In the News

Gary Payne writes a weekly consumer education column published in The Central News, focused on funeral planning, cost transparency, and helping Ontario families make informed decisions during difficult times.

This page is a public record of published columns and topics for community reference.

About the Author

Gary Payne, MBA, created FuneralCostOntario.ca after experiencing firsthand how confusing funeral pricing and planning can be for families making urgent decisions. His work focuses on transparency, consumer education, and helping Ontario residents navigate funeral arrangements with greater clarity and confidence during difficult times.

Featured Column

Dead and Gone… So What Does It Actually Cost?

By: Gary Payne, MBA

Publication: The Central News (online edition/blog)

Date: February 14, 2026

Status: Published

Read the column

A short summary is included below.

This column explores a question many Durham families face soon after a loss: what funeral and cremation costs actually look like, and why prices can vary so widely. It explains how direct cremation, traditional burial, third-party fees, and timing can influence total cost, and encourages families to request written estimates and take time before making decisions.

Column Archive

DateTitleStatus
February 14, 2026Dead and Gone… So What Does It Actually Cost?Published
February 7, 2026Dead And Gone… So Now What?Published

Links are provided where an online edition is available.

Related Guides

The purpose of this column is consumer education and practical guidance for families navigating funeral planning in Ontario. It is written in the spirit of transparency and community support, with the goal of helping people feel more informed and less overwhelmed during difficult times.