Owners: Lucas Martin, Craig Baker, Kevin Reid, Christine Reid
I’m a Licesnsed Funeral Director with over 13 years of experience supporting families during some of their most difficult times. I’ve proudly called Essex County home my entire life. Today, I’m honoured to lead Cremation First—a locally owned and operated cremation company in the Windsor-Essex region.
This business is more than a profession for me—it’s a calling. I’ve built Cremation First on a foundation of compassion, integrity, and community care. After years of managing a cremation company under a larger umbrella, I knew it was time to create something different and strip it back to simply being here for the people. Something local, personal, and deeply rooted in servicing our neighbours.
Together with my wife Melissa, who is also a funeral director with the Reid Funeral Home in Leamington and Essex, we are proud to be raising our two wonderful boys in in the quaint community of Essex. Our families have strong ties throughout Windsor-Essex County and we’re proud to live, work, and give back in the same communities that shaped us. As a father and husband, I understand the importance of dignity, trust, and affordability when families need it most.
Cremation First has grown from the ground up, and I’m proud of what we’re building. With four conveniently placed locations across the region, my goal is to ensure families can be taken care of wherever they are with the same warmth and professionalism. While Cremation First has grown quickly, my mission remains simple: to provide exceptional care at an affordable cost—with no pressure, no sales tactics, and no corporate umbrella.
Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating a recent loss, Cremation First is here to make a difficult time just a little easier, with people who truly care.
From my family to yours—thank you for considering Cremation First.