LV Life

Student finds work with the dead

University of La Verne sophomore philosophy major Derek Keepers said, “Working at a mortuary is not as bad as it seems.” Keepers works as a receptionist for Todd Memorial Chapel in Pomona. He also helps with the funeral services. Keepers worked at Todd Memorial Chapel during the summer and now he works at the chapel during the evening after school. / photo by Beatriz Mendoza
University of La Verne sophomore philosophy major Derek Keepers said, “Working at a mortuary is not as bad as it seems.” Keepers works as a receptionist for Todd Memorial Chapel in Pomona. He also helps with the funeral services. Keepers worked at Todd Memorial Chapel during the summer and now he works at the chapel during the evening after school. / photo by Beatriz Mendoza

Yelena Ovcharenko
Staff Writer

Derek Keepers, a perfectly normal University of La Verne student, has an extraordinary workplace – a mortuary.

Keepers works at Todd Memorial Chapel, a gothic-style red-brick building that towers over Garey Avenue in Pomona.

This talented honors student usually works as the receptionist while helping grieving families cope with their losses by tending to their needs.

Keepers supervises viewings and works funeral services as families and friends part with those they treasure most. He pays his last respect to the dead by transporting bodies of the deceased from hospitals or morgues.

Even though Keepers enjoys dressing up once in a while, constantly having to wear a suit at his workplace tires him. Keepers sports his fancy ensemble while working roughly 15 hours a week and usually covering the evening shifts.

Keepers comes in contact with dead bodies, but never does any of the grooming before the services.

While he has never powdered the skin, reddened the lips or clothed the cold dead bodies, he has come in fairly close contact with the deceased, playing an important role in the farewell process.

Keepers transports lifeless bodies in the mortuary’s hearse to assigned locations.

He also opens the casket during funeral services and viewings.

Despite Keepers’ odd work place, he seems to indulge in everyday activities. “Aside from homework, I like to bicycle,” Keepers said. “I write poetry and paint a lot.”

“Derek is quite sociable. He’s willing to hang around people that are willing to hang out with him,” said Andy Hanson, Keeper’s roommate and a sophomore business and music double major.

Occasionally Keepers and Hanson play chess, work out together or even go jet skiing. The two dream of competing in a triathlon someday.

Keepers is described as generally happy, outgoing, nice, incredibly motivated and artistic.

“He’s so different and unique because he’s just a thinker. He’s very passionate about politics, religion, and life,” said Kelly Cooke, Keeper’s girlfriend and a ULV sophomore.

Keepers’ most admired characteristic is his selflessness. He is described as constantly giving. “He always can make time,” Cooke said.

Keepers’ grandfather worked for the mortuary and when the place needed someone to run errands, his grandfather put in a good word for him and he got the job.

“It’s really a good job to have,” Keepers said. “It’s not as bad as you think.”

At first Cooke thought her boyfriend’s job was weird and creepy, but over time it made her more comfortable and aware that people die every day.

Now, only stories of Keepers managing a memorial service for a former classmate or a person that died tragically spook her.

Overall, most people in Keepers’ life do not mind his job.

“I think it’s cool,” Hanson said. “Derek, he is who he is.”

Yelena Ovcharenko can be reached at yovcharenko@ulv.edu.

Yelena Ovcharenko, Web Editor
Yelena Ovcharenko
Other Stories
Beatriz Mendoza
Other Stories
Previous article
Happenings
Next article
Feedback: So here’s a scary thought

Latest Stories

Related articles

Arts, Etc.

Alumni return for a night of music

The University of La Verne welcomed back its alumni for the third annual alumni recital hosted by the Department of Music at 7:30 p.m. last Saturday in Morgan Auditorium.
LV Life

Club tackles big questions

There are many questions that have stymied people throughout the ages – and sometimes there aren’t any right or wrong answers, only more questions.
News

Speaker delights diversity forum

University of La Verne students, faculty members and assorted guests were treated to a truly unique performance last Thursday evening in La Fetra Auditorium, as renowned writer, playwright and performance artist Denise Uyehara fulfilled her duties as keynote speaker for the University’s Engendering Diversity and Community Conference.
News

Students initiated into honor society

The Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society initiated 30 University of La Verne students on Nov. 18, at the Harris Art Gallery.