About Us

Focused on Your Needs

Who We Are and What We Do

Proudly serving Duncan and the surrounding area, Sands Funeral Chapel Duncan will help you customize your arrangements, while respecting your faith, taste and budget. You can feel confident putting your trust in our compassionate professionals.

The large chapel at Sands Duncan features full digital sound and video capabilities, allowing you to customize the service for your loved one. Our quiet visitation rooms provide a serene and private place for friends and family to say goodbye. And our spacious reception centre, featuring sliding doors that open on to an outdoor patio, provides the perfect setting for a catered gathering.

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.

Our Staff

Managing Director

Troy Evans

Troy has been with Sands for the past 2 years and a part of Arbor for 21 years.

Troy began his career in funeral service at a local family-owned funeral home and became a licensed funeral director in 1996. Shortly thereafter, Troy became the Manager at Mountain View Funeral Home in Calgary, Alberta. During his 18 years at this growing location, he served various faiths and cultures with kindness and respect.

Troy’s dedicated funeral industry experience and commitments have made him a true ambassador to funeral service, exemplifying professionalism, care and compassion to all those around him and the families he serves.

Troy is a proud Rotarian and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Some of Troy’s pastime passions include golf, hockey, curling and volunteering within the community. Troy is devoted to friends, family and community as well as his commitment to excellence.

sandsduncan@arbormemorial.com

Funeral Director / Office Administrator

Ginette Aubin

Ginette began working with Arbor in 2009. She has been a licensed funeral director since 2010 which has been an asset for her primary role as branch administrator. Ginette speaks French and English.

Community volunteering has always been of great importance for Ginette. Using her strong musical skills, she has played an active role as music leader within her Catholic Church and Diocese as well as schools. Ginette brings warmth through her gift of song to many care homes, retirement homes and hospices. She is also a proud member of Duncan’s community choir, Encore! Women’s Choir.

Some of her interests include running and training for half marathons, hiking, swimming, camping, community volunteer work, spending quality time with friends and family, teaching music, and sharing life experiences with all those who surround her.

sandsduncan@arbormemorial.com

Funeral Director / Office Administrator

Janice Winfrey

Janice Winfrey is a lifetime resident of the Cowichan Valley and was born in Youbou.

Janice has been with Sands Duncan for over nineteen years and has been a licensed funeral director/embalmer for nine years. She is a member of Business for Business Networks Cowichan.

When Janice isn’t actively supporting the Cowichan Valley Hospice Society and Big Brothers/Big Sisters at charitable events, she can be found at the Aquatic Centre swimming with the local Masters Swim Club.

sandsduncan@arbormemorial.com

Apprentice Funeral Director

Tavia Agnew

Tavia Agnew has recently completed her 1st year in the CCFS. Tavia started working at Sands in August 2018. She was raised in the Cowichan Valley and understands the importance of a strong community.

sandsduncan@arbormemorial.com

Pre Planning Funeral Director

Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith has been a part of the Arbor family for over 15 years. Her passion is connecting with people and hearing their life stories and volunteering in the community.

sandsduncan@arbormemorial.com

Para Funeral Assistant / Hostess

Jill Parent

Jill has worked at Sands for over 6 years. She has lived, worked and volunteered in the Cowichan Valley for over 25 years. Jill enjoys fishing, hiking, swimming and anything outdoors!

sandsduncan@arbormemorial.com

Hostess & Housekeeping

Tracey Nyhan

Tracey has been a part of the Sands Duncan family for over 3 years. She has lived in the Cowichan Valley for over 50 years and enjoys gardening and spending quality time with her daughter Taylor.

sandsduncan@arbormemorial.com

In-house Chef

Michael Williams

Born and raised in Victoria and a chef since graduating the Camosun Culinary arts program in 2002, Michael has trained at some of the area’s finest establishments including The Aerie Resort on the Malahat. After travelling to many wonderful places including an 15-month stint in Switzerland to learn his craft, Michael came home to re-establish his roots. He has been catering to and teaching Victoria his tantalizing and nutritious creations and has made a name for himself on TV as the “Island Chef”. Working in unison with local farmers and purveyors, Michael builds his cuisine with health and vitality in mind while making it taste amazing.