HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1989-05-03, Page 6.1
Page --:..LneknovSentinel, Wednesday, May '-59.19
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The name may 'have changed • slightly
during the past 39 years, but onething has
remained constant in the MacKenzie and
McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow and
thatisthe kindnessand supportthe owners
and operators have given to Those who
have been bereaved.
The MacKenzie name was first
associated with this funeral business in
1950 when Bob -and .Isabelle, along with
Neil MacLennan purchased the A.T.
Davison Funeral dome. The new portion
was built -and opened.in 1851.
In 1960 the MacKenzies took over the
Lucknow business:and changed the name
to. MacKenzieFuneralUiome:and six years
later they purchased the Johnstone
Funeral dome, in Lucknow. At this time
Beth Johnstone -and -her son, Ken purchas-
ed MacKenzie's furniture business.
In 1978 MacKenzie Funeral Home
Lucknow amalgamated with McCreath
Funeral Home, Ripley, operated by
William McCreath and the name changed
to MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral
Home, Lucknow.
The Lucknow business today is operated
by Bob and his daughter, Joan MacKenzie
Pollard and the Ripley business is owned
by William McCreath.
It is common knowledge that up until 10 -
15 years ago, most funeral homes also had
a furniture business. When Bob was_asked
why, he explained, "Years ago, .the old
undeat ers_were._cabinet_makers and
made their own caskets, and it followed
that the two bus ne_sseswenthand in.hand.
The embalming, visitation and service
were always held at the home of the
deceased. On occasion the funeral service
would be held at .a church." By looking at
the .income side of .a funeral business in
those days, one can.nnderstand how a fur-
niture . business would also provided .need-
edincome to raise .a family
Bob was licensed in 1940, having spent
a
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two years apprenticing with Trull Funeral
Homes, in Toronto. 'After five 'years in the
armed service, hespent time in London,
Cobourg, and Then return r.s to Lucknow.
Rob's daughter, Joan, enrolled in the
Humber College Funeral °Service Educa-
tion programin 87188 and awill•.graduate in
June 1989. This course is made up of one
year in school and one year .apprenticing.
Joan's response to "what made you
-decide to -go into the funeral 'business -at
thistime in yourlife?"was answered with,
"The timing was right, 1 'had -always
thought about it and when John (Joan's
husband) was moved to the Lueknow
bank, the opportunity was there with Dad
looking forward to retirement."
Joan said that as she .and her 'brother,
John and sister, Wendy were -growing up,
they were -expected to: help their' Mom. and
Dad, just the same as other kion whose
'parents are in business, be it retail or far-
ming. She remembers the many times
they moved furniture and linoleum to
prepare for a funeral service. They also
helped \with the flowers and basically lent
a hand at anything they were capable of
doing.
The schooling Joan has taken to become
a.licencedfuneral director was not:an-easy
road. The mature students in the program
were .at first a little apprehensive about
the.indepthnessof the course material, but
ina very shorttime it -.became evident that
t ieema`seee-‘atud exni Pas :aba=� zdie-4t-_
easier than the younger students.
'While Joan'swas.a two yearprogram, it
is changing to a three year stintinthenear
future,,.and as Joan said, "gone forever.are
the .days when two black horses, a wagon
and a black suit were the requirements to
be a funeral. director."
Bob's son, John became a licenced
funeral .director in 1981 but now .persues
other career interests.
Obtaining aiicenee is not the end of one's
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education b- ,this type of business. Every
five years a refresher course must be
taken to keep your licence updated.
Over the years Bob has seen many
changes in the funeral bus ess. At one
time almost every little 'village and town
'had its own funeral 'home, which is not the
case now. Visitation was always two days
and two-eve7nings, sometimes even three
days. in 1950 thecost Of a:'funeral `wvaa
4500. More -people -are prearranging it
funeral, which it makes it easier on the
family when they lose i loved one.
t►henaskedbis feelings -on•Joans enter-
ing the:business, Hob aid, "I'm happy it is
staying -in The family." While be doesn't
verbally say it, one can see behind this
distinguished gentleman's eyes, a feeling
of pride and rightly -so.
Joan has redecorated the premises, ad-
ding antiques and such to give a more
homey atmosphere. And those who have
had personal contact with Joan during a
bereavement will vouch for the warmness
that radiates from her and the amount of
support she gives them when going
through one of the most difficult times, we
as humans must face.
The MacICenzies pay tribute to two
employees in their business; Betty Mole
and Doug .Stevenson. Doug is no stranger
to the MacKenzie family as he grew up
with John (Bob's son) and as Joan said,
"he was always around here." As Doug
wasgeup-hc marked in theirefur
niture :business and six years .ago became
and employee of the funeral home.
MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral
Horne, Lucknow - another long time
member of the business community, now
being passed on to a second generation.
While it may be small in size compared to
city funeral homes, it can offer much more
- that personal feeling of understanding or
solace that comes from living in a :small
village. •
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074
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Vi d iliCKNOW
Bob MacKenzie and Joam MacKenzie
Pollard Of MacKenzie ° and McCreath
Funeral Home, Lucknow. (Pat -Livingston
photo)
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Yea r
:atter year,
voverni mn
after .government,
anada -has hu:ilt.up
ebtlhatnow totals_over320
billion dollars. So that today,
pose hind sof every tax ,dollar is
vestal just:saying the interest on
this massive bt..L-etPs;stapesloort-
,changingLaurseIves.We90 .otto
ideal :.with..the debt air. -That
way we .can guarantee our
_s c ai projrams tin the
future. And ft's,
in 6ever$=ey9s
:best -inter- .
,.est
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