our history

our history

In January 1996, Fairview Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., at 1092 Ogilvie Rd., Gloucester successfully received their Ontario Funeral Establishment License with a goal to provide the citizens of Ottawa a unique choice when it came to funerals. Fairview was founded by President, Michael Sheedy and his wife Shelley and the mandate was to offer high quality funeral services with a budget in mind to enable families to get services at costs that minimize the financial burden some families experience at the time of the death of a loved one. “Shelley and I simply wanted to open a funeral home that was ‘cost sensitive’” states Sheedy.

Success came quite quickly to Fairview as it offered no fewer than 6 rental casket options and tailored its services towards the rapidly growing desire for cremation. The first of its kind in Canada.

Looking at other industries such as hotels, restaurants, etc. they all seemed to have tiered the marketplace in order to offer people a choice and these options for funeral homes was absent and choices were minimal. Fairview filled that gap.

Fairview operated at 1092 Ogilvie Rd., until the fall of 2001, when it moved to the current location at 259 St. Patrick St., in Ottawa’s Byward Market and continues to provide residents of Ottawa cost sensitive options when requiring the services of a funeral home. At that time, it was decided to expand its Canada wide option and became part of the Canadian First Memorial network of funeral homes offering services throughout Alberta and British Columbia. First Memorial Funeral Services – Fairview Chapel’s mantra has always been “Service, Flexibility & Cost” and we continue to “create the benchmark by which all services will be measured” says Sheedy.

The First Memorial Funeral Services – Fairview Chapel building was founded in 1910 by Edmon Gauthier and was referred to as Maison Funéraire Gauthier. In 1941, Maison Funéraire Racine, Landreville was established by Horace Racine and Albert Landreville, serving the Francophone community of Lowertown, Ottawa. Marcel Robert joined Racine in 1947 and the name changed to Maison Funéraire Racine & Robert. In 1966, Racine and Robert purchased Maison Funéraire Gauthier to form Maison Funéraire Racine, Robert & Gauthier.

our history image

Read our Reviews

First Memorial Funeral Services
First Memorial Funeral Services
5.0
Based on 58 reviews
powered by Google
review us on
KoojohKoojoh
18:43 30 Aug 23
Lil DicksonLil Dickson
19:20 23 Jun 23
The funeral Director was most helpful. Since we were unable to be there he did all the necessary paperwork etc. The ashes were mailed is a very nice wooden box and arrived sooner than expected. I would certainly leave my arrangements to them if I were in the Ottawa area. Thanks to all the staff for your care and compassion.
Gord GarnerGord Garner
12:27 25 May 23
I needed help and I needed professional advice and service. I had enough on my mind and not having to worry about if these matters were being handled properly was a great relief. From the first phone call to the completion of the services I had not a worry or doubt that I was in experienced professional and empathetic hands . Invaluable experience many thanks to Barry and the team.
Claude GClaude G
19:29 24 May 23
Dan LaroseDan Larose
01:15 18 May 23
amazing thank youyou took care of both my parents Thank you Melody!
Trish DoranTrish Doran
20:12 14 Apr 23
First Memorial, more specifically Maureen and then Melody, helped make one of the most painful experiences of life, losing a parent, a little bit less painful by providing amazing service throughout, from Moms passing to the collection of her remains.They are kind, caring, professional and completely reasonably priced. They helped me through every step of the process and I would highly recommend their services.
Jerrica GallingerJerrica Gallinger
02:15 31 Mar 23
Hands down, The best funeral home! The staff are extremely kind and sympathetic. I unfortunately had to use their services twice now, however they made it such an remarkable experience considering the circumstances. The staff showed so much compassion and made sure my loved ones were well taken care of. Thank you so much, First Memorial for all of your help and kindness during such difficult times.I have already recommended them to a family friend and I will continue recommend to everyone else.
Tamica EhmTamica Ehm
21:53 15 Mar 23
The morning my dad died, we phoned First Memorial Funeral Services. They were originally recommended to us by my aunt, who phoned them after my uncle passed away in 2019. The person I spoke with on the phone that morning was so attentive and I was met with such compassionate words. When the two gentlemen came to pick up my fathers body, they ensured to give us as much time as we needed before we said our final goodbyes (my dad, who was palliative, had requested to be cremated).When it was time to make arrangements, we were greeted with hugs from Maureen and Melody from the time we walked through the door. Both women were sympathetic and kind throughout everything. They were finished work at 5pm but still chose to stay back to finish up the last discussions on arrangements. Another person I would like to mention is José. He came to our home on his day off to help us fill out documents that needed to be completed after someone has passed. You guys have no idea how happy my mother and I were to have this service offered to us. As well as, having him make time and come to us even though he had a busy schedule.All in all, everyone we came across from this facility was so wonderful to deal with. Even one of the location managers, Barry, reached out via email. In the future, I will have no problem recommending their service to anyone who is in need of arrangements 🙂
Gail PriceGail Price
19:07 21 Sep 22
Thanks to Patrice for exceptional service. I was at my wits end he stepped up and took over everything for me. He was quick to respond to my questions and the service was very affordable. Hands down number 1 and I would definitely use again if the need arises. Gail from Englehart Ont
Bianca WalkerBianca Walker
22:30 27 Aug 22
My finance recently passed away and I contacted First Memorial to handle his cremation services. I had the pleasure of dealing with Maureen and Patrice. They are so incredibly kind, considerate, patient and helpful. They treated my fiance with the upmost respect and dignity. I will be forever thankful for their kindness and respect during the hardest time of my life.
Sally TibbitsSally Tibbits
19:44 05 Jul 22
When my father passed away, we were out of town. I contacted First Memorial and spoke with Patrice Lambert who was excellent. He immediately put my mind at ease and explained the process and options for my Dad’s arrangements. Patrice said not to worry and that everything would be taken care of. From start to finish, my experience with First Memorial was fantastic. They are a caring, professional and efficient business and I would highly recommend their services.
Titiania EubanksTitiania Eubanks
19:16 16 Jan 22
I felt as if I had a close friend helping and guiding me through this very difficult journey.
Kizzy ScottKizzy Scott
00:34 30 Sep 21
The experience was entirely welcoming, and every detail was met. They make sure everything is taken care of and provide the best price and services.
Rick LachaineRick Lachaine
14:39 03 Aug 21
We had to arrange very quickly at the last minute for the cremation of my father as a result of rapid declining health at St-Vincent Hospital in Ottawa. We contacted First Memorial and all arrangements were done over the phone. The funeral director we dealt with was very professional, compassionate, and understanding. The cremation itself and the return of the ashes was very prompt along with all paperwork that included the death certificates and all other necessary documentation.
Ron MountainRon Mountain
21:13 25 May 21
All aspects of the experience were beyon my expectations i am totally satisfied by the professional and courteous care that was offered to me
My OpinionMy Opinion
01:41 14 Mar 21
Mom & Dad passed away and there service were great kind and extremely friendly
France FontaineFrance Fontaine
16:42 02 Feb 21
We have received an honest and polite reception. All of their services offer were with no pressure at all. All our wills were respected as well with our budget.We were looking to have a very simple service/accomodation as per the will of our dad. Even if we were not to spend thousands $, the staff was supportive and never felt pressure of whatsoever.I would highly recommand them for the excellence of assistance of the staff.
js_loader