Grand Departures is owned and operated by Bob Johnston and Mary LaFleur.

Bob is a licensed funeral director and embalmer and has been in the funeral business for more than 28 years.  A Tacoma native, Bob is active in the Parkland-Spanaway Rotary Club, as well as the Washington State Funeral Directors Association.  "Funeral service is more than just a job; helping families through a difficult time gives me satisfaction in my profession."

Mary has owned and operated LaFleur Insurance Agency for more than 24 years, and is a licensed Real Estate Agent. She is active in the community supporting many charities. Also a Tacoma native, "I have experienced many deaths in my family as well as losing many friends. Although I have worked with some outstanding funeral directors over the years, I have seen a gap in what families are looking for and what the funeral profession currently provides."  A "funeral" can be anything the family wants it to be - from the most basic to the extreme. Life is changing and so is the way many people view death.

Our vision is to provide the help the family needs to have the event that best celebrates the life of their loved one. It is not up to us to tell you what you want, you tell us and we will do everything we can to make your celebration be exactly what you desire. We encourage people to register your wishes at no charge so that your family will know your wishes. It is truly your responsibility. This makes it much easier for your family. Your age does not matter, as your needs change you can revisit our site and change your wishes. We also would like to encourage LIVING CELEBRATIONS! If you have a milestone Birthday coming up, have your celebration. Many people enjoy these because the person they love is there. It also gives you the ability to tell people how you feel and what they have meant in your life. "Grand" does not have to mean expensive. In fact, please ask for our price list as we are proud of  being inexpensive!

   Q) What is the #1 reason a family will spend too much money on a funeral?

    A) They failed to pre-plan.

Families often spend more than they need to because they do not know your wishes or feel sadness and guilt. Please pre-plan.

 People have their trusted banker, lawyer, accountant and doctor. Why not have a trusted funeral director? At the most difficult time in your life you would have the confidence to know who to turn to.

COME AND CELEBRATE WITH US!

Some of our thoughts

Yes, A funeral can be tastefully fun!

Other funeral homes fit the man in the suit, then in the box..... We fit the personality.

A funeral is not a day in the life.......it is a lifetime in one day.

A funeral can be anything you want it to be, make your own choices.

Why have the party of your lifetime when you will not be there to celebrate? Have it while you are living!