Digging Deep

What Canadians Really Think About Death: Part 1

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:30:00 GMT

What Canadians think about death and what deathcare professionals assume are not always aligned.

In episode 31 of Digging Deep, President and CEO Heather Kiteley hosts a dynamic panel discussion recorded at the 2025 Funeral Service Association of Canada (FSAC) conference. Panellists Patrick Curry, Rebecca Steckly, and Ryan McLane explore the realities behind consumer attitudes toward death and funeral planning.

This is part one of a two-part conversation series that challenges assumptions and encourages deeper discussion.

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East Meets Central: Comparing Funeral Trends from Ontario to Nova Scotia with Patrick Curry

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Is funeral service evolving the same way across Canada?

In episode 30 of Digging Deep, President and CEO Heather Kiteley sits down with Patrick Curry, President of C.L. Curry Funeral Services Ltd. in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, to explore how trends differ between Ontario and Nova Scotia. From cremation to personalization expectations, regional nuances matter.

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A "Love Letter" to the Funeral Profession

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:30:00 GMT

On March 11th, we recognize and celebrate the dedication of funeral professionals across the country on National Funeral Directors Day.

To honour this day, we are releasing a special bonus episode of the Digging Deep podcast, featuring our President and CEO, Heather Kiteley, reading a heartfelt “Love Letter” to the sector.

This message is a tribute to the compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment shown by funeral directors every day as they support families through some of life’s most difficult moments.

Take a moment to listen to this special message of appreciation.

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Celebrating the Positive Perception of the Deathcare Sector with Bradd Tuck

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:30:00 GMT

It is time to celebrate the impact of the deathcare sector.

In episode 29 of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, is joined by Bradd Tuck, Executive Director of the British Columbia Funeral Association (BCFA), to discuss the importance of positive perception, advocacy, and professional pride within the sector.

This episode shines a light on the meaningful work being done every day and why it matters.

An inspiring and necessary conversation.

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Rites of Passage: Funeral Customs in Alberta with Chris Clements

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Every community has its own way of honouring life.

In episode 28 of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, is joined by Chris Clements, Owner of Beaverlodge Funeral Service in Beaverlodge, Alberta, to discuss funeral customs and rites of passage in Alberta.

This episode highlights how tradition, culture, and community shape meaningful service and why understanding regional perspectives matters in deathcare.

A thoughtful and grounded conversation.

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Bridging Borders: Trends in North America’s Deathcare Sector with Jayson Gordon

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:30:00 GMT

The future of deathcare does not stop at borders.

In episode 27 of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley speaks with Jayson Gordon, President of Service Corporation International Canada, about the trends shaping the deathcare sector across North America.

From evolving consumer needs to sector-wide transformation, the conversation offers a strategic look at where the sector is headed and how professionals can stay ahead.

Insightful. Timely. Essential listening.

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Behind the Profession: A Journey Into Funeral Service with David Root

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:20:27 GMT

Behind every profession is a story worth telling.

In episode #26 of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, is joined by David Root, Alberta Funeral Service Association (AFSA) Past-President and General Manager at Pierson’s Funeral Service in Calgary, Alberta, for an honest and insightful conversation about a life dedicated to funeral service.

From leadership and legacy to the deep sense of responsibility that comes with serving families, this episode sheds light on the human side of the profession built on compassion, integrity and purpose.

A powerful reminder of why this work matters.

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Uncovering Canadians' Lack of Awareness Around Deathcare Expenses with Daniel Baxter

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Did you know many Canadians are unaware of the true cost of deathcare?

In our latest episode of Digging Deep, host President and CEO Heather Kiteley speaks with guest Daniel Baxter, Owner and Funeral Director of Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel in British Columbia, Canada. They explore findings that reveal surprising gaps in awareness and what professionals can do to educate, empower, and prepare families for the financial realities of final arrangements.

A must listen for anyone passionate about advancing the profession through transparency and education.

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Mastering Preneed: Proven Strategies for Helping Families Plan Ahead with Heather Harper

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 13:30:00 GMT

What separates good preneed planning from great? Strategy, trust, and timing.

In this episode of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley speaks with Heather Harper, Preneed Manager and Funeral Director at Serenity Funeral Service in Edmonton, Alberta. They uncover proven strategies that empower professionals to help families feel confident about planning ahead.

Tune in for actionable insights to elevate your approach.

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Preneed and Beyond: Supporting Families While Sustaining the Business with Andrew Huskilson

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:30:13 GMT

The intersection of compassion and sustainability continues to shape the future of funeral service.

In this episode of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley speaks with President, Licensed Funeral Director, and Embalmer at H.M. Huskilson’s Funeral Homes and Crematoriums Ltd. in Nova Scotia, Canada, Andrew Huskilson. They dive into the evolving world of preneed. They discuss how professionals can support families through thoughtful planning while ensuring long-term business success.

Insights, strategies and stories from those doing the best all in one episode.

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A Season of Remembrance: Holiday Traditions and Memorials with Heather Jackson

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:30:12 GMT

Togetherness and reflection.

In this heartfelt episode of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley explores how families and professionals honour loved ones through meaningful holiday traditions and memorials with Advanced Planning Director, Heather Jackson from James Reid Funeral Home in Kingston, Ontario.

Discover stories of remembrance that bring comfort, connection, and community during the most emotional time in a family’s life.

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Naturally Resting: Embracing Green Burials with Lorraine Fracy

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 13:30:14 GMT

What does it mean to embrace natural resting?

In this episode, Heather Kiteley, President & CEO of GFD, speaks with Lorraine Fracy, Manager of Client Services and Administrative Operations at Royal Oak Burial Park. They discuss the growing movement toward green burials, the values behind it, and how families are making more environmentally conscious choices in end-of-life planning.

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Tradition to Transformation: How Deathcare Has Evolved Over the Decades with Athena Theodorakakis

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 12:30:15 GMT

How have deathcare traditions and trends evolved over the decades?

In this episode, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD sits down with Athena Theodorakakis, Funeral Director at Arbutus Funeral Service and British Columbia Funeral Association (BCFA) Past President 2023-2025. Together, they reflect on how deathcare services have shifted across generations from long-standing traditions to modern transformation and what these changes mean for the profession today.

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Voices of Experience: A Panel on Canada’s Deathcare Trends Part 2

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 12:30:27 GMT

What can deathcare professionals learn from how Canadians are rethinking end-of-life planning?

Part 2 of GFD’s 2025 Annual General Meeting panel discussion continues the exploration of Canada’s evolving deathcare landscape. Hosted by Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, this conversation features the same insightful panelists: Patrick McGarry, Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, Rebecca Steckly Co-Owner and Managing Director of Dreisinger Funeral Home; and Angie Aquino, President of Funeral Services at Mount Pleasant Group. Building on Part 1, this episode dives deeper into the sector’s challenges and opportunities.

Stay connected! Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more. https://ca.linkedin.com/company/gfdcanada

Voices of Experience: A Panel on Canada’s Deathcare Trends Part 1

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:30:10 GMT

How are deathcare professionals navigating the changing landscape of end-of-life planning in Canada?

GFD’s 2025 Annual General Meeting was proud to host a panel of leaders in the deathcare profession who shared their perspectives on Canada’s evolving deathcare landscape.

Our discussion, hosted by Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, brought forward unique experiences and valuable takeaways from: Patrick McGarry, Co-Owner & COO of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, Rebecca Steckly, Co-Owner and Managing Director of Dreisinger Funeral Home, and Angie Aquino, President of Funeral Services of Mount Pleasant Group. This part of a two-part conversation explored the current realities and challenges shaping the sector.

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Aftercare: Navigating Grief and Ongoing Support With Todd Reinholt

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:30:22 GMT

The service may end, but our support endures – walking beside families as they navigate their journey through grief.

In episode 17 of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, talks with Todd Reinholt, Funeral Director, Celebrant, and Grief Recovery Specialist, about the power of aftercare. Todd brings a heartfelt perspective on how funeral professionals can extend empathy and healing long after the service ends.

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Honouring Heroes: Behind the Scenes of Canadian Military Funerals with Allan Job

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:30:14 GMT

What does it take to honour Canada’s fallen with dignity and respect?

In this episode of Digging Deep, GFD’s President and CEO, Heather Kiteley, talks with Allan Job, Vice President of Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Services. They dig into a powerful conversation about Canadian military funerals and offer a behind-the-scenes view of how we pay respect to our fallen heroes.

This episode is a heartfelt tribute to services, remembrance, and legacy.

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The Preplanning Paradox: Why Awareness is Declining While Importance is Rising with Jason Meidl

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:00:40 GMT

In this episode of Digging Deep, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD dives into one of the most pressing and puzzling trends in funeral service today: The Preplanning Paradox.

Our guest, Jason Meidl, Managing Director and Owner of Creston Valley Funeral Services, joins us to explore why awareness around funeral preplanning is decreasing, even as its importance continues to rise.

From shifting consumer behaviours to sector blind spots, Jason offers thoughtful insights and practical ideas for re- engaging in meaningful end-of-life conversations before it is too late. Stay connected! Follow us on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ for the latest podcast, episode highlights, and more. ⁠GFD of Canada | LinkedIn

Final Tributes: Planning High-Profile Funerals with Patrick McGarry

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:30:21 GMT

In this episode of Digging Deep, we go behind the scenes with Patrick McGarry, Co-Owner and COO of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry. He joins GFD’s President & CEO Heather Kiteley to share real-world insights on planning high-profile funerals with grace, professionalism, and care.

From working with dignitaries and families to handling media attention and logistical complexity, Patrick shares what it takes to honour lives in the public eye.

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Strength in Unity: Why a National Association Matters More Than Ever

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:30:28 GMT

Why our National voice in Funeral Service can not be ignored.

In this episode, President and CEO of GFD Heather Kiteley digs into the power of national collaboration in the deathcare sector with two inspiring leaders: Shari Yearwood, Managing Director at New Haven Funeral Centre, and Kollin Weatherbee, Owner of Sydney Memorial Chapel.

As Members of the Funeral Service Association of Canada Board (FSAC), Shari and Kollin discuss why now, more than ever, is the time for our profession to come together under one national voice. From advocacy and standards to shared community goals, this episode is a call to unity and action.

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Changing Attitudes Towards Death: How Millennials Will Shape the Deathcare Sector

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:30:21 GMT

The way we think about planning for death is changing.

In episode #12 of Digging Deep, President and CEO of GFD, Heather Kiteley, talks with Meghan Henning, Board Director at GFD and Manager at Lakefield Cemetery, to discuss how millennials are rewriting the rules of the deathcare sector.

Meghan and Heather explore what is shaping the future and what it means for professionals working in the deathcare space.

Digital Evolution: How Technology is Transforming Funeral Prearranging With Bradley Jones

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 12:30:27 GMT

How are digital tools shaping the future of funeral preplanning?

Digital transformation is making funeral pre-arrangements more accessible. In this episode, President and CEO Heather Kiteley has a discussion with Bradley Jones from Ridley Funeral Home on “Digital Evolution-How Technology is Transforming Pre-Arranging.”

They discuss the growing interest of families pre-planning digitally and ways funeral professionals can keep up with the evolving needs of the families they serve.

Finding Common Ground: Managing Family Conflicts in the Cemetery Setting With Rebecca Kit

Thu, 29 May 2025 12:30:14 GMT

Ever wonder how cemeterians handle conflict with families?

Bereavement professionals frequently navigate emotionally charged situations involving grieving families. In this episode of Digging Deep, Rebecca Kitt from Woodlawn Memorial shares her strategies with host Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, for resolving conflicts with empathy, professionalism, and fairness. They discuss what it means to “Find Common Ground: Managing Family Conflicts in Cemeteries.”

Transitioning and Thriving in the Deathcare Sector With Bill Denning

Thu, 15 May 2025 12:30:27 GMT

Wondering how funeral professionals are evolving to serve the changing needs of families?

Navigating a career in the deathcare sector presents unique challenges. In this episode, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, speaks with Bill Denning, owner of Denning Funeral Homes, about “Transitioning and Thriving in the Deathcare Sector.”

They break down how funeral directors can thrive by embracing change, adapting to family needs, and fostering an open-minded approach to service.

Upholding Trust: Financial Compliance in the Bereavement Sector With Hamza Majid

Thu, 01 May 2025 12:30:25 GMT

How can trust be built through financial compliance?

Financial compliance is not just about regulations - it is about trust. In this episode of “Digging Deep”, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, sits down with Hamza Majid from the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) to discuss financial best practices, financial compliance, and how funeral and cemetery professionals can maintain transparency.

Cultural Shifts and the Rise of Celebratory Funerals With Wes Elmes

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:30:17 GMT

Is the way we say goodbye changing?

The way we honour life is changing. Families are looking for more personalized, celebratory services- but what does that mean for the bereavement profession?

In this episode of “Digging Deep,” host Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, explores the cultural shifts and the rise of celebratory funerals with Wes Elmes from Haskett Funeral Homes LTD.

Together, they explore how cultural shifts impact the increase in celebratory funerals and what it means for the sector.

Navigating the Future of Cemeteries: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in Ontario Part #2

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 12:30:23 GMT

Ever wonder what the future of Ontario’s cemeteries looks like?

This week’s podcast is part 2 of a thought-provoking two-part series showcasing an engaging panel discussion from our GFD-hosted Care & Maintenance event. Cemetery sector leaders, along with cemetery operators and managers, came together to address the evolving landscape of Ontario's cemeteries.

Moderated by GFD Board Director Bill Solomon, this insightful panel includes:

Heather Kiteley GFD’s President and CEO, Paul A. Taylor GFD Business Development Officer, and Meghan Henning, General Manager at Lakefield Cemetery.

Together, they explore key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Cemeteries in Ontario.

Navigating the Future of Cemeteries: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in Ontario Part #1

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:30:12 GMT

Ever wonder what the future of Ontario’s cemeteries looks like?

This week’s episode is part 1 of a thought-provoking two-part series showcasing an engaging panel discussion from our GFD-hosted Care & Maintenance event. Cemetery sector leaders, along with cemetery operators and managers, came together to address the evolving landscape of Ontario's cemeteries.

Moderated by GFD Board Director Bill Solomon, this insightful panel includes:

Heather Kiteley GFD’s President and CEO, Paul A. Taylor, GFD Business Development Officer, and Meghan Henning, General Manager at Lakefield Cemetery.

Together, they explore key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Cemeteries in Ontario.

Empowering Voices: Women Leading With Compassion in the Bereavement Sector With Rebecca Steckly

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 13:30:21 GMT

Episode #4 of “Digging Deep” is here! In this episode, our guest is, Rebecca Steckly, Owner and Managing Director of Dreisinger Funeral Home and President of the Ontario Funeral Service Association (OFSA).

In this insightful conversation, Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, and Rebecca discuss women's experiences in the bereavement sector. They explore the journey, challenges, and progress being made towards breaking down the barriers for women in the sector.

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Resting Naturally: The Rise of Green Burials and Sustainable End-of-Life Choices With Amanda Kelly

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:01:11 GMT

This week, Heather is exploring the trend of “green burials” with an intriguing conversation about: “Resting Naturally: The Rise of Green Burials and Sustainable End-of-Life Choices.”

Our guest is Amanda Kelly, Co-Founder of Awake Ashes. Join her and host Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD, as they explore the concept of resting naturally and uncover the layers beneath it.

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Visit Awake Ashes to learn more about Green Burials: https://www.awakeashes.com/

Just Deal With It: Dealing With Burnout As Funeral Directors

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 13:30:15 GMT

Join Heather Kiteley, President and CEO of GFD as she talks with Melanie MacDonald, Funeral Director and Team Lead at Weaver Family Funeral Home and a Board Member of the Ontario Funeral Service Association (OFSA). They dig into how to cope with the demands of being a funeral director and address the resulting burnout.

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Nobody Knows Anything: The Lack of Preneed Education Among Canadians with Michelle Glendinning

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:04:33 GMT

The Digging Deep podcast is created for time-pressed bereavement professionals like you, who want the knowledge and inspiration they need to navigate a complex and evolving sector.

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Welcome to the Digging Deep Podcast!

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:28:56 GMT

The Digging Deep podcast is created for time-pressed bereavement professionals like you, who want the knowledge and inspiration they need to navigate a complex and evolving sector.

Follow GFD on LinkedIn!

GFD of Canada | LinkedIn