OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

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2026 Pub. 5 Issue 3

ISSUE HOMEPAGE
MFDA leaders on capitol steps

President’s Message: Our Unity, Our Commitment, Our Power

Picture of By Rick Walter, President, MFDA

By Rick Walter, President, MFDA

I am honored and humbled to have been placed into the office of president of the Montana Funeral Directors Association. Thank you to the membership for your trust and support.

For more than 125 years, the Montana Funeral Directors Association has stood as a steady, professional voice for funeral service in our state. As we move toward the end of the year, our association will work in close conjunction with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry and Board of Funeral Service as the 2027 legislative session approaches.

Following the passage of HJ 27 during the 2025 session, the Montana Economic Affairs Interim Committee has been charged with studying existing Montana laws and preparing legislation for 2027. That upcoming bill will clarify statutory language, add recognition for new forms of disposition and refine scope-of-practice definitions. This is an important opportunity to ensure our laws reflect current practice and protect both families and funeral service professionals. I encourage every member to be active in the process; engage with the association, attend hearings, provide comments and help build the consensus needed to get this legislation approved.

We are fortunate to have outstanding legislative representation in Mr. Brad Longcake. His deep knowledge of the Legislature and excellent connections across the state make him a true asset to MFDA. His guidance will be invaluable as we navigate the interim study and the 2027 bill process.

I also want to celebrate a Montana success on the national stage. At the 2026 NFDA Leadership Conference — which was attended by Terri James, Chris Holt and myself — Montana Funeral Director Chris Holt of Helena was elected to serve a two-year term as an at-large member of the NFDA Board. Please congratulate Chris when you see him. His service gives Montana a clear voice at the national level. Congratulations, Chris — we know you will do a great job.

Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the future of MFDA. Our strength lies in our unity, our commitment to professional excellence and the power of our collective advocacy. Membership brings tangible benefits — regulatory support, continuing education, networking and a platform to shape the future of funeral service in Montana. Working together, we will continue to advance our profession and better serve Montana families.

Thank you again for the privilege of serving as your president. I look forward to working with each of you in the year ahead.

MFDA leaders in government building
MFDA leaders on capitol steps

President’s Message: Our Unity, Our Commitment, Our Power

Picture of By Rick Walter, President, MFDA

By Rick Walter, President, MFDA

MFDA leaders on capitol steps

President’s Message: Our Unity, Our Commitment, Our Power

Picture of By Rick Walter, President, MFDA

By Rick Walter, President, MFDA

I am honored and humbled to have been placed into the office of president of the Montana Funeral Directors Association. Thank you to the membership for your trust and support.

For more than 125 years, the Montana Funeral Directors Association has stood as a steady, professional voice for funeral service in our state. As we move toward the end of the year, our association will work in close conjunction with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry and Board of Funeral Service as the 2027 legislative session approaches.

Following the passage of HJ 27 during the 2025 session, the Montana Economic Affairs Interim Committee has been charged with studying existing Montana laws and preparing legislation for 2027. That upcoming bill will clarify statutory language, add recognition for new forms of disposition and refine scope-of-practice definitions. This is an important opportunity to ensure our laws reflect current practice and protect both families and funeral service professionals. I encourage every member to be active in the process; engage with the association, attend hearings, provide comments and help build the consensus needed to get this legislation approved.

We are fortunate to have outstanding legislative representation in Mr. Brad Longcake. His deep knowledge of the Legislature and excellent connections across the state make him a true asset to MFDA. His guidance will be invaluable as we navigate the interim study and the 2027 bill process.

I also want to celebrate a Montana success on the national stage. At the 2026 NFDA Leadership Conference — which was attended by Terri James, Chris Holt and myself — Montana Funeral Director Chris Holt of Helena was elected to serve a two-year term as an at-large member of the NFDA Board. Please congratulate Chris when you see him. His service gives Montana a clear voice at the national level. Congratulations, Chris — we know you will do a great job.

Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the future of MFDA. Our strength lies in our unity, our commitment to professional excellence and the power of our collective advocacy. Membership brings tangible benefits — regulatory support, continuing education, networking and a platform to shape the future of funeral service in Montana. Working together, we will continue to advance our profession and better serve Montana families.

Thank you again for the privilege of serving as your president. I look forward to working with each of you in the year ahead.

MFDA leaders in government building

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