For a business to thrive nearly 90 years requires a great product, a strong commitment to the community, and the desire to provide caring, personalized service. And, at Arthur Funeral Home –Barton & Kiteley chapel in Sault Ste. Marie, their decades-long success story is also attributed to a dedicated staff of truly exceptional people.
Arthur Funeral Home was the first of its kind in Sault Ste. Marie. The original facility opened in 1938, and in the 1940s a growing demand for space brought about the addition of an office, showroom, family room and accommodations specifically for Roman Catholic funerals.
The company has continued to flourish through the years, holding fast to its commitment of delivering the best service by the most talented professionals.
Working in the funeral profession can be very rewarding, but finding strength every day to help clients navigate the pain and vulnerability of death and grieving does not come easily, says Joni Cooke, Manager of Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel. “Remaining compassionate, empathetic and competent while assisting a family through the most difficult time in their life takes a special type of person.” Most of the team at Arthur Funeral Home are long term employees, including former owner Bill Kiteley who was licensed in 1964 and has remained working to this day. Remaining staff of nine additional licensed funeral directors and a professional pre-planning advisor boast a combined experience of more than 160 years. The company also offers intern placements to qualified individuals.
Those considering a career in the funeral industry should be aware that education is only one element to reaching personal and professional success. “Although there are courses involved with our initial schooling, it is difficult to train a funeral director, or any funeral home employee, in what is very much a hands-on profession. There is such a varied range of death experiences, whether it be the actual cause of death or the family dynamics, it really does come down to the funeral director or support person working in the funeral environment.” The ideal candidate is not only empathetic by nature, they must be willing to go the extra mile to assist an often complete stranger on their journey of losing a loved one, and try to make that experience memorable and as comfortable as possible.
The rewards of working in the funeral industry can be second to none, but special attention must be paid to employees’ emotional and physical wellbeing to avoid employee burnout. “Health, wellness and work-life balance are a top priority, and we must remain physically and mentally healthy if we are going to assist those grieving,” stresses Cooke. To that end, the company provides access to an employee assistance program, online courses, guest speakers for compassion burnout and other programs to assist with the sometimes difficult situations they encounter.
Empathy is a key attribute to success, as is the ability to truly listen.
“Over the years it has become evident that people seek many different options in order to help celebrate their loved ones life. We will always put our pen down and listen intently to what they are asking of us and then take the intricate details to help create something meaningful. No detail is too small and every detail is remembered.”
For more than 88 years, Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel has been serving families across the greater Sault Ste. Marie area. They offer a variety of packages and items to assist in planning for all needs and budgets as well as complimentary services including a free, 24/7 compassion helpline, and no-charge personal planning guide.
And of course, every client receives the compassion and dignity of truly caring professionals.
Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kitely Chapel is located at 492 Wellington St. E. in Sault Ste. Marie. You can reach them at 705-759-2522, or online at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.