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Alexander Logan, born
in Scotland in 1862, immigrated to Parry Sound in 1883 with his
father and siblings, and soon began to work in the building trades.
Other family members began working in the logging and lumber trades.
Within months of their arrival in Canada, Alexander’s younger
brother, James (13 years old) drowned tragically while playing on
the log booms. It is speculated that Alexander Logan built his brother
James’ casket.
Soon after, Alexander began constructing caskets to help others
in the community deal with a death in the family, and this marked
the beginning of Logan’s Funeral Home. The death of his brother
likely prompted Alexander to begin the undertaking business.
While not commonly used today, the term “undertaking”
originated from the custom where a person “undertook”
to care for the deceased. In the early days, families would undertake
to look after their own deceased, and often looked to Alexander
Logan to make them a casket. |
Logan’s Funeral Home developed from there. Besides starting
the undertaking business, Alexander also operated a general contracting
business and was involved in the construction of many historical
Parry Sound buildings—such as the IOOF building, the Agricultural
Hall, the Post Office and the old Central School.
Later, Alexander’s oldest
son, James Logan took over operating the funeral home, which
also included a furniture business. After his service in World
War I, Douglas Logan joined his brother James at Logan’s,
and together they operated the business into the early 1950’s.
After his service in World War II, Hugh Alexander Logan, James’
and Doug’s nephew, returned home to Parry Sound, and
began working in the business.
In 1954, Hugh Sr. acquired the business, which he continued
to run for over 30 years, keeping up with the changes in an
increasingly people and service oriented industry. During
this time, the Logan’s furniture store gave way to a
new chapel. Hugh’s wife, Dora Taylor Logan also assumed
an active role at the Funeral Home, and obtained her Funeral
Director’s license. Hugh and Dora purchased properties
adjacent to the funeral home to make way for future expansion
and parking.
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Hugh Taylor Logan took over managing the business after his
father suffered a debilitating stroke in 1987. Growing up with the family business,
which included working weekends and summers gave Hugh Jr. an opportunity to
familiarize himself with the business.
The recent turn of the century saw major
renovations take place at Logan’s. The historical home
of founder Alexander Logan (later used as part of the funeral
home), was taken down to allow for the construction of Logan’s
beautiful new facilities, including a chapel, visiting rooms,
reception area and lunchroom. In keeping with the family connection,
Hugh’s wife, Christine and sister, Deborah have become
actively involved in the business.
The undertaking and furniture business of
the late 1800’s has evolved into a state-of-the-art
full service Funeral Home, with Hugh Taylor Logan proudly
representing the fourth generation to operate Logan’s
of Parry Sound. |
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t
was a turn of events that brought Funeral Services to Parry Sound.
