By Allyse R. Worland, USA
Article was oryginaly published in NFDA Director

Upon learning of the death of one of my mentors, it was described accurately during his funeral as a “bolt of lightning on a clear day.” To each of us who were once his students in some way or another, we were left grief stricken and speechless, as if we were now orphans. This was the impact of the life of Todd Van Beck, who died a legend of our “beloved profession.” His loss marked a great sadness throughout funeral service, but also posed the question, what made this man so great?

There is no single answer that could satisfy such an inquiry. He was an advocate of our profession and believed in its noble cause. But what I believe to be the greatest asset he possessed was the gift he gave of great mentorship. Todd believed in us during the times when we didn’t believe in ourselves. He was dedicated to helping all “baby undertakers” to crawl, walk, run and then fly with him.

Great mentorship is the key to the continuity of our profession – treating every “student” as if they are our own and preparing them for the world. Over the years, I have had several wonderful guides to help me navigate through my funeral service journey. It must be distinctly understood that mentors are not just for those who are starting out on their journey, but rather for all of us at every stage of our voyage through funeral service.

>> Discover the full story in THANOS Magazine 3/2025 — see page 32.