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The Humphrey name has long been associated with the funeral service profession in Toronto, Ontario.

As a framed picture of an old advertisment in the staff room of the funeral home outlines, Humphrey (now in their second century and fourth generation of service) has witnessed and catered to the growth and development of Toronto itself.

	The newspaper clipping reads: When Julius (J.A.) Humphrey started his business in 1879 Yonge and Dundas was midtown Toronto Downtown was Yonge and King, north of the lake schooner wharves Uptown was Yonge and Bloor where toll gates governed access to the city
	In 1924, Albert (Bert) Humphrey became president when University of Toronto scientists had discovered insulin There was talk of turning the Don Jail into an aquarium
	By 1939, when Thomas A. Humphrey became President Toronto had celebrated its centennial five years before The first trans Canada airplanes from Vancouver and Montreal were landing at Malton Admission to the Canadian National Exhibition was still a quarter
	In 1979, Humphrey celebrated its centennial and Tom's son Bruce was the Managing Director. "So it goes on," the ad reads, "a family concern for a family business." That is the way it has been for more than 100 years.
	The funeral home is an attractive two-storey brick building on the corner of Bayview Avenue and St. Cuthbert's Road in a residential district in the centre of Toronto.
	The business was established by J. A. Humphrey, located at what was at that time midtown Toronto. The original location was in the Yonge and Dundas area, next door to the brothers' uncle's watch shop, later moving to a building on Church Street.
	In 1924, the second of four generations of Humphreys to operate the business, "Bert" Humphrey became president of the firm. The 1920's, being a period of expansion, saw Humphrey's operation grow into three funeral homes. Unfortunately, like so many other businesses during the Depression, along with the sudden death of its president, Humphrey's was forced to reconsolidate into one building.
	At the time of his death in 1934, Bert Humphrey's son Thomas was only 16 so a manager was hired until Tom came of age with his mother Florence very involved. In 1939, Tom took over. In 1955, the building was too small for their business, so they moved to their present location on Bayview Avenue.
	The funeral home looks distinguished and prestigious. The addition of Roman style pillars on the front of the home adds an even greater aura of grandeur. Classic furnishings decorate the interior and facilities on the main level include a spacious lobby, chapel, visitation suites, arrangement offices, a flower room, receiving area, elevator and two car garage in the service area.
	On the lower level is the casket selection room, additional arrangement offices, preparation facility and staff room. Two attractive lounges are located on the second level along with the six administration offices which were expanded during the recent renovations.
	On July 18th, 1981, Humphreys proudly acquired the business of A.W. Miles Funeral Directors. This firm, in service for more than three-quarters of a century, had to accede to developers at their 30 St. Clair Avenue West location.
	To be called the Humphrey Funeral Home - A.W. Miles Chapel, experienced men like Mr. J. Rennie Graham were added to the Humphrey staff. The merger is significant because, together, these two well-established firms have nearly two centuries of experience to offer Toronto families.
	Tom Humphrey, unfortunately died in October of 2002. Tom was a member of the Ontario Funeral Service Association in excess of 40 years, a charter member of Guaranteed Funeral Deposits Of Ontario, as well as a member of the Selected Independent Funeral Homes. Tom and his wife Lois had three children, Bruce, Denise Watson and Valerie Dickson.
	Bruce, as one of the first to go through the Humber College Funeral Services Program, graduated in 1971, apprenticed with another Toronto funeral firm, and completed his apprenticeship under his father.
	Among several congratulatory letters on their centennial in 1979, Premier William Davis wrote, "I commend you both for the sensitivity, dignity and compassion with which you have helped your fellow human beings in times of great difficulty, sorrow and distress." For over 100 years and four generations, the Humphrey Funeral Home has upheld these ideals something for which they can be justifiably proud.