Mark Richardson reflects on his 13-year tenure as Manager of Cemetery Services for Niagara Falls and his new role as Associate Director of Community Services for Thorold. Mark credits the Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals (OACFP) with enriching his journey through support and guidance. As OACFP president, his goal is to inspire and uplift the community he now deeply values
ANNUAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
#oacfp2024 at Caesar’s Hotel and Casino in Windsor marked a resounding success, with over 300 participants exploring themes of influence & impact crafting your brand. Through engaging sessions, workshops, and a futuristic trade show, #oacfp2024 fostered a network of influencers, leaving attendees equipped with newfound skills for shaping impactful ways to engage and reach out to their families and communities.
PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
MARK RICHARDSON, NIAGARA FALLS CEMETERY SERVICES - CITY OF THOROLD
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERSINCOMING PRESIDENT’S SPEECH AT #OACFP24
Good evening my friends, for those who know me, I’m sorry, and for those whom I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting or working with, I look forward to that opportunity in the very near future My name is Mark Richardson, over the past 13 years, I have had the honour of serving as Manager of Cemetery Services for the City of Niagara Falls, and in two weeks time, I ‘ll be moving on to serve as Associate Director of Community Services, including cemeteries, for the City of Thorold. I am the father of three incredible kids. a twenty six year old son named Jakob, nineteen year old daughter, Isabelle and a thirteen year old son, Alex who may be more mature than the first two They are my everything
I hate sand, so long walks on the beach are out of the question, but if you’re looking for someone to paddle, portage and hike for days through Algonquin, I’m your person but I’m not here to share my entire Tinder profile
The other day I joked with Darren, that I’d need an hour to get through my speech, but instead, I’ll keep this short we can save the lengthy storytelling for another time, preferably sitting over a coffee or a pint depending on the time and location
Like some who have served before me, Managing Cemeteries was not a profession that I had set my sights on when I was younger Truth be told, my education and my career don’t entirely align However, let me preface this next bit by telling you, I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason
PRESIDENT’S UPDATE.....CONT.....
In 1984, I was seven years old, my Grampa died, in my eyes suddenly, and to say the experience was bad would be a significant understatement In fact, the experience was borderline traumatic, having a significantly negative impact over a period of many years
Given this experience, not only did I spend much of my early life with a very unhealthy view of death, I recognize now, it also blurred or tainted my perspective of the profession and because of that, up until some years ago, I remained relatively ignorant to the role that each you serves on a daily basis.
Lo and behold while working with the City of Niagara Falls, an opportunity arose to climb the corporate ladder to serve as the cemetery services administrator, and later the manager of cemetery services
I was called to pursue this career, as the previous manager, Cynthia Roberts rewrote the job description to bring me to cemeteries For the first few years, I worked directly with the team at the cemetery, many of whom had been there for years, if not decades before I arrived, to learn about cemetery operations, and the many intricacies and nuances that go into helping those whom we serve on a daily basis.
Immediately, I found myself in a position that started to reshape my perspective my opinion, of the profession Fittingly, this year’s conference is themed “Influence and Impact”. In my time in Niagara I have been fortunate to work with many individuals whom I’ve learned from, but none quite so much as Krystal Ridell and J.P. Narbonne. Both stepped into my world approximately seven years ago, and each have had a significant impact on my continued growth and appreciation for the many aspects of our profession which often goes unnoticed.
Early on in my time in Cemeteries, in fact 2011, through Kystabelle Fobler’s mentoring, I was introduced to the OACFP beginning with a Municipal and Small Cemetery Working Group meeting at a Hamilton Golf Course. That introduction landed me opportunities to meet with incredible individuals whom have since supported and guided me through the challenges that many of us face on a daily basis people whom I now call friendslikeRebeccaZingerKit
Some time later, I found myself participating in additional OACFP led Committees including the Government Relations Committee and Conference Committee leading to more incredible connections with folks like Codi Shewan with whom I have shared many conversations and sought out much advice about life, this profession, and overcoming adversity.
PRESIDENT’S UPDATE.....CONT.....
Ultimately, the support and guidance offered by those I’d met through the OACFP led to my participation on the board of the OACFP where I have been incredibly fortunate to work with, or rather learn from, and be encouraged by some of the finest individuals in this profession. I have watched as this core has managed through significant adversity and change under the leadership, patience and support of our executive director, Darren Denomme.
Each individual led differently, but all shared one common goal, the continued growth and enrichment of the OACFP for the benefit of the membership and the wish to prepare and empower each and every one of us in this association to better impact those we serve daily.
In an effort to learn and foster change within Niagara Falls, the region and abroad, I have also had the opportunity to participate with a number of related committees and boards including the Green Burial Society of Canada (Past President, Director), the Natural Burial Association (Past Director) and a variety of local service providers including Heartland Forest, Home Hospice Association of Niagara, Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara, Bethlehem Housing and Support Services and Literacy Link Niagara. In addition, I also joined a team of volunteers on humanitarian missions to the Dominican Republic to build and work in impoverished villages.
So what caused the great shift in my perspective of death and our profession? What influenced my appreciation for the care, compassion and dedication each of you shows on a daily basis? What opened my eyes to the bereavement sector and the impact we have on our communities? I imagine my immediate response would originally have been because I’ve spent 13 years meeting with families, hearing their stories and sharing in their grief for a loved one; but in retrospect, I believe the shift truly came from an opportunity to meet and share in the experience with you: the people, the professionals who meet with the families on a daily basis
The shift happened as I truly started appreciating the spirit and the energy of your efforts through incredibly difficult moments, not just in the lives of those you serve, but in your own lives all the while you’re carrying the weight of someone else’s world
Only by being in proximity to the profession and understanding the spirit behind why people do what they do, why they chose the profession that they did, was I able to shift in my perspective Over the last 13 years, there has been one common denominator, the OACFP through which I have benefited from incredible support, leadership and friendship Dare I say, I believe we all feel the same
Over the last 13 years, there has been one common denominator, the OACFP through which I have benefited from incredible support, leadership and friendship.
PRESIDENT’S UPDATE.....CONT.....
So why am I here today, what am I hoping to achieve in my presidency, while I am still continuing to learn the breadth of this incredible profession? My goal is to endeavour to have more people inspired, more people informed and educated More people are serving as the example and sharing the spirit and energy that you continue to share with me If I can embody a tenth of that, give back one iota of that which has been shared with me, that will be my legacy in this term as president of the OACFP
My hope is that 10 years from now someone is standing in this same position with the same spirit of generosity, inspired by those who came before them Thank you, for all that you do in the service of your communities and for the often thankless contributions at work, at home and even here amongst your peers I look forward to collaborating with you over the next year
My goal is to endeavour to have more people inspired, more people informed and educated.
A WORD FROM THE PAST-PRESIDENT
REFLECTING ON A YEAR OF GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENT
As I reflect on my term as President of the Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals (OACFP), I am filled with gratitude for the challenges, experiences, and achievements we’ve shared. Though the role passed quickly, it left a lasting impression.
One of my greatest privileges has been working with an incredibly dedicated team. Our Board of Directors, committee chairs, volunteers, and staff especially Executive Director Darren Denomme and Education Coordinator Kate McMaster have been essential to our success. Their passion and commitment to continuous learning allowed us to deliver outstanding services to families across the province
Guided by this dedicated team and by OACFP’s Value Proposition, we tackled issues and opportunities of critical importance to our evolving sector and to our members With guidance from our dedicated team and OACFP’s new Value Proposition, we addressed critical issues and opportunities for our evolving sector and our members We tackled workforce challenges and legislative reform while also offering fun and engaging networking opportunities Here’s a recap of a busy and productive year
New Initiatives and Partnerships
One of the highlights of this year was the success of the inaugural Master of Bereavement Business Administration program, a 10-week virtual course modelled after an MBA. Its overwhelming success has led to its return this fall, now in collaboration with the Cremation Association of North America (CANA).
We also launched two additional exciting initiatives:
Podcast – Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats: This podcast explores the unique challenges and rewards of working in our sector, offering professionals a platform to share insights
Sustainability Committee Formation: Chaired by incoming President Mark Richardson, this new committee helps members develop green practices and provides sustainability guidance to families
A WORD FROM THE PAST-PRESIDENT.......
Engaging with the Community Was a Key Focus This Year
The 2024 Dine and Discover events were especially memorable, featuring speakers like former homicide detective Steve Ryan and community engagement expert Sam Laprade These events offered valuable insights and a chance to connect with fellow members
We also continued to host cherished events, including:
OACFP Blue Jays Game Social Event: Sold out quickly and required additional tickets because of its popularity
Raised Over $32,000: The Annual Charity Golf tournament raised an incredible amount The Unforgettables Fund thanks to the support of our members and sponsors like Carrier Mausoleum Construction
Advocacy and Government Relations
Our advocacy efforts focused on three key issues this year:
Priority of Persons Legislation: We are preparing for public consultations this fall, aiming to pass this legislation by mid-2025.
Changes to the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act (FBCSA): We continue to push for reforms that support the growth of our sector.
Need for Ease in Establishing New Cemeteries and other Bereavement Sector
Establishments: We are advocating for the development of cemeteries in regions where services are currently limited or soon to be exhausted
Professional Development: Building Expertise Across the Province
Education remains a cornerstone of OACFP’s mission, and this year we significantly expanded our training initiatives
Here’s what we accomplished:
Front-line Cemetery Sessions: Hosted two sessions, including one with our Funeral Director Assistant program
Multi-location Training: Organized five Zoom-connected training sessions through the Municipal and Small Cemetery Working Group, ensuring members across Ontario could participate.
eLearning Committee Webinars: Offered six free webinars to members, covering essential topics like:
AI integration in bereavement services
DNA preservation
Handling difficult conversations in funeral services
Trusted Advisor Training Program: Over 150 participants have now completed this program, which develops and equips arrangement teams with today’s best practices and enables them to provide exceptional client care
A WORD FROM THE PAST-PRESIDENT.......
As I conclude my term, I am deeply grateful for the support of the OACFP board, members, and staff. Together, we’ve faced challenges, embraced opportunities, and made significant strides in leading the bereavement sector.
I look forward to seeing OACFP’s continued growth under Mark Richardson’s leadership. It has been a privilege to serve the OACFP community, and I will always treasure the experiences and relationships built during my presidency.
From hosting engaging community events to expanding our training programs, we made significant strides in education and member connection across Ontario
FRONT LINE TRAINING - 2024
JULY 10 - HIGHLAND HILLS FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY
On July 10, 2024, the Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals (OACFP) held a comprehensive Front Line Cemetery and Funeral Director Assistant (FDA) Training Program at the Highland Hills Funeral Home & Cemetery in Gormley. This day-long event brought together cemetery and funeral home professionals, emphasizing practical learning and professional development across distinct operational areas
Event Highlights
The day commenced with a warm welcome from OACFP President John Perrotta, Committee Chair JP Narbonne, and Education Coordinator Kate McMaster This introduction set the stage for an informative session on the bereavement sector's structure, regulatory environment, and the OACFP’s pivotal role in supporting industry professionals
Cemetery and FDA Specialized Training
Participants split into cemetery and FDA groups after the initial session, with transport provided to facilitate focused training at Highland Memory Gardens Mausoleum.
Key Training Modules for Cemetery Professionals:
Mausoleum Safety and Operations: 1.
Led by Ken Schippling from 1 Contact Safety, this module focused on the daily inspection, safe use, and maintenance of mausoleum lifts, ensuring operational safety
Mausoleum Entombment Services: 2
JP Narbonne shared insights on set-up procedures, family considerations, and building maintenance
Small Equipment Maintenance & Safety: 3
Nathaniel Jackson from Mount Pleasant Group detailed safe operations of small equipment commonly used in cemetery settings
Traditional Interment Services: 4
JP Narbonne and Rob Carzeri presented methods for layout, setup, equipment safety, and professionalism in interment services
Vault Handling and Installation: 5
Curtis Turner and Kevin Baker highlighted best practices for vault installation, including liner and vault distinctions and cremation vault handling.
FRONT LINE TRAINING - 2024
JULY 10 - HIGHLAND HILLS FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY
Key Training Modules for FDAs:
Funeral Home Customer Service: 1
Heather Earle of Arbor Memorial discussed effective communication, hospitality, and professional deportment
Transfers and Handling: 2
A panel from The Simple Alternative Funeral Centre provided detailed guidance on the safe handling of remains in various scenarios, including coroner’s calls and infant transfers
Ceremonial Focus (Buddhist Funerals): 3
Patrick Leblanc and Gordon Seun led a deep dive into Buddhist funeral rituals, covering aspects like casket handling, ritual dressing, and the use of traditional funerary items.
Cremation Witnessing & Graveside Services: 4.
This session included a practical overview of the ceremonial nuances at crematories and graveside services.
Sandbox Session: 5
An interactive workshop focused on real-world scenarios, from managing customer complaints to coordinating facility maintenance during highdemand periods
Networking and Collaboration
The program’s midday break and combined lunch allowed participants to network and discuss shared experiences
This robust training event underscored the OACFP's commitment to enhancing industry standards through hands-on, situational learning Attendees gained valuable insights and practical skills that will strengthen service delivery and operational efficiency in their respective roles.
#OACFP24
INFLUENCE
& IMPACT: CRAFTING YOUR BRAND
Reflecting on the 2024 OACFP Annual Conference
The Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals (OACFP) recently convened at Caesar’s Windsor for our 2024 Annual Conference and Tradeshow, marking a significant milestone in fostering professional development and collaboration within the bereavement sector Under the theme "Influence & Impact: Crafting Your Brand," this year’s gathering attracted almost 300 attendees, including sector leaders, stakeholders, and innovative suppliers, underscoring OACFP’s commitment to excellence and progress in our field
Celebrating Influence and Impact
The conference theme was not just a guiding concept; it was a call to action that resonated throughout the sessions, workshops, and discussions. As Mark Richardson, our Conference Chair, highlighted during the opening, "Influence & Impact" pushes us to rethink how we communicate, connect, and present ourselves within our communities. The intention is clear: to strengthen our collective ability to lead and innovate in an evolving landscape.
Memorable Highlights and Keynotes
The event was expertly emceed by Minnelle Williams, a seasoned funeral director and death educator, who brought warmth, insight, and engaging energy to the conference The conference opened with a keynote by Pete Bombaci, founder of The GenWell Project, who emphasized the vital role of social connection in fostering both personal and professional well-being This session set a powerful tone, reminding us that the heart of our work lies in nurturing meaningful human connections
Another highlight was a panel discussion on the future of the bereavement industry, exploring trends such as eco-friendly practices, digital memorials, and regulatory shifts The session provided invaluable insights into the trajectory of funeral, cemetery, and cremation services over the next two decades
#OACFP24: INFLUENCE & IMPACT CONT.....
Networking and New Ideas
Our trade show was a bustling space, showcasing exhibitors who introduced cutting-edge products and services Attendees were encouraged to engage with exhibitors and share moments via #OACFP24, fostering a lively, interactive environment Special events, such as the Mentor and Reverse Mentor reception and the afterparty sponsored by Beechwood Funeral and Begin Urns, offered attendees rich opportunities for connection and reflection.
Closing Reflections and a Look Ahead
We concluded the conference with a compelling keynote by Ryan Thogmartin, who outlined strategies for leveraging social media to build a lasting, impactful brand presence His presentation, "Best Known is Better than Best," left attendees equipped with practical tools to enhance their outreach and community engagement
This year’s conference not only highlighted the necessity of evolving with modern times but also reaffirmed our unwavering dedication to the families we serve As we look forward to #OACFP25 at the White Oaks Conference Centre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, we remain committed to fostering an environment where innovation, compassion, and excellence thrive
Thank you to our members, sponsors, and the tireless OACFP team for making the 2024 conference an unforgettable success
LIFE MEMBER AWARD
The Life Member Award is given in recognition of outstanding commitment and support of the sector and the OACFP over a long career This year’s recipient was Ann Hurdman who recently retired after 20 years of service in the Municipal Cemetery Office for the town of Parry Sound.
JOHN CLEMINSON AWARD
We were pleased to be able to present two association awards this year plus present highlights from the winner of the Phoenix Foundry Bereavement Profession Excellence Award at our annual awards banquet.
The John Cleminson award was established in 2006 to honour the memory of a man held in great respect within this sector This award recognizes an individual for excellence in serving their community and ultimately, the families we serve This year the recipient was Jim Cardinal, now retired from Cardinal Funeral Homes Jim Cardinal has had an exemplary career in funeral services and has always been a strong advocate for professionalism and raising the profile of our profession in the minds of the public Cardinal Funeral Homes was one of the first independent funeral homes to join the OACFP after our membership was expanded to include all aspects of our sector We thank Jim for his vision and his support of the OACFP Accepting the award on Jim’s behalf at our conference was his son, OACFP Past-President, Jimmy Cardinal.
PHOENIX FOUNDRY BEREAVEMENT PROFESSION EXCELLENCE AWARD
The video presentation below outlines the remarkable journey of Kassie Hudson, the recipient of the OACFP Phoenix 2023 Phoenix Foundry Bereavement Sector Excellence Award. Kassie’s dedication exemplifies the highest standards of service and leadership in the bereavement sector,, qualities that align with the core criteria of this exchange program The OACFP values our relationship with our Australian colleagues and the ACCA We are thankful for the generosity of Phoenix Foundry who make this program possible To watch the video please click the YouTube Video Icon Below
THE CITY OF WINDSOR RECEIVES 650 TREES
The Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals (OACFP), has a lovely tradition of giving back to communities where their annual conferences are held. Typically, this is done by beautifying local green spaces for the city and its future generations They continued this practice this year by partnering with Trees for Life and the City of Windsor, the 2024 conference host city
On October 7, the three organizations announced that 650 trees will be planted at Elizabeth Kishkon and Malden Parks in Windsor to establish mini forests in each location The City plans to engage local schools with educational opportunities and the City will maintain and monitor the trees until they are established. This marks a new partnership with Trees for Life and the City of Windsor, and the third year of a partnership between Trees for Life and the OACFP. 2024 marks the first year this initiative has been sponsored by Kyber Columbarium and Consulting.
The press release from this event is available here: Trees for Life Announces 650 Trees to be Planted in Windsor to Enhance Local Green Spaces
OACFP UPDATES & ARTICLES OF INTEREST
REMINDERS
A reminder that all those holding a personal funeral license (FD 1 or 2, Funeral Preplanner and Transfer Sales Representative) are required to complete a minimum of six (6) hours of continuing education each year. All OACFP education content qualifies for CE.
CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR FUNERAL LICENSEES
As an employee of an OACFP Member Company, you have access to our current year's eLearning Webinar series and our entire webinar library at no charge These are set up as separate courses in our new OACFP ACE platform with each webinar being a session in those courses The links to the three courses are below - PLEASE NOTE - LOGIN IS REQUIRED TO ACCESS AT NO CHARGE
2024 eLearning Webinars
2023 eLearning Webinars
eLearning Recorded Webinar Presentations
We have also created a special year-end CE package available here: 2024 Year End CE Package
If you have any issues navigating the site, we have instructional videos available New OACFP ACE Platform Demo & Help Videos are available on our YouTube Channel here: OACFP ACE VIDEOS
OACFP ACE - Instructions PDF
ARTICLES OF INTEREST & RESOURSES
DEATHTECH STARTUPS DISRUPTING THE FUNERAL INDUSTRY
DON’T FORGET ABOUT OTHER OACFP ONLINE EDUCTION OPPORTUNIES AT OACFP-ACE
The OACFP has long been a leader in providing quality education for all bereavement sector professionals
We work in conjunction with all our members and sector stakeholders to provide Ontario’s bereavement professionals with the most up to date, relevant and cost-effective education and training possible
The OACFP offers a wealth of resources for the bereavement professional and we pride ourselves on being ”A Unified Association of Bereavement Sector Professionals Providing a Support Network of Education and Resources ”
We offer a variety of online and on-demand education on our OACFP ACE Learning Management System For information on how to access and navigate the system, check out the short videos below.
Funeral Director
Funeral Director
Cemetery Foreperson
Funeral Director
OACFP has worked with ChatterHigh to bring valuable information regarding a rewarding career in the bereavement sector to Ontario Educators. We ask our members to share this information with High School Guidance Departments in your area Click the banner below for more information
MEMBER BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT
We’re excited to offer you and your business a review of new and existing benefits in our Member Benefit and Supplier Spotlight Webinar designed to help you maximize your membership and stay connected with the latest innovations in the bereavement sector
We have added many member benefits this year both for your business and your employees
Click the banner to the right to review the webinar
