Welcome to the Spring 2026 issue of Directors Digest. As I pen these words, I find myself in Lincoln County attending the memorial service for Niles Nelson, a former president of the Montana Funeral Directors Association. Niles was in office when I joined the MFDA in 2017, and I remember fondly how his wonderful wife, Bobbi, assisted me at the registration table during the Bozeman Convention. They quickly became two of my favorite people.

For those of us fortunate enough to have known Niles both personally and professionally, we have truly lost a remarkable friend and leader in the funeral service industry. His compassion and dedication in helping families during their most difficult moments have made a lasting impact. The wisdom and guidance he provided were invaluable, and his commitment to excellence inspired all of us to strive for the same. While we will deeply miss his presence, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate through the lives he touched. The MFDA was well represented at Niles’s service, and I know it meant a great deal to Bobbi.

In mid-April, I had the honor of attending the NFDA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. I encourage you to read Chris Holt’s article about the discussions with our Montana delegation. Chris has bravely decided to run for an At-Large position on the NFDA Board of Directors. MFDA President-Elect Rick Walter will proudly cast his vote for Chris at the Leadership Conference in August, where four candidates will vie for the position, and two will ultimately be elected. Chris delivered an impressive two-minute campaign speech in D.C., showcasing his dedication and vision.

In this issue, you’ll find details about the speakers, schedule, activities and more for our 2026 Convention and Trade Show — an event celebrating our 125th anniversary as an association. We’re excited to welcome you to Historic Uptown Butte from June 14-16.

History enthusiasts will be delighted by the historical trolley tour led by historian Chris Fisk. The tour will include stops at the cemetery to visit the graves of notable figures from Butte, including Evel Knievel. Participants will also visit the pit viewing stand, the Dumas Brothel, and more — all aboard the Butte Trolley. If you’re interested in joining the tour, please email me at info@montanafda.org.

For those who prefer golf, mark your calendar for the annual MFDA Golf Tournament at the Butte Country Club. Lunch is included with both the tour and the tournament, ensuring a delightful day for all participants.

Following the day’s activities, MFDA President Bri Mulvaney will host a welcome reception at her home on the golf course. We invite you to partake in prize giveaways and enjoy a delightful evening filled with delicious food and camaraderie!

On Monday, we have an exciting lineup of speakers for our education series, where you can earn your required Continuing Education credits. Later that evening, we encourage you to engage with our vendors, participate in prize drawings, celebrate our past presidents and honor our members’ milestone achievements.

On Tuesday, we will gather to remember and honor those in the MFDA family who have passed. I invite all families to join us for this heartfelt Service of Remembrance, as your presence will help us celebrate and cherish their lives. Also, the educational classes will continue, offering you the opportunity to earn additional credits.

With high-quality education, renowned speakers and engaging events, we hope to see you — along with your employees and families — in Southwest Montana in just a few weeks. All the registration information and convention details you need are included in this issue.

Brad Longcake, MFDA lobbyist, has been diligently monitoring the state government decisions that could affect the funeral profession. I highly recommend you read his article on these important issues. Recently, he, President Bri Mulvaney, Past President Steve Kirkegard, MFDA Board member Jim Asper and I attended a meeting with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). They discussed a proposal to limit crematory operating hours to 1,600 per unit annually, counting only time spent actively cremating remains and excluding time needed for heating and cooling. We shared our professional insights on how this restriction could adversely impact funeral services in Montana. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide you with updates.

We’re also thrilled about our new MFDA Trust partnership with US Alliance and the positive impact it’s having! We would love to hear your feedback on how this partnership is benefiting your firm.

Finally, as we commemorate our 125th anniversary, I invite you to share your stories and memories for possible inclusion in upcoming issues of Directors Digest. Photographs, stories and memories related to the association are welcome! Please feel free to reach out to me by phone or email; I, along with the board, am here to support you. You, our members, are the driving force behind MFDA’s success. Thank you for your hard work and dedication — congratulations to each of you!