Barbara J. Kernan, B.N., R.N., FDR 2331
Barbara J. Kernan, B.N., R.N., FDR 2331, Founder
Barbara Jean Kernan, founder and owner of Thresholds Home and Family-Directed Funerals, passed away October 27, 2008 at the age of 46, peacefully in her beautiful home in Lakeside carefully attended to by her life partner, boyfriend and fiance, Eric Putt; her son, Jared Radtkey; her daughter, Jessica Radtkey; and loving friends. Barbara passed following a diligent and difficult battle with breast cancer.
Several years ago, Barbara, while working on a PhD in Naturopathy, was asked if she was prepared to die. Her efforts to answer the question led to a personal investigation of the funeral industry in the area. Barbara was horrified by the treatment she received as she tried to view funerary facilities, understand funeral arrangements, and grasp how her survivors would proceed. Barbara was a public advocate and activist such that her mission in life suddenly changed. She simply had to find a way to assure that her family and others would not have to suffer such treatment. Barbara found that coming to terms with death is an important component to living a healthy life. Barbara desired and worked diligently to reclaim the age old traditions that nurture love, community, and healing at the time of death.
Eric W. Putt, M.B.A., FDR 2173
Eric W. Putt, M.B.A., FDR 2173
Eric Putt, a licensed Funeral Director and Mortuary Manager with Thresholds Home and Family-Directed Funerals, is helping Thresholds implement traditions and rituals used by our forefathers. A concept new to those of us keeping death at a “distance,” Eric is intenet on returning legitimate funeral arrangement authority to family, friends, and community.
Growing up throughout North America, Eric, a “preachers kid,” settled in the San Diego area while an Engineer in the nuclear and aerospace industries. While working full time and completing a Master of Business Administration degree, he developed a business plan for a manufacturing business that was implemented within days of receiving his degree. The manufacturing business, supporting the funeral industry, turned into more businesses and Eric was discovering the need for greater impact and opportunities. Eric established California State licensure as a Funeral Director that very vehicle.
Eric currently volunteers with Thresholds and lectures at various institutions and universities on ethics, anthropology, and end-of-life issues.
Caroline Flanders, B.Th., FDR 3033
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Kenneth D. Putt, President and Owner
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