Digging Deep

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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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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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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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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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