15/05/2026
As you all know, being a funeral celebrant is both challenging, and enormously rewarding in the satisfaction of having guided and supported a family in their grief, and creating a fitting tribute to their loved one. I've been working now as a funeral (and marriage) celebrant for 13 years. The training I undertook at the Celebrant School with the lovely Mary Hancock all those years ago was invaluable and I'd strongly recommend anyone answering the call to this vocation, to do so. This year has been particularly busy and stressful at times. However, I've just received this beautiful letter from one of my families, that affirms the work we do as Funeral Celebrants. We often ride that emotional rollercoaster with them, and it can take its toll. Look after yourselves, and carry on the important work you are doing.
"Hi Dave,
On behalf of us all, I wanted to thank you for being the celebrant at Dad’s funeral.
We really appreciated the amount of time you gave us throughout the process and the way you connected with us straight away, especially Mum. Even though we’d only just met you, it felt like you understood our family and who Dad was, which made everything feel a lot more personal and comfortable.
The way you created space for us to share stories and memories, and helped structure those conversations made a huge difference. It really helped us when it came to writing our own tributes and gave us a way to reflect on Dad properly during a difficult time.
The service felt genuine, well balanced and very “Dad”. We’ve had a lot of people say afterwards that it was one of the best funerals they’d been to, and I think that came down to the way you guided the day and brought everything together.
Thanks again for your support, care and professionalism. We’re really grateful.
Anna"
