When he was a teenager, Jérico Drapeau had a professional ambition that was unusual among his circle of friends: he was going to become an thanatologist and funeral director.
A career choice that has little appeal to young people, put off by death and the various taboos linked to the practice of this profession.
This was not the case for Jérico Drapeau, a young man originally from Balmoral and now 26 years old.
After two years of specialized studies in Sudbury, Ontario, he returned to work in his native region.
Of course, I questioned myself a few times. Am I making the right choice? So today, I am happy with what I do. It’s my career.
The young man has not dragged his feet since he started in the field 7 years ago. After gaining experience, he became the owner of his own salon last May.
It’s just a departure. I’m even happy to have achieved this at 26 years old. Circumstances were on my side. I have a lot of plans for the future.
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MacMillan Funeral Home was founded in 1920 in Black Point, NB.
Photo : - / Serge Bouchard
MacMillan Funeral Home has existed since 1920. This family business has been passed down from generation to generation, until the recent acquisition by Jérico Drapeau. It is located at Black Pointa rural community located between Charlo and Belledune.
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A new visitation room was recently installed at the MacMillan Drapeau Funeral Home.
Photo : - / Serge Bouchard
The new entrepreneur has already started putting his personal touch into the business. He purchased a church located nearby in Benjamin River. In the basement, he created a more modern and up-to-date visiting room.
It’s all new, all beautiful. There are challenges every day. I want to modernize the company, adapt it to new ways of doing things in the industry.
Even though he has only recently been working in thanatology, he has already noticed that clientele’s desires are changing.
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This church in Benjamin River was acquired by the MacMillan Drapeau Funeral Home
Photo : - / Serge Bouchard
Traditional funerals are less popular and cremation is on the rise. There are also many more people who want to mark their death during a ceremony celebrating their life rather than organizing a funeral at a church, notes the funeral director.
Even though his business traditionally serves a more English-speaking clientele, Jérico Drapeau is encouraged by the growing support he receives from more French-speaking sectors in the region.
I’m from Balmoral. There are a lot of people who are starting to trust me.
Although he still has a long road ahead of him, Jérico Drapeau can already look back and appreciate how far he has come.
