Our people make the park an
even more beautiful place.

Royal Oak Burial Park works with many individuals and families at low moments of their lives. Because of this, our leadership and staff are devoted to being helpful and supportive. We provide clear information to ease decision-making and can help you plan the exact nature of the service you are looking for. You can also count on us to guide you when you need honest advice.

Ilan Highton

Executive Director

Ilan began his career at Royal Oak Burial Park as a seasonal employee in 1997 and has worked in a full-time capacity since 2003. His previous roles within the park allow him a unique vantage point into the necessary components of a successful notfor-profit, community-owned burial park. In his most recent position as Manager of Grounds Operation, Ilan played an integral role in the operation and development of the park. These developments included the introduction of green burial space that emphasizes ecological restoration and the use of local indigenous plant material. Ilan has built relationships with key stakeholders and families from across Greater Victoria and understands the significance of Royal Oak Burial Park as a quiet, contemplative and beautiful place to remember.

A born and raised Saanich resident, Ilan has completed extensive industry training across North America and is currently studying business at the University of Victoria. Ilan lives with his wife and two sons in Saanich.

Contact Ilan Highton

Lorraine Fracy

Manager of Client Services and Administrative Operations

With an accomplished career in retail services management already well-established, Lorraine began working in bereavement care and funeral service in 1996. Lorraine joined the Burial Park service team in 2001 and was appointed to her current position in 2013. Past President of the BC Funeral Association.

Contact Lorraine Fracy

Bob Peters

Manager of Ground Operations

Bob Peters began his career at the Burial Park as a seasonal grounds person in 1993.   Over the years, Bob has progressed through a number of positions with increasing levels of seniority and responsibility.  Most recently, he was appointed to the position of Manager of Grounds Operation in the Fall of 2021.

Contact Bob Peters

Our Service Team maintains 54 hectares of land, caring for 70,000+ memorial sites (with more added every year) and providing service to hundreds of burial and thousands of cremation families requires a dedicated team of workers. We have a team of 18 full-time staff who maintain and provide service at the Burial Park and, in summer, we add up to 4 seasonal workers to provide additional grounds assistance. Our workers include a lead hand, gardeners, equipment operators, ITA certified cremationists, a stonemason and general service staff. The service team (excluding management) are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees – Local 50.

Robert Dellar

Family Service Counsellor

Brad Johnson

Lead Hand

Susan McMullen

Family Service Administrative Support Officer

Lenora MacLeod

Family Service Counsellor

Marty Shatzko

Accounting, Records & Family Service Officer

From our families:

“Thank you for your gracious understanding…”

W & B