A Message to Our Community

Initial Post Date: May 26th, 2025

(The following message is being shared on behalf of Nat Lamoureux, who is currently away and fully disconnected to focus on his health and recovery.)

For nearly eight years, it has been my absolute privilege to serve the people of Souris and surrounding communities through Dingwell Funeral Home. This role is one I’ve carried with deep responsibility and unwavering dedication — often at the expense of my own wellbeing. Since 2017, I’ve been the sole person behind every call, every visit, and every service — no matter the hour, the day, or the personal cost.

This work is sacred. It is also, at times, unrelenting.

In recent months, I’ve come to recognize that the weight of that responsibility has taken a toll. The long hours, emotional strain, and isolation of operating alone have led me to a point of burnout — something I can no longer afford to push through. After reflection and on the advice of medical professionals, I’ve made the decision to step away for approximately eight weeks to prioritize my health and receive the support I need. This time away began last week.

This decision was not made lightly, but it is the only responsible and sustainable path forward. It’s the path that will ultimately allow me to return — healthier, more present, and better equipped to continue this work I care so deeply about.

During this time, Dingwell Funeral Home will temporarily pause operations. While interim support was initially in place, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain that approach. Rather than risk compromising the quality of care families deserve, I’ve made the difficult — but necessary — decision to pause services entirely until my return.

When that time comes, I plan to work with a consultant who has extensive experience in the funeral profession. Together, we’ll explore ways to manage the responsibilities of the funeral home more sustainably — so I can continue to serve this community with the same care and commitment you’ve come to expect. For now, I’m taking the time I need to fully step back and focus on my wellbeing, so I can truly recover and return ready to serve.

In the meantime, families in need of immediate support should contact a licensed funeral provider of their choice. These professionals are prepared to guide you with care, compassion, and dignity.

If your loved one has a prearranged service with Dingwell Funeral Home and a death occurs during this time, that arrangement can be transferred to your chosen provider, and the investment held in trust will follow accordingly. Please have your chosen funeral provider call the main phone line at Dingwell Funeral Home (902-687-2075) and leave a message. While the line will not be actively monitored, I have arranged for voicemail to be checked regularly for these specific circumstances. Alternatively, they may email dingwellfh@gmail.com. All other messages and inquiries will be held and responded to upon my return.

Any services that were already scheduled at the time this message is being shared and are on the website now will still be carried out, with the support of the interim assistance I had arranged at the beginning of my time away.

I understand this news may be unexpected and difficult. It is for me, too. But I also trust in the empathy of this remarkable community, and I believe that with transparency comes trust. I’m hopeful that my decision to step away — to rest, to heal, and to come back stronger — will be met with that same understanding.

Thank you for allowing me the space to do what’s necessary. Thank you for the kindness I know will be extended in my absence. And thank you, as always, for the honour of serving you.

Warmly,

Nat Lamoureux
Owner, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Dingwell Funeral Home