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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) March 16, 1998.
THE LOEWEN GROUP INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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British Columbia, Canada 0-18429 98-0121376
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(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation)
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4126 Norland Avenue, Burnaby, British Columbia V5G 3S8
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(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code 604-299-9321
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N/A
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Exhibit Index is on page 3
Page 1 of 5
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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS.
Pursuant to Form 8-K, General Instructions F, registrant hereby incorporates by
reference the press release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS.
Exhibit No. Description
Exhibit 99 The Loewen Group Inc. Press Release dated March 16, 1998
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: March 17, 1998
THE LOEWEN GROUP INC.
By: /s/ PETER S. HYNDMAN
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Name: Peter S. Hyndman
Title: Corporate Secretary
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EXHIBIT INDEX
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Sequential
Number Exhibit Page Number
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99 The Loewen Group Inc. 4
Press Release dated March 16, 1998
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THE LOEWEN GROUP INC.
(NYSE, TSE, ME: LWN)
NEWS
Media Contacts: The Loewen Group: Dave Laundy 604-293-7857
Diocese of Tucson: Fred Allison 520-792-3410
Investor Relation
Contact: The Loewen Group: Chris Hunter 604-293-7815
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOEWEN GROUP TO MANAGE CATHOLIC CEMETERIES IN TUCSON
VANCOUVER, BC, March 16, 1998 -- The Loewen Group Inc. and the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Tucson today announced signing of a long-term contract for the
management of the Church's cemeteries in the Tucson area, Holy Hope Cemetery and
Mausoleum and All Faiths Memorial Park. Under the partnership, the Diocese will
maintain ownership of the properties and enjoy the benefits of professional
cemetery management.
The Loewen Group, North America's second-largest owner and operator of funeral
homes and cemeteries, will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the
cemeteries, including pre-need and at-need sales, administration and perpetual
care maintenance. A Cemetery Board, to include pastors and local lay Catholics,
will set policy on the spiritual and pastoral dimensions of the operations.
The Diocese of Tucson Catholic Cemeteries currently has 34 employees and 21
sales counselors. Loewen's intention is to retain all cemetery personnel.
The agreement has enabled ownership of the cemeteries to be returned to the
Diocese which, because of financial circumstances, had transferred title and
operating responsibility to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1989 .
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"As we renew our responsibility to the historic, cultural and pastoral ministry
of our cemeteries, we are very pleased to have completed a management agreement
with The Loewen Group, an experienced, respected and responsible cemetery and
funeral service corporation which will provide professional stewardship to meet
the highest standards of Catholic cemetery operations," said Most Rev. Manuel D.
Moreno, Bishop of Tucson. "We chose Loewen over other companies because, in our
opinion, their professionalism, attitude and business philosophy ensures quality
service to the people of the Diocese."
"Loewen is honoured to have been chosen by the Diocese to manage these beautiful
properties which have served generations of people in the area." says Ray
Loewen, Chairman and CEO. "We look forward to working with the employees and
members of the Cemetery Board to ensure a high level of stewardship and service
that is sensitive to the needs and priorities of the cultural and spiritual
communities served by these cemeteries."
Mr. Loewen pointed out that The Loewen Group has extensive experience serving
various cultural and religious communities in both the United States and Canada.
The agreement becomes effective immediately.
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