GO
Grieving Pet Owner
Jun 16, 2025
I recently visited the cemetery property to pick up remains after a private cremation, and while the individual who ultimately assisted with the handoff was professional and respectful, the experience leading up to that moment was upsetting - due entirely to the behavior of David Bielski, the owner of both Fern Hill and Petland Cemeteries.
I first encountered David in the Fern Hill office when I asked for help locating the correct building. He was sitting with another man and had a barking animal in his lap. The atmosphere was chaotic and unwelcoming - especially for someone arriving in a vulnerable state. The directions he gave were vague and unclear, and I ended up completely lost trying to find the right location.
When I finally arrived at the correct building, David was now there - and instead of offering help or acknowledging the confusion, he made a point to tell me I had gone the wrong way, with a tone that felt cold and dismissive. The way he treated me felt extremely condescending and disrespectful - especially as a woman just trying to get clear directions during a difficult time. My family member who was with me also found his tone inappropriate and unnecessary.
He then pointed us to another staff member who was polite and professional -no issues there.
But David Bielski - a WSU communications graduate and third-generation cemetery owner - should know better. People coming here are grieving. They deserve clarity, kindness, and empathy. Instead, I was made to feel like a burden for asking for directions and like I was foolish for getting lost.
This is someone in a long-standing, secure role - he should be setting the example, not making people feel small. If you’re representing a place that serves grieving families, you should be putting your most compassionate and capable people in front. This experience left a lasting negative impression on what should have been a quiet, respectful moment of closure.