Conversations with Daniel, a Funeral Director

Joe Colasanti is a beloved figure of the community who enjoys serving the community through his family’s greenhouse, arcade, zoo and gift shop as well as charitable gifts.  

Joe Colasanti answers what is the best piece of advice he’s ever received... It was from his dad… “Love lots, live long.”  

Joe’s  advice for a long life, “Be a person who wants to get ahead in life. Get up in the morning and look to be constructive.”  

The Colasanti's vision/desire is to see smiles on everyone’s faces as they spend time at Colasanti’s.  

Colasanti food and gift shop can be a great addition to a funeral or celebration of life. 

Joe, of 88 years, explains how his perspective on death has changed over the years.  

Where does Joe want to be buried?  

Do we fear death?  

In conclusion, Joe gives us a method to get things done!

In this conversation, we enjoy hearing about how Mr. Chris Lewis has a vision of hope for the community he serves and how his grandson, Levi, has enhanced that.   Chris tells us how he keeps empathy strong by surrounding himself with the right people.  He shares his last moment with his grandpa and how it affects his perspective.   We discuss how sharing memories of loved ones is healthy and good.   Chris also talks about how his time as a firefighter has given him many experiences to draw on when serving others.   Chris asks Daniel what excites him about going to work as a funeral director every day!  In conclusion, Chris tells that he looks at trying his best to make sure the following generation has good opportunities in their future!

In today's conversation we get to hear Dr. Amanda's vision for the community that she serves. I ask her if, in her practice at a chiropractor, she sees the effects that grief can have on the physical body. Dr Amanda shares how she has lost her cousin and some friends recently due to mental illness and how it has impacted her perspective in life.  In conclusion, she asks me what is the strangest thing I've seen so far as a funeral director!

Today we have the privilege of listening to a conversation with Pastor Chris Walker, Lead Pastor of Meadow Brook Church, a Mennonite Brethren congregation in Leamington, On. Chris is married to Sarah, and they have two children.  In this conversation, we get to see what Meadow Brook Church currently has going on, including a free farmer’s market! We also see how they support each other through tough times.   Listen to hear how pastor Chris’ experience with a tragic death at 16 years old affected his perspective in life.   Finally, I am asked what people should do or say when going to a funeral.

In this conversation, Pastor Adrian Ninabar lets us know how the congregation at Lighthouse supports each other through relationships and looks to help each other in practical ways. He also shares how the death of his father has increased his level of empathy. We discuss how each person may have a different way and pace in which they grieve as well as deliberate on healthy ways of grieving and the importance of exercise during this process  Finally, Pastor Adrian asks me to share how I became a Funeral Director.

Adrian and his wife Rose, have a heart for people and families. They reach out to hurting families in the community through grief support and divorce counselling. Adrian holds two masters degrees and a doctorate and is also a Word Class Powerlifter. Adrian and Rose love the outdoors and spending time with their beautiful grandchildren.