Sargent & Son is 100 years old
Sargent & Son Funeral Home has officially hit 100 years old. The company is celebrating this significant milestone today at it's 100th anniversary Open House as part of their centennial campaign, A Century of Care. Honouring a legacy of compassion and service, the campaign celebrates the company's long history and commitment to serving families and loved ones during times of loss.
Says Funeral Director and Manager, Michael Sargent; “We're proud to celebrate with the community that Sargent & Son has been in our family for five generations. Since 1924, the year that Lewis Sargent founded the funeral home, the Sargent family has cared for local people and their families during the most difficult times in their lives. While much has changed over the past 100 years, the most important things have not… Sargent & Son remains a family-owned business with the same caring values for local people and the community.”
The 100th Anniversary Open House & Reception invites clients, employees, friends, and local businesses – both past and present - to attend the celebrations. Mayor Ken Boshcoff will also be in attendance to deliver congratulatory remarks to the company. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the facilities, learn more about Sargent & Son through a multimedia historical journey, participate in special commemorations, and network.
Last month, Sargent & Son also launched a Digital Legacy initiative asking local people to share their special stories, memories, and photos from the past 100 years. The initiative is a tribute to the thousands of remarkable people who have helped to shape Thunder Bay during the century. Some of these legacies will be shared at the Open House, and the company will continue to accept submissions to be shared on social media throughout the year.
Says Funeral Director and Manager, Greg Sargent; “Our 100th Anniversary is not just a celebration for our family business. It's a chance for us to honour the contributions of local people and the resilience of the community through the decades. This Open House is an opportunity to take a pause and acknowledge all the amazing people who have made a positive impact in our community and who continue to inspire future generations. We've got a lot to celebrate in 2024.”
One hundred years on, Sargent & Son is still looking to the future and planning for what's next.
“Caring runs in our family,” continues Greg Sargent. “We hope to continue the legacy of Sargent & Son for another 100 years by continuing to evolve, modernize and meet the expectations of local people. We're committed to remaining independent and to keeping things local so that we can support the community in the way it has supported our family for generations.”
For more information, and to contribute to the Digital Legacy campaign, visit: www.sargentandson.com/a-century-of-care
About Sargent & Son Funeral Home
Sargent & Son Funeral Home is a family-owned business dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized funeral services. From traditional to contemporary to completely unique, Sargent & Son acts as a guide through the decision process, providing funeral services that celebrate all life journeys. Their services are grounded in a century of experience, ensuring that every detail is handles with care and compassion.
Funeral Directors, Greg Sargent & Michael Sargent
How does it feel to reach this milestone of 100 years?
“ It's very humbling to reach a milestone like this - to be able to be part of a legacy that served this community for 100 years is an amazing accomplishment and we are so honoured to be a part of that legacy.”
“ It is a great testament to how close we are as a family. Not many businesses can say they have lasted this long and remain with the same family ownership. There was no obligation that we had to this,we wanted to be part of it and that is the way it has worked from generation to generation. We have tried to provide a positive impact in the community.”
“ Our great grand father Lewis came up from Fergus, Ontario and brought my grandfather Frank shortly after that.Then my father Jim began and my brother and I are the fourth generation with my son and nephews potentially shown some interest in getting involved, so we will see what they decide.”
The Sargent and Son was founded in 1924 after buying out Mr Thompson.
The family has enjoyed working in this field over the years.
“ It is an honour and privilege for us help people at what is probably the worst time of their lives. Our goal is to take them to a place where it is the best it could have been for what it is. You take people on a journey from the worst possible place to at least where they can move forward to the next phase of their lives.”
The industry has changed over the years.
“ The industry has come a long way from the horse and buggy sort of funeral coach with everything from vehicles to livestreaming technology and different video tributes. The technology has changed.”
