Alexander Logan

Alexander Logan, born in Scotland in 1862, immigrated to Parry Sound in 1883 with his father and siblings, and soon began to work in the building trades. Other family members began working in the logging and lumber trades. Within months of their arrival in Canada, Alexander’s younger brother, James (13 years old) drowned tragically while playing on the log booms. It is speculated that Alexander Logan built his brother James’ casket.

Soon after, Alexander began constructing caskets to help others in the community deal with a death in the family, and this marked the beginning of Logan’s Funeral Home. The death of his brother likely prompted Alexander to begin the undertaking business.

While not commonly used today, the term “undertaking” originated from the custom where a person “undertook” to care for the deceased. In the early days, families would undertake to look after their own deceased, and often looked to Alexander Logan to make them a casket.

Logan’s Funeral Home developed from there. Besides starting the undertaking business, Alexander also operated a general contracting business and was involved in the construction of many historical Parry Sound buildings—such as the IOOF building, the Agricultural Hall, the Post Office and the old Central School.

James Logan

Later, Alexander’s oldest son, James Logan took over operating the funeral home, which also included a furniture business. After his service in World War I, Douglas Logan joined his brother James at Logan’s, and together they operated the business into the early 1950’s. After his service in World War II, Hugh Alexander Logan, James’ and Doug’s nephew, returned home to Parry Sound, and began working in the business.

In 1954, Hugh Sr. acquired the business, which he continued to run for over 30 years, keeping up with the changes in an increasingly people and service oriented industry. During this time, the Logan’s furniture store gave way to a new chapel. Hugh’s wife, Dora Taylor Logan also assumed an active role at the Funeral Home, and obtained her Funeral Director’s license. Hugh and Dora purchased properties adjacent to the funeral home to make way for future expansion and parking.

Hugh Alexander Logan

Hugh Taylor Logan took over managing the business after his father suffered a debilitating stroke in 1987. Growing up with the family business, which included working weekends and summers gave Hugh Jr. an opportunity to familiarize himself with the business.

In keeping with the family connection, Hugh’s wife Christine has become actively involved in the business.

The undertaking and furniture business of the late 1800’s has evolved into a state-of-the-art full service Funeral Home, with Hugh Taylor Logan proudly representing the fourth generation to operate Logan’s of Parry Sound.