directors
from Coast to Coast.
© Material may not be
reprinted, reproduced, or
duplicated in any manner
without the written consent
of the publisher.
Roy Edward Smyth.............................................................................22
Geoff Carnell - CBC News Human Library Book............................22
Gerald Malcolm Lougheed................................................................24
How to Grow and Profit in a High Cremation Market..................26
Calendar Dates......................................................................................30
e.business............................................................................................31
Classifieds............................................................................................62
5
publishersnote
compassion...
a Funeral
Directors
praise
by scott hillier
Compassion, the deep awareness of the suffering
of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it.
A funeral director can be defined as someone who
possesses a deep awareness of the suffering of
another, coupled with the wish to relieve it.
In the United States, shattered families and
grieving residents of a family oriented community
struggled to grasp that, most of the 27 people shot
dead in a school were children aged just six and
seven.
As a human being, I was filled with outrage at the
senseless brutality of this killing rampage. As a
parent I was sickened at how those left to grieve the
loss of their children must feel.
One of the parents, Robbie Parker, a 30-year-old
father, said the death of his loving six-year-old Emilie
should "inspire us to be better, more compassionate
and caring toward other people."
He included the family of the apparent shooter,
20-year-old Adam Lanza, in his condolences,
addressing them through the news media to say: "I
can't imagine how hard this experience must be for
you."
Another set of parents, Robert and Diane Licata
recounted their experience of uncertainty and
described to media how their six-year-old son Aiden
ran past the shooter in his classroom doorway to
escape after seeing his teacher gunned down -- and
recounted their desperate search for him.
The Licata’s rushed to the school and saw their
daughter been escorted from the school, but there
was no sign of Aiden. They waited painstaking
minute after minute with no sign of their son. Finally
Licata received a text notifying her that her son was
safe at the nearby police station.
"When you're standing there waiting, and no one
will tell you anything. It's an indescribable feeling of
helplessness," said Licata.
The first funeral was held on a Monday afternoon
at Honan Funeral Home, Newtown, CT. Masses began
6
CFD • Januar y • Februar y 2013
to arrive three hours early, media reported that the adults
came in suits, and the children wore hooded sweatshirts
with the Sandy Hook Elementary School logo.
nearby.
On that day, the funeral home was surrounded with
everything the mass shooting had become. Gun-control
The image of a funeral director from Honan Funeral
protesters, media trucks, police officers just to name a few.
Home can be seen peering out the front entrance and
The first funeral was for Jack Pinto. Age 6. “A brave boy,”
eventually standing on the front porch of the converted
the funeral program read.
house originally build in 1903 and surveying the scene
This would be only one of many funeral homes taking
around his business. Honan Funeral Home would conduct
care of the dead children of Sandy Hook. These are only
eleven of the funerals for the community of Sandy Hook.
some of the many stories that funeral professionals will
Honan Funeral Home is a single funeral director
have to share. These are only some of the many memories
operation. Similar to many smaller volume funeral homes
that these very same funeral directors will carry with them
in Canada. There was a task at hand, and the funeral
for the rest of their lives.
director knew the role he would play in his community
A funeral director... a compassionate person... a trusting
and began to implement the years of training he received
person... a funeral director is someone whom I want to
as a funeral director and started to ensure that all the
help my family through the arrangements and grieving
arrangements
process in the event of my death.
took
place
with
professionalism,
compassion, all the while grieving himself for the loss in
his community.
For those of you who have or know of someone who
has suffered the loss of a child, you can identify with the
On that day, he would direct traffic to help ease
community of Newton, and as a professional you can
congestion on the streets of Newtown, CT. He would
sympathize with the funeral director at Honan Funeral
answer thousands of questions from on-lookers, from
Home.
media, from grieving family members and I am sure from
himself.
If you ever are in doubt about your career choice and
the level of stress you face on a day to day basis, always
Honan Funeral Home would borrow numerous funeral
remember the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary
coaches and limousines from across the State, rely on the
School and that a funeral director was there to help those
assistance of neighboring funeral homes and funeral
innocent victims and their families face the uncertainty of
directors all in an effort to help ensure that all funeral
the future.
arrangements would run as smoothly as possible as the
world watched on.
“This is too much,” he told a state trooper standing
Your community appreciates what you do, it is your
responsibility to appreciate it for yourself.
Until next time!
7
publishersnote
compassion...
a Funeral
Directors
praise
by scott hillier
Compassion, the deep awareness of the suffering
of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it.
A funeral director can be defined as someone who
possesses a deep awareness of the suffering of
another, coupled with the wish to relieve it.
In the United States, shattered families and
grieving residents of a family oriented community
struggled to grasp that, most of the 27 people shot
dead in a school were children aged just six and
seven.
As a human being, I was filled with outrage at the
senseless brutality of this killing rampage. As a
parent I was sickened at how those left to grieve the
loss of their children must feel.
One of the parents, Robbie Parker, a 30-year-old
father, said the death of his loving six-year-old Emilie
should "inspire us to be better, more compassionate
and caring toward other people."
He included the family of the apparent shooter,
20-year-old Adam Lanza, in his condolences,
addressing them through the news media to say: "I
can't imagine how hard this experience must be for
you."
Another set of parents, Robert and Diane Licata
recounted their experience of uncertainty and
described to media how their six-year-old son Aiden
ran past the shooter in his classroom doorway to
escape after seeing his teacher gunned down -- and
recounted their desperate search for him.
The Licata’s rushed to the school and saw their
daughter been escorted from the school, but there
was no sign of Aiden. They waited painstaking
minute after minute with no sign of their son. Finally
Licata received a text notifying her that her son was
safe at the nearby police station.
"When you're standing there waiting, and no one
will tell you anything. It's an indescribable feeling of
helplessness," said Licata.
The first funeral was held on a Monday afternoon
at Honan Funeral Home, Newtown, CT. Masses began
6
to arrive three hours early, media reported that the adults
came in suits, and the children wore hooded sweatshirts
with the Sandy Hook Elementary School logo.
nearby.
On that day, the funeral home was surrounded with
everything the mass shooting had become. Gun-control
The image of a funeral director from Honan Funeral
protesters, media trucks, police officers just to name a few.
Home can be seen peering out the front entrance and
The first funeral was for Jack Pinto. Age 6. “A brave boy,”
eventually standing on the front porch of the converted
the funeral program read.
house originally build in 1903 and surveying the scene
This would be only one of many funeral homes taking
around his business. Honan Funeral Home would conduct
care of the dead children of Sandy Hook. These are only
eleven of the funerals for the community of Sandy Hook.
some of the many stories that funeral professionals will
Honan Funeral Home is a single funeral director
have to share. These are only some of the many memories
operation. Similar to many smaller volume funeral homes
that these very same funeral directors will carry with them
in Canada. There was a task at hand, and the funeral
for the rest of their lives.
director knew the role he would play in his community
A funeral director... a compassionate person... a trusting
and began to implement the years of training he received
person... a funeral director is someone whom I want to
as a funeral director and started to ensure that all the
help my family through the arrangements and grieving
arrangements
process in the event of my death.
took
place
with
professionalism,
compassion, all the while grieving himself for the loss in
his community.
For those of you who have or know of someone who
has suffered the loss of a child, you can identify with the
On that day, he would direct traffic to help ease
community of Newton, and as a professional you can
congestion on the streets of Newtown, CT. He would
sympathize with the funeral director at Honan Funeral
answer thousands of questions from on-lookers, from
Home.
media, from grieving family members and I am sure from
himself.
If you ever are in doubt about your career choice and
the level of stress you face on a day to day basis, always
Honan Funeral Home would borrow numerous funeral
remember the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary
coaches and limousines from across the State, rely on the
School and that a funeral director was there to help those
assistance of neighboring funeral homes and funeral
innocent victims and their families face the uncertainty of
directors all in an effort to help ensure that all funeral
the future.
arrangements would run as smoothly as possible as the
world watched on.
“This is too much,” he told a state trooper standing
Your community appreciates what you do, it is your
responsibility to appreciate it for yourself.
Until next time!
7
funeraldirectorsachievements
DON FOSTER
Funeral Services
“Don Foster”
Recipient of the
If you have graduated from Humber
Colleges funeral service program you have
c) his efforts in recycling for Phase One,
either met Don Foster or you have heard of
as well as the Fairfield Community Centre
Don Foster.
and more
Don was recently featured in a private
newsletter entitled “Community Corner.”
The article was written by Mary Ciufo, who
...but he isn't really certain as to why he is
receiving the award and it wasn’t something
we dwelled upon.”
interviews Don. Ciufo writes, “I’m always
The Community Corner news letter went
charmed by my elevator chats with Don and
on to read, “Two of Don’s many stories struck
his enchanting wife, Margaret. So, you can
me as momentous or pivotal.
understand my surprise when I finished my
moment #1... when Don’s parents sold their
interview with Don - he spent one minute on
farm to ensure that he did not go into
the upcoming Queen’s Jubilee Medal to be
farming, and... it worked! At 13 years of age
awarded by MPP Laurel Brotel this past
the family went to Florida for three months.
October in front of his church congregation.
Don sold ice cream after school, from a push
Our remaining time was spent on... his
cart, and was strongly discouraged from
progressive mother, his high school principal
going to segregated neighborhoods - but
and, ‘Pa Porter’. Are you getting a sense of
Don went regardless. Rather, he went by on
Don yet?!,” continued Ciufo.
a weekly basis and said hello! All of which
Pivotal
Those of you who know Don on a
paid off when these very low income (if not
personal level probably know exactly what
poor) people bought their weekly treat from
she writes about.
Don’s push cart.
“Don suspects he was nominated by
direction
to
His ability to ignore
avoid
the
segregated
Laurel Broten’s office for the Queen’s Jubilee
neighbourhoods just may have come from
medal. When asked why he was receiving
the fact that; Don’s family attended one
this award, he thought it may have
church on Sunday morning and the
something to do with the fact that he has...
segregated church on Sunday night!
a) been a Rotarian for over 50 years
b) been singing baritone for various
choral groups and, if paid, their money goes
8
to the rehab of stroke victims; or,
Remember, it was the 1940’s.!”
”Back to the sale of the farm for a moment
- the proceeds from the sale allowed Don’s
DON FOSTER
Funeral Services
“Don Foster”
Recipient of the
If you have graduated from Humber
Colleges funeral service program you have
c) his efforts in recycling for Phase One,
either met Don Foster or you have heard of
as well as the Fairfield Community Centre
Don Foster.
and more
Don was recently featured in a private
newsletter entitled “Community Corner.”
The article was written by Mary Ciufo, who
...but he isn't really certain as to why he is
receiving the award and it wasn’t something
we dwelled upon.”
interviews Don. Ciufo writes, “I’m always
The Community Corner news letter went
charmed by my elevator chats with Don and
on to read, “Two of Don’s many stories struck
his enchanting wife, Margaret. So, you can
me as momentous or pivotal.
understand my surprise when I finished my
moment #1... when Don’s parents sold their
interview with Don - he spent one minute on
farm to ensure that he did not go into
the upcoming Queen’s Jubilee Medal to be
farming, and... it worked! At 13 years of age
awarded by MPP Laurel Brotel this past
the family went to Florida for three months.
October in front of his church congregation.
Don sold ice cream after school, from a push
Our remaining time was spent on... his
cart, and was strongly discouraged from
progressive mother, his high school principal
going to segregated neighborhoods - but
and, ‘Pa Porter’. Are you getting a sense of
Don went regardless. Rather, he went by on
Don yet?!,” continued Ciufo.
a weekly basis and said hello! All of which
Pivotal
Those of you who know Don on a
paid off when these very low income (if not
personal level probably know exactly what
poor) people bought their weekly treat from
she writes about.
Don’s push cart.
“Don suspects he was nominated by
direction
to
His ability to ignore
avoid
the
segregated
Laurel Broten’s office for the Queen’s Jubilee
neighbourhoods just may have come from
medal. When asked why he was receiving
the fact that; Don’s family attended one
this award, he thought it may have
church on Sunday morning and the
something to do with the fact that he has...
segregated church on Sunday night!
a) been a Rotarian for over 50 years
b) been singing baritone for various
choral groups and, if paid, their money goes
8
to the rehab of stroke victims; or,
Remember, it was the 1940’s.!”
”Back to the sale of the farm for a moment
- the proceeds from the sale allowed Don’s
father to lend money to a WWII veteran. This becomes
commemorative medal created to mark the 2012
pivotal moment #2 where all roads lead to funeral service
celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen
and Humber College. The loan included a share in a
Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada.
funeral and furniture business. Thus began Don’s interest
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a
in funeral service. Despite this interest, the owner thought
tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her
Don was ‘too nervous’ to be in funeral service. For Don,
service to this country. At the same time, it serves to
“This was like waving a red flag in front of a bull”. Don
honour significant contributions and achievements by
went to Toronto, secured a job in funeral service and
Canadians.
trained at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel on Bloor Street.
During the year of celebrations, 60 000 deserving
This is where Pa Porter comes in, grandfather Porter, was a
Canadians from across the country and various walks of
great influence throughout Don’s eleven years with Turner
life will be recognized.
& Porter. All of this eventually led to Don founding the
Funeral Services program at Humber.
The Charter
President of Humber College at the time was Don’s high
The Chancellery of Honours, as part of the Office of the
Secretary to the Governor General, administers the Queen
Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal program.
school principal who used to let him sneak back into the
Eligibility criteria
school to use the lathe, and other tools for his creative
To be eligible for this honour, a person must:
endeavours - only after finishing his homework of course!
* Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of
One other important aspect of the Humber experience this is where Don met his wife, Margaret, who was
teaching in the Nursing program,” the author concluded.
Canada, but need not necessarily reside in Canada;
* Have made a significant contribution to a particular
province, territory, region or community within Canada, or
Don founded the Funeral Service Education Program in
an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada; and
1968. He helped educate funeral directors for over three
* Be alive on February 6, 2012, the 60th anniversary of
decades . Retirement came for Don in 1999 . Don has
Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne. The medal can be
spent his retirement keeping healthy through exercise,
awarded posthumously, as long as the recipient was alive
belongs to the Rotary Club and Barbershop Chorus and
on that date.
Quartet to keep busy. Don graduated from the Canadian
School of Embalming in 1955. Don said in his retirement
that, he had the opportunity to work with a fantastic team
for over 31 years.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a new
10
From all of us in Funeral service who know Don,
congratulations on your many life-time achievements and
on being the Recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
father to lend money to a WWII veteran. This becomes
commemorative medal created to mark the 2012
pivotal moment #2 where all roads lead to funeral service
celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen
and Humber College. The loan included a share in a
Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada.
funeral and furniture business. Thus began Don’s interest
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a
in funeral service. Despite this interest, the owner thought
tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her
Don was ‘too nervous’ to be in funeral service. For Don,
service to this country. At the same time, it serves to
“This was like waving a red flag in front of a bull”. Don
honour significant contributions and achievements by
went to Toronto, secured a job in funeral service and
Canadians.
trained at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel on Bloor Street.
During the year of celebrations, 60 000 deserving
This is where Pa Porter comes in, grandfather Porter, was a
Canadians from across the country and various walks of
great influence throughout Don’s eleven years with Turner
life will be recognized.
& Porter. All of this eventually led to Don founding the
Funeral Services program at Humber.
The Charter
President of Humber College at the time was Don’s high
The Chancellery of Honours, as part of the Office of the
Secretary to the Governor General, administers the Queen
Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal program.
school principal who used to let him sneak back into the
Eligibility criteria
school to use the lathe, and other tools for his creative
To be eligible for this honour, a person must:
endeavours - only after finishing his homework of course!
* Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of
One other important aspect of the Humber experience this is where Don met his wife, Margaret, who was
teaching in the Nursing program,” the author concluded.
Canada, but need not necessarily reside in Canada;
* Have made a significant contribution to a particular
province, territory, region or community within Canada, or
Don founded the Funeral Service Education Program in
an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada; and
1968. He helped educate funeral directors for over three
* Be alive on February 6, 2012, the 60th anniversary of
decades . Retirement came for Don in 1999 . Don has
Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne. The medal can be
spent his retirement keeping healthy through exercise,
awarded posthumously, as long as the recipient was alive
belongs to the Rotary Club and Barbershop Chorus and
on that date.
Quartet to keep busy. Don graduated from the Canadian
School of Embalming in 1955. Don said in his retirement
that, he had the opportunity to work with a fantastic team
for over 31 years.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a new
10
From all of us in Funeral service who know Don,
congratulations on your many life-time achievements and
on being the Recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
upcomingconvention
FSAC
LONDON, ONTARIO
“London Calling”
FSAC Presents DAVID CHILTON
Come to London and let a dragon teach you how hard
millennium.
Funeral directors will appreciate his
work, marketing and a clear vision leads to professional
observations on launching a successful business, learning
success.
from mistakes and staying focused on the essentials.
David Chilton, the newest member of CBC’s The
“The FSAC Convention is known for its extraordinary
Dragon’s Den is the keynote speaker at the 2013 FSAC
lectures, workshops and seminars,” said Sue Lasher,
Convention. In 1989, Chilton wrote a personal finance
President of FSAC.
book called The Wealthy Barber. He self-published the
convention speakers will enlighten, entertain and inspire.”
“David Chilton and the other
Topics to be explored at the workshops and seminars include:
•
Managing and mitigating stress
•
How storytelling techniques can help you connect with the families you serve
•
Funeral technology: the good, the bad and the ugly
•
60 minutes to better embalming
•
Unearthing the secrets of cremation
instructive tale of a financially savvy barber, and it went on
Once again, the FSAC Convention will feature the wildly
to become the all-time, best-selling book in Canada.
popular fishbowl discussion, which allowed delegates to
Twenty-two years later, he wrote The Wealthy Barber
share experiences and best practices with their colleagues
Returns, full of sage financial advice for the new
in a frank, participatory format.
For Hotel Reservations:
Hilton London Ontario
1 (519) 439-1661
Room Rate $139
Delta London Armories
1-800-668-9999
Room Rate $119
Visit www.fsac.ca for more information
The FSAC Convention is also home to the premier
funeral trade show in Canada. Every year, exhibitors from
JUNE 3 - 6, 2013
around the world showcase products and services for
funeral homes. Be the first to learn about exciting new
products, catch up with existing suppliers, and make new
contacts for your funeral home.
As always, delegates and their families will enjoy
golfing, tourist attractions, and organized social events.
London, Ontario is a picturesque and historic city, with
much to offer.
Join us at the FSAC Convention in London, Ontario
(June 3-6).
For registration, hotel and exhibitor
information, visit www.fsac.ca, call 1-866-841-7779, or
email [email protected].
12
“The
Future
is
Calling”
upcomingconvention
FSAC
LONDON, ONTARIO
“London Calling”
FSAC Presents DAVID CHILTON
Come to London and let a dragon teach you how hard
millennium.
Funeral directors will appreciate his
work, marketing and a clear vision leads to professional
observations on launching a successful business, learning
success.
from mistakes and staying focused on the essentials.
David Chilton, the newest member of CBC’s The
“The FSAC Convention is known for its extraordinary
Dragon’s Den is the keynote speaker at the 2013 FSAC
lectures, workshops and seminars,” said Sue Lasher,
Convention. In 1989, Chilton wrote a personal finance
President of FSAC.
book called The Wealthy Barber. He self-published the
convention speakers will enlighten, entertain and inspire.”
“David Chilton and the other
Topics to be explored at the workshops and seminars include:
•
Managing and mitigating stress
•
How storytelling techniques can help you connect with the families you serve
•
Funeral technology: the good, the bad and the ugly
•
60 minutes to better embalming
•
Unearthing the secrets of cremation
instructive tale of a financially savvy barber, and it went on
Once again, the FSAC Convention will feature the wildly
to become the all-time, best-selling book in Canada.
popular fishbowl discussion, which allowed delegates to
Twenty-two years later, he wrote The Wealthy Barber
share experiences and best practices with their colleagues
Returns, full of sage financial advice for the new
in a frank, participatory format.
For Hotel Reservations:
Hilton London Ontario
1 (519) 439-1661
Room Rate $139
Delta London Armories
1-800-668-9999
Room Rate $119
Visit www.fsac.ca for more information
The FSAC Convention is also home to the premier
funeral trade show in Canada. Every year, exhibitors from
JUNE 3 - 6, 2013
around the world showcase products and services for
funeral homes. Be the first to learn about exciting new
products, catch up with existing suppliers, and make new
contacts for your funeral home.
As always, delegates and their families will enjoy
golfing, tourist attractions, and organized social events.
London, Ontario is a picturesque and historic city, with
much to offer.
Join us at the FSAC Convention in London, Ontario
(June 3-6).
For registration, hotel and exhibitor
information, visit www.fsac.ca, call 1-866-841-7779, or
email [email protected].
12
“The
Future
is
Calling”
oddnews
Hearse used as get-a-way vehicle
M
M A
AC
C
F
Fu
u n
n e
e r
r a
a l
l
O
O s
s h
h a
a w
w a
a ,
,
H
H o
o m
m e
e ,
,
O
O n
n t
t a
a r
r i
i o
o
Shots fired as thief flees funeral home
There is a saying for those of us who live in Durham
the man, whose name has not been released.
Region are well aware of. “Only in Oshawa.” That is
Durham Regional Police have confirmed officers
exactly what came to mind as I watched the news in
spotted the man in the area of King St. E. near Charles
December on a local shooting and theft of a hearse
St. and then watched him break into the funeral home.
from an Oshawa area funeral home.
Reported in many newspapers across Canada, the
The officers called for backup and soon after the
building was surrounded by police.
Toronto Sun reported that, “a day after a man was shot
"He knew the police were out there," said Kellam,
while allegedly trying to evade cops in a stolen hearse,
who received a call immediately after the break-in
it was business as usual at an Oshawa funeral home.”
from the alarm company.
But the daring Boxing Day getaway attempt, like a
He said the man broke into a locked box and
scene from a Hollywood action movie, is something
swiped keys to the company's vehicles, but it appears
the owner of the McIntosh-Anderson-Kellam Funeral
nothing else was damaged.
Home won't soon forget.
"It was certainly alarming," John Kellam said
Thursday.
The man at the wheel of the funeral home's hearse
The man apparently made his way to the funeral
home's garage, jumped into a van and started it. But
for some reason he ultimately decided the funeral
coach was more to his liking.
during the reckless escape effort is recovering in
"I guess he thought he'd have a better chance at a
hospital from gunshot wounds. But his injuries are not
getaway in the hearse," Kellam said, adding the van
considered life-threatening.
was left running in the garage.
Kellam, who is also the funeral director, said it's
Around 2:20 a.m., the hearse burst through the
thought the man was trying to lose police when he
garage door into the rear parking lot and police
broke into the funeral home around 1:20 a.m.
opened fire.
Wednesday.
"He was looking for a hiding spot," Kellam said of
The hearse smashed into a concrete barrier on the
north side of Bond St. and came to rest on the
boulevard just steps from the Durham Region
Courthouse.
It's not yet known how many times the man was
hit, or where, but at least three shots pierced the
windshield of the hearse.
Police and investigators from Ontario's Special
Investigations Unit, which probes any injury or death
involving officers, spent the day at the funeral home
gathering evidence.
Kellam said he was forced to cancel visitation for
one deceased person, but other services went ahead
as scheduled.
14
oddnews
Hearse used as get-a-way vehicle
M
M A
AC
C
F
Fu
u n
n e
e r
r a
a l
l
O
O s
s h
h a
a w
w a
a ,
,
H
H o
o m
m e
e ,
,
O
O n
n t
t a
a r
r i
i o
o
Shots fired as thief flees funeral home
There is a saying for those of us who live in Durham
the man, whose name has not been released.
Region are well aware of. “Only in Oshawa.” That is
Durham Regional Police have confirmed officers
exactly what came to mind as I watched the news in
spotted the man in the area of King St. E. near Charles
December on a local shooting and theft of a hearse
St. and then watched him break into the funeral home.
from an Oshawa area funeral home.
Reported in many newspapers across Canada, the
The officers called for backup and soon after the
building was surrounded by police.
Toronto Sun reported that, “a day after a man was shot
"He knew the police were out there," said Kellam,
while allegedly trying to evade cops in a stolen hearse,
who received a call immediately after the break-in
it was business as usual at an Oshawa funeral home.”
from the alarm company.
But the daring Boxing Day getaway attempt, like a
He said the man broke into a locked box and
scene from a Hollywood action movie, is something
swiped keys to the company's vehicles, but it appears
the owner of the McIntosh-Anderson-Kellam Funeral
nothing else was damaged.
Home won't soon forget.
"It was certainly alarming," John Kellam said
Thursday.
The man at the wheel of the funeral home's hearse
The man apparently made his way to the funeral
home's garage, jumped into a van and started it. But
for some reason he ultimately decided the funeral
coach was more to his liking.
during the reckless escape effort is recovering in
"I guess he thought he'd have a better chance at a
hospital from gunshot wounds. But his injuries are not
getaway in the hearse," Kellam said, adding the van
considered life-threatening.
was left running in the garage.
Kellam, who is also the funeral director, said it's
Around 2:20 a.m., the hearse burst through the
thought the man was trying to lose police when he
garage door into the rear parking lot and police
broke into the funeral home around 1:20 a.m.
opened fire.
Wednesday.
"He was looking for a hiding spot," Kellam said of
The hearse smashed into a concrete barrier on the
north side of Bond St. and came to rest on the
boulevard just steps from the Durham Region
Courthouse.
It's not yet known how many times the man was
hit, or where, but at least three shots pierced the
windshield of the hearse.
Police and investigators from Ontario's Special
Investigations Unit, which probes any injury or death
involving officers, spent the day at the funeral home
gathering evidence.
Kellam said he was forced to cancel visitation for
one deceased person, but other services went ahead
as scheduled.
14
humaninterest
...receiving positive press
Kingston, Ontario Funeral Director
Tim Bailey, Robert J. Reid & Sons
Featured in Community Paper
I was born in Kingston, Ontario
and have spent most of my life
one that families must turn to when
time together. I title it “Things To
they can’t keep it together.”
Know About Tim,” and it consists of
visiting with family. So it comes with
Ms. Enrile said, “Outside of Robert
arbitrary observations like how he’s
great interest to me when I see a
J. Reid & Sons Funeral Home, Bailey
tired of the smell of flowers, has two
funeral home and funeral director
looks like any other man in his late
sons and has never seen HBO’s Six
featured in the commuity paper.
30s. He’s the one who helps plan
Feet Under.
Funeral service should be proud
of the article featured in the Queens
funerals from the embalming to the
burial.
Bailey’s spent the entirety of his
career within the walls of the
Journal. Staff Editor, Janina Enrile
As our interview moves on, he
wrote on Arbor Memorial Services
becomes friendly and open, but you
Founded in 1901, Robert J. Reid &
Robert J. Reid & Sons funeral home
can tell he’s guarded with his first few
Sons sits on the corner of Barrie and
and funeral director Tim Bailey.
answers. Maybe it’s not often that he
Johnson Streets. Formerly entirely
talks about his work this way.
family-owned, it once used to
Her
article
was
entitled,
surprisingly-large house.
“Anticipating the dead - A funeral
Throughout the interview, I make
director’s job is tough, but it’s all part
mental notes about who he is, what
of the territory.”
he’s like. I think that it’ll help me
It’s an inconspicuous building,
Enrile wrote, “Tim Bailey wants to
figure out what it takes to work in
with a memorial bench and a
break down sometimes, but he
the funeral business, not that I’ve
fountain outside. On a Tuesday
knows he can’t.
ever wanted to go into it myself.
morning, the corner’s as quiet as the
It’s the nature of his business. As a
When I go home, I find myself
funeral home director, Bailey is the
jotting down recollections from our
occupy a space on Princess St., now
taken by the Gap.
inside of the funeral home.
But it could all change with a
phone call,” she continued.
“You never know until you pick
the phone up,” Bailey said.“You never
know what the journey is of the
family — if they’ve been sitting
bedside for days or if they got a call
at two in the morning that their
mother’s passed away.”
“I got into this job because I like
the whole atmosphere,” he said.
“You’ve just got to make people feel
comfortable. You’ve got to visit [a
term for when people come to plan
funerals], and be able to talk about
nothing and everything all at the
same time.”
It’s a succinct description of a job
that can mean so many things. For
16
humaninterest
Kingston, Ontario Funeral Director
Tim Bailey, Robert J. Reid & Sons
Featured in Community Paper
I was born in Kingston, Ontario
and have spent most of my life
one that families must turn to when
time together. I title it “Things To
they can’t keep it together.”
Know About Tim,” and it consists of
visiting with family. So it comes with
Ms. Enrile said, “Outside of Robert
arbitrary observations like how he’s
great interest to me when I see a
J. Reid & Sons Funeral Home, Bailey
tired of the smell of flowers, has two
funeral home and funeral director
looks like any other man in his late
sons and has never seen HBO’s Six
featured in the commuity paper.
30s. He’s the one who helps plan
Feet Under.
Funeral service should be proud
of the article featured in the Queens
funerals from the embalming to the
burial.
Bailey’s spent the entirety of his
career within the walls of the
Journal. Staff Editor, Janina Enrile
As our interview moves on, he
wrote on Arbor Memorial Services
becomes friendly and open, but you
Founded in 1901, Robert J. Reid &
Robert J. Reid & Sons funeral home
can tell he’s guarded with his first few
Sons sits on the corner of Barrie and
and funeral director Tim Bailey.
answers. Maybe it’s not often that he
Johnson Streets. Formerly entirely
talks about his work this way.
family-owned, it once used to
Her
article
was
entitled,
surprisingly-large house.
“Anticipating the dead - A funeral
Throughout the interview, I make
director’s job is tough, but it’s all part
mental notes about who he is, what
of the territory.”
he’s like. I think that it’ll help me
It’s an inconspicuous building,
Enrile wrote, “Tim Bailey wants to
figure out what it takes to work in
with a memorial bench and a
break down sometimes, but he
the funeral business, not that I’ve
fountain outside. On a Tuesday
knows he can’t.
ever wanted to go into it myself.
morning, the corner’s as quiet as the
It’s the nature of his business. As a
When I go home, I find myself
funeral home director, Bailey is the
jotting down recollections from our
occupy a space on Princess St., now
taken by the Gap.
inside of the funeral home.
But it could all change with a
phone call,” she continued.
“You never know until you pick
the phone up,” Bailey said.“You never
know what the journey is of the
family — if they’ve been sitting
bedside for days or if they got a call
at two in the morning that their
mother’s passed away.”
“I got into this job because I like
the whole atmosphere,” he said.
“You’ve just got to make people feel
comfortable. You’ve got to visit [a
term for when people come to plan
funerals], and be able to talk about
nothing and everything all at the
same time.”
It’s a succinct description of a job
that can mean so many things. For
16
humaninterest
some people, the funeral director
Bailey’s kids must be different,
lays out the two most important
though. Unlike most children, they
Most embalming takes place at
options — cremation or burial?
understand a little more about
their affiliate, Gordon F. Tompkins
death. Their dad is around it every
Funeral Home on Colborne St., but
day, after all.
sitting on the counter of Reid and
For others, he’s the mediator of a
family conflict, a shoulder to cry on
or the last person to ever see your
mom before the casket lid is shut.
At this point in the interview,
we’re standing in the middle of the
casket selection room.
happen.”
“We just started [explaining it
Sons’ basement embalming room,
with] … ‘when people die, daddy
there’s an urn with one half of a
gets them and puts them on the
married couple inside. The other is
table at work.’”
on its way, but I wonder how an
The questions don’t stop, though.
entire person can be held in two
There are 17 caskets around us, all
“There’d be something on the
handfuls.
in different wood finishes, and we’re
news about somebody who died
talking about appreciating life. The
somewhere,” Bailey said. “And [my
job gets harder when you’re dealing
son would] ask me did I get up last
It can’t have always been easy for
with kids, he tells me.
night to get that body. ‘Did you get
Bailey, so I ask him what his first time
that guy, daddy? Is he on your
embalming was like — before two
table?’”
years of training in Humber College’s
“There’s an eight-year-old girl.
We’ll be getting ready for her wake
tomorrow,” he said at that time.
It all seems so casual now to the
“They’ll be together in this urn
forever,” he said.
funeral services program.
It puts his life into perspective. At
ex-farm boy who grew up on
Here’s a memory that’s lasted
the end of his day, he can still go
tractors, watching life and death
throughout his 16-year career. He
home to his nine-year-old son.
happen
tells me that everyone in the
There’s a little ache in his voice
with
each
passing
generation of cows and calves.
business has their stories they cling
here. Funeral home staff are light-
“This is a dead animal. I need to
hearted folks, with whistling and
deal with it, so you just do what you
An 18-year-old Bailey, a few weeks
jokes, but it’s still a business about
do,” he said. “[It’s] on a different level
into working for the local funeral
death. There’s still tragedy and
with people, but it’s just a dead
home, was asked to embalm the
sobering loss.
person.
body of a hockey teammate, a boy
Something
needs
to
to. This seems to be one of his.
he’d sat next to on the school bus.
“Lest we forget.”
“Friday night I’m playing hockey
with the guy … and on Saturday
night I’m looking at the inside of his
Canadian Ceremonial
Casket Flags, Wind Band,
Shadow Box Display Case.
head,” he said. “The funeral director
then said to me, ‘You’re not doing
this for you. You’re doing this for his
mum and dad.’”
I read with interest as she
describes the funeral director as a
human being, a member of the
community, someone that the public
should not be affraid to say hello to.
To all of you in funeral serivice I
say, keep up the good work - positive
press like this is becoming more
1.800.268.6736
www.mackinnonbowes.com
ANSWERING SERVICES • TRADE SERVICES • LIVERY SERVICES • WORLDWIDE SHIPPING • EDUCATION • CONCIERGE SERVICES
18
frequent and that’s due to the hard
efforts of all of you.
humaninterest
some people, the funeral director
Bailey’s kids must be different,
lays out the two most important
though. Unlike most children, they
Most embalming takes place at
options — cremation or burial?
understand a little more about
their affiliate, Gordon F. Tompkins
death. Their dad is around it every
Funeral Home on Colborne St., but
day, after all.
sitting on the counter of Reid and
For others, he’s the mediator of a
family conflict, a shoulder to cry on
or the last person to ever see your
mom before the casket lid is shut.
At this point in the interview,
we’re standing in the middle of the
casket selection room.
happen.”
“We just started [explaining it
Sons’ basement embalming room,
with] … ‘when people die, daddy
there’s an urn with one half of a
gets them and puts them on the
married couple inside. The other is
table at work.’”
on its way, but I wonder how an
The questions don’t stop, though.
entire person can be held in two
There are 17 caskets around us, all
“There’d be something on the
handfuls.
in different wood finishes, and we’re
news about somebody who died
talking about appreciating life. The
somewhere,” Bailey said. “And [my
job gets harder when you’re dealing
son would] ask me did I get up last
It can’t have always been easy for
with kids, he tells me.
night to get that body. ‘Did you get
Bailey, so I ask him what his first time
that guy, daddy? Is he on your
embalming was like — before two
table?’”
years of training in Humber College’s
“There’s an eight-year-old girl.
We’ll be getting ready for her wake
tomorrow,” he said at that time.
It all seems so casual now to the
“They’ll be together in this urn
forever,” he said.
funeral services program.
It puts his life into perspective. At
ex-farm boy who grew up on
Here’s a memory that’s lasted
the end of his day, he can still go
tractors, watching life and death
throughout his 16-year career. He
home to his nine-year-old son.
happen
tells me that everyone in the
There’s a little ache in his voice
with
each
passing
generation of cows and calves.
business has their stories they cling
here. Funeral home staff are light-
“This is a dead animal. I need to
hearted folks, with whistling and
deal with it, so you just do what you
An 18-year-old Bailey, a few weeks
jokes, but it’s still a business about
do,” he said. “[It’s] on a different level
into working for the local funeral
death. There’s still tragedy and
with people, but it’s just a dead
home, was asked to embalm the
sobering loss.
person.
body of a hockey teammate, a boy
Something
needs
to
to. This seems to be one of his.
he’d sat next to on the school bus.
“Lest we forget.”
“Friday night I’m playing hockey
with the guy … and on Saturday
night I’m looking at the inside of his
Canadian Ceremonial
Casket Flags, Wind Band,
Shadow Box Display Case.
head,” he said. “The funeral director
then said to me, ‘You’re not doing
this for you. You’re doing this for his
mum and dad.’”
I read with interest as she
describes the funeral director as a
human being, a member of the
community, someone that the public
should not be affraid to say hello to.
To all of you in funeral serivice I
say, keep up the good work - positive
press like this is becoming more
1.800.268.6736
www.mackinnonbowes.com
ANSWERING SERVICES • TRADE SERVICES • LIVERY SERVICES • WORLDWIDE SHIPPING • EDUCATION • CONCIERGE SERVICES
18
frequent and that’s due to the hard
efforts of all of you.
humaninterest
Death Café
?
WHAT
More than 50 people study the unconventional menus
at what organizers are calling Canada’s first death café,
before diving into conversation.
The first entrée is consumed with the experience of
loss. The second course includes sharing experiences and
thoughts on the death of a significant other.
The conversation topics — or entrées — will change at
each death café. But each event, held at Victoria’s Church
of Truth as part of a global network of death cafés, shares
the theme of mortality.
“It’s part of an international movement to stop
disowning death by talking about it publicly,” said
organizer Don Morris, who calls himself a death activist.
“Just getting together and talking about life and death
with different people is very liberating.”
London’s Jon Underwood began building a network of
“death cafés” in 2011, modelling them on the “cafés
mortels” pioneered by Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz.
Cafés mortels and death cafés have been held in several
cities around the world, from Paris and Lisbon to
Columbus, Ohio, Tucson, Arizona, and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The first LGBT-specific death café was held in Ohio this
September.
According to DeathCafe.com, the objective is “to
increase awareness of death with a view to helping people
make the most of their [finite] lives.”
Although expressions of grief are welcome, this is not a
group counselling session, Morris said. It’s about sharing
thoughts and experiences of death in a comfortable,
confidential setting. Conversation at the nondenominational Church of Truth last week was
punctuated with live musical performances of songs like
Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. And participants were free to
help themselves to tea, coffee and a potluck buffet.
“We work at making the atmosphere drop-dead
special,” said Morris, who has dedicated his life to death
since losing his father when he was five.
“I was protected from my own grief because of my
particular background.”
He called his family Freudian — they believed children
should be protected from negative feelings. The children
did not attend their father’s funeral and were never asked
how they felt.
It led him to spend 13 years as a funeral director in his
20s and 30s, as well as volunteering as a deputy coroner in
Los Angeles, he said. Later, he trained as a hospital chaplain
and worked as a psychotherapist specializing in griefrelated issues.
“I’ve had a very interesting life, pursuing this,” he said.
“Death keeps on waking me up to living. It’s quite the
paradox between life and death; it’s beautiful.”
Morris also served as Canada’s first outreach director for
20
?
the Green Burial Council of North America, which certified
the Woodlands at Royal Oak Burial Park in Saanich as the
first municipal green burial ground in the country.
Natural or green burial means human remains are
returned to the earth to decompose naturally, without
embalming, and wrapped in a shroud or placed in a fully
biodegradable casket or alternative container.
More recently, he’s defining a new role for himself.
“My heart is really in supporting people at the end of
their life and dying,” he said. “So I’m reinventing myself as
an end-of-life coach.”
Participants, who were promised confidentiality from
organizers, reported varied experiences.
“I really didn’t know what to expect,” said one woman.
“It’s very interesting because in relating your thoughts,
experiences — whatever — I think you’ll find many people
are the same. It just doesn’t happen in social company. So
this was lovely and easy.”
Another woman said the death café was a safe setting
to explore upsetting feelings. She cried when she shared
with her group her fears of losing a friend.
“I realized there was something that was bothering me.
But in this very nurturing environment, I was able to speak
about it.”
Participants were also invited to write any painful
memory, emotion or thought that arose on a piece of
paper. The papers were burned in a clay urn at the end of
the discussions.
“So there’s this ritual of letting go through writing and
burning this thing,” Morris said. “I’m trying to make it as
healing as possible.”
The church plans to host monthly death cafés as part of
its Oneness Wednesday series for the next six months. And
the model is already spreading.
One attendee at last week’s event who heard of it for
the first time that day said he now plans to replicate the
model in Courtenay in the new year. Dale Presly is a
hypnotherapist who hosts similar workshops as a
volunteer with hospice.
“People are dying anyway, but we don’t often get
together to discuss our shared experiences,” Presly said.
“I think that’s really what it’s all about, is sharing your
experience and realizing you’re not alone. And when you
know you’re not alone, the fear drops. And when the fear
drops, then everything changes. That part, alone, is so
gratifying to see.”
Morris also said that if there is enough demand, he
would like to bring it to other venues around Victoria —
from community centres to other churches and schools.
“My intuition tells me the culture is hungry for this,” he
said.
humaninterest
Death Café
?
WHAT
More than 50 people study the unconventional menus
at what organizers are calling Canada’s first death café,
before diving into conversation.
The first entrée is consumed with the experience of
loss. The second course includes sharing experiences and
thoughts on the death of a significant other.
The conversation topics — or entrées — will change at
each death café. But each event, held at Victoria’s Church
of Truth as part of a global network of death cafés, shares
the theme of mortality.
“It’s part of an international movement to stop
disowning death by talking about it publicly,” said
organizer Don Morris, who calls himself a death activist.
“Just getting together and talking about life and death
with different people is very liberating.”
London’s Jon Underwood began building a network of
“death cafés” in 2011, modelling them on the “cafés
mortels” pioneered by Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz.
Cafés mortels and death cafés have been held in several
cities around the world, from Paris and Lisbon to
Columbus, Ohio, Tucson, Arizona, and Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The first LGBT-specific death café was held in Ohio this
September.
According to DeathCafe.com, the objective is “to
increase awareness of death with a view to helping people
make the most of their [finite] lives.”
Although expressions of grief are welcome, this is not a
group counselling session, Morris said. It’s about sharing
thoughts and experiences of death in a comfortable,
confidential setting. Conversation at the nondenominational Church of Truth last week was
punctuated with live musical performances of songs like
Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. And participants were free to
help themselves to tea, coffee and a potluck buffet.
“We work at making the atmosphere drop-dead
special,” said Morris, who has dedicated his life to death
since losing his father when he was five.
“I was protected from my own grief because of my
particular background.”
He called his family Freudian — they believed children
should be protected from negative feelings. The children
did not attend their father’s funeral and were never asked
how they felt.
It led him to spend 13 years as a funeral director in his
20s and 30s, as well as volunteering as a deputy coroner in
Los Angeles, he said. Later, he trained as a hospital chaplain
and worked as a psychotherapist specializing in griefrelated issues.
“I’ve had a very interesting life, pursuing this,” he said.
“Death keeps on waking me up to living. It’s quite the
paradox between life and death; it’s beautiful.”
Morris also served as Canada’s first outreach director for
20
?
the Green Burial Council of North America, which certified
the Woodlands at Royal Oak Burial Park in Saanich as the
first municipal green burial ground in the country.
Natural or green burial means human remains are
returned to the earth to decompose naturally, without
embalming, and wrapped in a shroud or placed in a fully
biodegradable casket or alternative container.
More recently, he’s defining a new role for himself.
“My heart is really in supporting people at the end of
their life and dying,” he said. “So I’m reinventing myself as
an end-of-life coach.”
Participants, who were promised confidentiality from
organizers, reported varied experiences.
“I really didn’t know what to expect,” said one woman.
“It’s very interesting because in relating your thoughts,
experiences — whatever — I think you’ll find many people
are the same. It just doesn’t happen in social company. So
this was lovely and easy.”
Another woman said the death café was a safe setting
to explore upsetting feelings. She cried when she shared
with her group her fears of losing a friend.
“I realized there was something that was bothering me.
But in this very nurturing environment, I was able to speak
about it.”
Participants were also invited to write any painful
memory, emotion or thought that arose on a piece of
paper. The papers were burned in a clay urn at the end of
the discussions.
“So there’s this ritual of letting go through writing and
burning this thing,” Morris said. “I’m trying to make it as
healing as possible.”
The church plans to host monthly death cafés as part of
its Oneness Wednesday series for the next six months. And
the model is already spreading.
One attendee at last week’s event who heard of it for
the first time that day said he now plans to replicate the
model in Courtenay in the new year. Dale Presly is a
hypnotherapist who hosts similar workshops as a
volunteer with hospice.
“People are dying anyway, but we don’t often get
together to discuss our shared experiences,” Presly said.
“I think that’s really what it’s all about, is sharing your
experience and realizing you’re not alone. And when you
know you’re not alone, the fear drops. And when the fear
drops, then everything changes. That part, alone, is so
gratifying to see.”
Morris also said that if there is enough demand, he
would like to bring it to other venues around Victoria —
from community centres to other churches and schools.
“My intuition tells me the culture is hungry for this,” he
said.
deathnotice
Roy Edward Smyth
Roy is survived by Lois, his wife of 50 years, his son
Ontario where he had the opportunity to attend Humber
Douglas (Gwen) and their children Colton and Rianna, his
College, graduating with honors as a licensed funeral
daughter Mandy (David) Olekshy, all of Calgary. He is
director in 1994. For the next six years Roy was employed
predeceased by his parents and 2 brothers
by Gilchrist Chapel in Guelph Ontario, and then when
He was raised on the family farm at Cowley.
Introducing Our New
Owner Protection Program
Early
most people his age were looking at how they would
education included a year at Mount Royal College and
spend their retirement years, Roy & Lois headed west once
another at the Baptist Leadership
more, this time to open their own Pincher Funeral Chapel,
Training School, both in Calgary,
and to be close to their family. A year ago, the business was
before he boarded a cattle trail at
sold to Snodgrass Funeral Homes from High River, but Roy
featuring
Pincher Station, heading for Ontario
has continued on as manager of this Pincher Creek
Guaranteed Growth Rate
and the Ontario Veterinary College in
location until health forced his retirement just a month
Guelph..
ago.
He and Lois returned and operated
Roy was a true man of faith, serving his God, his church
the Cowley Feed & Seed Service for 21
and his community including being elected to town
years, until fire destroyed the business
council. He always enjoyed a good visit and was gifted
in 1987. Following his life-long dream
band member sharing his ability on the saxophone. He
of becoming involved in funeral
could fix anything and worked diligently for those he
service, he made a move back to
served
Locks in the Interest Rate for 5 Years
Minimum Guarantee for Life of the Policy
Policy Payout Bonus
Enhanced Death Benefit from Day 1
Preneed to At-Need “Gap” Protecon
Interest from Day 1 on Enhanced Death Benefit Amount
positiveinterest
Geoff Carnell
Contact Us Today For More Information
on This Exciting New Program!
Engineer turned
funeral-home director
is CBC NEWS
Human Library book
Geoff Carnell has been in the funeral home business
since 1987. (Heather Barrett/CBC)
Geoff Carnell, the president of Carnell's Funeral Home
and Crematorium, had been working as a professional
engineer when his father passed away suddenly in 1987.
Carnell said he finds the funeral home business deeply
satisfying, with the sense that he and his staff are able to
help families cope with difficult times.
new owner of the funeral home to look after my father's
understand his role, and the modern rituals surrounding
funeral," said Carnell.
death, at the CBC' Human Library event on at the St. John's
22
brought
to you by:
death is changing in modern society.
Carnell said he's looking forward to helping people
him I would do."
Sheila Zister
Ontario District Manager
Ph: 289-221-6886
[email protected]
He said he's also fascinated by the way we deal with
"I left my consulting firm on a Friday and came in as the
"So, it was rather abrupt, but it's something I promised
Let Us
Help You
Grow Your
Business!
Rick Drake
President, Premier Preneed
Ph: 905-304-0702
[email protected]
Arts and Culture Centre on Saturday. Jan. 26.
www.premierpreneed.ca
deathnotice
Roy Edward Smyth
Roy is survived by Lois, his wife of 50 years, his son
Ontario where he had the opportunity to attend Humber
Douglas (Gwen) and their children Colton and Rianna, his
College, graduating with honors as a licensed funeral
daughter Mandy (David) Olekshy, all of Calgary. He is
director in 1994. For the next six years Roy was employed
predeceased by his parents and 2 brothers
by Gilchrist Chapel in Guelph Ontario, and then when
He was raised on the family farm at Cowley.
Introducing Our New
Owner Protection Program
Early
most people his age were looking at how they would
education included a year at Mount Royal College and
spend their retirement years, Roy & Lois headed west once
another at the Baptist Leadership
more, this time to open their own Pincher Funeral Chapel,
Training School, both in Calgary,
and to be close to their family. A year ago, the business was
before he boarded a cattle trail at
sold to Snodgrass Funeral Homes from High River, but Roy
featuring
Pincher Station, heading for Ontario
has continued on as manager of this Pincher Creek
Guaranteed Growth Rate
and the Ontario Veterinary College in
location until health forced his retirement just a month
Guelph..
ago.
He and Lois returned and operated
Roy was a true man of faith, serving his God, his church
the Cowley Feed & Seed Service for 21
and his community including being elected to town
years, until fire destroyed the business
council. He always enjoyed a good visit and was gifted
in 1987. Following his life-long dream
band member sharing his ability on the saxophone. He
of becoming involved in funeral
could fix anything and worked diligently for those he
service, he made a move back to
served
Locks in the Interest Rate for 5 Years
Minimum Guarantee for Life of the Policy
Policy Payout Bonus
Enhanced Death Benefit from Day 1
Preneed to At-Need “Gap” Protecon
Interest from Day 1 on Enhanced Death Benefit Amount
positiveinterest
Geoff Carnell
Contact Us Today For More Information
on This Exciting New Program!
Engineer turned
funeral-home director
is CBC NEWS
Human Library book
Geoff Carnell has been in the funeral home business
since 1987. (Heather Barrett/CBC)
Geoff Carnell, the president of Carnell's Funeral Home
and Crematorium, had been working as a professional
engineer when his father passed away suddenly in 1987.
Carnell said he finds the funeral home business deeply
satisfying, with the sense that he and his staff are able to
help families cope with difficult times.
new owner of the funeral home to look after my father's
understand his role, and the modern rituals surrounding
funeral," said Carnell.
death, at the CBC' Human Library event on at the St. John's
22
brought
to you by:
death is changing in modern society.
Carnell said he's looking forward to helping people
him I would do."
Sheila Zister
Ontario District Manager
Ph: 289-221-6886
[email protected]
He said he's also fascinated by the way we deal with
"I left my consulting firm on a Friday and came in as the
"So, it was rather abrupt, but it's something I promised
Let Us
Help You
Grow Your
Business!
Rick Drake
President, Premier Preneed
Ph: 905-304-0702
[email protected]
Arts and Culture Centre on Saturday. Jan. 26.
www.premierpreneed.ca
Gerald Malcolm Lougheed Sr.
T r i b u t e
Gerry Lougheed Sr. was born
was being a Rotarian. He served
on June 17th, 1929 in Staples
on numerous committees and
Ontario outside of Windsor. His
executive positions including
parents Blanche and Clifford
President of the Rotary Club of
Lougheed owned and operated a
Sudbury 1964-1965 and District
successful farm. At a young age
Governor in 1978-1979. Locally
Gerry was taught the value of
he was a founder of the Children's
hard and honest labour. This inspired work ethic would be
Rehabilitation Clinics to help disabled youngsters and
a trademark of his intensity and passion to do tasks
globally he was instrumental in building a school and
meticulously throughout his life.
He married his
literacy programs in India. The Rotary motto is "Service
childhood sweetheart Marguerite (nee McIntosh) in 1950.
Above Self". Gerry Lougheed Sr. on a daily basis translated
They began an incredible journey together as best friends,
those good words by his good deeds.
business partners and soulmates. Gerry had distinguished
Beyond the company and the community Gerry's
himself as the youngest honours graduate from the
priority was his family whether attending a speech by one
Canadian School of Embalming in 1949.
He was
of his sons or traveling with his wife on a Rotary mission to
appointed the manager of one of the Morris Funeral
South Africa he was happiest in their company. After
Home locations in Windsor at the age of 22. With a true
Marguerite's last diagnosis with cancer he dedicated all
entrepreneurial spirit he and Marguerite moved to
his time to her wellbeing and happiness. Appropriately
Sudbury in 1952 opening Lougheed's Funeral Home and
she died in his arms at their family home in the west end
Flower Shop on November 1st of that year.
Gerry
in 2006. The aftermath of her death combined with
Lougheed Sr. established the gold standard for funeral
deteriorating health issues presented challenges for his
service with his attention to detail and commitment of
autonomy these past years. With the daily dedicated care
care to bereaved families. He also established the local
of his son Geoffrey and daughter-in-law Colette and
ambulance service. He was the first operator in Ontario to
assisted by extended family members and caregivers he
carry oxygen in the vehicles and required attendants to
was able to stay in the beloved family home on his own
have accredited first aid courses. Later he would be
terms.
knighted by the Governor General of Canada for these
When his son Geoffrey was also knighted under the
pioneering efforts. During this decade his two sons, Gerry
auspices of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem making
Jr. and Geoffrey were born. He would be a devoted father,
Gerry Sr. and Geoffrey the only father/son Knights in
best friend and wise mentor to his boys their entire lives.
Canada, a Lougheed crest was commissioned to
A recognized civic leader he helped many worthy
commemorate that historic event. The motto on the crest
causes in particular he served for many years on the
is "Servire est vivere" (to serve is to live). Gerald M.
Manitoulin/Sudbury
being
Lougheed Sr. has by his service lived well and now hears
instrumental in developing a "Send a Kid to Camp"
the Lord's words; "Well done good and faithful servant,
program. The cornerstone of his community commitment
enter yours is the Kingdom of Heaven".
24
Children's
Foundation
Gerald Malcolm Lougheed Sr.
T r i b u t e
Gerry Lougheed Sr. was born
was being a Rotarian. He served
on June 17th, 1929 in Staples
on numerous committees and
Ontario outside of Windsor. His
executive positions including
parents Blanche and Clifford
President of the Rotary Club of
Lougheed owned and operated a
Sudbury 1964-1965 and District
successful farm. At a young age
Governor in 1978-1979. Locally
Gerry was taught the value of
he was a founder of the Children's
hard and honest labour. This inspired work ethic would be
Rehabilitation Clinics to help disabled youngsters and
a trademark of his intensity and passion to do tasks
globally he was instrumental in building a school and
meticulously throughout his life.
He married his
literacy programs in India. The Rotary motto is "Service
childhood sweetheart Marguerite (nee McIntosh) in 1950.
Above Self". Gerry Lougheed Sr. on a daily basis translated
They began an incredible journey together as best friends,
those good words by his good deeds.
business partners and soulmates. Gerry had distinguished
Beyond the company and the community Gerry's
himself as the youngest honours graduate from the
priority was his family whether attending a speech by one
Canadian School of Embalming in 1949.
He was
of his sons or traveling with his wife on a Rotary mission to
appointed the manager of one of the Morris Funeral
South Africa he was happiest in their company. After
Home locations in Windsor at the age of 22. With a true
Marguerite's last diagnosis with cancer he dedicated all
entrepreneurial spirit he and Marguerite moved to
his time to her wellbeing and happiness. Appropriately
Sudbury in 1952 opening Lougheed's Funeral Home and
she died in his arms at their family home in the west end
Flower Shop on November 1st of that year.
Gerry
in 2006. The aftermath of her death combined with
Lougheed Sr. established the gold standard for funeral
deteriorating health issues presented challenges for his
service with his attention to detail and commitment of
autonomy these past years. With the daily dedicated care
care to bereaved families. He also established the local
of his son Geoffrey and daughter-in-law Colette and
ambulance service. He was the first operator in Ontario to
assisted by extended family members and caregivers he
carry oxygen in the vehicles and required attendants to
was able to stay in the beloved family home on his own
have accredited first aid courses. Later he would be
terms.
knighted by the Governor General of Canada for these
When his son Geoffrey was also knighted under the
pioneering efforts. During this decade his two sons, Gerry
auspices of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem making
Jr. and Geoffrey were born. He would be a devoted father,
Gerry Sr. and Geoffrey the only father/son Knights in
best friend and wise mentor to his boys their entire lives.
Canada, a Lougheed crest was commissioned to
A recognized civic leader he helped many worthy
commemorate that historic event. The motto on the crest
causes in particular he served for many years on the
is "Servire est vivere" (to serve is to live). Gerald M.
Manitoulin/Sudbury
being
Lougheed Sr. has by his service lived well and now hears
instrumental in developing a "Send a Kid to Camp"
the Lord's words; "Well done good and faithful servant,
program. The cornerstone of his community commitment
enter yours is the Kingdom of Heaven".
24
Children's
Foundation
funeraldirectorview
How to Grow and
Profit in a High
Cremation Market
Part IIII
by kentroduck
26
funeraldirectorview
required to execute them without exception. If I’m not
Transfer
here, I have confidence that this place will run exactly
-
A form to specify all details regarding the
as if I were here.” He was right and I always
transfer such as date, time, location, medical
remembered that conversation.
information, list of personal belongings and all
Communication is “THE ESSENTIAL KEY” to your
necessary signatures.
firm’s success and your internal systems should be
Arrangements
AND
designed to keep everyone in the “loop”. If Director A
-
MAINTAINING PROVEN SYSTEMS
meets with the family, Director B, conducts the service
cremation authorization form, newspaper template,
FOR MAXIMIZING EFFECTIVE DAY TO
and Director C looks after some follow-up details, can
hospital release form, insurance releases if required,
DAY OPERATIONS”
each of them check the deceased’s working file at any
estate settlement information and any necessary
Some years ago, a good friend
time and know exactly what’s been done or is
c e m e t e r y
asked if I would like to accompany
required to be done? A true test of your internal
documentation and
him on a tour of his funeral home he
structure is that you’ll able to answer “YES” to that
notes for family to
was conducting for a group of about
question.
take with them for
“ESTABLISHING
Our 2 page arrangement form, contract,
20 death care support workers.
Our firm consists of 3 locations including a
Toward the end of the tour one of
crematorium and cemetery property and looks after a
Deceased’s File
them posed the question, “is all of
minimum of a family a day. The internal systems we
-
your staff equally good at doing all
have created are designed to provide primarily 2
above forms, plus a
these things?” His response was,“Yes,
things; a) to ensure that all procedures are performed
specific
but no one is as good as the boss.”
correctly and consistently, and b) to provide a
attached to the file to
The group laughed accordingly and
seamless flow of service to our clients from the time
list what has been
the tour wrapped up.
we bring the deceased into our care, until the time we
done
His firm handled about 350 calls
present the cremated remains to them. We have
requires follow-up so
from two locations in the same city,
designed and use 25 internal forms to allow for every
any staff member can
and in fact, his staff was excellent,
possibility we may encounter. It’s essential that you
refer to it at any time
experienced and very well trained.
think ahead. WHAT CAN HAPPEN and how do you
to know the status of
He ran a good shop and its
prepare for that possibility in advance? A wise man
arrangements.
reputation was second to none.
once told me “funeral (cremation) service is not that
Pre-cremation form
Later, we discussed the question that
difficult, its’ the funeral directors that often complicate
-
was brought up during the tour, and
it.”
follow-up.
All
of
the
sheet
and
what
No one has an
exclusive right to ideas
nor does any owner or
manager have all the
answers, regardless of
how bright he or she
might be! Your staff are
the ones who execute
the systems. Ask them
how they think the new
system is working.
A 19 point form that ensures that everything
is properly in place prior to the deceased being taken
I asked him the key to the success of
Some examples of our forms:
to our crematorium. Two staff are required to
his day to day operation. “Systems,”
First Call
complete the checklist together, line by line. If one of
he responded. “We have a system
-
the points cannot be checked off, the process is halted
A form to gather essential information for
designed for everything we do. All of
those handling the transfer and to add to the
our staff are trained in the why and
deceased’s file should the information be required for
Post-cremation form
how of our systems and everyone is
follow-up.
-
until it’s resolved.
When cremated remains are returned to the
27
funeraldirectorview
How to Grow and
Profit in a High
Cremation Market
Part IIII
by kentroduck
26
funeraldirectorview
required to execute them without exception. If I’m not
Transfer
here, I have confidence that this place will run exactly
-
A form to specify all details regarding the
as if I were here.” He was right and I always
transfer such as date, time, location, medical
remembered that conversation.
information, list of personal belongings and all
Communication is “THE ESSENTIAL KEY” to your
necessary signatures.
firm’s success and your internal systems should be
Arrangements
AND
designed to keep everyone in the “loop”. If Director A
-
MAINTAINING PROVEN SYSTEMS
meets with the family, Director B, conducts the service
cremation authorization form, newspaper template,
FOR MAXIMIZING EFFECTIVE DAY TO
and Director C looks after some follow-up details, can
hospital release form, insurance releases if required,
DAY OPERATIONS”
each of them check the deceased’s working file at any
estate settlement information and any necessary
Some years ago, a good friend
time and know exactly what’s been done or is
c e m e t e r y
asked if I would like to accompany
required to be done? A true test of your internal
documentation and
him on a tour of his funeral home he
structure is that you’ll able to answer “YES” to that
notes for family to
was conducting for a group of about
question.
take with them for
“ESTABLISHING
Our 2 page arrangement form, contract,
20 death care support workers.
Our firm consists of 3 locations including a
Toward the end of the tour one of
crematorium and cemetery property and looks after a
Deceased’s File
them posed the question, “is all of
minimum of a family a day. The internal systems we
-
your staff equally good at doing all
have created are designed to provide primarily 2
above forms, plus a
these things?” His response was,“Yes,
things; a) to ensure that all procedures are performed
specific
but no one is as good as the boss.”
correctly and consistently, and b) to provide a
attached to the file to
The group laughed accordingly and
seamless flow of service to our clients from the time
list what has been
the tour wrapped up.
we bring the deceased into our care, until the time we
done
His firm handled about 350 calls
present the cremated remains to them. We have
requires follow-up so
from two locations in the same city,
designed and use 25 internal forms to allow for every
any staff member can
and in fact, his staff was excellent,
possibility we may encounter. It’s essential that you
refer to it at any time
experienced and very well trained.
think ahead. WHAT CAN HAPPEN and how do you
to know the status of
He ran a good shop and its
prepare for that possibility in advance? A wise man
arrangements.
reputation was second to none.
once told me “funeral (cremation) service is not that
Pre-cremation form
Later, we discussed the question that
difficult, its’ the funeral directors that often complicate
-
was brought up during the tour, and
it.”
follow-up.
All
of
the
sheet
and
what
No one has an
exclusive right to ideas
nor does any owner or
manager have all the
answers, regardless of
how bright he or she
might be! Your staff are
the ones who execute
the systems. Ask them
how they think the new
system is working.
A 19 point form that ensures that everything
is properly in place prior to the deceased being taken
I asked him the key to the success of
Some examples of our forms:
to our crematorium. Two staff are required to
his day to day operation. “Systems,”
First Call
complete the checklist together, line by line. If one of
he responded. “We have a system
-
the points cannot be checked off, the process is halted
A form to gather essential information for
designed for everything we do. All of
those handling the transfer and to add to the
our staff are trained in the why and
deceased’s file should the information be required for
Post-cremation form
how of our systems and everyone is
follow-up.
-
until it’s resolved.
When cremated remains are returned to the
27
funeraldirectorview
funeral home, an additional check-off form is
further explanation or an actual demonstration is
better embalmers, some are better at conducting services
a totally new entity, in the fall of 1992. In 2000, they expanded
completed prior to them being secured in our locked
necessary, I’ll call a staff meeting to explain how it’s to
or handling cremations. Not all staff can be all things all
to Campbell River, establishing an arrangement, pre-
vault, to ensure everything is complete and correct.
be done.
the time, but although occasionally that may be a
arrangement office in the downtown core. Three years later,
requirement, try shifting people into their strengths as
in 2003, they built a new full service facility with
often as you can.
crematorium, contemporary ‘chapel’, reception area, niche
The memo or explanation needs always to contain
Family Receipt Form
At the time of our follow-up meeting with
the reason the system is being established. That way,
the family – they are required to complete a 3 point
those who will execute the system, “get it.” If they
As a manager, take the time to plan ahead and use staff
walls and scattering garden on the grounds of Campbell
form to acknowledge that they have received the
know why, they’ll buy into it and it simply makes more
as needed, not simply to perform the “funeral director’s”
River’s Elk Falls Cemetery. All were start-up operations and
proper urn, cremated remains and necessary
sense to them. The key to maintaining the consistency
function; have them help monitor your systems, maintain
have grown in both volume and revenue each year.
documentation.
of these new systems is to closely monitor them for a
inventory, supervise vehicles maintenance – get them
The area of British Columbia they serve has a 90%
THESE EXAMPLES
period after they’ve been established. You’ll be able to
more involved in the day to day mechanics of your
cremation rate, arguably the highest in North America. Their
REPRESENT ONLY 7
pick up on any “glitches” and ensure that everyone
operation. Fill the down-time with useful responsibilities.
innovative service approaches, high community profile, and
OF THE 25 INTERNAL
involved is “with the program.”
Two things will result:
creative marketing to cremation families have been
-
Always be prepared to
“ZERO BASE” your
thinking! Encourage
your staff to do the
same thing and have
them look for better or
more effective ways to
operate. If it’s a good
idea, act on it and let
the rest of the staff
know who’s idea it was.
FORMS TO WHICH
No one has an exclusive right to ideas nor does any
Your staff will feel more a part of your operation,
extremely successful. Their firms have won many community
owner or manager have all the answers, regardless of
and appreciate the bigger picture. Give them the chance
awards, been featured in national trade magazines and are
Cremation is an
how bright he or she might be! Your staff are the ones
to keep learning.
recognized nationally as innovators.
e x t r e m e l y
who execute the systems. Ask them how they think
unforgiving process!
the new system is working.
I’VE REFERRED.
1)
2)
You’ll find you may be able to operate with less,
but more productive staff.
Kent served on the Board of Directors of the Funeral
Service Association of British Columbia for 11 years, acting as
For any given reason,
Are you familiar with the expression, “management
In summary, proper systems well executed by staff who
president from 2005 to 2007. He believes in community
a casket can always
by walking around?” It works! Go room to room in
appreciate and are challenged by their work will set your
education and has designed and presented countless
be disinterred. Such is
your funeral home and outside lot from time to time
firm apart far more than you realize.
seminars on death and dying, estate planning, pre-need and
not possible once
and try and to see things as your families would.
FOOTNOTE:
green burial. Kent has also written published articles on
cremation
is
Sound too simple? Try it; you’ll be surprised at what
Pay your staff what they’re worth! Good people deserve
advertising and marketing for Funeral Trade magazines. An
Your
you’ll find and often, what you’ll see that needs
proper remuneration. If funeral service is to be perceived
International Speaker, he has been featured at both the 2011
change or improvement.
as a “profession,” hire the right person for the job and pay
and 2012 ICCFA annual convention, the 2011 OGR Fall Forum
them as professionals, and most important, reward them
and the 2012 FSAC annual conference.
completed.
systems must ensure
that careless errors
Always be prepared to “ZERO BASE” your thinking!
cannot take place.
Encourage your staff to do the same thing and have
The reputation of your firm depends upon it.
for work well done!
them look for better or more effective ways to
He believes that although a number of firms in both
Canada and the U.S. are coming to terms with the increasing
THE SUCCESSFUL MAINTENANCE OF INTERNAL
operate. If it’s a good idea, act on it and let the rest of
Biography
cremation rate, most are finding the transition from
FORMS AND SYSTEMS DEPENDS ENTIRELY ON HOW
the staff know who’s idea it was. Remember the
Kent Roduck is a licenced funeral director and
traditional services to serving more cremation families, a
YOU TRAIN YOUR STAFF TO EXECUTE THEM.
NUMBER
–
owner/manager of Island Funeral Services Ltd., operators of
number of whom want minimal service, very difficult. In
BEST
Comox Valley Funeral Home Cremation and Reception
addition to his work as a resource speaker, in 2011, he
Centre, Courtenay, B.C., Island Funeral Services, Campbell
established his personal consulting firm, “Profitable
River, B.C. and Elk Falls Crematorium and Reception Centre,
Cremation Solutions,” to provide both Training Seminars and
Campbell River, B.C.
on site consulting to help firms “Grow and Profit in a High
I’ve found with my firm, there are 2 ways to
establish a new system. All staff are required to check
28
funeraldirectorview
ONE
“LISTENING,”
BEST
and
the
MANAGEMENT
NUMBER
SKILL
TWO
MANAGEMENT SKILL – “ASKING QUESTIONS.”
the “memo book” in our office each time they begin
Your staff is unquestionably your firms best asset!
their shift. They’re told that I could place a memo in
Look for individual skills and strengths in each staff
the book at any time and that once it’s added; they’re
member and focus their work into those areas as
Kent and his wife Rosemarie, a licenced funeral director as
responsible for its content. Or, if a new system requires
often as you can. Some are better arrangers, some
well, built Comox Valley Funeral Home from the ground up, as
Cremation Market.” He can be contacted at 1-877-281-3366
or [email protected]
29
funeraldirectorview
funeral home, an additional check-off form is
further explanation or an actual demonstration is
better embalmers, some are better at conducting services
a totally new entity, in the fall of 1992. In 2000, they expanded
completed prior to them being secured in our locked
necessary, I’ll call a staff meeting to explain how it’s to
or handling cremations. Not all staff can be all things all
to Campbell River, establishing an arrangement, pre-
vault, to ensure everything is complete and correct.
be done.
the time, but although occasionally that may be a
arrangement office in the downtown core. Three years later,
requirement, try shifting people into their strengths as
in 2003, they built a new full service facility with
often as you can.
crematorium, contemporary ‘chapel’, reception area, niche
The memo or explanation needs always to contain
Family Receipt Form
At the time of our follow-up meeting with
the reason the system is being established. That way,
the family – they are required to complete a 3 point
those who will execute the system, “get it.” If they
As a manager, take the time to plan ahead and use staff
walls and scattering garden on the grounds of Campbell
form to acknowledge that they have received the
know why, they’ll buy into it and it simply makes more
as needed, not simply to perform the “funeral director’s”
River’s Elk Falls Cemetery. All were start-up operations and
proper urn, cremated remains and necessary
sense to them. The key to maintaining the consistency
function; have them help monitor your systems, maintain
have grown in both volume and revenue each year.
documentation.
of these new systems is to closely monitor them for a
inventory, supervise vehicles maintenance – get them
The area of British Columbia they serve has a 90%
THESE EXAMPLES
period after they’ve been established. You’ll be able to
more involved in the day to day mechanics of your
cremation rate, arguably the highest in North America. Their
REPRESENT ONLY 7
pick up on any “glitches” and ensure that everyone
operation. Fill the down-time with useful responsibilities.
innovative service approaches, high community profile, and
OF THE 25 INTERNAL
involved is “with the program.”
Two things will result:
creative marketing to cremation families have been
-
Always be prepared to
“ZERO BASE” your
thinking! Encourage
your staff to do the
same thing and have
them look for better or
more effective ways to
operate. If it’s a good
idea, act on it and let
the rest of the staff
know who’s idea it was.
FORMS TO WHICH
No one has an exclusive right to ideas nor does any
Your staff will feel more a part of your operation,
extremely successful. Their firms have won many community
owner or manager have all the answers, regardless of
and appreciate the bigger picture. Give them the chance
awards, been featured in national trade magazines and are
Cremation is an
how bright he or she might be! Your staff are the ones
to keep learning.
recognized nationally as innovators.
e x t r e m e l y
who execute the systems. Ask them how they think
unforgiving process!
the new system is working.
I’VE REFERRED.
1)
2)
You’ll find you may be able to operate with less,
but more productive staff.
Kent served on the Board of Directors of the Funeral
Service Association of British Columbia for 11 years, acting as
For any given reason,
Are you familiar with the expression, “management
In summary, proper systems well executed by staff who
president from 2005 to 2007. He believes in community
a casket can always
by walking around?” It works! Go room to room in
appreciate and are challenged by their work will set your
education and has designed and presented countless
be disinterred. Such is
your funeral home and outside lot from time to time
firm apart far more than you realize.
seminars on death and dying, estate planning, pre-need and
not possible once
and try and to see things as your families would.
FOOTNOTE:
green burial. Kent has also written published articles on
cremation
is
Sound too simple? Try it; you’ll be surprised at what
Pay your staff what they’re worth! Good people deserve
advertising and marketing for Funeral Trade magazines. An
Your
you’ll find and often, what you’ll see that needs
proper remuneration. If funeral service is to be perceived
International Speaker, he has been featured at both the 2011
change or improvement.
as a “profession,” hire the right person for the job and pay
and 2012 ICCFA annual convention, the 2011 OGR Fall Forum
them as professionals, and most important, reward them
and the 2012 FSAC annual conference.
completed.
systems must ensure
that careless errors
Always be prepared to “ZERO BASE” your thinking!
cannot take place.
Encourage your staff to do the same thing and have
The reputation of your firm depends upon it.
for work well done!
them look for better or more effective ways to
He believes that although a number of firms in both
Canada and the U.S. are coming to terms with the increasing
THE SUCCESSFUL MAINTENANCE OF INTERNAL
operate. If it’s a good idea, act on it and let the rest of
Biography
cremation rate, most are finding the transition from
FORMS AND SYSTEMS DEPENDS ENTIRELY ON HOW
the staff know who’s idea it was. Remember the
Kent Roduck is a licenced funeral director and
traditional services to serving more cremation families, a
YOU TRAIN YOUR STAFF TO EXECUTE THEM.
NUMBER
–
owner/manager of Island Funeral Services Ltd., operators of
number of whom want minimal service, very difficult. In
BEST
Comox Valley Funeral Home Cremation and Reception
addition to his work as a resource speaker, in 2011, he
Centre, Courtenay, B.C., Island Funeral Services, Campbell
established his personal consulting firm, “Profitable
River, B.C. and Elk Falls Crematorium and Reception Centre,
Cremation Solutions,” to provide both Training Seminars and
Campbell River, B.C.
on site consulting to help firms “Grow and Profit in a High
I’ve found with my firm, there are 2 ways to
establish a new system. All staff are required to check
28
funeraldirectorview
ONE
“LISTENING,”
BEST
and
the
MANAGEMENT
NUMBER
SKILL
TWO
MANAGEMENT SKILL – “ASKING QUESTIONS.”
the “memo book” in our office each time they begin
Your staff is unquestionably your firms best asset!
their shift. They’re told that I could place a memo in
Look for individual skills and strengths in each staff
the book at any time and that once it’s added; they’re
member and focus their work into those areas as
Kent and his wife Rosemarie, a licenced funeral director as
responsible for its content. Or, if a new system requires
often as you can. Some are better arrangers, some
well, built Comox Valley Funeral Home from the ground up, as
Cremation Market.” He can be contacted at 1-877-281-3366
or [email protected]
29
calendardates
April 2013
September 2013
FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF BC
CORPORATION DES THANATOLOGUES DE
DATE - April, 2013
QUEBEC
EVENT - FSABC Convention, Trade Show & AGM
DATE - September 9-11, 2013
LOCATION - TBA
EVENT - Annual Convention, Tradeshow & AGM
LOCATION - Hôtel et centre des congrès Delta de
ALBERTA FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION
Trois-Rivières
DATE - April 26-27, 2013
ATLANTIC PROVINCES FUNERAL DIRECTORS
EVENT - AFSA Convention, Trade Show & AGM
DATE - September 19-22, 2013
LOCATION - Sheraton, Red Deer, Alberta
EVENT - Annual Convention
LOCATION - Nova Scotia
ONTARIO FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION
June 2013
DATE - September 23 - 26, 2013
EVENT - Annual Convention
FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
LOCATION - Blue Mountain Resort, Collingwood,
DATE - June 3-6, 2013
Ontario
EVENT - FSAC Convention, Trade Show & AGM
June 2014
LOCATION - London, Ontario
ONTARIO FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION
FUNERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
DATE - June 6, 2013
DATE - June 2014
EVENT - OFSA mid-year meeting
EVENT - FSAC Convention, Trade Show & AGM
LOCATION - London, Ontario
LOCATION - St. John’s, Newfoundland
A complete stock of cremation urns available for the convenience of our Funeral Director clients.
St. James Cemetery and Crematorium
635 Parliament Street Toronto, Ontario
Tel: (416) 964-9194 Fax: (416) 964-3279
B
30
r
o
c
h
u
r
e
A
v
a
i
l
a
b
l
e
O
n
R
e
q
u
e
s
t
LOCAL 416.462.0000
TOLL FREE 1.800.263.3012
EMAIL [email protected]
New Lincoln MKT Coach
•
•
•
Experience √
Customer Service √
Options √
Consider
Consider all
all of
of your
your options...
options...
Howard
superior sales
sales reputation
reputation is
is
Howard Distributors
Distributors superior
NOW
NOW AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE TO
TO ALL
ALL FUNERAL
FUNERAL PROFESSIONS
PROFESSIONS
in
in Canada
Canada from
from Coast
Coast to
to Coast.
Coast.
Experience
Canadian funeral
funeral
Experience our
our winning
winning formula!
formula! Our
Our many
many exclusive
exclusive Canadian
home
rely on
on the
the value
value and
and customer
customer service
service options
options we
we
home owner
owner clients
clients rely
continue
continue to
to provide.
provide.
yourself
Discover for your
selfaanew
newway
wayof
ofdoing
doingbusiness,
business,
you
you can
can buy,
buy, sell,
sell, trade,
trade, or
or simply
simply walk
walk away
away at
at lease
lease end.
end.
TCS LAUNCHES CREMATION CAMPAIGN
Immediate Cremation Service
(exclusive to the profession)
One Person Removal:
Delivery to Crematorium:
Administrative Fees:
Cardboard Cremation Container:
$140.00
$140.00
$100.00
$100.00
Total:
$480.00
Disbursements are based on current costs
Cremation Fee*:
Coroner's Cremation Certificate:
Municipal Death Registration:
$520.00
$75.00
$50.00
Total:
$645.00
GRAND TOTAL:
$1,125.00
(plus HST)
Delivery of cremated remains is available at cost to you based on shipping charges.
Additional charge of $65.00 for a two person removal
* Cremation rate is based on use of our selected crematorium.
Should you wish a crematorium of your choice, applicable mileage
and cremation charges may apply.
Find out more, contact Don Worrall.
1.888.291.7444
We serve you well so you can serve your families well
- it’s Howard Distributors’ winning formula.
HOWARD DISTRIBUTORS
[email protected]
www.funeralcars.ca
“Let our professional staff ensure a seamless disposition for your families”
LOCAL 416.462.0000
TOLL FREE 1.800.263.3012
EMAIL [email protected]
New Lincoln MKT Coach
•
•
•
Experience √
Customer Service √
Options √
Consider
Consider all
all of
of your
your options...
options...
Howard
superior sales
sales reputation
reputation is
is
Howard Distributors
Distributors superior
NOW
NOW AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE TO
TO ALL
ALL FUNERAL
FUNERAL PROFESSIONS
PROFESSIONS
in
in Canada
Canada from
from Coast
Coast to
to Coast.
Coast.
Experience
Canadian funeral
funeral
Experience our
our winning
winning formula!
formula! Our
Our many
many exclusive
exclusive Canadian
home
rely on
on the
the value
value and
and customer
customer service
service options
options we
we
home owner
owner clients
clients rely
continue
continue to
to provide.
provide.
yourself
Discover for your
selfaanew
newway
wayof
ofdoing
doingbusiness,
business,
you
you can
can buy,
buy, sell,
sell, trade,
trade, or
or simply
simply walk
walk away
away at
at lease
lease end.
end.
TCS LAUNCHES CREMATION CAMPAIGN
Immediate Cremation Service
(exclusive to the profession)
One Person Removal:
Delivery to Crematorium:
Administrative Fees:
Cardboard Cremation Container:
$140.00
$140.00
$100.00
$100.00
Total:
$480.00
Disbursements are based on current costs
Cremation Fee*:
Coroner's Cremation Certificate:
Municipal Death Registration:
$520.00
$75.00
$50.00
Total:
$645.00
GRAND TOTAL:
$1,125.00
(plus HST)
Delivery of cremated remains is available at cost to you based on shipping charges.
Additional charge of $65.00 for a two person removal
* Cremation rate is based on use of our selected crematorium.
Should you wish a crematorium of your choice, applicable mileage
and cremation charges may apply.
Find out more, contact Don Worrall.
1.888.291.7444
- it’s Howard Distributors’ winning formula.
HOWARD DISTRIBUTORS
[email protected]
www.funeralcars.ca
“Let our professional staff ensure a seamless disposition for your families”

January • February 2013 Issue

Transcription

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