After the sudden death of his father in 1987, Geoff Carnell assumed ownership of Carnell’s Funeral Home. A Licensed Funeral Director and graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1977 with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), Geoff used his engineering skills to enhance and expand the funeral home. This included the addition of a crematorium, which had significant impact on the services provided by the funeral home and, in turn, its business model.

When asked to contribute an article in a monthly seniors’ newspaper, 50+, The New Age Senior, Geoff discovered a way to learn more about his new profession while educating and providing advice to the public. What started off as a simple article in the paper’s inaugural edition continued with an article every month for 14 years.

Geoff’s column was very well received and covered topics on all facets of the grief and bereavement profession. The column eventually led to the publication of two books: When the Sun Sets: A Guide to Funeral Planning for a Canadian audience and The Complete Guide to Funeral Planning: How to Arrange the Appropriate Service for American counterparts.

With an increase in cremation and decrease in the types of funeral services traditionally provided, the funeral profession is undergoing a paradigm shift from the sale of products to the provision of what Geoff refers to as “knowledge-based services.”

The standard template of the traditional funeral is changing. Therefore, the advice and guidance of today’s Funeral Directors has never been more important to guiding families through the numerous service and memorialization options currently available. The information contained in Carnell’s Continuing Education Program will benefit today’s Funeral Professionals and help them navigate this paradigm shift.