About Arbutus Funeral Service

Arbutus Funeral Service’s original location is in Walnut Grove, Langley, however, has recently opened an office in Vancouver.

The company was founded by Ian Elliott, who spent over 45 years helping families through the most difficult times in their lives.  Although Ian has since retired, we remain family owned and operated, and continue his strong tradition of excellence in listening and his compassionate care of each family. Like Ian, we believe every family deserves a service that honours their loved one’s life and memory.  Arbutus Funeral Service truly believes that we are able to offer the highest quality of service at the greatest value.

Mission Statement 

To serve every family with respect, reverence and compassion. Dedicated to providing personal service yet offering practical and affordable solutions. To be culturally sensitive to the needs of all faiths.

Core Values

Respect, Integrity, Reverence, Compassion​

The name of the company was chosen to reflect Canada's beautiful west coast and also to respect the First Nations. The Arbutus tree is a sacred tree of the Salish Nation. The story goes that there was a great flood. This tree only grows near water and thus provided safety and refuge for the Salish Nation to tie their canoes to thus saving their people. The tree is known as the tree of knowledge as it knows how to find the sun. Its branches twist and turn to find the sun. If a branch is growing in shade or darkness it will drop this branch and grow a new one that will find the sun. The arbutus tree stands for a balance between light and dark. For Christians this meaning can be translated to finding the Light of Christ.