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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 2, 2024)
SIX - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, October 2, 2024 Paytons buy the Sweeney mortuary -Continued from PAGE ONE Undeterred, Josh used this as a steppingstone, channeling his experiences and the values instilled by his late mother toward his new venture When opportunity knocked at an unlikely moment during an Oregon State University tailgate, it opened up a whole new world for one unsuspect- ing funeral director. Little did he know that striking up a conversation with the couple parked next to them would set him on a path that would change his life and lead him to the quaint town of Heppner. “I really had no idea Heppner existed before this,” he admitted. Though initially reluc- tant, the exchange of busi- ness cards that day would soon bear fruit. Days later, he received a call from Pat Sweeney himself. Reflect- ing on that conversation, he joked, “Pat didn’t in- quire about my credentials or experience, but he was curious if I had a family.” It was then he realized that Pat was seeking someone who would maintain the family-oriented ethos of the business, rather than sell out to a corporation. Despite having an- chored his life in Albany for 20 years, repeated dis- cussions with the Swee- neys and a heartfelt visit to Heppner earlier this year convinced him and his fam- ily to consider relocating. “This is something we can do,” he said, moved by the warm, small-town ambi- ance. The clean environ- ment, far removed from the hustle of city life, also appealed to them. The transition decision was aided by a meticulous list of pros and cons, and it was not long before the positives outweighed the mere inconveniences not- ed as cons. The allure of good schools and a safe community were signif- icant factors. Any initial apprehensions about being welcomed were quickly dispelled at the Sweeneys’ retirement party where the community embraced them warmly. He humorously re- marked on unique Sweeney custom ‘the Sweeney hand- shake,’ where you touch the other person’s wrist while shaking hands. Another charming revelation was the town’s generous spirit during Halloween, as Pat referred to themselves as ‘the full-sized candy bar house.’ This was a delight- ful prospect given that their previous residence saw scant Halloween activity. While he confessed that owning a funeral home was never his initial ambition, he emphasized his prefer- ence for a more personal business approach over the corporate world. “It’s about being a part of a community that cares for each other,” he stated, encapsulating the essence of what drew him to Heppner. Parallel to his career journey, Josh’s personal life flourished when he met his future wife Rachael through his sister, who had been Ra- chael’s college roommate and sorority sister. Their love story began during a transformative phase when Josh was relocating to Ore- gon for college. Despite the physical distance, their rela- tionship only grew stronger, and after years of long-dis- tance dating, they married in 2011. Together, they have two children, Rebecca, 6, and Lucas, who is just about to turn 4. Rachel, who has an es- tablished career as a proper- ty manager, is also planning a career transition. Inspired by her husband’s profes- sion, she intends to join him at the funeral home, starting in administrative roles be- fore training to become a funeral director herself. In a heartfelt revelation, Josh shared how the for- mer owners, the Sweeney family, generously agreed to manage the business to allow him and his wife a monthly weekend respite to visit the support system in Albany they worked hard to build, and eventually they plan on moving Ra- chael’s mother to Heppner as well. “It’s really gracious of them, they didn’t have to do that at all,” said Josh, expressing deep appreci- ation for this remarkable arrangement that sustains their family ties. Originally slated to transition fully in Septem- ber, plans shifted slightly as Josh assumed the role of Operating Manager on Sep- tember 4th. While awaiting complete licensure, Peyton remains optimistic, citing a shared commitment with the Sweeneys to ensure the Payton family’s success. “I know that the Sweeneys have our best interest at heart,” he affirmed, pro- jecting confidence in the mutually supportive work dynamic. The move to a more rural setting is expected to free up time for the Pay- ton’s, who were accus- tomed to managing around 200 cases annually across several communities. This ease promises a better qual- ity of life and more oppor- tunities for family bonding. Josh expressed palpa- ble excitement about work- ing closely with his wife in this new venture. “It’s ex- citing that we get to do this whole thing together. This would be way scarier if it was just me... She gives me the confidence to know that we can do it,” he shared, reflecting on the courage it takes to leap into entrepre- neurship and relocate after two decades in Albany. Today, as he settles into his new role and town, it’s clear that sometimes the best opportunities in life come from the most unex- pected places – like a casual chat at a tailgate party. ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: MONDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. WISHING YOU A PLENTIFUL HARVEST AMBER SCHLAICH 270 N. 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