Our Team

Ian Elliott
Founding Funeral Director and Embalmer
Ian grew up in Virden, Manitoba, a community of approx. 3500 people. Growing up in this farming community instilled in Ian the principle of caring, looking out for your neighbour and always offering a helping hand. Ian began his career in funeral service in Moosomin, Saskatchewan. After a few years he moved to Regina where he met his wife, Greta.

Ian has spent the past 25 years serving families in the Lower Mainland. His calming approach in serving families places them at ease and his sensitivity in serving them is mentioned often by the families he serves. He is a past board member of the BC Funeral Association, having served for 7 years. He is active in Rotary and his faith community and readily volunteers where needed.

Athena Theodorakakis
Funeral Director and Embalmer
Having a background in tourism and hospitality, Athena found her calling into Funeral Service in 2005. Her career began with SCI’s Forest Lawn and Ocean View Funeral Homes in Burnaby and since then, she has gained experience working at other independently owned funeral homes within the Lower Mainland. Since April 2024, Athena is proud to be a part of the team at Arbutus Funeral Service.

Athena has been on the Board of Directors of the BC Funeral Association since 2015 and is currently President of the Association serving a two-year term (2023-2025). She is passionate about every aspect of funeral service and is thankful for the gift of guiding families through difficult times. She is grateful for every chance to serve others.

Athena enjoys spending time with her family, sweating through Irish Dance lessons, and cheering on Liverpool FC.

Nolan Ashworth
Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer
Nolan grew up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where he spent his early years raised by his great grandparents. Living with his great grandparents, he developed a compassionate and caring demeanor towards other people. When they passed away, he lived in various cities in British Columbia, working in the waste management industry. As a young adult, he enjoyed creating music as a percussionist.

At the young age of 22, Nolan’s mother passed away. After her death, he grew an interest in the funeral profession. He always wanted to help others through the grieving process, just as they were there to help him.

In 2022, he switched career paths and worked as a crematorium operator at Maple Ridge Crematorium. During this time, he decided to pursue his passion of becoming a funeral director/embalmer and, in September 2024, will begin the apprenticeship program.

Nolan lives in Mission with his wonderful wife Madeline and their three children. Together they enjoy spending time outdoors and going on whatever adventures come their way.