In 1930, Mr. W.J. Stewart (the mayor of Toronto) became the new owner of Bates & Dodds Funeral Services, where he expanded to include a small chapel that seated 100 people during viewings and funerals. Within the same period, Mr. Steward started the Toronto Embalming School, which taught students how to embalm from the preparation room of his new business. Although the business was never passed from generations within family members, it has always been privately owned throughout 120 years. 

Bates & Dodds Funeral Services is one of the earliest funeral providers and still the oldest establishment that still stands at 931 Queen Street West in Toronto.

Historical Gallery