William Burr, director of All Saints Cemetery.

Whatever your concerns, Bill Burr’s calm demeanor eases the process of dealing with challenging cemetery decisions. As director of All Saints Cemetery in Waterford since 1994, he is emotionally and empathetically there for those who have experienced a loss.

He is also well-known as a very active promoter of local businesses from his participation in both the Waterford and Clarkston Area chambers of commerce.

Burr takes on leadership roles in the organizations he joins.

He is past president of the Waterford chamber and now is seated on the board of directors for both the Waterford and Clarkston Area chambers. Burr dines early with the Waterford Breakfast Optimist Club and, after leading this group as its president, now holds the post of secretary/treasurer for the Optimists. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Burr, a Sterling Heights resident, grew up on the East side of Detroit. Some of his own relatives are buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, one of the Mt. Elliott Cemetery Association properties of which All Saints Cemetery is a part.



Q: Why are you involved in the chambers?

A: Two reasons: First I think it is important for business people to be involved and give back to the community that supports their business. The other reason is to put a face on a business called a cemetery. Most people don’t see a cemetery as a real business. We can invite them to visit the cemetery and find out the kind of things we do here.



Q: What are the leadership skills you have?

A: I don’t see myself as a leader so much as an enabler to jump on board and get people involved — I do things by example. I’ve been active in the chambers. By doing, I hope people see they can do things too.



Q: What do you believe you have contributed to the community?

A: I think I’ve been part of the tremendous growth of the Waterford Chamber of Commerce — we now number 400 members. When I started in the group in 1995 we had 95 members. I was part of a group led by Marie Hauswirth — who is a great Executive Director (and) encouraged us to work harder for the community.



Q: What is your philosophy of community service?

A: I think it is important for a business person to be a good community citizen.



Q: What are some new trends in the cemetery business?

A: We are starting to do things to bring people back into cemeteries — such as sponsoring events here. We had a holiday ornament-making event where we invited families to make natural ornaments to hang on trees. About 100 people attended. It was healing for those who had suffered a recent loss and fun for others. It was a good day for all. We also hosted a concert here by a quintet from the Ann Arbor Symphony. Our purpose is to have people come to the cemetery at other times than at their time of need.



Q: I understand you spent 21 years in banking and management before joining the Mt. Elliott Cemetery Association, how did you learn about groundskeeping?

A: It was a lot of on-the-job training. In the early years it was through observation and asking questions about grass seed and trimming trees. Our peer group from the other cemeteries get together and discuss common concerns also.



Q: Have you attended any other training?

A: I also attended a summer school sponsored by the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association where I had classes on groundskeeping, sales and administration.



Q: What is important for the public to know about cemeteries these days?

A: They should ask if the cemetery is contributing to their endowed care fund. In Michigan we are required to place 15 per cent of every sale into the fund which is used for perpetual care of the cemetery.



Q: Cremation is now accepted practice for Catholics. Can you explain?

A: After Vatican II the church began to allow cremation provided the remains are treated with the same respect as a human body. The ashes are to be placed in a worthy vessel and put in niches that can be found in either mausoleums or columbariums, which are above-ground structures designed to hold cremated remains. Ashes can also be buried in a grave.



Q: What are some other services you offer?

A: We sponsor monthly informational sessions. These cover all the questions you have about pre-planning — but were afraid to ask. A great part of our duty is to get people to understand that through pre-planning they can save themselves stress at their time of need.



Q: What is most difficult situation when helping families deal with death?

A: Families that are dealing with the death of a young person — those are difficult situations. The families are in shock. When we meet with them we try to take it slowly. We explain their choices, introduce them to the cemetery and drive them in a car so they can see the site and then make their decision. We want to get to know them and help them make an informed decision.



Q: What are your duties here?

A: I supervise a staff of five: an administrative assistant, a Family Service Counselor and three groundskeepers. I meet with families, get information out about pre-planning, attend and supervise services to make sure everything runs smoothly.



Q: What are the rewards of your job?

A: I’ve found this a very rewarding career for me. I get lots of personal satisfaction. Now that I’ve been here a while, I’ve gotten to contact some families a second time. I get to know the people and I can help them. I’ve been able to develop good relationships with local churches and funeral directors.



Q: You mentioned your two sons have chosen careers in service fields. One son, Father Stephen Burr is a priest with the Archdiocese of Detroit. Your other son, Kevin, is a teacher in Farmington Hills, and is married to Nancy, who teaches in Clarkston.

A: My wife, who is also named Nancy, and I were always involved in our church and community. I guess that helped influence our kids’ career choices.



Q: Any time for leisure activities?

A: I golf, am a cantor in our church and like to read mysteries.