Funerals and Memorials

Inspired by having attended Humanist funerals, this was an obvious choice of ceremony, particularly as he had a high level of experience of assisting and helping others during times of grief and trauma in both his professional and personal life.  The sense of ‘celebration’ at a Humanist funeral further fed Richard’s appetite.

Richard has now completed many humanist funerals mainly at Carleton (Blackpool) and Lytham crematoriums, but also at Preston, Charnock Richard, Harrogate, Blackburn, Skipton, Lancaster, Beetham (South Lakes), Bury, Wigan and Blackley (Manchester) along with the wonderful natural burial site at Dalton near Carnforth and cemeteries in Poulton and Fleetwood.

He has found each and every one of them an incredible privilege to conduct.  Richard has been incredibly fortunate to work as a team with some superb Funeral Directors, fellow humanist celebrants, crematorium attendants and, last but certainly, no means least, family and friends who entrust him to provide a fitting celebration for their loved ones.

Richard conducts many pre-planned funerals – where he meets with those who have a short life expectancy, and are, ordinarily either in a hospice or being cared for at home.  During these meetings, Richard obtains precise instructions regarding the structure and content of their funeral.

Richard has also conducted memorials where there is either no ceremony at a crematorium or a short committal at the crematorium followed by a more relaxed and potentially longer memorial at a venue of the family’s choice.  He has also conducted many ‘pre-planned’ funerals where he works with terminally ill people to plan their funeral and make sure that what is delivered, including the personal tribute, is exactly what they want.

Some of the amazing testimonials he has received (click on the button above) from families have had such a profound effect on him.  Each funeral has brought with it a sense of real privilege, which is what drives him to provide the best quality of service that he can. That said, he continually strives to develop and learn from others.