YOU'VE CREATED YOUR LEGACY.
WE HELP IT TO LIVE ON.
The Denning Partner Group is an independently, family operated company specializing in the management of funeral homes, cemeteries and crematoria. Established by seasoned experts in the field, our goal is to expand our operations by partnering with owners who resonate with our philosophy and values, working closely with them to sustain a succession plan and enable their legacy to continue on.
Are you looking to create a succession plan for your business to preserve your hard work, dedication and legacy?
Are you looking to grow into an ownership position and just don't know where to start?
You're in the right place. We'd love to connect.
ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
Since 1925, the Denning family has been a cornerstone of support for the communities in and around Strathroy-Caradoc. In 2005, Bill and Brett Denning embarked on a journey to expand the family's legacy. With a steadfast commitment to integrity and building relationships, coupled with their foundational goal of exemplary family service, their efforts flourished. Under their guidance, the acquisition of 14 funeral homes has been successfully managed.
As the dynamics of funeral services have evolved, so too has their approach, focusing on maintaining exceptional service levels across small towns through diligent consolidation and tireless effort. With their comprehensive experience in provincial associations, pre-need funding, funeral home management, cemetery and crematorium operations, Brett and Bill and the Denning Partner Group are ideally positioned to guide you along the succession path that you deserve.
OUR TEAM
Brett Denning, President
Brett, a licensed funeral director and co-owner of Denning's, grew up learning the profound importance of serving families during their most challenging times from his early experiences at the family funeral home.
Brett is actively involved in the Denning’s business, dedicating his time to focusing on its strategic growth and evolution, alongside mentoring and enhancing the team. He takes immense pride in supporting his compassionate staff and in witnessing his professionals consistently raise the standard of excellence in funeral service.
Brett also holds significant roles within the profession, serving on multiple executive boards, including the Ontario Funeral Service Association. He has also and continues to play an active role at the successful growth of Southwest Crematoriums, Canada's largest crematorium.
Committed to both personal and professional development, Brett continuously seeks to inspire and foster growth in himself and everyone around him.
Bill Denning, Vice President, Integrations
Bill quickly became and has been a cornerstone of the family funeral home since the age of 12. As a co-owner of Denning's, he is respected within our communities for his compassion and dedication.
A licensed funeral director and celebrant, Bill crafts services that genuinely reflect the lives of the individuals and families he serves. With decades of experience in the funeral profession, he consistently offers guidance and support to families during their most trying times. Further to his work with families, Bill inspires his team to always maintain a family-centric service approach and provides endless hours of guidance and training to ensure operational excellence is always at the forefront and core of the businesses values.
Bill's deep passion for his family and the history of our communities fosters trusting relationships and allows him to connect profoundly with everyone he meets. His genuine approach and commitment to service have made him a beloved figure and trusted advisor, not just in the communities he serves, but broadly within the profession itself.
OUR APPROACH
OUR VALUES
At the Denning Partner Group, our foundational values shape the future of what we believe funeral services should look like.
We prioritize exceptional family service while equally focusing on attracting and retaining top-tier talent.
We deeply value the profound relationship and bond formed between the funeral director and the grieving family.
As operators, we see our role as facilitators of these meaningful connections, ensuring each interaction is handled with the utmost respect and empathy.
L - Leadership: Upholding the highest standards
E - Empathy: Compassion in every interaction
G - Guidance: Navigating emotional, operational complexities
A - Authenticity: Genuine connections, honouring legacies
C - Commitment: Long-term success and support
Y - Yielding: Positive outcomes, continuous growth
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At Denning Partner Group, our philosophy is grounded in recognition and respect.
Many funeral home owners have dedicated their lives to building a respected brand and serving families with the utmost dignity.
This legacy isn’t something to hand over lightly—certainly not to just anyone with adequate financing or the deepest corporate pockets.
We understand that often the most suitable successor is already a part of your team. However, the financial and managerial challenges of ownership can be daunting.
Our role is to manage the business aspects, paving a secure path to ownership that allows you to transition your funeral home responsibly.
We are committed to partnering with the right individual who can continue your legacy without leaving you financially vulnerable in the process.
SOME OF OUR PARTNERS
Harper Funeral Home
Watford, Ontario
Jim Harper
Padfield Funeral Home
Rodney, Ontario
James Price
Padfield Funeral Home
West Lorne, Ontario
James Price
Ronn E. Dodge Funeral Home
Forest, Ontario
Ronn Dodge
Denning Brothers Funeral Home
Strathroy, Ontario
Brad, Al, Bill, Rick & Randy Denning
T. Stephenson and Son Funeral Home
Ailsa Craig, Ontario
Pat Fraser
Buffam and Leveille Funeral Home
Haileybury, Ontario
Claude Leveille
Lakeview Crematorium
Haileybury, Ontario
Claude Leveille
Perrin Funeral Chapel
New Liskeard, Ontario
Lyanne Perrin
McDonald Funeral Home Englehart, Ontario
Mark McDonald
Bowman Funeral Home Chatham, Ontario
Arbor Memorial Inc.
Hammond Funeral Home
Wheatley, Ontario
Dan Hammond