Testimonials

testimonials

"Words can’t convey our heartfelt gratitude for your kindness and gentle guidance during a time when we were overwhelmed with grief for our beloved mother/grandmother. Right from the start when we first let you know that the situation was grave, you indicated that you would take care of everything and would contact us at the appropriate time. During our meetings, you welcomed us as though we were family. We never felt rushed or pressured and all of your suggestions were valid and most helpful. No detail was deemed too insignificant and, knowing this, we could rest assured that everything would be done beautifully. Thank you to everyone involved. You made a difficult time culminate into a memorable occasion for all who cared and loved her."
Laura Rimland and family
"We would like to thank you for your respectful guidance during this sad time. It made a difficult journey easier for our family. Please convey our thanks to Brooklin Floral and Rosedale Catering, they both did a lovely and outstanding job for the service and reception."
Anne Ney, Stephanie & Colin Lavery & Family
"Words cannot express our deepest thanks for the wonderful job you did in preparing for my mom's memorial yesterday. It is a true gift to be able to meet people at the worst time of their lives and to gently and compassionately lead them through the process. This is truly where the healing begins. From our family to yours thank you and God Bless!"
Brenda Watson
"A heart felt thank you to you Melissa, and Mr. Barnes, you are true professionals who made a very difficult time for our family much easier to get through. From answering all our questions, giving us pricing and options, and telling us what we could expect from you, it was a stress less experience. You never pressured us, and told us that if we needed anything that you would be there to take care of everything and you truly were. From the time of my dad’s passing, cremation, service memorial, catering, filling out and completing paper work/ government documents, and attendant services etc. All services went over and above our expectations. Phillip Smith our Minister was able to tell my Dads life story and capture his true spirit without him knowing him personally by carefully listening to my Mother and siblings while meeting us at my home. He carried out such a wonderful service which was truthful, touching and left you feeling you knew my dad for years. By the time the service was complete even if you had never known my father; you would come away feeling like you knew him personally. My husband and I cannot say enough great things about the Barnes team, all of whom deserve our gratitude. I know my Dad would have applauded his memorial. Someone I know recommended Barnes Memorial and Funeral Home to me, and I will be sure to tell anyone who is looking for a great Funeral Memorial Service provider to please call you, because I know they will be happy they did."
Debbie Chamberlain and Family 
"I would like to thank Katherine, Melissa, Rick and Phillip for the wonderful service and support they gave our family on the passing of our father Donald. We would also thank the young men who held the door for us and the wonderful catering ladies. You all made a difficult day so much easier on our mum and all of us. Thank you all so very much."
Carolynne Kennedy
"Rick, the service was beautiful and I want to thank you and Melissa for doing a great job. Phil was excellent and many guests thought he was part of our family. I was very pleased with the catering. The food was fresh and tasty. Thank you and in closing we will certainly recommend your services. Yes Rick we will vote for you!!!"
Marlene Allen
"On behalf of myself and the rest of my family, thank you! We are very pleased and we certainly appreciate everything you did to ensure that my Mom's funeral went smoothly. Your professionalism, your guidance and you sincerity throughout made this entire experience less painful for us. We feel very fortunate to have had you overseeing every detail, ensuring that "My Mom's Special Day" would make her as proud as it did us. Thank you once again," 
Ed, Donna, Darrell & Doug Morgan
"To the Barnes family, although it has been several months since my husband, Denis Carrier has passed, I feel compelled to share the impact you had on my family, friends, and I. Rick, Melissa, and your entire staff were consistently professional, knowledgeable, and showed genuine compassion and warmth. Your attention to every detail was incredible. I appreciate how you guided me through each step and decision, and with your quiet confidence, you earned my trust. You treated my husband with utmost respect and dignity, and for that I am truly grateful. You listened and accommodated every request, even allowing our family dog Teddy to attend the funeral! When we discussed the need for a funeral celebrant, you recommended Philip Smith who was the perfect fit. He invested time with our family, listening to stories, and took many notes. He had a big job to do, but he truly captured the essence of Denis. The service was beautiful, and to this day people are still commenting on how well Denis was honoured. Most have told me they want a service just like that when it’s their time! Even the luncheon following the service was more than I expected. My husband and I have always believed in family business. We also worked together and strived to be the best in our business, and I am so impressed and thankful that Rick, Melissa, and all their “family” have the same values. It radiates from all of you and it’s genuine. In the most difficult time in my life, you made it so easy for me to trust you. You made me feel like part of your family in your beautiful home. Well done."
Jill Carrier
"When a love one passes away and plans need to be made, it can be a stressful time. I have personally had to deal with this type of loss several times in the last decade and I have to say, that going to Barnes Funeral Home has been the most positive of my experiences. Most recently, my aunt passed away at 92 - obviously not unexpected. Her wishes were for a celebration..."a party", in her words. Her wishes were granted. Richard and his staff were very accommodating, and every detail was tended to. A "Meet and Greet" was planned and those attending thought it was lovely and it would be their own choice someday. Catering and decoration were spot on - again, attention to details. Barnes pricing is very reasonable and they do not pressure you, at a weakened moment, to agree to something you don't want. We were treated with respect and nothing was too much trouble. I would highly recommend Barnes Memorial Funeral Home." 
Heather Parson
"From the moment of notification to final paperwork, Rick, Brenda and Melissa at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home have been highly professional, respectful and caring, assisting with all our family's needs. They provided guidance in a process that was very unfamiliar to us during a time of emotions and loss. Their efficiency and lovely facility provided for a very comfortable service for my father, during which they consistently “checked in” to make sure our needs were met. We truly appreciated the very professional stationary and effects, that were provided during the service and as mementos to take with us in memory of our father. I would definitely approach Barnes Memorial Funeral Home for future needs....but hopefully not for some time!!" 
Rhonda Johnstone and Maureen Martens
"Hey Melissa, just wanted to thank you, as my sister did, for the way you treated my family yesterday in what, as you have seen before, a very difficult situation. As this is the first time I've gone through this process,you made things extremely comfortable for me,and I think my father and siblings as well. I realize at the end of the day, you are running a business, but not once did I feel that I (we), were being treated as people sitting in front of you with dollar signs on our foreheads, in our time of sadness as I had imagined. Your honesty, knowledge, and integrity really impressed me. Your father should be proud of how you handle things while he is away.
And I will certainly make a point, when the dust settles,to stop in and tell him what a wonderful job you did handling my family through this most difficult time. All you have done so far re obituary and notice on your website has been awesome."
Darrell Morgan
"Rick, his family and all his staff did a wonderful job yesterday for the funeral of my late wife. They were extremely professional and compassionate. Rick's experience helped to guide us through this very difficult time and the cost was less than other options. Everyone commented on how beautiful the service was. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone."
Rick Duval
"On behalf of my family and all the people that attended the services for our mother the late Ev Harding, thank you for all the kindness, thoughtfulness and compassion that you showed us."
Wendy Harding & Robert Harding
"Thank you again for hosting the memorial for my cousin. As you saw he was really loved by a lot of people. The service was perfect. A nice balance between happy sad funny. My family are all like that so it was nice to have the service just like that. Our experience was very positive considering the situation." 
Amanda Keebler ~ Family of Roy Holmes
"My daughter died in April, 2013 at the age of 26 under shocking and tragic circumstances. During that nightmarish weekend, I searched for a funeral home that would treat my daughter, her death and her tribute service with quiet dignity, professionalism and concern. I chose the Barnes Memorial Funeral Home as it had a peaceful and quiet setting, and its website was beautifully presented and well-organized, giving me confidence that I had found what I was seeking. I could not be more grateful and impressed with the services of the Barnes family and their staff. Given the nature of my daughter’s death and the number of people affected, some challenging issues arose as well as media interest. Throughout, Rick and Melissa Barnes gave us advice, handled difficult situations, and recommended a wonderful and appropriate celebrant for the tribute service. The number of people who attended was overwhelming, but many have commented to me since on the beautiful, dignified service for my daughter and the professionalism, discretion and grace of the Barnes family, their staff and intern. The Barnes family has continued to be a source of support and advice for our family ever since. They have our deepest thanks, and our highest recommendation."
A. Irons and Family
"Our family recently engaged the Barnes Family for the service for my late husband Gary. We had previously visited their lovely venue and received a comprehensive package of their many service options. We were so pleased with their warm welcoming manner and the wonderful facilities offered, we knew immediately this was what we wanted. The very helpful, professional family who own and operate the Barnes business guided us through every detail- celebrant, flowers, catering, obituary- followed our wishes and relieved our stress. Everything went forward just perfectly with their constant but unobtrusive guidance. We highly recommend this beautiful place and exceptional family to anyone seeking a calm and peaceful, farewell to a loved one. Our sincerest thanks to the Barnes Family and their staff."
Eleanor Beauchemin, Oshawa.
"When faced with grief and or tragedy we want to know that the people that will assist us in making arrangements for our Loved Ones are trustworthy, professional, caring individuals. We were pleased to find out that Barnes Memorial is owned and operated by a family from Whitby. After explaining our unique situation Rick Barnes assured us that things would be taken care of by the Family, his Family, from start to finish and that is exactly what happened. There was never a moment of concern, every detail was taken care of, every arrangement carefully planned with dignity and respect. Sadly we have suffered tremendous loss, 3 immediate family members in a 5 month period and then we lost our Beloved Son Ryan in January of this year. We were in Arizona when we received the call and I immediately called Rick and the plans were set in motion. Everything that needed to be done was done. Rick, Brenda and Melissa were there for us every step of the way. Approximately 2000 people attended and not once did we have a worry that things wouldn’t be taken care of. Losing a loved one is so very difficult, but this wonderful Family makes it just a little easier."
Sharon and Bruce Moonlight
"We would like to thank Rick & Melissa Barnes and Staff for their professional help arranging the Celebration of Life for our son Jeff. Their attention to detail and ability to create a comforting atmosphere for all who attended was appreciated. Rick and Melissa's openness and personal touch to an overwhelming crowd is a testament to their skills, ensuring a memorable celebration for our son."
The Waller Family
"Thank you for your thoughtfulness and caring during the funeral of my father Ivan Hess. Your tender help and guidance during that time was most appreciated. You have a beautiful ministry for people that shows your love of God."
Dave & Darlene West
"Thank you so much for everything you did for us you made everything so much easier on us during this difficult time of loosing my mom Shirley Oates. I will never forget how perfect everything was for her visitations and funeral. We appreciate all your hard work."
Susan Janes
"My sincere gratitude & thanks to you all for your help in making Trevor's service so beautiful. Your kindness & caring shows in everything you do and it is very much appreciated. Everything was perfect from our first visit to you when I came with Trevor, to his service, visitation and reception. Your staff are wonderful." 
Terri Lucas
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