KEARNEY FUNERAL SERVICES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- General Manager
- General Manager at Kearney Burnaby Chapel
Aaron was born in Vancouver, B.C., spending his formative years in Prince George before returning to Burnaby to complete his BA at Simon Fraser University. He completed his BC Provincial Apprenticeship Funeral program in 1996, working full time in the funeral profession and later becoming Manager of Vancouver Memorial Services and Crematorium in 2000 and the General Manager of Hamilton-Harron Funeral Home in 2006. In March of 2009 he joined Bell & Burnaby Funeral Chapel where he served as Manager until April 2017. Since May 2017, Aaron served as Operations Manager at Kearney Funeral Service (Columbia-Bowell Funeral Chapel, Kearney Burnaby Chapel and Kearney Cloverdale). As of May 2020, he will be located at the Kearney Burnaby Chapel where he is proud to continue his professional journey with a locally owned and independent funeral service provider.
Active in outdoor sports and music, Aaron has served or is serving on several professional boards as well as community and fraternal associations. With 30 years in the funeral profession, Aaron continues his dedication and commitment to the families that he and his colleagues serve at Kearney Funeral Services.
Job Titles:
- Financial Controller
- Funeral Director
- Funeral Director and Financial Controller at Kearney Columbia - Bowell Chapel
Anne Plunkett-Rumley was born in County Cavan, Ireland. On May 1st 1987 she started working with Kearney Funeral Services. She is the Financial Controller, a Vital Statistics Registrar and a Licenced Funeral Director - this is her vocation. Working with the bereaved, she is very compassionate, caring and detailed. A parishioner at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Walnut Grove , she is very active in her parish: a CWL member, Counting Team, Hospitality and Greeting Team and an Extraordinary Minister. She enjoys her family, Church, friends, gardening and cats.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Directors Assistant
Carol has been blessed to be a Vancouver/Lower Mainland resident all her life. Early in childhood, it was evident that her first known passion was music, and after many hours of patience and practice, earned her Royal Conservatory of Music teacher's degree in piano at a young age. Some years later, after becoming a parent, she shared that passion with her own 3 children, and was very active in their school choir, professional choir, and in teaching piano to many of their friends and local school children. She soon discovered a second calling and passion in the funeral industry, and worked as a Service Attendant for a large corporation for 10 years. Carol is now dedicated to her role at Kearney's as a Funeral Director's Assistant, committed with kindness, to helping families.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director at Kearney Funeral Services in Vancouver
Christina Koh was born in Singapore and has traveled extensively. She graduated from high school and college in Melbourne, Australia. After immigrating to Canada, she worked in long-term facilities providing care for elderly residents. It has always been her desire to help families during a time of need, so she went back to school with the Canadian College of Funeral Services where she obtained her Funeral Director and Embalmer license.
Christina Koh is a loving mother to two beautiful children. She is caring and compassionate. She has a gift of languages - she is fluent in Cantonese/Mandarin/Teochew/Taiwanese and can speak some Tagalog. When not working at the funeral home, Christina enjoys spending time vacationing with her family, cooking, and cycling. She is also a member of the hospital union group. Christina is a member of the team at Kearney Funeral Services at our Vancouver location. Christina is currently on leave.
CONNIE FIGUEROA Pre-Need Advisor Born and raised in Manila. She migrated from the Philippines with husband and only son, who is on his 2nd year at UBC. Her background is in banking, social and community services. She is a devout catholic. A member and household leader of the Couples of Christ Community for several years now. Connie has a big heart for elders and seniors. She is caring and compassionate, with great listening skills. She loves helping families by attending to their needs and ensuring to give the best possible service to them. Her philosophy in life is that you only live once. So, "live life to its fullest."
Dan O'Hara lives in Chilliwack and has been with Kearney's for four years as a pre-need counsellor. He had a 30 year career with the Correctional Service, Canada as a middle manager and trainer. He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1988 and served at most levels in his council before becoming a State Officer and eventually, a State Deputy serving more than 10,000 members in BC and Yukon. He then went to work with the headquarters of the Knights for 5 years, responsible for a region that included the 5 western provinces and the state of Alaska. Dan brings leadership, service and strong, interpersonal skills to Kearney's and always looks forward to meeting new people. Although he lives in Chilliwack, he has clients throughout the lower mainland.
ETHELYN DAVID Pre-Need Advisor Ethelyn was born in Manila, the Philippines and spent her childhood in Holland and Belgium. Her family moved to Vancouver just before her high school years and she then completed her Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in French from the University of British Columbia. Shortly after, she started working for Delta Airlines in Vancouver and Toronto, then moved back to Vancouver to work for Air Canada where she recently retired after 34 years in the airline industry. Her experience in Sales and Marketing and her passion for Customer Service is what she brings to her position as a Pre- Needs Counsellor to the Kearney family. Ethelyn is a "people person", she is a good listener, is empathetic, and strives to give her clients the best possible options to serve them and meet their needs with warmth and care. Ethelyn is a very involved Catholic both in her parish and in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Working for Kearney's is not so much a job for her, but a ministry where she can share her faith with others. She is President of Mediatrix Conferences a non-profit organization, a Dame in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and a Media Missionary for Shalom Ministries among various other Apostolates and Ministries. Her passions include networking, world travel and cruising, learning, volunteering, spending time with her husband and son, and connecting with friends at home and abroad.
Job Titles:
- Assistant General Manager
Jeannette was born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario and moved to Toronto, Ontario in 1991 where she has worked in all levels of retail management and working with the Disney Corporation. In 2007 Jeannette followed her dream to become a Licensed funeral director embalmer at Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel. Then moving into a Management role with the Giffen and Mack Funeral Home and Chapel serving on the OACFP committee and was actively involved with in the community she served spanning different roles in her career.
In 2017 Jeannette became a mother and had joined the Highland Funeral Home & Chapel as a Senior Funeral Director & Embalmer and in 2020 was promoted to Team Lead Senior Funeral Director. In August 2021 Jeannette had relocated her family to British Columbia and is now the Assistant Operations Manager for Kearney Funeral Services - Vancouver.
Jeannette has a passion to serving her families and making their vision come to life through personalization and celebrating a life well lived. Jeannette and her family are world travelers and have explored many parts of the world together. In her spare time, she enjoys doing running races and biking and spending time with her family in the outdoors.
Jeannette believes: "Every day of your life is a special occasion, Celebrate it, Every day, Each moment at a time!"
Originally from Ontario, Joanna started her career in Funeral Service working part-time while attending Don Bosco Secondary School. During this time Joanna realized that her calling in life would be in the Funeral Profession. Being entrusted to care for those who have left this world and the people they leave behind is an honour and a privilege. "Meeting people from different religions, backgrounds and cultures all over the world has been an experience that I feel could not have been duplicated had I chosen another profession. When I look back on the connections that I have made with so many people over the years I am inspired and grateful. I am always looking forward to establishing the next relationship".
Joanna graduated from Humber College and received her Funeral Director's License in 1994 where she continued to work as a Funeral Director in the Toronto area. In 1997 Joanna moved from Toronto, Ontario to Vancouver, BC where she lives, works, and raises her own family. When not at work Joanna enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, travelling, cooking, reading, and curling up in front of a good movie.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director / Embalmer Apprentice
Matthew Palmer was born in the United Kingdom and grew up in Wales. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Cardiff, Matthew went on to discern a vocation to the Catholic Priesthood for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. However, after several years of Philosophy and Theology studies at seminary in Nebraska, Matthew decided not to become a Catholic Priest and instead settled in British Columbia where he met his wife, Bernadette, and joined the team at Kearney Funeral Services. Matthew lives with his wife in Maple Ridge, is an active member of Holy Family Parish in Vancouver and enjoys nothing more than a good book or a long hike.
The experience gained from living and training as a Catholic seminarian has given Matthew many valuable skills that continue to inform his way of life and which are readily applicable to his work with Kearney Funeral Services. He is committed to serving all the families who reach out to Kearney's with a dedication that is rooted in his Catholic Faith.
"Because with the Lord there is mercy: and with him plentiful redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities." Ps. 129: 7-8
Job Titles:
- President
- President and CEO of Kearney Funeral Services Ltd
Michael Crean is the President and CEO of Kearney Funeral Services Ltd. He has been a resident of New Westminster for more than 30 years where he has been an active presence in the local community. In his professional life, Mike has been leading his locally owned family business for more than 35 years. He is a former board member of FSABC, the Independent Funeral Service Association and the Provincial Government Funeral Trade Advisory Committee. Mike has been a passionate advocate for health care issues for decades, as a founding member of the SFHR board and Community Health Council in New Westminster. Since that time, he has served at the highest levels on the boards of the Catholic Health Association of BC and Saint Mary's Hospital. In addition, he was a founding board member of the Denominational Health Association. Most recently, he was chair of the Providence Health Care Society in Vancouver. Mike has also been involved for many years with Rotary. He is the former chair of World Community Service for Rotary District 5040 and was a member of the Canadian Rotary Committee for International Development. Most recently, Mike completed his 15th trip in twenty years to Africa - two to Zimbabwe and thirteen to Uganda - where he worked to implement Rotary Projects, setting up hearing testing centres and operating equipment. Mike finds time to indulge in his hobbies: playing drums in two working bands, sailing, travelling, skiing, cycling, hiking and playing broomball, squash and racquetball.
MIGUEL QUINEZ Pre-Need Advisor Miguel was born in the Philippines and migrated to Canada in 2011 along with his son, to reunite with his wife. His hobbies are playing billiards with friends and the occasional stroll around the neighborhood with his wife. Additionally, he enjoys watching football and tennis. Currently, he works as a life insurance broker and a personal tax preparer and acquired more than 500 satisfied clients. Initially, individuals that approached Miguel and the interactions they had with him, found them lacking of knowledge and awareness regarding funeral services which are essential to the public. Hence, it prompted Miguel to join the Kearney Funeral Services as a Pre-Need Advisor. He wants to continue advising individuals on how to plan for their funeral expenses as it will help lessen the burden on their family in the future.
MIKE GARISTO Pre-Need Manager Mike has been married 30+ years and is the proud father of 4 adult children and grandfather of one energetic 2 year old boy. He has spent his entire adult life in service to others, working with youth in sports, coaching at the elementary, high school and college level, providing representation support to workers as a union representative for 35 years, first as a volunteer and then as a full time union officer, helping build financial stability for families through estate planning and insurance tools as a Fraternal Benefits Specialist with the Knights of Columbus. Mike also helps seniors with affordable housing through charitable foundations, serving first as Vice President and then President for more than 10 years. The culture of care and compassion at Kearney Funeral Services allows him to continue the work he has spent his entire life doing and doing this work within a company that allows him to provide the best service to our clients - the way he would want to be treated. Mike looks forward to serving you!
Ryan was born and raised in New Westminster. The 4th generation of a 110-year-old family business, Ryan entered the Funeral Director and Embalmer Apprenticeship program in 2006, becoming a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in 2008. Following completion of his apprenticeship, Ryan returned to Simon Fraser University to pursue a degree in Physics, completing his degree in 2014 before returning to the family business. Ryan is an active member of the Vancouver Rotary Club as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1283. Ryan is married to Jennifer Kauppila and together they have a young son Rowan. In his free time, Ryan enjoys skiing, mountain biking, reading and enjoying the outdoors. Ryan has a passion for helping the bereaved and is an advocate for bereavement education and out reach. He has worked to bring Dr. Alan Wolfelt to Vancouver, is an organizer of annual Honour a Life events and an advocate for community work that directly impacts those suffering a loss.
Born and raised in England, Samuel came to Canada in the 90's and worked for various airlines before joining the funeral profession as a part-time driver in 2001. He graduated as a Funeral Director in 2004 with the Western School of Funeral Service.
In his tenure he accumulated a wide range of experience from arrangements to service directing, having served families all over the Lower Mainland. In his pastime, he likes to take walks and has an interest in aviation.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Funeral Director at Kearney Columbia - Bowell Chapel
Steven Colón was born and raised in Manhattan, New York. When his mother moved back to Puerto Rico, he decided to join her there, where he completed his studies in Funeral Directing, Embalming and Autopsy Assisting. He worked in Puerto Rico for 6 years as a Funeral Director and Embalmer until 1999, when he moved to join his wife in Vancouver. In 2000, Steven worked with Kearney Funeral Services (Broadway & Oak location) as a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer and later at Kearney Columbia-Bowell (New Westminster location). Steven is ever mindful of the needs of all the families he serves, endeavouring to provide the best possible service with compassion and dignity, and in accordance with the wishes of loved ones. Steven is currently a parishioner of the St. Mary's Parish in Vancouver and is an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the BCBP (Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals). Steven and his wife Belinda are loving parents to four Puerto Rican Chihuahuas that they adopted from the same canine family.
Thomas James Kearney began coming to Vancouver in 1905. He was still operating his General Store in Bonanza Creek during the Klondike Gold Rush, but on a visit to Vancouver Tom fell in love with a lovely young local girl by the name of Catherine O'Connor. Although a professional opera singer by trade, Catherine also helped her mother Brigit O'Connor lay out the deceased when a death occurred in their parish.
Tom thought he'd get close to Catherine if he started working with the funeral directors and shortly after, when an opportunity came to invest in the funeral home Green Simon & Lamp Co., Thomas took it. The struggling business needed more and more help and ultimately Tom moved to Vancouver to work there full time. He soon bought out the partners, becoming the sole owner in 1908.
In 1908 Thomas J. Kearney founded Kearney Funeral Services with a mission to serve the bereaved and offer the highest level of ethical and professional care in Vancouver. A lot in Vancouver has changed since 1908, but the high ethical standards and compassionate care on which Kearney's was founded still remain at the heart of our mission.
Born in St. Boniface MB. He moved to Vancouver, BC in 1998 and started working in the funeral industry in 2012 and Graduated from the Canadian College of Funeral Services in 2016.
Art and antiques are two of his passions and hobbies. He loves the outdoors and spends weekends in Stanley Park or English Bay.