sent site of Willis’ Valu-Mart. It was a wooden building with only space for a casket display, a preparation room, a hearse and a car.

At this time ”calling” or "visiting" of mourners was done in the homes; slightly modified cars were used for ambulance service. As time passed modern ideas such as deceased persons resting in funeral homes and the use of ambulance vans came to the people of RE.I. Soon Douglas needed bigger and better facilities. Construction of the present funeral home at the corner of the Barclay Road and Beechwood Avenue began in August 1963; the Fergusons moved in on March 13, 1964. At first not everyone accepted their deceased ”resting” in a funeral parlour; however, acceptance soon came.

In 1971, the government became involved; drastic changes began to occur. Previously the station wagons had been used as ambu- lances; but, for some reason, manufacturers shortened the head room. This problem seemed insurmountable; little room was left in which to work; consequently, the government decided to subsidize the building of ambulance vans and generally to upgrade all facili- ties.

Things indeed did change. Currently one must pass a First Aid course plus other training to qualify as an ambulance driver. The van . itself was a welcome addition; it could carry two patients, oxygen, splints, suction and other medical equipment.

Douglas was one of the first to break away from the traditional black hearse by introducing maroon and white colours. He currently utilizes a Cadillac hearse. Doug also departed from the traditional swallow-tail coat and striped trousers in favour of a maroon blazer and grey pants.

In 1984, the ambulance service was expanded to include a sec- ond high roof maxi-van with modern equipment. Drivers and atten- dants must continually upgrade their educational skills. One promis- ing driver attendant was Dean Ferguson who had much empathy for patients. Unfortunately, he died as the result of a car accident at Howard’s Cove, June 29, 1985. In the fall of the same year an exten- sion was added to the north side of the funeral home. This extra space provided for an additional visitation room, a larger chapel and an extra casket display room.

The same fall (1985) Garth Ferguson purchased the Hamilton Funeral Home in Montague. This business is still operated by Garth under the name of Ferguson Funeral Home. David Ferguson returned home at this time and after serving his apprenticeship in the busi- ness, he passed his P.E.I. Embalmers’ examinations in 1988. David now lives in his own home in O’Leary.

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