After 46 years in business, Sweeneys sell mortuary business, new couple takes over
The Sweeney family: Pat and Trisha (center) with their four kids-Corey (third row, third from left), Nikki (third row, hand on Pat's shoulder, fourth from left), Cameron (third row, first from right), and Brooke (fourth row, center), along with sons and daughters-in-law and grandchildren. For 46 years, the Sweeneys helped thousands of families in Morrow, Gilliam, and Wheeler counties with end-of-life arrangements.
More than 300 people packed into the Heppner Elks Lodge on Saturday, August 24, to celebrate Pat and Trisha Sweeney's retirement.
Every chair in the place was occupied, and the line for tri-tip sirloin and side dishes snaked around the venue. The open bar was a test for the Elks staff and volunteers, as well-wishers and longtime friends gathered to celebrate one of the region's most beloved families.
Pat and Trisha, owners of Sweeney Mortuary, capped 46 years in business and dedication to communities in Morrow, Gilliam, and Wheeler counties.
Pat and Trisha bought the mortuary in Condon from Marvin Albee in 1978, and then the Heppner mortuary from Pat's dad, Jerry and Tiny Sweeney, in 1981.
Pat and Trisha's grandson Kane Sweeney, son of Corey and Brandi, served as the master of ceremonies. An inheritor of the gift of gab, Kane told stories and shared experiences of his grandparents' love and dedication for their family, and for people in the community.
After more than four decades of service, the Sweeneys decided it was time to retire, and sold the business to Josh and Rachel Payton of Albany, Oregon.
Josh Payton was the funeral director for the AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home in Albany for twelve years. But as the business grew, Payton missed interacting with families, and the couple sought a small town and community to serve.
Starting this week, Josh Payton will accompany Pat Sweeney to upcoming services in Condon.
Pat and Trisha will continue to help with the transition and will assist the Paytons one weekend each month for one year. They will also give the Paytons a vacation next summer.
Trisha Sweeney, who was raised in both Condon and Heppner, says it is a perfect fit.
"It'll be a pretty smooth transition," Trisha said.
The new business name will be the Sweeney Payton Mortuary, and the phone number and mailing address in Heppner and in Condon will be the same.
For families that have funeral insurance, the Sweeneys want people to know that the insurance is still valid.
Last year, the Sweeneys sold the mortuary building in Condon to a local nonprofit, the Condon Arts Council. The Paytons are moving into the Sweeneys old home and mortuary in Heppner.
When asked about the outpouring of gratitude and the attendance at their retirement party, Trisha says that she is thankful and didn't know what to expect.
"We were so humbled," Trisha said.
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