Conversations with Chris Dufrenne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Dufrenne.

Hi Chris, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in Funeral Service in 1976 after graduating High School. I went to work for a family-owned mortuary that had been in business for four generations and was founded in 1898. My interest in the profession was a result of having lost a neighbor and schoolmate at the age of 13 in a tragic accident. Attending this funeral challenged my young perspective as to the frailty and shortness of this life. The family’s choice of funeral service provider also had an important impact. The skill of those responsible for the care and restoration of my friend’s remains and appearance, coupled with a deep level of genuine compassion displayed by the funeral home staff captured my attention. I knew that once I reached the legal age required to begin my career, that this is what I wanted to devote my life to doing. I love people and helping them on this level really appealed to me.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This isn’t the industry that you want to consider if you have thoughts of becoming wealthy by doing so. There are long hours behind the scenes on details that can oftentimes go un-noticed. Sometimes you are faced with hostility from those in deep grief which can take its toll. This is a job you take home with you that can keep you up nights mulling over the many details involved. The people in our profession who have the greatest impact are those who see what we do as a calling…not just another job. You do it because you love and want to help people!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have the honor of being the Location Manager here. It is my third such assignment during my nearly five decades of service. I am certified to teach a continuing education course through the Hospice Foundation of America. The course is titled “Demystifying the Funeral Experience”. Its intent is to help in educating medical staff and volunteers within the hospice community to gain insight as to what a family can expect from funeral service practitioners following the loss of a loved one.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I was incredibly fortunate in the great guidance department, starting with my first employer. His great-grandfather was instrumental in establishing the very first State Licensing Board in the State of California. I started learning the laws that govern our profession almost immediately. He is probably the most kind and compassionate person that I’ve ever had the honor of knowing. The leadership team that I currently account to are incredibly supportive and are my greatest cheerleaders. I have been granted much latitude, which has given me the confidence to take whatever steps are necessary to help us build our business and develop meaningful relationships within our community. Our team here is the best I’ve ever had the honor to have worked with. They understand why we’re here and our customer survey responses are a testimony to their above and beyond level of dedication.

Pricing:

• • We are the oldest business in the Town of Castle Rock and are a competitively priced, full-service funeral and cremation service provider. We recently rebuilt our new and beautiful, state-of-the-art facilities on the site of our original funeral home. We strive to work within the budgets of those we have the honor of serving in a dignified and beautiful atmosphere any family will be proud of..
• • We provide services without charge to our first responders and active-duty military members who lose their lives in the course of their duties. We also offer services free of charge to our nation’s homeless veterans, because we believe that it’s simply the right thing to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.olingerandrews.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olingerandrews_castlerock/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OlingerAndrews