My name is Huntly Ketchen and clients often ask me: “Huntly, people your age are usually retired. What are you doing here at Sands Victoria Funeral Chapel?” I tell them it’s because I found my calling here, helping families, maybe a little late in life sure, but it turns out my passion is being of service to others.
The fewer days we have left, the more precious time becomes to us. All the luxuries in the world mean nothing when we no longer have the luxury of time. You will find that choosing to pre-plan your final arrangements may not provide you more time but with better time: free from concern and worry, free to enjoy the luxury of time well spent with your loved ones all without leaving them the burden of having to make your arrangements on their darkest day.
“But Huntly,” they say, “What about the days you have left?” If I choose to spend my remaining days improving the quality time of your remaining days, I hope that convinces you of the importance of pre-planning your funeral and cemetery arrangements. After all, we pre-plan school activities, recreation time, dinner celebrations, our daily “to do” list, even something as simple as our grocery lists.
Pre-planning is done with your head not your heart, and will prevent emotional overspending. I can not eliminate the heartache but I can reduce the anxiety of what needs to be done. I will help you charter a path through unknown territories, find a payment plan that avoids unnecessary expense, and leave you with the certainty that, after one phone call, our team will take care of everything.
Even after the service is over and the cousins have flown home we are still helping your family manage the estate closure paperwork, applying for benefits, and assisting them with our “Closing Affairs” binder and website.
Let me tell you about our team. I am proud to represent Arbor Memorial. Family owned since 1947, it’s the largest Canadian owned funeral and cemetery provider. We can be found across the country. In the CRD, we have Sands Victoria Funeral Chapel on Quadra, Sands Colwood Funeral Chapel on Goldstream, and Hatley Memorial Gardens Cemetery also in Colwood.
Every one of my colleagues is chosen for their desire to provide compassionate and competent assistance for families experiencing the worst days of their lives. And, even if it slips your mind to pre-plan and you find yourself dealing with an unexpected loss, call us and ask for help. We are here for you.
“Okay Huntly, I’m convinced.I should give you a call this week – what are your hours?”
Our offices will pick up the phone during business hours, however the relationships I have with families are important to me which means I am available 24/7, easily reached by phone, text, or email, and yes,I make house calls.
Huntly Ketchen, Pre-Planning Director & Aftercare Specialist
hketchen@arbormemorial.com For your free consultation, 778-533-8797 | arbormemorial.ca
