Kitching, Steepe & Ludwig Funeral Home
146 Mill Street North L0R2H0 Waterdown, ON, Canada

On this one-year anniversary of the first Covid-19 death in Canada, our thoughts are with all those who have lost a loved one to this disease. As we think back on the past year, we also want to acknowledge the many families who had to endure gathering restrictions during the illness or funeral of a loved one. We are thankful for all those who continue to help on the front lines of the pandemic.

You may have seen (or heard!) us coming through Waterdown and up Highway 6 today. Bruce MacLean was honoured by taking his final ride in his own Rig.

Share the love this Valentine's Day! Order by 6 p.m. on Feb. 9 and get a terrific Family Breakfast Kit or Sugar Cookie Kit delivered to your door Feb. 13. Great... fun, great value, AND support your community through Rotary projects! Order online here: https://docs.google.com//1FAIpQLSeeRto3GXEX1bUMP8/viewform See more

We finally have some snow and it's time for some winter fun! #waterdownontario #familyfun #rotaryclubofwaterdown

Someone traded their black suit for a red one this morning! Not that you could tell with the suit, beard, mask and glasses! Thank you to the Rotary Club of Waterdown for getting into the Christmas spirit and brightening kids' days today in a safe way!

The holiday season is here! Great to see Memorial Park all lit up to celebrate. So many great local businesses in our community that help to make Waterdown a great place to live, work and shop!

We are sad to announce the sudden passing of our friend and colleague, Keith Waller, on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. He was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Strabane Cemetery on Monday, November 23, 2020, in the community he was raised in and dedicated a lifetime of service to. He will be missed by all his friends in funeral service and in the community. To leave a note of condolence for his family, please follow this link:

Check out our fresh newly paved parking lot! Special thank you to King Paving for their great work and for being so accommodating to us as we continued to serve the community, and to Mapleridge Landscapes - we love the new walkway!

Hey everyone...we're at it again. Lam, Don, Ken and myself will be slogging through 36 holes of golf on September 16, 2020 to raise funds again for the Waterdo...wn Youth Centre. These funds will help to keep the programs running and keep the facility in great shape for all those who use it on a regular basis. Everyone is excited to get it open and running full steam again in line with school openings while keeping it safe as we do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. I'll be collecting the funds for our foursome so please give generously using this link: https://yfcwaterdown.com/donation/rick-ludwig-golf-a-thon/ If you want me to pick up a cheque or prefer to send an e-transfer just message me! Charitable receipts will be provide. Thanks!

Loved ones appreciate a funeral that fits. Talk about what they want instead of focusing on what you don’t. Some people start their funeral planning with a clear idea of what they don’t want. They might want to avoid what was done in the past for another loved one, or dislike something they saw at another funeral. When people begin their planning with that approach, they may actually be signalling that they are unsure of what they do want. ... One of the benefits of talking about it ahead of time is that you can look at it together with your family. Rather than backing into a funeral arrangement by moving away from what you don’t like, you can move forward by considering things like who the funeral will be for, what is important and meaningful, and what best represents the shared thoughts and beliefs of the family. These are helpful conversations for a whole family to have together creating the best fit for a funeral. It takes a little time and effort but talking about it can make all the difference. Head to allthedifference.ca for more information

We all need to take time for loss. Opening the door to grief now, helps you do it later too. A death, sudden or not is a shock for the whole family. Afterwards, it can feel like time stands still. This is the natural way for the mind and body to get you to slow down, absorb the moment, and help you through a life-changing event.... You naturally know that you should take time for your loss, yet there is so much pressure to speed up and move on, to close doors to grief rather than open them. But slowing down provides the space for loved ones to be together, to focus on what has happened and consider what to do about it. Taking that time together, slowly prepares the family to also meet the grief of an entire community of people. It takes time and energy to meet them all, but spirits are often lifted by all the love and support that is received. Discussing what would be most helpful for everyone ahead of time is a healthy starting point. It can make all the difference. To learn more, go to allthedifference.ca

Can you spot the new part of our uniform? We promise you we are smiling under our masks as we greet you for visitations and funerals. Under a new directive from the Bereavement Authority, anyone attending any indoor funeral event must wear a mask or face covering.

We are thankful for this announcement but it does require another quick pivot with no advance warning. We will be working diligently to get all the information we need to adjust to the new protocols in a safe and friendly manner. We appreciate your patience and are here to answer any questions or concerns.

If you are considering attending a funeral event that you have been invited to as one of the limited number of guests, or any other limited size gathering, the following questionnaire should govern your decision making: (docu cred. Vaella Consulting) Stay safe-stay home.

Up to date funeral guidelines for Ontario. This makes it increasingly difficult for you to share your grief in the ways we best know how. We will do everything we can to help you share now within the guidelines and help you plan for sharing your loss after the pandemic. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay at home. Stay safe!

Dear Community Members: Our care and concern for you during these uncertain times in respect to the COVID-19 virus remains unwavering as we are committed to supporting you and your family and friends in the best way possible when facing the loss of a loved one. We remain available to assist you even as we implement the suggestions of Public Health Ontario to create a safe environment for everyone and assist in limiting the spread of the coronavirus. We have implemented the f...ollowing additional measures and suggested protocols: Increased cleaning protocols in high traffic contact areas. The virus is easily eliminated by routine surface cleaning with disinfection products. We ask that you consider limiting the size of funeral gatherings and receptions at this time to those directly affected by invitation and welcome others by live-stream if possible or consider a Memorial Service including others at a time when the virus containment concerns have been lifted. If you are unwell in any way do not come in to the funeral home but rather consider sharing your condolences by way of the online Tribute Wall on the website or an online donation. We will ensure that the families receive your well wishes. We will increase the use of telephone and electronic means to communicate with you in making the funeral arrangements to limit the traffic in and out of the funeral home as much as possible at this time. If a death occurs in your family as a result of the COVID-19 virus we are confident to serve you and care for you with the services you need. The Contagious Disease Center has not put any restrictions on the care of the deceased or any particular requirement for burial or cremation in respect to this virus. We will work with your family in respect to your potential exposure to the virus and the possible need for 14-day self isolation. Our staff are doing everything possible at work and outside of work to limit their exposure and to safety healthy to serve you and to protect their families and community from the spread of the virus. We are committed to remain calm and responsible and be a safe place in the community that you can reach out to. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and respond to government supplied information through Public Health Ontario as needed. https://www.publichealthontario.ca//novel/public-resources We thank you for your ongoing confidence in us, Rick Ludwig, Greg Luxon, Garnet VanPopta, Diane Vanderwoude Russell (Funeral Directors)

Joining our friends south of us in celebrating National Funeral Director's Day! Thank you to the Frazer Team for your kind words.

Children young and old, have feelings that need expression. It’s often our instinct to shield children from death. But including children confirms to them that their feelings are important too. Their individual sadness is a part of the family’s sadness together and so allowing children to participate can be helpful to them and everyone else too. Children will participate willingly, as much as they can for their age. It’s not true that they don’t understand and that it’s be...st not to scare them. In fact, shielding them can make death seem like something they should be scared of and that fear can carry on into adult life. Grief is not something to be avoided, it needs to be shared. Including everyone in the funeral planning and events is important. Talking about it together can make all the difference.

Often, getting together as a family to plan a funeral service brings up stories and memories and thoughts about who the person was. There is usually laughter and tears, all mixed together. This is the beginning of figuring out what the family wants to say, but doesn’t yet know how. It can be quite therapeutic. Sometimes the service is called a ‘celebration of life’ and is thought to mean that no one has to be upset. A celebration can focus on the good times and happy memories..., but that’s only one side of the coin. That’s saying hello talking about the person, their accomplishments, their relationships, their character. There’s also a need to acknowledge that life must go on without them. That is hard and real, and it’s okay to be sad. In fact, if life went on the same after the person died, what does that say about the person? Shedding tears is not a sign of weakness, but a symbol of the profound relationship that is forever changed. That is saying goodbye. In every funeral gathering there is a tension between joy and sadness. Tears should be encouraged along with laughter. Emotions are messy and unpredictable, and it is okay to be full of joy for a life lived, but also full of sadness that the person is gone. Understanding all this opens the door to talking about your funeral together with your loved ones. It can make all the difference.

The graveside service can be an important, final part of the funeral experience, and a very difficult one. This is the spot you say your final goodbye and leave your loved one to rest. It can feel hard to walk awayto really leave them. Having words of comfort that acknowledge how difficult and sad this feels is vital. It’s easy to get caught up in making things convenient, thinking of others and putting the funeral reception as a main priority, instead of focusing on gather...ing together and preparing for that final goodbye. Sometimes, families wish to have the graveside service first to get the hard part ‘out of the way’. Whatever the reasons, families will benefit from talking more about the final goodbye. It’s important not to rush it, and to be prepared for how it will feel. Having a funeral service, hearing words of comfort and sharing memories is a good preparation for that last goodbye. Making the graveside service public is an opportunity for the whole community to say goodbye and express their own grief. One person can touch many lives and so inviting the community to come together to support the family at the grave, and then taking a step back to allow the family to just stand and grieve together privately, is a good way to address the difficulty of laying a loved one to rest. These are not easy decisions, and can be difficult to figure out what will be best for everyone. Talking about it ahead of time can make all the difference.

Beautiful Superbowl ad from yesterday's game. What is something you never want to forget about your loved one?

Sharing losses together is one of the healthiest ways for a community to stay strong, thrive and help each other. When one person suffers, the others surround them to help carry the load. It’s important then to consider your community when planning a funeral. That requires some thinking and discussion about who will be most affected when we die.

Look what the chocolate chip banana bread fairy dropped by...and it's still warm! Thank you from the KSL team.

Funerals are for the Living

Being a faith community means sharing each other’s joys and sorrows. To share the bond of faith and invite your community in to experience your grief with you b...rings a special kind of support and comfort. Often, many people come to visitation hours to offer their sympathies because sharing each other’s joys and sorrows is what being part of a faith community is all about. We are all united in Christ, and so we look to him together, and we also look to each other so that we may be Christ’s hands and feet to our brothers and sisters. It’s important to find the right balance between the family having adequate time to say goodbye to their loved one, and inviting the community in at the appropriate time. Families will often come on a separate day or evening before the public visitation for a private time together. Or sometimes an announcement is made at the cemetery for the friends and extended family to make their way back to the church before the family, so they can have some final private time at the graveside. Families need time alone, but the community of friends and church-family need to grieve the loss as well. It is helpful to think about and have these conversations ahead of time, so the family knows what to expect. Talking about it together can make all the difference. Head to www.allthedifference.ca to learn more.

Don't you dare miss it!

Shout out to Isabella and the rest of the Ancaster Avalanche Pewee BB team! They were honoured at the Breakfast of Champions as the Ontario women’s hockey association (OWHA) champions and Provincial gold medalists (placed first in Ontario). Congratulations! Ancaster Avalanche Girls Hockey Association

Putting the finishing touches on our Holiday Candlelighting Memorial Service. Tonight we will come together as a community to honour our loved ones and light a candle in their memory.

KSL family celebrated with Diane Vanderwoude and Donavan Russell on the Mill Street and 5 The American House patio last night....4 months to go and wedding bells will be ringing!

Noah is "repping" one version of the new Smithville Timberwolves jerseys!! #KSLrepresent#CRHLnewteam

50 Years in Funeral Service has Keith Waller on top of the world!

A touch of old style class for a final ride to the cemetery.

We had a great time this afternoon at our open house! Thanks to everyone who came out to see our new Family Centre!

Thanks to Mapleridge Landscapes and Vanderwoude Sod for the fresh outdoor "carpeting" as one of the finishing touches for our Family Centre Open House this Saturday, May 4 from 3-5 p.m.

You are invited to an Open House on Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 3-5 p.m. to see our newly expanded and completely renovated Family Centre! We would love to see you there! Refreshments will be served.

Thank you to all of those who joined us for our Annual Handling the Holidays, Memorial Candle Lighting Evening. Also thank you to our own Bereavement Counsellor Denise Baynton, and her wonderful volunteers, Ted & Sharon for being so dedicated to our bereavement program and events. May this Christmas Season find you having the courage to grieve with hope.

A reminder of our upcoming event! Let us know if you would like to attend this informative evening.

Thankful for receiving the 2018 Trillium Award of Excellence for Hamilton, Ward 15 tonight at the opening of the Hamilton Fall Garden & MumShow. Kudos to Mapleridge Landscapes for making us look so good in 2018!

A little update on our new reception space. Floors are in, painting is coming along. We are looking forward to the kitchen area being installed in the upcoming weeks. It is coming together! #kitchingsteepeandludwig #funeral home #waterdown

Rotary volunteers were encouraging food bank donations on Saturday and club is matching donations made! Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative :)

Thanks to Don, Lam and Ken for joining me and 25 other golfers from Waterdown at Craigowan yesterday in support of our local Youth Centre! Together, with your support, we all raised 40k for YFC/Youth Unlimited- Waterdown!

Ron Steepe, along with a number of funeral director colleagues from across the province, was recognized this week by the Ontario Funeral Service Association for over 50 years of service as a licensed funeral director at their annual convention in Blue Mountain. Congratulations Ron from all of us at KSL!

Proud to be Platinum Sponsor again this year for Chili Fest in support of Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre. Diane even got to be a VIP Guest Judge!

Chilifest is coming up! We are proud to be a platinum sponsor of this great annual event in support of the Flamborough Women's Resource Centre! What are you doing on Tuesday, September 25? Come on out and enjoy some delicious chili and support a great organization!

The Spectator has featured Ron and Eleanor Steepe’s wonderful garden! They spent 25 years living above the funeral home, so once they got the chance to have a big garden they took it. Check it out!

The freedom of summer schedules may have provided a lot of time with family for support after a death. It can be panic-inducing when that has to change. It is normal to be nervous about sending your children back to school after a death. There are certain things it will be helpful to do to support this transition, but each step of the way keep in mind that your child will not want to feel ‘different’ or singled out from other children. Do your best to respect that, while still ensuring your child is prepared and supported.

It’s happening... New carpet in the Chapel!

A little update on our renovations and addition!

Lots of folks out for the Second Annual Garden Walk in Waterdown. We are honoured to be a part of it!

We have some walls!

Concrete poured. New basement. And we hear there will be some walls going up soon!

When grief darkens Father's Day: Tips for coping and honouring dad As Father’s Day approaches, not everyone is wondering about whether to get Dad a goofy tie or a fishing lure. Many are wondering how they will get through the day as they mourn for the loss of their father. The day can be challenging for grieving sons and daughters, but there are ways to cope. Remember, the anticipation can be worse than the actual day, the best way to handle that is to turn the tables and say..., ‘Yes, the day is coming.’ And then start planning. Planning might involve discussions with other family members to come up with activities to honor and remember Dad. That might involve going to church, visiting the cemetery, having a dinner that was special to him or going to a favorite spot. If there are young children, involve them in planning for the holiday. Ask if there are special activities they want to do to honour dad, let them make him a card and express how they are feeling to him. The day can be especially difficult for mothers who are grieving for their husband while also caring for children grieving for Dad. The parent should be open to the children. If the child is upset, Mother may say, ‘I get upset, too. I may cry on that day, too. But we are going to do something together to help us get through that day.’ Some people may prefer to be alone on this day, make it a self care day; get a massage or pedicure, or go for a nice long walk. In grief, people often forget to take care of themselves, so a day of self-care can be a big mood brightener. Don’t forget you can ask for help; Accept an invitation to celebrate with another family. Ask a friend to come over. Let loved ones know you could use some support. This might take some effort, and sometimes it takes a little humbling of ourselves to be able to ask for that support or that company, but people care about us. Let those needs be made known. It’s important to recognise that if you’ve made the decision to do something and it doesn’t feel right, you can change your mind. Allow yourself to give yourself what you need. Allow yourself to say if you’re finding it difficult or need to change your plans.

A little update on our renovations.

Our Eastern Redbud is sure making Mill St. look beautiful.

Did you know that the women who started Mother’s Day were actively working to help lower infant mortality rates? That they protested the wars that had taken the lives of their sons? That they were working to form bonds with other mothers whose children were also lost to war?

Quick poll on a warm Spring day: Who has started their spring cleaning already? Check out our newest blog post about something you may not have thought to "spring clean"...

The Rotary International President challenged all Clubs to plant one tree per Rotarian this year. Our Club decided to plant bread fruit trees! The fruit is a good source of protein and apparently grows well. #RotaryAtWork

Basement walls are poured and back-filled!

The addition to our Family Centre has begun! We will keep you posted as it progresses.

We are honoured to be placing our Angel wraps and Angel gowns with the compassionate folks at Kitching, Steepe & Ludwig Funeral Home in Waterdown. We thank Dia...ne Vanderwoude and the rest of the Directors for helping us bring meaning, tradition and dignity to the baby's life, no matter how brief, and a measure of comfort to the heartbroken parents. During our Fall Dress Drive, we had donations from many generous ladies in Waterdown and we want to give back to the communities that support us in this charitable cause. As well, we wish to thank our Community Partner, The Messengers International Courier, for making this special delivery on our behalf.

If you know someone grieving the loss of a spouse or partner, consider reaching out to them on Valentine’s. A card, cup of coffee or small gift goes a long way in helping them get through the day. One small act of kindness whispers, I see you and you are not forgotten.

A great way to support the Drummond House! There is still time to join in the Coldest Night of the Year Walk!