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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - May 31, 2011) - The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) recognized the Saskatoon Funeral Home as the winner of the prestigious 2011 Family Enterprise of the Year (FEYA) achievement award. The announcement was made to more than 180 guests during a gala event at the Terminal City Club in Vancouver, B.C.

Established in 1986, the Family Enterprise of the Year is awarded annually by CAFE to recognize, celebrate and promote the achievements of family businesses in Canada which are a vital component and driver of Canada's economy.

Prior winners of the award include both higher profile companies such as E.D. Smith & Sons Ltd., Rogers Communications and Tilden Rent- A-Car, as well as lesser known companies across Canada. This year's nominated finalists included Mother Parkers Tea and Coffee Inc., Grouse Mountain Resort and the Saskatoon Funeral Home, each of which delivered entertaining presentations regarding the history and evolution of their family businesses.

"We are extremely impressed with all of this year's remarkable finalists and their passionate success stories," said Janine Guenther, Vice-President & Managing Director, B.C. for BMO Harris Private Banking, the presenting sponsor for the FEYA award. "On behalf of BMO Harris Private Banking, I am pleased to congratulate this year's winner the Saskatoon Funeral Home. We are very proud to partner with CAFE in celebrating such an extraordinary, deserving, multi- generational Canadian family business."

"It is businesses like the Saskatoon Funeral Home and the other FEYA nominees that are the backbone of the Canadian economy, contributing as they do in a significant way to the local economy and culture of the communities they serve," said Allen Taylor, Chair of CAFE Canada. "We're thrilled to recognize them as the winner of our 2011 Family Enterprise of the Year Award."

The Saskatoon Funeral Home is owned and operated by the W.A. Edwards family, who have been operating the family business since 1910. The current President and CEO, Bill Edwards, believes that the success and longevity of their family business has been a result of focusing on four important corner stones of their business: service & quality, commitment to the community, dedicated staff and adherence to their core principles of fairness, honesty, integrity, trust, justice and compassion.

"We are humbled to be chosen among a group of such caliber. We congratulate the Higgins (Mother Parker's) and McLaughlin (Grouse Mountain) families and all CAFE finalists. The trust and support of the Saskatoon community and our dedicated staff has made this achievement possible," said Bill Edwards, Saskatoon Funeral Home.

About CAFE

The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) is a national not-for-profit organization established in 1983 with the mandate to promote the well-being, understanding and success of families in business. Through 14 Chapters across Canada, CAFE provides services and support to more than 1,900 individuals involved in family enterprise including 600 family businesses and 200 family advisors. CAFE is where Canadian family businesses connect with peers and resources for success.

About BMO Harris Private Banking

BMO Harris Private Banking is a team of remarkably talented and passionate professionals with diverse expertise who are dedicated to creating a profound impact on the lives of their clients. Backed by the heritage, stability and resources of BMO Financial Group, professionals at BMO Harris Private Banking are responsible for the successful management of wealth by providing expert advice and highly personalized services in banking, investment management, estate, trust, succession planning and philanthropic services - all in a coordinated and confident approach. BMO Harris Private Banking challenges successful Canadian families to take action on what's important to drive exceptional outcomes and make the most of the opportunities wealth provides.