A Legacy of Care in Sarnia Since 1940
McCormack Aquamation, Burial & Cremation Services has proudly served families in Sarnia and Lambton County since 1940. With more than 80 years of continuous care, our story is one of tradition, family ownership, and quiet innovation. From a historic home to a modern, environmentally conscious facility, our commitment has remained the same: to support families with dignity, compassion, and respect at every step.
Our Roots: The Goodison Family Estate Home (1880)
The building that now houses McCormack Aquamation, Burial & Cremation Services began as the Goodison family estate home. Built in the Victorian era, the home reflects the craftsmanship and character of its time. The Goodison family played an important role in Sarnia’s early development, and their home became a local landmark. Today, many of the home’s architectural details remain, creating a warm and comforting setting for the families we serve.
From Furniture to Funeral Service
Early 1900s: Phippen & Simpson
In the early 1900s, Louis N. Phippen, an undertaker and furniture merchant, relocated to Sarnia and partnered with Joseph W. Simpson to open Phippen & Simpson – Furniture & Undertaking on Front Street North.
1920s: Phippen-Cornell Ltd.
Following Simpson’s passing in 1923, the undertaking services were discontinued, and the business transitioned into Phippen-Cornell Ltd., focusing solely on furniture.
1940:
A New Beginning
In 1940, the Phippen family purchased the Goodison estate and transformed it into a funeral home, opening Stewart Funeral Home. William “Bill” Stewart was appointed to lead the new establishment, quickly earning a reputation for compassionate and dignified care in Sarnia and Lambton County.
Building a Trusted Legacy
The Lambert Era
Following Bill Stewart, the funeral home was operated by Jim Lambert, a respected funeral professional known for his dedication to families and strong community involvement. Under his leadership, the funeral home strengthened its reputation for dependable, personalized service.
Janus Funeral Corporation (1984–2009)
In 1984, ownership transitioned to Janus Funeral Corporation. While part of a larger network, the funeral home continued to operate under the Stewart name, maintaining its commitment to serving families in Sarnia and Lambton County with care and respect.
The McCormack Family: A Return to Local Ownership
On July 2, 2009, Cameron McCormack purchased Stewart Funeral Home, returning it to independent, family ownership. With decades of experience and a deep commitment to service, Cameron guided the funeral home through thoughtful modernization while preserving its long-standing values. Under his leadership, the business became McCormack Funeral Home and later evolved into McCormack Aquamation, Burial & Cremation Services, reflecting a forward-looking approach to both innovation and care.
About Cameron McCormack
Cameron McCormack began his career in funeral service in 1986 in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, at Markey Dermody Funeral Home. He became a licensed funeral director in 1990, beginning a lifelong commitment to helping families through difficult moments.
He spent 21 years with Turner & Porter Funeral Directors in the Greater Toronto Area, where he developed a service approach rooted in compassion, attention to detail, and respect for every family’s wishes.
Today, Cameron leads McCormack Aquamation, Burial & Cremation Services with a focus on transparency, personalized care, and strong community values. His philosophy remains simple and consistent: one family at a time, with the highest level of attention and respect.
Leading the Way With Aquamation
As needs and preferences evolved, McCormack Aquamation, Burial & Cremation Services introduced aquamation as a gentle, eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation. This leadership includes:
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being the first in Canada to install a Resomation® Aquamation system
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offering the only on-site aquamation service in Sarnia and Lambton County
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providing a modern, science-based approach to aftercare
This innovation reflects a commitment to environmentally responsible options while maintaining the dignity and care families expect.
One Family at a Time
Throughout every chapter of our history, one principle has remained constant: every family deserves our full attention. At McCormack Aquamation, Burial & Cremation Services, we proudly serve one family at a time, ensuring:
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your loved one never leaves our care
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services are never rushed or overlapped
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every detail receives focused attention
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every family is supported with warmth and respect
​A Continuing Commitment
From its beginnings in a historic Sarnia home to its role today as a leader in modern funeral care, McCormack Aquamation, Burial & Cremation Services remains dedicated to the families of Sarnia and Lambton County. More than eight decades later, we continue to honour each life entrusted to us with compassion, integrity, and unwavering respect.
