Johanna Beth Hayward, 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’.
Kelsey Waymouth, Funeral Director
Kelsey was raised in Shelburne and now resides in Kemble with her husband Adam. She graduated from Humber College and was licensed as a Funeral Director in 2015. She is also a volunteer firefighter with Inter Township and enjoys spending her free time outdoors. We are very excited that Kelsey has joined us at the funeral home and is certainly a welcome and friendly addition to our team.
Ransler Anthony Scott 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 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.
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.