‘Grief is love persevering’

Hello, my name is Tim Holmes, if you’re reading this it’s likely you’re planning a funeral for someone you love. May I offer you my sincere condolences. This page sets out the support I could offer you at this difficult, important time. I am happy to give advice whether you choose to use my services or not, so please feel free to contact me.

Being a Funeral Celebrant feels like a calling for me, a way to face my own mortality whilst providing a valuable service to others. I’m inspired by people’s stories, by building community through personal relationships. I believe relationships with others give our lives meaning, provide a sense of purpose; to love and be loved in return.

I’m a published poet, a seasoned spoken word performer and passionate about the arts in all its forms. I’ve organised many events and am frequently invited to perform or present in wide a range of settings. I love to write and will take great care crafting a unique funeral and personal tribute to represent your loved one. It’s a profoundly humbling experience to gather and tell a person’s life story; a huge privilege to spend time with families and friends as they remember those who matter to them most.

I began my working life as a young soldier but left the army when I became politically opposed to the conflicts arising. Since then, I’ve worked predominantly in manufacturing and currently work part-time managing a public funded programme supporting decarbonisation and environmental sustainability.

Underlying this is a passion for people and the culture we create. I’m an unapologetic idealist, who despite all our challenges, has faith in human beings to do incredible things, both large and small. Although I don’t hold personal religious beliefs I am not judgemental of other’s faith, but am driven instead by an innate sense of justice, a strong moral compass and the high value with which I hold a human life.

I live in Meersbrook, Sheffield with my partner and three children and offer funerals and memorials across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and on-line countrywide. However, if you feel I’m the celebrant for you, please get in touch wherever you’re from.

He said marking the calendar helped prepare
Though sometimes he swore he could see
Her eyes in the face of a stranger
Her love shine like sun through the trees

And although there’d always be mountains to climb
He was no longer tied up in knots
When a sudden surprise sparked a memory
He wasn’t aware he’d forgot

She said getting over grief was never her goal
Resilience always her aim
That lighting a candle or a walk in the park
Helped with the hurt when it came

She said one that day she’d turned a corner
She hadn’t even realised was there
Was able to connect with people again
No longer too painful to care

That time had brought about healing
Her love more profound than before
She was ready to contemplate life once again
As now it was worth so much more

An extract from the poem ‘Grief is Love Persevering’
by Tim Holmes