Digging Deep

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...

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 (...

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 death...

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 f...

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 m...

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 embracin...

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 transpa...

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,...

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 Bil...

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 Bil...

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...

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. Follow GFD on Lin...

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. Follow us on LinkedIn for exclusive podcast content! ca.linkedin.com/company/gf...

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

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