Our Story Over 35 Years
As we mark our 35th anniversary, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the funeral professionals, partners, and families who have placed their trust in us over the years. Founded in Quebec and built on strong family values, Bégin Urns has become a trusted Canadian manufacturer serving funeral professionals across North America. Behind every urn we create is the dedication of skilled employees, the strength of a family business, and a deep respect for the important work of those we serve. For 35 years, these values have shaped who we are and continue to guide us into the future.
1991
Founding Vision
Jean-Pierre Bégin, a seasoned professional in the funeral industry with years selling caskets, saw the future in cremation long before it became widespread. With quiet determination, he founded Bégin Urns in Quebec, starting with a single handcrafted full bronze urn — the Amphore — and personally drove across the province to introduce it to funeral professionals, often sealing deals the old-fashioned way in local spots after hours.
1994
Family Strengthens
Stéphane Bégin, Jean-Pierre's nephew, joined to lead production, bringing technical expertise that ensured consistent quality as the company began to grow.
1996
Innovation for Accessibility
To reach more funeral homes while maintaining premium standards, we launched our zinc-bronze collection: a zinc core with a thick solid bronze front plate and our exclusive textured coating. The first model, Parchment, remains a trusted classic today and marked the start of broader diversification through lost-wax bronze ornaments crafted by our in-house artists.
2004
Next Generation & Artistic Expansion
Andréanne Bégin, Jean-Pierre's daughter, joined to support the team and quickly became essential thanks to her genuine connection with clients and deep understanding of their needs. That same year, we introduced our limited-edition funeral monument collection — 7 numbered models originally sculpted by a renowned artist, each with a certificate of authenticity and designed to hold multiple urns.
2005
Scaling with Pride
We moved to our current facility in Lévis to meet rising demand, allowing us to uphold our commitment to fast, reliable turnaround for funeral professionals across the continent.
2007
Color & Choice
The zinc collection expanded with Sky Angel, offered in four elegant colors. Its popularity opened doors to a wider range of funeral homes, proving we could deliver exceptional quality at more accessible price points without compromise.
2014
Second-Generation Leadership
Stéphane and Andréanne Bégin acquired the company from Jean-Pierre, who continues to offer his invaluable guidance and expertise. With the transaction, Andréanne took the lead as President and CEO, ensuring the family legacy and core values of superior craftsmanship, forward-thinking innovation, and exceptional service remain firmly at the heart of Bégin Urns.
2017
Warmth of Wood
We launched our wood collection, crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail. It allowed us to serve price-sensitive clients while staying true to our reputation for superior quality and design.
2018
Remembering Our Founder:
Jean-Pierre Bégin
The Bégin family and the entire team at Bégin Urns mourned the passing of Jean-Pierre Bégin on July 28, 2018 at the age of 76. As the visionary founder who built the company from a single bronze urn in 1991 into a respected North American leader in premium funeral urn manufacturing, Jean-Pierre left an enduring legacy of innovation, family values, and unwavering dedication to supporting funeral professionals in their important work. His guidance continued to inspire the second generation—Stéphane and Andréanne—who now lead the company with the same humble pride and commitment to excellence he instilled from the beginning.
2020
Personalization Revolution
The Versatile collection debuted: an aluminum frame with customizable UV-printed front plates for photos or meaningful themes. Its rapid and ongoing success reflects our drive to lead with innovative, client-focused solutions.
2025
Sustainable Future
We introduced our ECO collection in biodegradable biopolymers, continuing our tradition of anticipating industry needs with environmentally conscious, high-quality options.
Today
35 Years of Trusted Partnership
Now in our 35th year, Bégin Urns proudly serves funeral professionals throughout North America — from independent homes to corporate groups and distributors. As one of the few true manufacturers on the continent, we stand apart with handcrafted excellence, quick shipping, repair services, custom accommodations, and unwavering support for the vital work our clients do every day.