Our Staff 

Senior Funeral Director

Class 1 Funeral Director - License #202596
don@opustribute.com

Born and raised in Toronto, Don started working at a funeral home at the age of 16, washing cars, cutting grass and just helping out as required. This role grew to include chauffeur services, and assistance during visitations and on funerals. As the end of high school approached, Don applied for and was accepted to Humber College to further follow the path of Funeral Service. He graduated in 1985 and passed his provincial licensing exams and became a Licenced Funeral Director. While at college, Don met fellow Funeral Service Education student Mary, now his wife of over 35 years. Together, Mary and Don have three children, and are very proud and actively involved grandparents. 

While off, Don enjoys as much time on the water in his boat, fishing, or underwater scuba diving as possible. Community and volunteering has always been a big part of Don's life. He has stayed very busy as a minor hockey coach, school parent council chair, a member of Lindsay Rotary, and is an executive member of the Knights of Columbus here in Lindsay. Don is very grateful to have been voted “Best Funeral Director” in Kawartha Lakes by the Community, and is proud to lead the team as they represent the award-winning Lakeland Funeral & Cremation Centre. 

Don has decades of experience, and is happy to sit and chat with those who have questions about pre-planning, or compassionately with those who have suffered a loss. Don and Bentley welcome all who are curious about how Lakeland can provide your family options others simply cannot offer.

Funeral Director

Class 1 Funeral Director - License #4750127
brittanym@opustribute.com

Brittany was born and raised in Lindsay, Ontario. Brittany graduated from I.E. Weldon Secondary School in 2021. She completed her Co-operative Education in grade 12 at Lakeland. She was accepted to Humber College and started the Funeral Service Education program in September 2021. She has been able to obtain immense experience by working at all three of Opus Tribute Group's funeral homes: Lakeland, Highland Park and Mill Valley. Brittany graduated Humber College in 2023, and successfully completed her BAO examination. 

Brittany is very family orientated. She has four siblings, including a twin sister. She is a loving aunt to six nieces and nephews. In her spare time, Brittany spends her time with her family and friends and going on adventures with her German Shepherd, Gunther. 

Administrator, After Care Specialist and Funeral Support

lynn@opustribute.com

Lynn has been with us from the beginning, when Lakeland was purchased back in October 2015. She has 20 years experience in the funeral industry. Lynn is usually the first person you speak with on the phone when you call the funeral home. She is an invaluable asset to our team helping anywhere she can; whether in the office, working with families to personalise their loved ones services or working on funeral services. In addition, Lynn meets with the executor(s) / next of kin, providing timely completion of government and related forms and notices, as well as valuable guidance on the steps involved in settling a loved one’s affairs.

Lynn was born and raised in Lindsay. She is married to her husband Jeff Tompkins, and they have two girls; Alaura and Caraline. In her spare time, she is usually at the stable riding, or enjoying her hobby of photography. Lynn is involved with the Fenelon Fair and Lindsay Exhibition as the Chairperson of the Light Horse Show Committees, LEX Express Gaming Series and LEX Horsemen's Association. She is a member and Vice President of the Kawartha Lakes Concert Band, who practice weekly at Lakeland Funeral Centre.

Comfort Dog

Bentley was adopted from the Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes in 2016 by Lakeland Funeral Centre. Bentley is a Wheaton Terrier Poodle mix known as a "Whoodle," making him a hypoallergenic and non shedding breed.

Bentley greets everyone at our front door, and is a delightful surprise who brings a sense of comfort and compassion to grieving families. Being comforted by a loving animal is known to provide both physical and mental health benefits.

You can follow Bentley on Facebook and Instagram

Facebook - Bentley, The Comfort Dog

Instagram - bentleythecomfortdog

News article from 2017

Meet 'Bentley' our Comfort Dog

Don Finlayson, Funeral Director at Lakeland Funeral & Cremation Centre, has expanded his staff team to include Bentley, a three year old Wheaton Terrier Poodle mix, bringing an enhanced sense of comfort and compassion to grieving families. The benefits of a comfort dog is becoming more and more recognized in a number of settings – including nursing care residences, child therapy groups, in fact wherever stress and anxiety runs high. Being comforted by a loving animal is known to provide both physical and mental benefits, and often brings a smile, a sense of relief, and a little joy despite the loss that a grieving person is experiencing.

Lakeland staff started talking about the benefits of a comfort dog, discussing what kind of dog would best suit their environment and the families they serve, how to manage the day to day routines, and where the dog would live when not at Lakeland. Don Finlayson, and his family were keen to be the forever home for a comfort dog, and Don took the lead on the search for the “perfect dog”.

Don walked down the road to the Kawartha Lakes Humane Society/Shelter (Lakeland Funeral Centre is located almost directly behind the Humane Society, at McLaughlin & Moose Rd.) to mention their desire in having a comfort dog. He asked that the KLHS keep the funeral home in mind should the right kind of dog came into their care. And, a couple weeks later Lakeland got the call – a rather shaggy “whoodle” (wheaton terrier poodle mix) had been given up by his previous owner who was unable to manage her multiple pets. At just one year old, still full of puppyhood fun, but also gentle, loving and undeniably cute, Bentley seemed perfect, and capable, of becoming a wonderful comfort dog.

For the first few weeks Bentley’s role was primarily behind the scenes at Lakeland. Bentley, along with his handlers, Don and Lynn from Lakeland, were in “behaviour lessons” to ensure that Bentley understands his important role within the business. “He will be trained to be more than just a cuddly pup”, states Don, “He’s got a real purpose. He is learning, as we are, how to develop him into an integral part of our caring team and an emotional benefit to those families in need”.

“When Bentley came in to the Humane society he was in rough shape, but still a lovable guy. He was just a pup and his previous owner just misunderstood him. Lakeland Funeral Centre took him into their care as foster to adopt, and they got him groomed and he looks wonderful. Thank you so much again for taking him on and making him your comfort dog!! We are sure he will do wonderful at the funeral home!” said Courtney Bryans, Shelter Manager.

“Dogs have a special way of providing comfort to people who are stressed and dealing with grief. They also have the ability to connect with people of all ages, in a unique way that can have a calming effect. Dogs can provide warmth and relief from the intense grief feelings that one is carrying during an emotion-filled time surrounding the death of someone you love”, states Jill Sadler, of Hospice, “I think it is wonderful that Lakeland Funeral Home is providing this added comfort to your families during one of their most difficult times.”

“In addition to the family support provided, I expect Bentley will help our employees’ wellbeing, as our workplace can sometimes be a difficult and emotional environment for staff as well,” states Mary McGee, CEO. “Taking Bentley out for a walk-about is a welcomed task; a great reason to take a short break, breathe some fresh air and be mindful of the small joys within each day.”

Finlayson said their pup is also making the funeral home more accessible to the community. Neighbours, suppliers and families are welcome to drop by to meet Bentley and say hello. And that all helps to reduce the “fear and anxiety” associated with bereavement services.