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For Richard Cody, being a Rotarian is the foundation for his ethical business practice. He proudly points to the Rotary code on his wall, emphasizing truth and fairness in all dealings, whether personal or business. Cody operated Sunset Memorial Park in Cumberland before coming to Resthaven Memorial Gardens on U.S. 15 in 1962. He has developed the business in physical size, to include a mausoleum, crematorium and pet cemetery. His son operates a funeral service business. Asked about ethical aspects of the business, Cody said his business was the first to sign up when Maryland formed an arbitration board for cemeteries. "We never had to go to arbitration, we always settled everything here," he said. More recently, the state formed a cemetery oversight board which licenses cemeteries. Only two in Frederick County are licensed, Resthaven and Mount Olivet, he said. "You have to think of more than just the physical beauty of a cemetery, you need to think of perpetual care," of the grounds as well, he said. Cody said his goal for clients is to get them to pre-plan for their funeral and burial. "They can do it at a time when they are healthy," Cody said. "Even if you disregard the savings in pre-planning, the fact (is) that all is ready so children or other family members don't have to worry about that during the worst day of their life, when a loved one has passed on." Cody said he and his staff works to ensure the family gets the lots they want. "We are human, we make mistakes, but we correct them right away, before there is a real problem," he said. He talked about one man who wanted a lot near his mother's. As it turned out, it was not right beside the mother's lot and to make things right, Cody paid the man for the cost of the lot, plus 20 years of interest. "We try to work to give people exactly what they want," he said. For years, Resthaven has given free lots to veterans, though they have to pay for the perpetual care of the grounds. "We are considering a discount for veterans," said Cody, a former Army pilot. "It is getting to the point where we just can't give the lots away anymore."
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