About Us
In the heart of Penticton stands Kettle Valley Memorial; A family-owned Funeral Home, a beacon of solace and support for those bidding a final farewell to their loved ones.
KVM stands as a pillar of support, compassion and community involvement in the South Okanagan. Through our comprehensive funeral services, celebration of life offerings, empathetic approach, and commitment to excellence, Kevin Smith and his team have transformed the difficult process of saying goodbye into a meaningful, healing experience for all who seek their care.
Established in 2019 by Kevin Smith, KVM has become synonymous with dignity, respect, and empathy during life’s most challenging moments. At Kettle Valley’s new Main Street location in Penticton, Kevin and his team have built more than a business; they’ve created a modern and warm sanctuary for grieving families. From the moment a family walks through the door, they are greeted with professionalism, comfort, understanding and experience to guide them through the process of saying goodbye to a loved one who has passed.
One of the most daunting tasks when losing a loved one is navigating the intricate paperwork and logistics involved. Kettle Valley Memorial takes this burden off the shoulders of the bereaved, handling all necessary documentation with efficiency and expertise. Whether it’s obtaining permits, coordinating with cemeteries, or filing necessary Estate Settlement Services forms, the team at KVM is there every step of the way, offering guidance and support.
KVM and the dedicated team provide a wide range of services tailored to each family’s needs, ensuring that every aspect of the farewell process is handled with care and compassion. Kettle Valley offers a variety of services to honour and celebrate the life of the departed. From traditional funeral services to personalized Celebration of Life ceremonies, Kevin Smith and his team work closely with families to create a meaningful tribute that reflects the unique essence of the individual being honoured.
Their years of experience have taught them that every family’s journey through grief is unique, and they are committed to providing personalized care to each family they serve. In addition to its services, KVM is deeply involved in the community, supporting local charities and initiatives that aim to ease the burden of grief for others. Through their philanthropic efforts, they embody their belief that kindness and compassion can heal even the deepest wounds.
As KVM grows, Kevin remains committed to his principles of compassion, integrity, and excellence, ensuring families receive the care and dignity they deserve.
Our staff are enthusiastic participants in various community events, finding joy in their involvement. We contribute to local activities such as distributing Easter and Halloween candy at the Safety Village, creating a cheering section for sporting events, participating in channel clean-up initiatives, hosting Christmas toy-drives, and supporting the Senior Centre’s gala and monthly fundraisers. Each event strengthens our community and brings pride and fulfillment to our team.
At Kettle Valley Memorial, our commitment to serving the families extends to also building meaningful collaborations with other local small businesses and organizations that share our commitment to the South Okanagan community. It has been our honour to serve the needs of Penticton and area families for the past five years, and we look forward to many more decades of being of service to our community.
Kevin Smith – Owner, Operator, Funeral Director/Embalmer
2024 Penticton Business Leader of the Year
Kevin Smith began his career in the funeral industry at 19, starting in an entry-level role, washing funeral cars. Over two decades he has gained experience in all roles at top funeral homes, eventually moving to Penticton in 2011 to work at a corporately owned funeral home.
With a desire to offer traditional funeral services while also being engaged in the community, Kevin furthered his education and became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. In 2019, Kevin launched Kettle Valley Memorial (KVM) with a silent investor.
KVM, a family-owned funeral home, was founded to serve South Okanagan and Similkameen families with the highest care and respect. Kevin’s vision was to create a modern space where families could honour their loved ones meaningfully. His dedication, work ethic, and compassion have earned him a reputation for professionalism and generosity in Penticton.
Under Kevin’s leadership, KVM has become known for its personalized, compassionate services and community commitment. Kevin’s involvement in local initiatives and support for charitable organizations reflect his belief in giving back, strengthening community bonds, and solidifying KVM’s reputation as a trusted institution. As Kettle Valley Memorial grows, Kevin remains committed to his principles of compassion, integrity, and excellence, ensuring families receive the care and dignity they deserve.
Kevins’ proudest and most notable accomplishments in his first five years of business have been receiving the 2020 New Business of the Year Award and the 2024 Business Leader of the Year Award by the Business Excellence Awards hosted by the Penticton Chamber of Commerce.
For Kevin, the line between work and life is naturally blurred, as his family and business are deeply intertwined. Building Kettle Valley Memorial from the ground up, Kevin views his work as a family legacy he plans to pass down to his daughters. This seamless integration of business and family life underscores Kevin’s dedication to both, reflecting his commitment to building a legacy in business and also in the community that his family can cherish and continue.
