OGR Annual Professional Service Awards

Golden Light Award | Community Service Award | Exemplary Service Award

Golden Light Award

In 2002, OGR instituted its most prestigious award, the Golden Light Award, to salute professional excellence exemplified by individual members who have inspired others by their commitment to service. OGR members nominate a fellow member who have distinguished him or herself in the funeral profession through OGR involvement, community service or volunteer activities that demonstrate "service measured not by gold, but by the Golden Rule."

2026 Golden Light Award Recipient

Chris Miller

Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory | Corona, CA

Chris has served two separate terms on the OGR Board of Directors, including as President and Chair of the foundation. In these positions, he played a crucial role in managing the association’s most significant challenges, including the transition of its home offices across three different locations, from Chicago, to Austin, and finally to Indianapolis. His steady hand was instrumental in guiding these moves and navigating the essential process of hiring and transitioning executive directors, successfully pivoting o-g-r to ensure its continued strength.

As a funeral professional, Chris is a dynamic force with a unique ability to elevate standards, develop talent, and improve the public’s perception of funeral service. In his community, he provides essential support to the next generation of professionals by actively assisting the mentorship program at Cypress College. He is also a leader in many spheres outside of the funeral home, demonstrated through his high-profile civic roles and profound, selfless acts of generosity. He was recently awarded “citizen of the year” in his community for his generous contributions and volunteerism.

Previous Golden Light Award Recipients

Golden Rule Community Service Award

Launched in 2008, the Golden Rule Community Service Award singles out a member firm for outstanding service as demonstrated by activities benefiting local organizations and/or the community they serve. 

2026 Community Service Award Recipient

Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory |  Corona, CA
To engage families, Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory organized an impactful Dia de Muertos (day of the dead) celebration for the first time this year. The funeral home licensed the Disney Pixar movie, “Coco,” which is a critically acclaimed animated film exploring the holiday and is a love letter to the importance of remembering those who came before us. The funeral home hosted the community to come enjoy a “Movie Night at the Mortuary” with freshly popped popcorn and cold drinks.

Previous Golden Rule Community Service Award Recipients

2025 - Arlington Memorial Chapels & Crematory, Quezon City, Manila Philippines
2024 - Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Franklin, PA
2023 - Oliverie Funeral Home, Manchester, NJ
2022 - Jakubs-Waite Funeral Home, Eastlake, OH
2021 - Brunswick Memorial Home, East Brunswick, NJ
2020 - Brunswick Memorial Home, East Brunswick, NJ
2019 - Oliverie Funeral Home, Manchester, NJ
2018 - Gardinier Funeral Home, Franklin, PA
2017 - Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes & Crematory, Dover, OH
2016 - Martin Funeral, Cremation, & Tribute Services, Mt. Morris, MI
2015 - Oliverie Funeral Home, Manchester Township, NJ
2014 - Brunswick Memorial Home, East Brunswick, NJ
2013 - Gardinier Funeral Home, Franklin, PA
2012 - Joseph Pray, Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI
2011 - Miles T. Martin Funeral Home, Mt. Morris, MI
2010 - Brunswick Funeral Home, East Brunswick, NJ
2009 - Arnett & Steele Funeral Home, Pineville, KY

Rising Star Award

This award honors individuals who have been employed by an OGR member firm for between one and five years, whether they are young professionals entering the field or second-career professionals embarking on a new chapter of service. 

2026 Rising Star Award Recipient

Maddison Bakker
Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services | Franklin, PA

Maddison consistently demonstrates professionalism, compassion, leadership, and initiative well beyond her years in funeral service. At her funeral home, she was instrumental in launching a new aftercare program, creating meaningful opportunities for families to heal and connect following a loss. She serves on the OGR future leaders committee and frequently creates content for OGR education and marketing. She is also a regular attendee at OGR events, including the Future Leaders Forum. 

Exemplary Service Awards

The Exemplary Service Awards recognize Golden Rule firms that have displayed outstanding professionalism and exemplary service. The Exemplary Service Award is given to the top three nominees every year chosen by OGR members and is based on feedback OGR receives through the Family Contact Program. The Family Contact Program is an exclusive OGR member benefit that gathers feedback from the families served by OGR member firms. Exemplary Service Award recipients must be a current participant in OGR's Family Contact Program and must have received a comment or comments that represent family satisfaction with your services and indicate that the funeral home performed in an exemplary manner going above and beyond the expected. Visit www.ogr.org/family-contact for more information about the Family Contact Program and how to join.