THUNDER BAY — A Thunder Bay funeral home is expanding its services farther into the district due to the closure of the Fawcett Funeral Home in Geraldton.
After 36 years, Fawcett funeral director and manager Normand Gélineaut is retiring, and will shut down the business on Aug. 31.
Gélineaut was unsuccessful in his attempts to find a buyer.
Everest of Thunder Bay has stepped into the breach, saying it has the capacity to provide burial and cremation options for residents of the Greenstone area.
In a letter to community members, Everest president John-Bryan Gardiner said that since the closure of Elliot's Funeral Home in Nipigon, the company has already been travelling north to serve families in that area.
"When Norm told me that he was closing, I spoke with my staff, and they enthusiastically assured me that they were willing to step up and expand our service area," he said.
To facilitate this, Everest has invested in two additional all-wheel-drive service vehicles, and is adding staff.
Gardiner said he is also setting up a "home base" in Geraldton that will serve as a workspace and garage, and he has rented an apartment for overnight accommodations for staff when required.
"I am making a solid investment and commitment to serve the various communities in your area," he wrote.
Everest staff have been spending time with Gélineaut, working on some services and familiarizing themselves with the district, in order to ensure a smooth transition in September.
"There will be changes, but I pledge to you that we will do everything we can to provide your community with the care and compassion you have come to expect," Gardiner said.
Four other funeral homes in Northwestern Ontario have shut their doors since the beginning of 2022.