History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honour their loved one.
Our History
Aftercare was founded as a licenced funeral transfer service in 1995 by Douglas McCann after he saw the need for a more simplified, lower cost cremation service in Toronto. This stream-lined cremation service was offered from an office in the Eglinton and Mt. Pleasant area. In 2001 Aftercare became a full service licenced funeral establishment after purchasing and renovating a former bank building at 1097 O'Connor Drive in the St. Clair and O'Connor area. While able to offer a wider range of funeral services our focus on cremation still remained. In 2007 to better serve client families in Durham Region Aftercare opened their first satellite office at 901 Simcoe Street North in Oshawa specializing in direct cremation. Client families often comment on the cost savings and how the whole process was made much easier.
Our Valued Staff
Douglas McCann, Owner & President
Doug started his career in funeral service when he was 16 years old working part-time and summer months at a funeral home in Cambridge. Doug moved to Toronto to attend Humber College and to serve his apprenticeship training. After receiving his funeral directors licence in 1985 Doug has worked in Toronto and travelled to Japan to work three years at International Mortuary Systems based in Kawaguchi, Japan. Doug managed the Kawaguchi office and was also responsible for purchasing and inventories throughout the company. After returning to Canada in 1994 Doug saw the need in Toronto for a more straight-forward, lower cost cremation service and started Aftercare in 1995. As a member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Doug has volunteered with the Out of The Cold Program and has served as an Elder on Session and on the Board of Management. Doug is also on the Board of Trustees of the Funeral Advisory and Memorial Society of Toronto. Doug enjoys golf, tennis and spending time with his wife Linda and daughter Miya who loves exploring the many playground parks of Toronto.
Ryan McEachnie, Managing Director Durham Region
Ryan is a third generation funeral director, born and raised around his father's funeral home in Pickering. Ryan joined Aftercare after graduating with Honours from Humber College and receiving his licence in 2002. Ryan also received his Honours Bachelor of Science in animal sciences and genetics from the University of Guelph. Ryan and his wife Alyce currently live in Oshawa and also spend time at their sheep farm near Belleville. Ryan and Alyce also keep busy caring for three dogs and two siamese cats. Ryan's interests include sustainable agriculture, hockey, snowmobiling, North American history and travelling in the US visiting civil war battlefields.
Laura Steeves, Funeral Director
Laura was born, raised and currently resides in Toronto with her husband Chris. They have two children Kalib and Jaelyn. Laura has been a licenced funeral director since 2000 and joined Aftercare in 2008. Laura is kept busy volunteering at Kalib's daycare.
Douglas James, Client Family Care
Doug was born in Hamilton and raised in Brantford. After graduating from Seneca College in Business Administration Doug went on to a career in the airline and automotive industries. After taking an early retirement Doug chose a path in funeral services where he felt he could contribute his experiences in helping families by joining Aftercare in 2004. Doug is very proud of his son Alex who has recently graduated from Carleton University. A member of Cathedral Bluffs Yacht Club since 2008 Doug is very interested in sailing and golf.
Meer Khan, Director of Islamic Services
Meer Khan emigrated from Guyana to Canada in 1972. He has been very active at Jami Mosque ever since. Affectionately known as Brother or Uncle Meer, Meer has served on the Executive of a number of Muslim Agencies in Toronto. Currently Meer is the Chairman of Downsview Community Legal Services. Meer is happiest when spending time with family and especially taking his grandchildren to Friday prayer.
Paul Denter U.E., Client Family Care
Paul has been with Aftercare since 2004 after taking an early retirement from his career in interior design. A proud United Empire Loyalist, Paul is a member of the United Empire Loyalists' Association and Canadian Royal Heritage Trust. Paul is a collector of vintage cars and is currently President of the Lincoln & Continental Owners Club. Paul has one daughter Miranda and three grandchildren who enjoy their drives in his 1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan.
John Le Noury, Client Family Care
John has been involved in the funeral profession on a part-time basis since 1988. He has actively contributed to Aftercare's success since it's inception in 1995. Giving back to the community is an important part of John's life. He has been a long time coach for Atom Baseball, an avid supporter of the Canadian Paraplegic Association and the 132nd Toronto Scout Group as well as always readily lending a helping hand to neighbours and family alike. Most importantly, he is a dedicated husband to his wife Carol and devoted father to his son James. Their favourite retreat is the family cottage in the Kawartha's, where they enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, golf, snowmobiling and relaxing.