EXHIBIT 10.12

                           [THE YORK GROUP LETTERHEAD]

December 1, 1999

Mr Fred Turner
The York Group, Inc.
8554 Katy Freeway, Suite #200
Houston, TX 77024

Fred:

During this time of change within the organization and the need for a strong
performance in the year 2000, it is the intent of this letter to assure you
that The York Group, Inc. values your contribution and would like to extend some
security for your retention.

On behalf of the Board or Directors of The York Group I am authorized to extend
the following conditions as an agreement of retention for the year 2000:

o     Retention bonus or 30% of your 12/31/99 earned annual salary to be paid
      at 12/31/00 if still employed with The York Group. A non-cause
      termination by the company would trigger a pro-rata distribution based on
      the termination date. Voluntary termination or termination for cause would
      eliminate this payment.

o     A 6-month salary severance allowance (less normal severance provided in
      The York Group severance practice) for any non-cause termination by the
      company through the year-end (12/31/00).

o     Accelerated vesting of your stock options in the event of a change of
      control by the company. Change of control being defined as any transfer
      of stock that exceeds 50.1%.

o     Additionally, The York Group will pay a minimum payment of 25% of your
      12/31/00 eligible salary as a performance bonus for the year 2000 pursuant
      to the terms of the Company's executive bonus program. This payment
      serves as a minimum guarantee against your year 2000 executive bonus
      program. Any payments above 25% of 12/31/00 eligible base pay up to the
      maximum allowable in the bonus program will be subject to the criteria
      established in The York Group, Inc. Executive Bonus Program. Distribution
      for this bonus will occur at the normal timing associated with The York
      Group, Inc. Executive Bonus Program.

Fred, I would be pleased to answer any questions you might have as a result of
this letter and related issues. Please maintain the confidentiality of this
agreement. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Sincerely,


Robert T. Monteleone
Vice President Human Resources

cc: Bob Rakich
    Bill Wilcock
    Employement File