Our Facilities

The Paschal Miller House, which is currently listed for its historical and architectural significance as a historic place, was purchased by RB Lawrence III on October 25, 2011. Mr. Lawrence acquired the property to establish a funeral home with a quiet and comfortable setting overlooking the beautiful St. Lawrence River.

While attempting to create this setting careful attention was given to the originality of the existing structure. Any adjustments made to the property were done carefully to preserve the history of this national landmark. 

Russell B. Lawrence III is the fifth consecutive generation to own and operate a funeral establishment in St. Lawrence County. Lorenzo Lawrence started in 1845 as a cabinet maker and furniture builder, which evolved into an “undertaker”, before his son, Millard took over in 1890 and became an “embalmer” and “undertaker”. Then in the early 1920’s Russell B. “Biscuit” ran the business until 1945, when his son Russell B. ”Buster” Jr. took over after his father’s death.

A native of Canton, RB graduated in 1981 from Canton ATC with an AAS degree in Mortuary Science. He was the fifth generation to operate the Lawrence Funeral Home in Canton, which he did from 1982-2010.

On January 6, 2012 he opened IslandView Funeral Services.