Johanna Beth Hayward (née Almond), Owner and Managing Funeral Director
Johanna was born and raised in Meaford where she graduated from Georgian Bay Secondary School. She was an honours graduate of the Developmental Service Worker Program and enjoyed her position as a support Counsellor for twelve years with the Ministry of Community and Social Services, supporting individuals with mental illness and intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2005 Johanna began her studies at Humber College and successfully completed her internship with Ferguson Funeral Home. She graduated from Humber College with honours in 2007 and attained her Funeral Director’s License. Johanna, her husband Scott and their 3 children moved from Orangeville to Meaford in 2006, where they have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the community and spending time with their family and friends. In February, 2022 Johanna’s father, Kevin Almond, retired and Johanna became the Managing Funeral Director and purchased the business, proudly keeping the Ferguson Funeral Home an independent family business in this beautiful area we call ‘home’.
Ransler Dier, Funeral Director
Ransler was raised in Chatsworth where he currently resides. After traveling and living in China for eight years as a teacher, he returned to Canada in 2019. Upon returning, he began to pursue another lifelong interest in Funeral Directing. He graduated from Humber College with honours and was licensed as a Funeral Director in 2022. He spends most of his time outside of work with his son or with a book in hand. We are so pleased that Ransler decided to join our team at Ferguson Funeral Home.
Brent Wilson, Funeral Director
Brent was born and raised in Meaford. He attended Humber College and was licensed as a Funeral Director in 1998. Brent and his father, Don Wilson, owned and operated Gardiner-Wilson Funeral Home in Meaford for many years. His father retired and Brent continued to own and operate the business until he decided to close the business in 2019. We were very happy when Brent joined us at the Ferguson Funeral Home and he has definitely been an asset. Brent enjoys spending time outdoors, biking, hunting, and fishing. He also enjoys getting together with friends to play recreational hockey. We enjoy having Brent as part of our team.
Paul Cramp, Funeral Assistant
Paul is a lifetime resident of Meaford. He worked for many years in the hardwood flooring industry for Stanley Knight Limited and is also a local beekeeper. Paul has been a great help at the Ferguson Funeral Home and is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We hope he will continue to help us serve the community for many years to come.
Shawn Michael Smithson, Funeral Assistant
Shawn was raised in Meaford where he attended both Elementary School and Georgian Bay Secondary School.
He began working with the Ferguson Funeral Home in Meaford while attending Secondary School assisting in many aspects of funeral service. His interest in assisting families served by the Ferguson Funeral Homes evolved to his desire to obtain certification as a Funeral Director.
Shawn became a graduate of Humber College Funeral Service Education in 1981 and obtained his Ontario Funeral Director’s License in that same year and continued his profession with the Ferguson Funeral Homes. Although Shawn retired his license in 2021 his many years of experience have provided him with the knowledge and expertise required to provide excellent service to the community in his new role as a Funeral Assistant. Shawn also does a wonderful job keeping the funeral home and the grounds looking nice.
Shawn is dedicated to serving the community and the profession and has served as a Director of the Georgian Bay Funeral Service Association.
When time permits, Shawn enjoys spending time fishing in and around Georgian Bay and he looks forward to his annual fishing trip into northern Ontario.
Jeff Schmitz, Funeral Assistant
Jeff was born and raised in Kitchener. After high school he started working at St. Mary’s General Hospital and worked there for 21 years. In 2024, Jeff and his wife and son decided to move to her hometown of Meaford. He started working part time at the Meaford Hospital in July of 2024, and quickly realized how much he enjoys being part of their team.
Jeff is enjoying the small-town way of life without the hustle of the city. In his spare time, he likes to go fishing with his son and go on family vacations to Disney World. Jeff also looks forward to getting out to play pick up hockey with the guys.
In January of 2025, Jeff joined our team at the Ferguson Funeral Home as a part time funeral assistant. He has been a wonderful addition to our team and is always happy to help.
Lori Adams (née Reekie), Administration
Lori was born in Meaford and raised in the Beaver Valley area. She and her husband live on the outskirts of Meaford and enjoy their country home.
She has been with the funeral home for over 20 years on a part time basis in the office attending to the administrative duties and helping to keep us all on track. Lori works part time at the Meaford Hospital in the Health Records Department. She also volunteers with the Rocklyn Agricultural Society and the Riverside Community Centre in her free time. Lori and her husband enjoy attending the Owen Sound Attack Games and cheering them on from the stands.
They have two adult children who are finishing their university degrees and pursuing their chosen vocations.
We are fortunate to have Lori here at the funeral home and her local knowledge is very much appreciated.
Kevin Frederick Almond, Retired
After more than 40 years serving and supporting the Meaford and Beaver Valley communities, we wish Kevin Almond all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
Kevin was raised in Meaford where he attended both Elementary and Secondary School.
Kevin began his working career with a local Consulting Engineering firm but determined after six years that he would return to further his education in another field of endeavour.
He graduated from the Funeral Service Education Program at Humber College with honours in 1979 and began a career in funeral service as a licensed director in that year.
He worked with the Ferguson Funeral Homes since 1987 and purchased the business in 2002 following the death of Allan A. Ferguson in 2000.
Kevin has been involved in the administration of Hockey in Ontario for many years beginning locally with the Meaford Amateur Athletic Association and Georgian Bay Minor Hockey League. He served for 24 years as an Executive Member and Officer of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) and as its President from 2002 through 2004. He continues in his role as a Past President and Secretary of its Maintenance Trust Committee.