At 95, Sullivan Funeral Homes’ Richard McLaughlin is probably Michigan’s oldest practicing funeral director. He comes to work Monday through Friday. Every day that he isn’t playing golf. Or bowling. Or in Las Vegas with his son playing blackjack. Or entertaining his grandchildren. Oh, and if he’s needed on the weekend, well, he’ll be there […]

When Sherry Marshall goes on vacation, she trades the hushed, elegant halls of the Sullivan funeral home in Royal Oak for the wilderness. Her ideal destination is in well off the beaten path. She and her husband, Barry, have hiked and camped in in some of America’s most remote, beautiful places: Alaska, Yellowstone, the Grand […]

Conventional wisdom says that people fear public speaking more than they fear death. Delivering a eulogy, then, could be one of the most terrifying experiences of your life. Nevertheless, they’ve asked you to do it. Here are six steps to help you succeed. Brainstorm ideas. Start with the facts: Birth, marriage, children. Talk with several […]

Families often ask well-wishers not to send flowers, or to make a donation instead of flowers. Sometimes they choose a charity based on what is close to them at the time: Hospice, the hospital, a medical charity. If you know the deceased’s interests, consider directing your donation there instead. Think about her church, college and […]

  Sullivan Funeral Homes and The Preserve cemetery raised awareness of green burials during the April 21 Earth Day event at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market organized by the Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board. Sullivan co-owner Mike Lope and Jim Stark joined Russ Burns from the Preserve displayed a biodegradable casket, handed out information about […]