A gentle, empathetic approach
When someone we love dies, the world can feel strangely quiet, yet unbearably loud at the same time. My role as a funeral celebrant is to come alongside you with calm, warmth, and empathy, helping you shape a ceremony that honours your loved one’s life with dignity, sincerity, and a gentle sense of humanity.
I take a storytelling approach: not a list of dates or achievements, but a real portrait of the person you loved, their character, quirks, kindnesses, humour, and the ways they touched your life. It’s about capturing the essence of who they were, with depth and tenderness, and sometimes even a soft smile where it feels right.
Capturing the person they truly were
Families often tell me, “We’re not sure where to begin.” And that is perfectly okay, that’s why I’m here.
I’ll listen carefully to your memories and reflections, even if they arrive in fragments or through tears. Together, we’ll piece those moments into a heartfelt tribute that feels right, honest, and comforting.
Sometimes people worry that their loved one was “ordinary.” But in my experience, no life is ordinary. Everyone has threads of remarkable humanity running through them, and it’s a privilege to help you bring those to light.
A gentle structure for a Celebration of Life
Every ceremony I create is bespoke, but a Celebration of Life might include:
- A warm welcome and setting the tone,
- Music that reflects their personality,
- A carefully crafted tribute or eulogy,
- Readings, poems, prayers, or moments of reflection,
- Family contributions (spoken or written — or I can read them on your behalf),
- Symbolic gestures such as lighting candles, memory ribbons, blessing stones, or quiet pauses to breathe, and
- A closing message that supports the family and honours the legacy your loved one leaves behind.
- Religious words or prayers can be included.
This structure gives space for emotion, for stillness, for love, and for the real person to shine through.
Photo – My colleague celebrant Charles Russell and myself at the Christmas memorial service at Torbay crematorium
When words are hard, I can help you find them
Grief has a way of stealing language. Even the most eloquent people can feel lost for words at a time like this. Please know you don’t have to come to me with polished stories or perfect memories. You don’t have to know what you want to say.
I will help you find the words, softly, slowly, and without pressure.
And if you’re unable or prefer not to speak during the ceremony, I can gently speak on your behalf, ensuring everything you want expressed is said with care and respect.
A ceremony with heart
My intention is always the same: to honour your loved one sincerely, support your family kindly, and hold the space with quiet strength and compassion.
If you’d like to begin planning a funeral or Celebration of Life that truly reflects the person at its heart, I’m here when you’re ready.
Please get in touch, and we’ll take the next steps together.