Hill & Robinson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

10/16/2026

Writing a sympathy card can be an emotional experience. Finding the right words to comfort someone who is grieving isn't easy.

10/12/2026

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving, that special day of the year when we are grateful and count the blessings in our lives. As we enjoy the day’s festivities, let us welcome feelings of appreciation and gratitude into the special moments we share. From all of us at Hill and Robinson Funeral Home, have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life." - Melody Beattie

10/07/2026

Supporting Those who Grieve, at Their Place of Work

Losing a loved one is never easy, and it can be especially tough when the person grieving is also trying to balance the duties and responsibilities of their job with the emotions they are experiencing.

Firstly, it’s important for managers and leaders in the workplace, to recognize when someone on their team is grieving. Some signs of grief in the workplace include a drop-in productivity or motivation, difficulty concentrating, changes in behaviour i.e., withdrawal or acting out, or physical signs such as fatigue or exhaustion. If someone attends work regularly and starts taking more days off than usual, it could be a sign that they are struggling personally.

Providing compassion and support, demonstrates that a safe environment is available to those who are grieving. When supervisors show empathy toward a person who is experiencing loss, this helps them understand that they are not alone in the workplace. Discussing with them what they may need will create an environment of trust, with long term benefits for all parties.

Depending on how difficult the grieving process is for the bereft, additional time off to help process their grief may be necessary. Providing flexible working hours if needed, to attend necessary appointments may also be helpful.

If those who grieve are comfortable talking with colleagues this may help them better process their loss. Just knowing that they have people around them who care can help lessen the burden of grief. Everyone grieves differently, so some will be more open to this idea than others.

Long term, it’s important for those grieving to feel that they still belong as part of the team, even if they may be struggling with their own emotions at times. Supervisors need to be patient if someone grieving appears overwhelmed by tasks. Remind them that they have additional support if needed and let them know their contributions are valuable. Equally important is recognizing other team members who may be picking up additional work in support of their colleague.

Grieving is never easy but with some empathy and understanding from supervisors and colleagues, grievers can and will want to remain part of the team. When we create environments where grieving employees feel supported, our workplaces are stronger and everybody feels valued regardless of personal situations outside their work life!

Anne DeButte
Grief Coach and Podcaster
“Let’s Talk About Grief with Anne”

© Hill and Robinson FH/CFHC Online

10/02/2026

09/30/2026

Every Child Matters
Wear an Orange Shirt on September 30

Today, Canadians across our country will don orange shirts to raise awareness for the individuals, families and communities impacted by residential schools. Also known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day aims to remember the children who were forced into the residential school systems and never returned home.

Over 150,000 indigenous children attended these schools from the late 1880s until the mid-1990s. During that period, over 5,000 young Canadians died while under school care. Orange Shirt Day encourages the sharing of their stories on the journey to reconciliation to help ensure a better life for future generations. It also is a symbol for the healing journey for survivors.

It was residential school survivor Phyllis (Jake) Webstad who brought the orange shirt concept to life after sharing her own story. As a six-year-old, she recalls arriving for her first day of school in a new orange shirt – a gift from her grandmother – only to have it taken from her, in effect robbing her of her feelings and identity.

A federal stat holiday since 2021, events across the country will commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools in an effort to remember that Every Child Matters.

For more information, visit OrangeShirtDay.org.

© Hill and Robinson FH/CFHC Online

09/28/2026

Online Death Cafes

Death Cafes are offered through what is termed a social franchise. This organization is composed of a volunteer network of individuals who for various reasons have a special interest in dying and death. Since inception in 2011, Death Cafes have been held in more than 85 countries, with in excess of 16,000 events having being scheduled to date.

Death Cafes offer a place to gather and share conversation about a broad range of topics which usually center on mortality and death. In a respectful and open-minded setting views are shared and topics are discussed. The goal is not to come to a conclusion about any specific subject, but is more about each participant contributing to a conversation. We can all learn from one another.

Both in-person and online meetings are held. Participants talk with one another, enjoy a cup of Joe, or a tea and perhaps a pastry.

An underlying goal of the society is to make us all aware of the finiteness of our lifespans and in doing so, help us appreciate the importance of living our lives to the fullest.

For information on Death Cafes or to see either upcoming online or local events please visit these links.
https://deathcafe.com/
https://deathcafe.com/deathcafes/
https://deathcafe.com/map/

© Hill and Robinson FH/CFHC Online

09/25/2026

View Stephanie Kocielski's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

09/23/2026

Sometimes a Condolence Message on our Website doesn’t Appear Right Away. Why?

As you know, obituary notices on our website have a place where well-wishers have the ability to express condolences or share kind words. It’s simply a matter of entering your message where indicated.

Sometimes we receive calls that a message is not there. The most likely cause of this is that all messages are reviewed prior to being made public. One of our staff will check to make sure that messages do not contain vulgar language and that the message is respectful to the deceased and their family.

As condolences are received, they are kept in an archive which is frequently reviewed and then they are published. We appreciate your patience as strive to ensure that the messages a family receives are respectful.

© Hill and Robinson FH/CFHC Online

09/22/2026

View James Douglas's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

09/17/2026

Funerals are increasingly becoming celebrations of life rather than solely somber occasions. Many families are now seeking creative ways to make these serv