Berry-Bell and Hall Fallbrook Mortuary

The Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary was first established in 1948 by Ernest Bell. It has changed hands several times over the years, alternately moving from a family-owned to corporate-owed and again a family-owned business in 2001. One thing has never changed: It’s commitment to providing the highest-quality, end-of-life services for the departed and their loved ones.

However, brothers Steve and Scott McGargill, who purchased the mortuary in December 2001, also have rooted themselves in Fallbrook as strong supporters of the community-at-large.

“Our goal is to serve every family as if they were our own,” said Steve. “Honoring and respecting those who die is also taking care of those who live.”

And to them, that means supporting several local organizations throughout the year. That includes annual donations to the Fallbrook Senior Center, the Foundation for Senior Care, as well as providing a bagpiper to play taps during the Chamber of Commerce’s 911 remembrance ceremony each year. In addition, Berry-Bell and Hall supports the local 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) organizations by purchasing animals at the Del Mar Fair to benefit local youth.

One program that gives special meaning to the McGargills is their participation in the California Highway Patrol’s Every 15-Minutes Program. The program is designed to bring high school juniors and seniors face-to-face with the tragic dangers and possibilities of drinking and driving.

“Every three years, we participate in the two-day program at Fallbrook High School,” said Steve. “Together with law enforcement and the Fire Department, we simulate an alcohol-related crash scenario. This includes a crash vehicle and the feigned arrest of one or more students, as well as the simulated transport of students to the hospital.”

One of the most impactful moments of the program, he says, is when a student is pronounced “dead” and placed in his hearse. Despite being a mortuary, Bell-Berry and Hall is committed to saving lives, particularly those of our local youth.

“We will be here for many years to come,” added Steve. “Our goal is to provide five-star service for the families we serve, as well as for the residents and businesses that are part of this great community.”