This past weekend millions around the globe tuned in to watch Prince Harry marry Meaghan Markle. The observant watcher would have noticed something different – an empty seat, to the right of Prince William. Prince Harry and his bride ensured that Lady Diana was not absent from the ceremony. The empty seat recognized her physical absence from the event, but rest assured, she was in the hearts and minds of many. The bride and groom

Often times while serving the public, we’ll hear comments such as “You must be used to this” or “You’ve become immune to death”. No, we are not immune to death or the far-reaching impact it has on families and our Island community. Yes, funeral service professionals are trained to care for the deceased, taking measures to ensure dignity and respect during the transfer from the place of the death, to our care. We are trained

This past week, Canadians have been reeling from the news of the tragedy in Saskatchewan. To date, 16 people have died as the result of the horrific accident. Social media has been used to share the stories of the lives lived; the images of survivors clasping hands, banded together through a shared experience; and countless Canadian homes and businesses, with hockey sticks on the front porch. These symbols and images are part of the grieving

Most Canadians prefer to die at home, yet almost 70% of deaths occur in a hospital. Most older adults die either in hospital or a long-term care facility. When we are called to receive the deceased into our care, we respond with care and compassion. Funeral directors have been trained to demonstrate dignity and respect for the deceased. For a number of years, we were asked to receive the individual through a back door, hidden

This past weekend we read the editorial piece by Rick MacLean that ran in The Guardian. The title of the piece was “Disturbing photos part of news”. Mr. MacLean went on to recount coverage of the murder of a young woman in 1980’s, and the fact that the story made front page news. His dilemma was whether to publish an image of the late woman, and on what page of the publication. The duty of