Celebration of Life Memorial Celebrants
Blane Ellsworth
Founder of Honoring Lifetimes, Blane Ellsworth is noted for his personalized, spiritual, respectful, compassionate and uplifting style of coordinating memorials. Blane Ellsworth has degrees in gerontology, counseling and theology from The Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley.
With his broad ecumenical spectrum, Blane is competent in conducting both traditional, faith based services and non-traditional memorials.
James Warnock
Pastor Warnock believes strongly that, though not everyone is religious, we are all spiritual. We all find meaning in life, in our connection with others, our sense of heritage, of belonging, of future and wonder. The passages of life, including death, are sacred transitions. Memorial services are a unique opportunity to honor a life. Through reflection, sharing of memories, humor and words of hope, we can affirm this loved one’s value in the human community, and their ongoing place in our lives.
Jim Thomas
Psychologist, Episcopalian priest and author of several books including The Seven Steps to Personal Power. Dr. Thomas endeavors to create memorials mirroring the essence of each person’s spirit, faith, and personality.
Ira Book
Ira Book actively works in pastoral care with veterans. As a Jewish Rabbi, Ira has co-authored the books “To Dwell Together in Freedom” and “Serve Him with Gladness” He brings to Spiritual Memorials an approachable, personal style that blends progressive thoughts with the traditional.
Ken Babauta
Kenneth Babauta works actively in ministry with the elderly. A Catholic priest, Father Ken has special sensitivity to the compromised, disabled, disenfranchised and the bereaved.
JoEllen Fortenberry Ford
JoEllen Fortenberry Ford's ecumenical approah is supportive of all world religions and those without religious ties. JoEllen understands well how one’s individual spiritually and emotionally is dependent on the family one is formed within and on the family one forms around oneself.
As a minister and social worker, JoEllen has supported people in their needs to belong and be respected..
While counseling many through the loss of their loved one, JoEllen genuinely respects and cares for the dignity of each individual.
Brad Veitch
With a warm, caring style, Pastor Brad walks with sensitivity and compassion alongside those suffering and grieving. With a lifetime of ministry, Brad brings a depth of experience, diversity, and creativity to his memorial services.
Recognizing each grief journey is unique, Brad works closely with the family to design the perfect celebration of the loved one's life.
Rev. Veitch has been ordained over 40 years serving primarily Baptist and Presbyterian Churches.
Wendy Peters
Wendy Peters, is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. She will do everything she can to create a Memorial service that will bring comfort in your time of need. This will be a sacred time in your lives. You will want to select an officiant who will listen to you and guide you in creating a fitting Memorial. Whether secular, spiritual, or religious, Wendy has performed countless services.
Wendy is trained as an interfaith hospital chaplain, has managed a senior home for 10 years, and I has experience working at funeral homes. She holds a Masters of Divinity degree from the Pacific School of Religion (Berkeley, California), and has been officiating at Memorial services since 1992.