Visionary Professionals.
A Proven Leader.
Focused on Serving the Bereavement Sector
Established in 1961 by a group of passionate and dedicated bereavement service professionals, GFD has been a progressive partner in the bereavement sector for over 60 years. We are committed to the growth and vitality of the Canadian bereavement sector and dedicated to helping the public understand and pre-plan their last wishes. Our knowledgeable experts offer stable investment approaches while ensuring accurate and easy administration, monitoring, and exceptional Member support. By serving our Members, GFD is committed to providing solutions to promote and secure their future business.
Interested in membership? Connect with our team for more details.
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1960's
Service First
- The Funeral Society of Ontario (today, GFD) was incorporated as a fraternal benefits society in 1961 by a group of innovative and forward-thinking funeral directors who recognized the social need for the proper conduct and administration of pre-need services.
- The original objectives of the Funeral Society of Ontario: “…to assure the provision of a proper funeral service for each of its members upon death…”
- Members at that time were everyday people who could purchase a certificate of insurance from the Society entitling the holder to “all items normally furnished by a selected Member funeral director…”
- The first certificate is sold to Gertrude Allen on April 3, 1962.
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1970's
Progressive
- As pre-need funeral planning grew in popularity in Ontario, the Funeral Society of Ontario recognized the necessity for a product that would provide consumers control over their funeral arrangements without increasing the administrative burden on funeral homes.
- In 1971, the Society launched its revolutionary group annuity product designed to invest and administer pre-need trust deposits.
- This new product was pivotal in expanding the Society’s reach across funeral establishments in Ontario, growing its assets to 10M by the end of the decade.
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1980's
Trustworthy and Generous
- With pre-need regulation still on the drafting board at provincial policy level, consumers remained at risk of losing funds due to theft, fraud, or bankruptcy of funeral homes.
- In 1982, the Funeral Society of Ontario announces full voluntary restitution of all trust funds lost to 50 depositors (families) in the community of Kincardine, Ontario, due to an incident of theft.
- This confirms the Societies commitment to lobby for increased consumer protection relating to pre-paid funds in Ontario and the beginning of formulating a key provincial policy that would shape the industry for decades to come.
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1990's
Trustworthy
- Three decades after its inception and after significant consumer protection advocacy, GFD is enshrined in the Ontario Bereavement Act and Regulations.
- The Ontario Bereavement Regulation is amended to allow for funeral homes to invest prepaid funds with an eligible depositary through an Ontario Fraternal Society – formalizing GFD’s current regulatory structure in Ontario.
- This decade marks further product diversification with GFD launching a new insurance product.
- Assets under administration grow to over $100M.
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2000's
Progressive
- Doubling down on its commitment to easing the administrative burden to its Members, GFD launches the sector-first, online, new business application.
- Digital progress continues, with online claims and the launch of a Member web portal.
- Assets under administration grow to $200M.
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2010's
Service First
- GFD experiences significant business growth with expansion across Canada.
- Product diversification and innovation increases rapidly with the purchase of Funeral Plans Canada (FPC) and the development of a cemetery centric Care & Maintenance Fund.
- Assets under administration hit $1B by the end of the decade.
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2020's
Steadfastness
- A revitalized brand identity is born with a refreshed approach to being a Service-first, Progressive and Trustworthy organization.
- Using six of decades of knowledge, expertise and continued conviction to build on.
- GFD has proved to be steadfast in leading the bereavement sector to new heights by innovating through product, service and advocacy.
Executive Staff
At GFD, we take great pride in our team of executive staff members, who bring years of experience and expertise to their respective roles. As a company, we’re committed to supporting the growth of our Members and leading the way in the bereavement sector with innovative and progressive solutions while also honouring the unique traditions of the communities we serve.
Board of Directors
Our Board members at GFD bring decades of expertise in the bereavement sector, as well as in financial and regulatory matters, to help steer and steward the continued growth of our organization.
List of Past Chairs of the Board
Independent Director
2023 –
Denning Funeral Directors
2021 – 2023
PX Dermody Funeral Homes
2019 – 2021
Turner & Porter Funeral Directors Ltd
2017 – 2019
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry
2015 – 2017
Ashburnam Funeral Home
2014 – 2015
Hogle Funeral Home
2012 – 2014
Turner & Porter Funeral Directors Ltd
2011 – 2012
Ward Funeral Home
2010 – 2011
Berthiaume Funeral Home
2009 – 2011
2008 – 2009
GH Hogle
2006 – 2008
Haliburton Community Funeral Home
2004 – 2006
Armstrong Funeral Home
2002 – 2004
Tubman Funeral Homes
2000 – 2002
1998 – 2000
Independent Director
1996 – 1998
A. M. Paul
1994 – 1996
Cardinal Funeral Homes Ltd
1992 – 1994
Turner & Porter Funeral Directors Ltd
1990 – 1992
Markey Dermody Funeral Home
1988 – 1990
Andrews Funeral Home
1986 – 1988
Rosar Morrison Funeral Home
1982 – 1986
Ward Funeral Home
1980 – 1982
T Stephenson Funeral Home
1978 – 1980
Ingram Funeral Home
1976 – 1978
Rosar Morrison Funeral Home
1974 – 1976
Kay Funeral Home
1968 – 1974
Hulse & English Funeral Home
1965 – 1968
Turner & Porter Funeral Directors Ltd
1961 – 1965
