Different funeral arrangements?

“It does not seem almost a month ago that we all gathered to say goodbye to J. Family and friends still agree that it was a strangely beautiful day, and beneficial to all of us in our various states of shock and grief. K (J’s friend) thanked us for ‘the proudest moment of his life’ – and it was clearly important to many others that J. had a ‘hands-on’ farewell. Thank you for that.”

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for giving our mum the most wonderful send-off. The way you spoke about her was as if you had known her yourself for years. You gave the eulogy with such tenderness and respect for her. It was a beautiful service; we would not have changed anything about it. The whole experience offered by you and Jane from start to finish was just perfect. What a way to be remembered. Everyone needs a Family Tree funeral; thank goodness my sister found you.”

“Our family cannot thank you enough for ensuring that we created a beautiful and fitting service yesterday. The flowers, which have travelled beautifully, were the most extraordinary collection ever, the coffin too, and the format was perfect. Like you, I have a very grim memory of my father’s funeral and know how badly these things can go, so we are all very grateful and ever in your debt. It is encouraging and wonderful to know that there is such care in the community.”

“Thank you. Thank you for making what could have been a nightmare very beautiful. You inspired us to be creative and to truly celebrate our daddy openly, and we are all very grateful to you for that. It is profound and beautiful to turn sad introspection into theatrical celebration – and that was in fact the essence of our father. He would have loved it! Thank you for your patience and kindness.”

“Incredible, yesterday. Most splendid funeral I have ever attended, and unfortunately I have attended many. Thank you again. I know you made my granddaughter happy. She is a different girl today, much more positive, and going back to college next week. Your “send-off” for her mother did something wonderful for her.”

“It was a beautiful funeral; I know that if you had not been so flexible and had so many good ideas it would not have been like this. We’ve had lots of feedback from Mum’s friends about what a good funeral it was.”

“On behalf of my mother and my wife, I sincerely thank you for all your kindness, thoughtfulness and compassion shown to us all before, during and after Dad’s funeral. It was a deeply emotional time for us and your personal assistance helped us enormously. The planning for Dad’s funeral was so trouble-free, all thanks to you. We all had no doubts that everything would run smoothly on the day with you at the helm, and as we thought, it did. The layout and contents of Dad’s service sheet just added the final touch to making Dad’s funeral so memorable for us. Thanks again for all your support.”

“I am so glad to have had your kindly and helpful support over the past couple of years whilst I have been preparing for Mum’s death. My sister and I found your gentle, low-key, but professional presence during the closing of the coffin – and throughout the funeral – very reassuring, and we both thank you most sincerely for making the experience one of great calm and peace.”

“We were all extremely happy with your arrangements for Mum’s funeral. She left clear instructions for some of the main details and I believe we complied with them in a dignified and intimate way. I have not attended many funeral ceremonies in my life but I believe we all felt that we could not have done more to make it a more meaningful occasion and one in which we all could make a personal contribution. I think it can be too easy to be a superficial participant. I thank you again for your discrete participation.”

“Thank you once again for all your care, support and concern during the past couple of weeks.”

“Instead of it being a very sad and stilted occasion, it seemed to me a very natural progression from a very happy life to a well-earned rest. Your kind way of steering us all in the right direction, and ensuring that things ran smoothly without a lot of fuss was very much appreciated. It was very pleasing for us all to be able to play our part under your quiet guidance.”

“Thank you again for looking after us so beautifully as we arranged Dad’s funeral. We could not have been in better hands. We were able to put all our trust in you and you made it a remarkably special day.”

“From the first few words we exchanged on the telephone, it was clear that Family Tree were the people to take care of everything. They dropped round a few minutes later, very quickly understood what I had in mind, and artfully made the necessary arrangements. Without their reassuring presence, sensitivity and professionalism, the celebration would not have been the magnificent occasion that it was.”

From his published tribute to B’s life “Then Shall You Truly Dance”

“A rather belated note to say thank you for your help in arranging Mum’s funeral. You listened to all our requests, and responded sensitively and accurately; you helped us make decisions when we dithered, and were very patient. On the day, your organisation was well planned and unobtrusive. Your choice of other members for your team was great. It was a great funeral. Thank you.”

“My family and I would like to thank you and your company for the way that you handled the interment of my wife’s ashes on Monday last. It wasn’t a day that I had been looking forward to, but after I felt at ease that it had finally been done. K and I both agreed that your resume of E’s life and character was done with compassion and sympathy, although you hadn’t met her; also the reading of the poem was perfect, and seemed to reflect the spirit of the day. Our thanks again, and we hope to see you on perhaps a happier occasion.”

“It was a deeply emotional time, a time of healing through which you guided us in the most gentle and supportive way. We are most grateful.”

“We would never ever have done it like this without you.”

“Once again a big thank you from me and from all in the family, especially the old man! It really worked for him! This morning he said, “I wonder what the stuffy people thought of it!” with a mischievous chuckle, giving it his approval. We managed to bring the opposites together and all were honoured.”

“I wanted to just let you know from the bottom of my heart how much I appreciate all the help, guidance and practical support you have given me over the past weeks since my dad died. Everything you do is with true compassion, love and empathy and it truly shows. Without you it would be so much harder to bear.”