The Calling Hours is a Death Concierge Service that companions families during the End-of-Life process; We advocate for the families we work with by connecting our clients with death doula services and alternative healing modalities, we do this in order to hold space for conversations around grief and legacy. Well before end-stage planning begins we meet with clients to archive the stories of people in our community of Central Florida.
We specialize in non-traditional legacy work, audio and video keepsakes, life review interviews, Swedish death cleaning and sacred ceremonies done over Zoom. Before we pass from this plane of existence, we need to reflect on the lives we have lived and get our affairs in order.
About Us
Matthew Vonesh
William Turner Heath
William Turner Heath
Matthew Vonesh is a filmmaker & photographer from Gainesville, Florida. Matthew produces multimedia work for non-profits, educational institutions, and small businesses. His work focuses on human interest stories and creating legacy projects.
Matthew works under UF Creative Works as a Lead Editor, On Location Production Coordinator, and Staff Photographer. He produces promotional media for UF College of Pharmacy and the UF College of Medicine. He also works directly with the Lastinger Center for Learning to build multimedia content imbedded into online courses for teachers in the public school system.
Matthew is the head of multimedia production at The Calling Hours. He produces quality media deliverables and makes the experience with our clients feel warm and approachable. Matthew works with clients to customize the services we offer to fit their needs.
Matthew is the Director of Photography and Editor on an upcoming feature documentary called “Exit Strategy”. The film explores conversations around the death positive movement and how it is changing end-of-life practices in America.
As an Alachua County native, Matthew loves exploring the natural beauty of Florida and enjoys the freedom of paddle boarding in his spare time. You can find more of his work:
https://vimeo.com/matthewvonesh
https://www.behance.net/MATVONESHc593
William Turner Heath
William Turner Heath
William Turner Heath
William Heath completed his degree in Mortuary Science from Miami Dade College, where he graduated with highest honors. William brings an intriguing set of skills and life experiences to his work as a licensed funeral director, all of which make him uniquely qualified in guiding families through the painful experience of loss and in helping them transform grief through ceremony and spiritual expression.
In past incarnations, William pursued work in the visual arts, both as an artist and curator connecting communities through his work at numerous museums and galleries. William’s early career took him from Gainesville, where he completed a B.F.A. in sculpture from the University of Florida (and where he opened his first gallery, The Art Store), to NYC, to Los Angeles, Austin, and internationally with the U.S. Consulate. Through his work as a curator and art director, William honed his communication skills, facilitating connections between artists, community and art collectors.
Bridging the professional, spiritual and artistic is of utmost importance to William. To that end and in his current capacity as a funeral director, he has rounded out his education with an End-of-Life Doula Certificate through the University of Vermont. William is currently in training as an interfaith minister at the Alliance of Divine Love while he concurrently volunteers at Haven Hospice every Thursday morning.
With the heart and empathy of an artist and his skills in and knowledge of funeral services, William thoughtfully guides clients toward rituals and ceremonies that speak to that which is meaningful and comforting to them and that reflects the religious and family traditions that they hold close. William is also an enthusiastic proponent of Green Burial and Natural Organic Reduction, and accordingly frequently speaks to groups about alternative dispositions options. William volunteers with Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery.
IFDF outreach and media consultation
William has joined the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida Association as their Student Liaison and now serves on the IFDF Public Relations/Outreach Committee and Professional Development Committee.
The IFDF's new student outreach initiative will position the association as a resource for mortuary students and a vehicle to create connections between programs.