About Us

Top: Elenor Mae Steepe, Mark Shewchyk, David Ogilvie, Ron Steepe Bottom: Marjorie Steepe, Donna (Steepe) Shewchyk, Linda Mae (Steepe) Ogilvie, Vanessa Shechyk, Liam Ogilvie

Family Ownership

Forty years ago Ron and Eleanor Steepe purchased the Kitching Funeral Home from Mr. Mervyn Kitching and a new chapter began in the 100 year history of the local family funeral home. After many years of hard work expanding the business and facility in stride with the community needs, and together raising three daughters alongside operating the funeral home, the Steepe's decided now is the time to turn a new page. Upon completing an extensive addition and renovation to the funeral home, and receiving a recognition from the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce for Business Growth and Achievement, it seemed the natural next step. "It is not an easy decision to make," Ron pensively remarks, "but the timing is right for the business to execute a plan of succession. We are not saying good-bye to our endeavours, but are looking forward to them being carried on into the next generation. We saw a good opportunity here to ensure that the funeral home remains family owned and operated by people committed to the local community." On January 6, 2004 Rick and Denise Ludwig purchased Kitching-Steepe Funeral Home Limited, and have assumed the day to day operation of the business.

The Ludwigs: Rick, Matthew, Denise (Holding Jilliann) and Danielle

Rick Ludwig, a licensed Funeral Director, has been in the employ of Kitching-Steepe Funeral Home for 8 years and a resident of Waterdown for 10. Rick and Denise and their three children, Danielle, Matthew and Jilliann have moved into the two story apartment above the funeral home. "We're very excited," Rick smiles, "Ron and Eleanor have given us an opportunity to continue in the rich tradition that they adopted from the Kitchings, family ownership and operation while living at the funeral home. This hearkens back to the establishment of funeral service in Ontario and suits the needs of our community well." Denise was raised above a funeral home, and Rick and Denise began their married life living above a funeral home. As a result they are well acquainted with this living arrangement "Seventeen years ago I started in funeral service under the mentorship of my father-in-law, Henry Sieders," Rick explains, "and what impressed me most was the opportunity to personally serve people in a time of great need, and the reward of their appreciation and the personal connection that resulted. This remains the driving force that also propelled us into this venture." As to why they decided as a couple to continue in the tradition of family ownership, Rick responds, "People often question funeral directors as to how they can endure working in such a sad environment. I always respond that I can't imagine a more fulfilling occupation, assisting people in a difficult time all the while encountering life's big questions; the significance of today and what is in store for the future. As a Christian family this profession becomes more of a vocation as we serve families from varying backgrounds and beliefs. We do not take for granted the confidence that is placed in us to attend to the funeral arrangements of someone's loved one. If you stop to think about it, that is quite an honour."

The Ludwigs assure that what the community can expect is more of the same; personal service and commitment to meeting individual needs. The funeral home name is changed to Kitching, Steepe & Ludwig Funeral Home Limited. "I believe this change to the name recognizes the foundation this business was built on in the work of the Kitching and Steepe families and it also marks the commitment to continue family ownership in the future," Ludwig states. The staffing arrangements remain the same with long-time employee Keith Waller serving as a senior funeral director, and numerous part-time funeral assistants continuing on. Eleanor Best (Kitching) remains with the firm as organist as well as fulfilling various other tasks in the home. As for Ron Steepe, he quickly confirms, "I'm not calling this retirement, maybe just changing speeds." Ron remains as a licensed funeral director with the funeral home, and although he is on a more tailored schedule, he remains available for consultation and service by appointment. "One of the benefits of this arrangement is that Ron can set his own pace and remain doing what he enjoys as long as he likes. And besides," Rick grins, "Funeral directors never really retire, they just eventually get assigned to the coffee lounge with the daily news.

Eleanor Best (Kitching) Organist

Original premises with new addition