About the Cemetery

I was first elected to the Cemetery Board in April 2021 and have served as President since that date. I am committed to ensuring that the Cemetery is a viable, sustainable operation that is ready to adapt to future needs of our rights holders and will continue to be an important part of our community. I am retired from over 40 years of public accounting in 2011, 20 years of which were with Welch LLP, a highly regarded local CPA firm.

I have served on many local and professional Boards over the years including terms as President of two different Chambers of Commerce (Belleville and Napanee) and Board member of the local Hospital Foundation. I am currently Treasurer of both the Quinte Ballet School of Canada and the Hastings County Historical Society.

Education: B. Comm (1969 – Queen’s), M.B.A. (1973 – York), CA (1973) FCA(2000)

Ian B. Sullivan, B.A., JD, retired from the practice of law in 2020 after 43 years, practicing primarily in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate Administration and Estate Litigation as a partner of Templeman LLP in Belleville, Ontario. Married to his college sweetheart, Paula, they have 2 children and 5 grandchildren.

Ian has been involved in many organizations, including serving as the President of the Hastings County Law Association, the Quinte Estate Planning Council, Belleville Credit Counseling, and the Belleville Girls Minor Softball Association, as a Governor of Loyalist College, as a Director on the boards of the Loyalist College Foundation and the Victorian Order of Nurses (Quinte) and as the Chair of the first Nicholson-St.Michael’s College Reunion and co-Chair of the first Leave-A-Legacy (Southeastern Ontario) campaign.

For many years, Shirley worked as a Registered Nurse and as a Director of Client Services. Following her retirement from nursing, Shirley decided to give time to worthwhile causes in the community. Following the death of her beloved husband, Shirley visited the Belleville Cemetery on a regular basis. Getting to know the staff and learning about the corporation itself, she applied for a position on the Belleville Cemetery Board and was accepted to that role in 2019. It is her desire to work with the Board, the General Manager and the Cemetery Staff to promote equity for all and to support ongoing improvements to ensure the longevity of the Belleville Cemetery for generations to come.

Nick Empey was first elected to the Cemetery Board in the spring of 2024.  He is a life long resident of the Quinte area and is a husband and father of 3.  He has worked in management with the transportation and fuel industries for 20 years.  With a passion to drive growth and change in equitable and sustainable ways, he is looking forward to working with the Board and General Manager to ensure Belleville Cemetery continues to be a space for our loved ones and a community space of remembrance and quiet reflection.

Frances (Fran) Burroughs retired from her career as a teacher in 2001. A long time resident of Belleville, she always admired the serene park-like setting of the Belleville Cemetery. After the deaths of her parents and husband, she became a regular visitor, along with her pups. She found the grounds to be a place for peaceful contemplation. Her mission as a Director, elected in 2021, is to work with the Board, staff and volunteers to upgrade the gardens and the landscaping of the 65 acres of the Cemetery to maintain them as a comfortable and beautiful green space for everyone to enjoy.

A Certified Arborist and Certified Utility Arborist for more than 30 years Mike was employed in the arboriculture sector. Throughout his lengthy career Mike managed programs, services and teams. In October 2023, Mike brought his experience and vast knowledge to the Belleville Cemetery in the position of General Manager.

Born and raised in Belleville, Mike has deep roots in the area. He takes great pride in working with a team of dedicated staff and Board of Directors to preserve the beautiful landscape of the Belleville Cemetery.

Tiny has recently joined the Board. He brings a wealth of cemetery experience having worked at the Belleville Cemetery starting in 1981 until 2012 when he left to pursue other opportunities in the cemetery sector. Tiny has an intimate working knowledge of cemetery operations and is anxious to share this knowledge with everyone involved with the Belleville Cemetery.