Providing an alternative.

About us

Tri-City Cremation Services offers simple cremation and burial services throughout Waterloo Region and the surrounding area at the time of need or when pre-planning for future needs.

We are an independent, family-owned and operated business licensed by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario. Our goal is to assist families by caring for their loved one from the time of death until the cremation or burial is finalized in a simple, dignified, and affordable manner.

Tri-City Cremation Services assures all customers that we operate under all safety protocols as outlined by Public Health and fully comply with all requirements of our governing body, the Bereavement Authority of Ontario.

Independent

We are independent, not funded by any large companies or corporations.

Tri-City Cremation Services is family owned and operated, by Shawn McKay, who has been a Licensed Funeral Director for over 25 years.

Simple & Affordable

Our simple approach to business can make end of life planning a much more affordable option than traditional full-service funeral arrangements.

All fees are clearly explained. There are no hidden costs and you will never be pressured to buy.

Dignified

We serve all faith traditions.

Many families choose to arrange a service or celebration of life directly with their church, community centre or a local reception facility. Although we do not provide co-ordination services for this portion of your arrangements, we welcome any questions you may have as it relates to the end of life arrangements we provide for you. ​

About Shawn McKay

Owner Operator, McKay Memorials
Funeral Director, Licensed 1998

Shawn McKay graduated from the Funeral Services Education Program at Humber College in 1998. He worked as a Funeral Director in Toronto, followed by several years in Australia. After returning, he continued in the bereavement sector in Stratford before purchasing Tri-City Cremation Services to serve families under his independent direction.

Shawn and his family have owned and operated Tri-City Cremation Services in Kitchener and Cambridge since 2014. Shawn recently expanded Tri-City Cremation Services, and continues to enhance the services provided to meet the growing needs of the families in this community.

His passion for helping families commemorate the life of a loved one in a simpler, more affordable, yet distinctly dignified manner fuels Shawn’s dedication to the families he serves. Planning for peace of mind is a key focus for Shawn and the whole team at Tri-City Cremation Services.

Our Team

Donna-Marie Wilson

Funeral Director

Licensed 1994

Lisa Gillett

Funeral Director

Licensed 2013

Bruce Shorthouse

Funeral Director

Licensed 2008

Marcel Peper

Funeral Director

Licensed 2012

Testimonials

  • “Hi Shawn, just taking a moment finally to express my gratitude on the wonderful services you have provided thus far. Your staff (Lisa) has been wonderful with everything. A true professional and very empathetic and compassionate to our loss. She did an amazing job in preparing mom for our intimate viewing. Mom looked exactly how she would've if still with us. I was so pleased to see how perfect everything was.”

    Carlo

  • I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional care and compassion you provided during the recent funeral service for my Mother. Your professionalism and kindness were a great source of comfort to our family during this difficult time.

    Your thoughtful assistance helped us navigate the complexities of the arrangements and allowed us to focus on honoring and remembering our Mom.

    I would also like to extend my thanks to the entire team for their help and support.

    A

  • “This entire experience, although difficult, has been remarkably seamless and pleasant. Bruce was an absolute pleasure to deal with.”

    Kelly

  • "I just wanted to say how pleased we were with the help you guys provided to us. I was very nervous about the whole situation however you made us feel very comfortable and at ease. Very professional yet personal, no pressure just quality service. We are recommending you guys every chance we get”

    Mary R.

  • “Thank you so much. I'm not sure if you are told enough but you truly are amazing for what you do, the help you give, the relief you give people after losing a loved one - I want to thank you.”

    Tracey H.

  • “Shawn, please accept our thanks for making the cremation process simple and dignified. You could not have been any more helpful and I am very grateful for your ‘virtual’ presence.”

  • “Once again, thank you so much for your kind service on behalf of myself and her family, we thank you for making a difficult time seamless”