Licenced Staff

All of our licenced directors adhere to the highest standard of ethical practices and are committed to ensuring that all of your needs are attended to. Their commitment to the community and genuine compassion toward families are but a few of the characteristics that make them outstanding in their field.  We are proud to have them on our staff.

John McGlynn, Owner / Managing Funeral Director Office Phone: (519)527-1390 Fax: (519)527-1769 John and his wife Sandy assumed ownership of the Whitney-Ribey Funeral Home on November 1, 2011.  They have two son's, Duke (born February 2010) and Rory (born October 2011).  After living in Kitchener for the past six years and growing up in Mount Forest, Sandy and John felt that they wanted to raise their boys in a rural community.  They also had a dream of owning a funeral home and are grateful to have been given the opportunity to do both in the wonderful community of Seaforth. John grew up on a chicken farm between Mount Forest and Harriston and graduated from Norwell District Secondary School in Palmerston.  In 2002 after completing an apprenticeship with Jerrett Funeral Home's in Toronto John graduated from Humber College and received his funeral directors license.  He continued working in Toronto with Ogden Funeral Home before returning home to work and learn along side Bruce England at England Funeral Home in Mount Forest.  In 2006 John was fortunate to be given a position at Henry Walser Funeral Home in Kitchener.  In November of 2011 with the support of Sandy, his mom Mary, dad Rick, mother-in-law Cathy, father-in-law Don,  family, friends and mentors like Henry Walser, John saw his dream of owning and operating a funeral home become a reality.   John understands that the Whitney-Ribey Funeral Home has provided it's surrounding community with compassionate and dignified care to the families it served and he, along with his wife Sandy and family will continue, as well as, expand on the exceptional service the community deserves.

M. Ruth Townsend, Managing Funeral Director Office Phone: 519-527-1390 Fax: 519-527-1769 Ruth is a graduate of Humber College Funeral Service Education in 1995.  She apprenticed with Whitney-Ribey Funeral Home from 1991 to 1995, before receiving her funeral director's license.  She is dedicated to serving the families of the surrounding community and has the capability to manage all aspects of the funeral home with confidence and ease.  Upon the death of Ross W. Ribey in 2009, Ruth assumed the role of managing funeral director at Whitney-Ribey Funeral Home and did so until the end of October 2011.  You are sure to find her very kind, compassionate and helpful.  Sandy and John McGlynn are very proud to have her as part of the staff.  Ruth is a member of Northside United Church in Seaforth and she and her husband George are dedicated members of the Huron County Plowmen's Association.  They are willing supporters of many community activities.  Ruth and George have three married children and six grandsons, all of whom live within an hour from Seaforth.