Proudly serving Belleville and the Quinte area, Burke Funeral Home will help you customize your arrangements, while respecting your faith, taste and budget. You can feel confident putting your trust in our compassionate professionals.
We are proud to be a part of this community. Our helpful, dedicated staff are passionate about supporting families, local associations, religious organizations and cultural groups, and we are honoured to host a series of free memorial events throughout the year. As well, we are happy to provide the use of our spacious Community Room at no charge for local non-profit meetings. Call for details.
General Manager, Ottawa, Kingston & Belleville
Eric Thompson is a third generation Funeral Director with Arbor Memorial. He graduated from Humber College in 2005 with an honours diploma in Funeral Service Education. He is currently working as the General Manager of Ottawa, Kingston & Belleville. With over 12 years working for Arbor, he has become a leader in providing responsive, respectful and meaningful end-of-life services. Eric has a passion for serving and giving back to the community. He is involved with Rotary International, Chamber of Commerce, Sales and Ad Club, and an active member in the local Baptist church.
Our Staff
Sean came to Belleville in October 2021 to assist with coverage in the role of Senior Funeral Director / Interim Manager. A graduate of the Funeral Service Education Program at Humber College, in 1994. He has been with Arbor for over 20 years. As the acting/interim manager, Sean is active running the day to day operations and general overview of Burke Funeral Home and the other Arbor Belleville establishments (Bay of Quinte Cremation Service and Cremation Basic Belleville). Throughout the years and across Ontario, Sean has served on various boards in many different associations, churches, chamber of commerce, and service groups. Sean is a member of Rotary International and referees both hockey and soccer. Sean resides with his wife Sarah in Kingston and they have four adult children.
Jeff began his funeral career in his home town of Oshawa, Ontario and brings his 30 years of experience to the Burke Funeral Home since 2010. As with all staff at Burke Funeral Home, his primary role is serving those who call upon him in their time of need. Jeff serves as a Funeral Director as well, is the Manager; where coordinating all of his efforts into a single focus is paramount.
It is Jeff’s hope that he can make a difference for his families during their most vulnerable time by offering some of his gifts; including his impeccable listening skills, his professionalism, empathy, and his attention to detail and his dedication to their wishes. He honestly loves and takes great pride in serving families at Burke Funeral Home.
Jeff’s commitment to the community extends beyond his professional life. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Belleville (Past President) and serves as a Board of Director for Hospice Quinte.
During his time away from serving families, Jeff likes to remain physically fit by working off any stress at Planet Fitness, he belongs to the Quinte Curling Club in the winter months and spends time relaxing on the Bay of Quinte over the summer.
Sheila has been a licensed funeral director for the past 36 years. She is a wife and mother. Sheila joined the Burke Funeral Home in 2016 and is a proud Arbor employee.
Kayla transitioned from her career in the RCAF and successfully became a new Licensee as of 2020. She is outgoing and enjoys connecting with people.
Laurason is a licensed funeral director, graduating from Humber College in 2005. A proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 428, Tweed. He has been involved with Tweed Minor Hockey as a coach and is a supporter of fundraising efforts through Family Feud Baseball and Hockey tournaments.
"Grief is an act of love. If we loved greatly we will grieve deeply". When I meet with families for the first time I understand that it is during the most difficult time of their lives. My goal is to help them through a difficult transition in a meaningful way that allows them to grieve. In my 25 years as a funeral director, I have seen many changes. My passion for what I do has not been one of those changes as it has only become stronger. What started out as a possible career has evolved into “my calling”. Being a funeral director requires a very understanding family. My wife Tristan of 30 years is my biggest supporter and together we have been blessed with five beautiful children. Over the years I have coached Tweed soccer and made an early impact on many lives. I was involved with the local charity “Please Keep Me Warm This Winter” and have been a volunteer for fundraising and memorial events with The Heart of Hastings Hospice. In my spare time, I can be seen spending time with my family and enjoying the company and exercise of the Centre Hastings Badminton Club, and serving through the Tweed Kiwanis Club. Joining Arbor not only allows me to bring my experience to a team dedicated to serving the communities of Belleville and Kingston but to continue the lasting relationships which I have had the privilege to make while serving families, neighbours and friends over the last 20 years in Tweed, Madoc and Marmora.
Sarah is a licensed funeral director and embalmer with more than 17 years of industry experience through the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (Formerly the Board of Funeral Service). She is proud to be a member of the Burke Funeral Home care team.
Sarah’s compassionate demeanor, paired with her expertise has allowed her to help thousands of families after they have suffered the death of a loved one, as well as assisting families in advance need planning. Sarah uses a relaxed, consultative approach to make her families feel comfortable and at ease.
As the Pre-planning funeral director at Burke Funeral Home, she works to protect her families against undue stress and expense at their time of need. She will also assist you with the matters that are not as time sensitive as today’s arrangement conference, but equally as important (The Aftercare appointment). Please expect her call shortly after your funeral service, so that she may provide your family the utmost attention it deserves.
Outside of the funeral home, Sarah is a huge animal advocate and you can find her chasing after her 3 children or 2 dogs, answering the question “why?” for the eleventy-billionth time, or whipping up a delicious Italian meal in the kitchen for her kids to push around their plate.
After graduating with honours from Sir Sandford Fleming, Peterborough, Donna worked for many years in Toronto before moving to Owen Sound continuing to work in the administration field. Donna decided to return to her roots and moved back to Hastings County in 2010, working in the hotel industry until she joined Burke Funeral Home in 2022. She is an executive member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Picton Branch assisting with many community events. When not at work you can find her reading, quilting or continuing education via online courses or seminars.
Arbor Memorial Inc. (“Arbor”) is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities by preventing barriers to accessibility and meeting the accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”).
As part of our commitment, we strive to achieve barrier-free accessibility at all Arbor locations nationally.
If you would like to provide feedback regarding Arbor's Accessibility Services, please visit the "Contact Us" section of this website. Alternatively, you can contact the location Manager by telephone or mail. Arbor's Accessibility Policy and Multi Year Plan is available upon request.