Built by John McKeough in 1878, the estate property at 245 Wellington Street West in Chatham, was known as "Summerlands".  Following the death of Mr. McKeough in 1899, his nephew W.E. McKeough resided here until 1925.  It was in that year, over 80 years ago that the property was first used as a funeral home.  W.G. Burrows one of the first funeral home operators in Chatham, and also one of Chatham's oldest businesses purchased it and turned this magnificent property into a very distinguished funeral home.  In 1928, after a short partnership with Mr. Burrows and his son, Mr. Oscar Campbell took over the business and it became known as the Campbell Funeral Home.  Both Mr. Campbell and his wife operated the funeral home with much compassion and renowned dignity throughout the community. 
Following the Second World War, in October of 1945, John G. Stephen purchased the funeral home and the name again changed, this time to the Stephen Funeral Home.
  Mr. William Alexander then joined the firm as a director and until 1973 when Mr. Stephen retired, the two men jointly operated the funeral home, known as the Stephen-Alexander Funeral Home from 1971.  The funeral later became known as the Alexander Funeral Home, as it is today.
Today Dan and Anne Houle own and operate this family business and take great pride in the dignified services that they provide to the community, with the help and dedication of a caring staff, and warm, comforting facilities.

Dan became a licensed funeral director in 1993 and has managed funeral homes in Exeter, Wiarton, and Owen Sound.  My wife Anne and myself own and operate Alexander Funeral Home.  We have two children, Jacob and Sarah.  Both are active in the community playing on many sport teams, active in our church community, and active in individual pursuits. 

As a family we enjoy our time spent with each other and have made wonderful friendships in Chatham-Kent.  Previous to funeral directing we spent four years in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Airborne and had various jobs in new home construction.  As a family, we have chosen to work together at our funeral home.  Anne obtained her teaching certificate at the University of Toronto, and her Masters of Education at Brock University.  As a family we are vested in our community and are both active in our church, in organizations in our community, and in bringing up our own family here in Chatham.  We are privileged to serve the families of Chatham-Kent. 
Andrea Bryce - Funeral Director

My name is Andrea H. Bryce and I am now in my 11 th year as a licensed funeral director.  Recently, I have become a new mom to Skye Lily, born August 9 th, 2007. Together with my husband Kai Groen, we enthusiastically tend the local soil in our extensive vegetable and edible flower garden in the summertime. Otherwise, I can be found behind any historical or biographical book.  I am pleased to be raising my new family in the Chatham-Kent area and am dedicated to assisting Dan and Anne in their endeavour to providing caring service to families in our community.

 Susan Brooks - Support Staff

 

My name is Susan Brooks, born raised and lived in Chatham most of my life.  I was married to my late husband Ron for 37 years.  We have two children, a son and a daughter.  We were transferred to Brockville in 1975.  The decision to move back to Chatham was in the fall of 1991 when Ron took early retirement.  I am on the social committee at St. Andrew’s United Church.  I like to read, travel and also spend quality time with family and friends.  I am looking forward to this new phase in my life and the chance to help others in their time of need.

John Saunders - Support Staff

My name is John Saunders.  I am married to my wife Jean and we have four children and nine grandchildren.  I worked at the Public General Hospital for over 33 ˝  years.  I have been working at the funeral home for the last twenty one years helping the families of Chatham-Kent.  I enjoy the work, and I enjoy helping our families in their time of need.

Bob Smith - Support Staff

I have been a life long resident of the Chatham-Kent area.  Along with my wife Jane and our three daughters; I have lived in the city of Chatham for over forty-five years.  I was an employee of the International (Navistar) Truck Plant for thirty-five years, retiring in 1990 as Manager of Production Operations.  I am a member of St. Andrew’s United Church and St. Andrew’s Board of Directors, and I belong to several Masonic orders.  Since retirement I have been privileged to be a support staff of the Alexander Funeral Home.

Evelyn Reeve - Support Staff

I have lived in Chatham and Chatham Township all of my life.  I was married to my late husband Bob, and we had two sons Ted and Tom, both deceased.  I have retired from Bell Canada Engineering with over 40 years of service.  I have always been very active in the community and am a long time-active member of Telephone Pioneers Executive, Kent Regiment I.O.D.E. Officer, Chatham Kent Lifeline Co-ordinator, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, and United Way Operation Cover Up.  I am a member of Victoria Ave. United Church as well as a Board member there.  I enjoy special time spent with family and friends, time spent at my cottage, and travelling aboard.

Sandra Barnes-Support Staff & Organist

My name is Sandra Barnes.  I am married to my husband Willard and we have our son Jason, his wife Nikki and daughter Natalie.  I was a member of the nursing profession for over 30 years.  I am the organist for Providence United Church and Sprucedale.  I teach private voice and piano having completed my BMA.  I am attending Assumption University and inspiring to complete a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry.  I believe that music and faith are such an important part of our life, and the gift of music is important when celebrating a funeral.  I play the organ at the funeral home, and I help families pick out pieces that personalize the life to be remembered. 

Bob Belbeck - Support Staff

I am married to Lynn and we have two sons Kyle and Dane.  I possess a BA from the University of Western Ontario in addition to my Ontario Teaching Certification.  I am a retired teacher of thirty-one years with the Lambton Kent School Board.  I offer my time as a member of the Chatham-Kent Basketball Officials Association, a thirteen year leader with Scouts Canada, member of Sprucedale United Church as well as a Board and Choir member at the church.

Joseph Robbins - Co-op Student

My name is Joseph Robbins.  I am 18 years old, and in my last year of high school.  I am currently doing a co-op placement at the funeral home to finish high school and gain experience in funeral services.  I am in the process of going to college next year , and aspire to go to Humber College in Toronto in hopes of becoming a licensed Funeral Director.