Our Staff
At time of need, or when preparing a pre-arrangement plan, our service team is committed to providing you and your loved ones with the personalized, unique and meaningful funeral and cemetery services that you desire, in our modern facilities and within our tranquil grounds.
Ashley McNamara
Funeral Director & Location Manager, Highland Park Funeral Centre
Ashley graduated from Humber College Funeral Services Program in 2011. Ashley joined our team in 2020. She is proud to be part of the Opus Tribute Group and has a special connection because her father (owner of Beavermead Construction) was the general contractor of our Highland Park Funeral Centre.
Ashley was born and raised in Peterborough and together with her husband Shawn, they have 2 beautiful children, Jonathan, 12 and Anna, 10.
When Ashley is not working, she is attending her children’s various sporting events, helping out at the family business Lakeview Bowl, volunteering on the Catholic Parent Council at her children’s school or participating in the 100 Women Peterborough and the Women's Business Network.
Telephone: 1-705-745-6984
Joe Farace
Funeral Director
Joe, a licensed Funeral Director since 1999 in Peterborough, continues to provide guidance and support to the families we serve. Joe's outgoing personality allows families to be comforted in a friendly atmosphere while personalizing a loved one's tribute or service.
Joe is also deeply involved in his community. He is a Member of the Knights of Columbus, Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree, and coach and player in local soccer. Joe is married to Kristen and is the proud father of Mya, Molly and Anthony.
Telephone: 1-705-745-6984
Ed Burke
Funeral Director
Ed, a licensed funeral director since 1991, brings a wealth of experience and passion while serving the families at Highland Park Funeral Centre. His commitment and dedication in all areas ensures a family's personalized needs are followed through in a dignified and respectful manner.
Ed was born and raised in Peterborough and together with his wife Jan they have two daughters. He is an active parishioner in Sacred Heart Church and sits on various diocesan committees.
Telephone: 1-705-745-6984
Robin Foster
Funeral Director
Robin, a licensed Funeral Director since 2014, graduated from Humber College and previously holds a background in Microbiology and Pastoral Ministry. He returned to Peterborough in 2022, working as a Funeral Director before proudly joining Opus Tribute Group at Highland Park Funeral Centre in 2024. Known for his compassion and professionalism, Robin serves as a Funeral Director, assisting families with arrangements, helping to create meaningful tributes, and values family interactions within the Community. Robin loves spending time with his wife, Kelly, their children and grandchildren; he is passionate about cooking, Celtic guitar, all things science, and enjoys the company of his Maltipoo, Max.
Joel Holtz
Funeral Director
Joel is a family man who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. Coming from a pastoral background, Joel recently underwent a career change to become a licensed funeral director in 2023. He joined Opus Tribute Group at Highland Park Funeral Centre in 2025. He is committed to providing compassionate care and guidance to all families experiencing grief and loss.
Dean Gemmiti
Funeral Director
Born and raised in Peterborough, Dean is thrilled to join the Opus Tribute Group at Highland Park Funeral Centre. Throughout his four decades in funeral service, he has devoted his life’s work to caring for families and helping them create meaningful, personal tributes that honour their loved ones.
Dean values time with his wife, Susan, their daughter and son, Caprice and Colton, and daughter-in-law, Taylor. When he’s away from work, he enjoys camping, golfing, archery, and spending time outdoors.
He is proud to continue serving the community he calls home as part of Opus Tribute Group.
Carl Brown
Funeral Director
A lifelong resident of Peterborough, Carl has been supporting families since 1989, building a career rooted in compassion and trusted service.
A dedicated community supporter, he is a Member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha and a Member of the Kawartha Golf Club. Outside of work, he values time with his wife, Stacey, their children, Colin (Lauren) and Alyssa (Cole), and his grandson, Rory. When he’s not with family, you’ll find him traveling or out on the golf course.
He looks forward to continuing to support families in his hometown as part of Opus Tribute Group.
Robin Heffernan
Client Services Manager
Robin has held a variety of positions with Opus Tribute Group over the past many years. Since January 2019 Robin has been providing cemetery guidance, sales and support for the full range of cemetery products to families at both time of need, as well as for preneed planning.
In addition, Robin meets with the executor(s)/next of kin, providing timely completion of government and related forms and notices, as well as valuable guidance on the steps involved in settling a loved one’s affairs.
Danny Bronson
Licensed Funeral Preplanner & Family Services Counsellor
Well known within the Peterborough area for his musical talent and community involvement, Danny Bronson brings to Opus Tribute Group years of experience in working closely with families in providing exceptional service at important life moments.
At a family's direct request, Danny will add his renowned musical talents to a celebration of life, memorial or funeral service.
Telephone: 1-705-745-6984
Jordan Buck
Grounds Manager, Little Lake Cemetery & Highland Park Cemetery
Bobby Cheel
Funeral Director's Assistant
Bobby
joined Opus Tribute Group in October 2022 as a Funeral Director’s Assistant,
bringing with him a kind, compassionate approach and a strong commitment to
helping families. Known for his professionalism and willingness to lend a hand
wherever needed, Bobby plays an important role in supporting both our team and
the families we serve.
A devoted
husband to Beth and proud father to Jackson and Adaline, Bobby is deeply
family-focused in both his personal and professional life. He is also active in
the Peterborough community as a representative for the City of Peterborough’s
adult recreational hockey league. When he’s not at the rink, Bobby enjoys
hunting and fishing at his family cottage in Buckhorn, Ontario.
Roger York
Funeral Director's Assistant
Kevin Keating
Funeral Director's Assistant
Ted Cooney
Funeral Director's Assistant
Brian Wilkes
Funeral Director's Assistant
James Belk
President & CEO, Opus Tribute Group
James became a licensed funeral director in 2004 and worked in various funeral homes in the GTA and Peterborough. In 2011, James joined the team at Opus Tribute Group and in 2012 became the Manager of Funeral Services. In 2022, James became the President & CEO of Little Lake Cemetery Company which is now Opus Tribute Group.
As President/CEO, James reports directly to the Volunteer Board of Directors on the business operations of Opus Tribute Group.
James and his wife, Christina have two beautiful daughters, Emma and Katie and reside just outside of Peterborough in Otonabee.
Telephone: 1-705-745-6984
Jennie Ireland
Director of Operations, Opus Tribute Group
Jennie joined Opus Tribute Group in the spring of 2023 in the area of Human Resources. She quickly became a valuable part of the team, immersing herself in all the elements of our operations. In the spring of 2024, Jennie was promoted to the role of Director of Operations for all locations.
Jennie was a Hockey Mom Ambassador for the Peterborough Petes "Pink in the Rink" fundraising initiative for PRHC, and she regularly participates in events like the annual Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival that benefit the hospital.
Jennie lives in Peterborough with her son, Liam. In her time off in the summer months, you will find her at her trailer enjoying the outdoors.
Robert Morton
Director of Finance
Robert joins us with an impressive track
record of experience as a financial executive
with a diverse group of companies spanning
health, financial, and industrial sectors.
Rob was born and raised in Peterborough and
is excited to be back living in his hometown
and supporting his local community as a part
of Opus Tribute Group.
Colleen Visser
Accounting Assistant
Sarah McGriskin
Accounting Assistant
Sarah
joined the Opus Tribute Group team as an accounting assistant in April of 2025.
With her strong knowledge of accounts payable and accounts receivable
procedures, she has quickly become a valued member of the team. Sarah graduated
from the Bookkeeping program through Confederation College in 2022.
When Sarah
is not at work, she enjoys playing baseball in the summer and has been a member
of the Peterborough Badminton Club for over 15 years.
Kimmy Dunn
Administrative Assistant
Kimmy joined OPUS Tribute Group team in June 2025.
Sandra Stranaghan
Administrative Assistant
Shelby Cowan
Administrative Assistant
Terry Hotner
Crematorium Operator
Jeff Wakeford
Retired
Happy Retirement!
Jeff had been with the company in various roles for 38 years, providing guidance to many local families over his career.
Jeff has served the families of Little Lake Cemetery Co., now Opus Tribute Group with care and kindness, and has been instrumental in many projects which have beautified our cemeteries.
We thank Jeff for his many years of dedication to the families of Peterborough and leadership within the company on many levels.