Our Staff

Born in Hawkesbury, Ontario, André grew up in neighboring Vankleek Hill. The son of a second generation baker, André spent much of his childhood taking part in community events and working in several local businesses and on a couple local farms. At age 11, André was asked to work for his Boy Scout Leader who was also the town's funeral director. The following years would see André take a solid interest in Funeral Service leaving home at 17 to work at the Kelly Funeral Homes in Ottawa. Over the next several years, André would marry and begin a family. Meanwhile, his career in Funeral Service would take him to various different sized funeral homes in several communities: Owen Sound, Hawkesbury, Cornwall then back to Ottawa in 1989 before moving to Arnprior January 1, 1994. In 2003, André studied and became a Certified Celebrant, a title which allows him to personalize and conduct services. Not meant to compete with or negate the value of area clergy or local churches, André recognized the need and the request for more intimate/less religious services. This service is made available to families who have no religious affiliation and who prefer to have services which more openly celebrate the life of the individual who has died. An avid beekeeper, André takes great pride in doing his part to save and protect the environment while being a committed spokesperson for our honey bees. When not working or hobbying, André enjoys the company of family.

Phil, the youngest of the 4 Pilon children was born in Almonte and grew up in Arnprior. From a very early age, Phil spent a great deal of time with his Dad and the rest of the staff at the funeral home. While his interest in funeral service was always present, upon graduating from St. Joes’ High School in Renfrew, Phil decided to pursue a degree in Criminology and Psychology at the University of Ottawa. While in his second year of studies, Phil held down a part time job with Hulse, Playfair and McGarry Funeral Home. It was during this second year in Ottawa that he decided that he felt called to leave University and attend Humber College in Toronto in order to become a Licensed Funeral Director in the hopes of some day returning to the family business to work alongside his father and mentor, André. Upon completing the Funeral Service Education Program at Humber, Phil went on to serve his internship with Families First Funeral Home in Windsor. While there, he was immersed into an amazing pool of knowledge and experience. Following his year-long internship, Phil followed his heart and has returned to the hometown he loves, joining André and Gina in operating the family business.

Claude was born in Haileybury, Ontario and grew up in the Tri Town area of New Liskeard and Haileybury. In 1980 he attended Humber College in Toronto to pursue a career in Funeral Service. He graduated in June 1982 and returned to his hometown of New Liskeard to work with the local funeral home. His career took him to many small communities including, Timmins, Cornwall, Sudbury and Kirkland Lake. In May 2003, Claude purchased the Buffam Funeral Home in Haileybury and it became the Buffam Leveille Funeral Home. In 2013 Claude opened the first crematorium in the District of Timiskaming. In November 2018, Claude and Marilyn sold their businesses and relocated to the Ottawa Valley in March of 2023. Claude and Marilyn are the proud parents of three children and five grandchildren. They enjoy spending time with family and travelling within this beautiful country.

Gina Pilon, born and raised in Nepean, is the mother of three children and stepmother to four children. She is also a published Author, Life Coach, and Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist.  In 2001 she left her twenty plus year career as a Certified Accountant (CMA) to pursue something she felt was more rewarding and fulfilling. This brought her to the area of Life Coaching and personal growth. In 2007 she met her now husband, Andre Pilon. Joining Andre at his Funeral Home was a natural fit to Gina’s calm demeanor and skill set. Her business acumen and experience has enabled her to take on the roles of both Office Manager and Aftercare Specialist. Working at the Funeral Home she also saw a definite need for healing in the area of Grief and decided to pursue her certification with The Grief Recovery Institute, which she received in 2010. An avid reader and lifelong learner Gina is continually enhancing her skills as a Life Coach and Grief Recovery Specialist, and providing her services to many grateful clients. You can find out more about Gina, her personal services and read blogs on her website www.ginapilon.com.