Julie-Anne Jones, Funeral Director / Celebrant of Bell, Lamb & Trotter Funeral Directors Ltd, tells of three extraordinary 'final farewells'
A Growing Reputation
Bell, Lamb & Trotter Funeral Directors Ltd are fast becoming well-known for their ability to produce funerals with a difference. Whether it is a funeral for 2000 or a funeral for six, the end result is one that has people talking. Too often you hear people commenting about a friend's funeral in a most disappointed manner. "It could have been anyone's service…….it didn't sound like John…….it certainly didn't portray him as he was".
The staff at Bell, Lamb & Trotter step out of the comfort zone and go the extra mile for the families, taking the time needed to carry out their wishes and to guide them through one of the most difficult days in their lives. Ian and Suzanne Bell are extremely proud of their company culture and their dedicated team.
Warm and Mellow
One of the more intimate funerals in our Ferry Park Chapel involved five of the family and the celebrant sitting in a semi-circle around the casket, sharing anecdotes, reciting poetry and toasting their loved one with Veuve-Cliquot.
The readings and stories intermingled with classical music featured tracks chosen by the family. Atop the casket was a sample of what he had bought with his very first pay, all those years ago. A Beethoven record, a bottle of Bells Whiskey and a Cuban cigar. The atmosphere was warm and mellow. Afterwards the family commented that it was not the ordeal they had been anticipating, instead, they came away uplifted and more able to contemplate the future without him.
Extraordinary Young Man
Earlier this year our team were privileged to assist a family with another remarkable celebration. The funeral service or 'celebration' as the young man who was issuing the instructions preferred to call the occasion, was to be a two day event.
He had terminal cancer and wanted to organise his final 'party' whilst he was well enough to speak to the celebrant and the funeral director. At 19, he displayed a courage that was humbling.
We were totally unprepared for the impact that this charismatic young man had on us. From the moment we met him we were aware of the serenity and love that surrounded him. There he was, trying to make it 'ok' for everyone else. His doting grandmother was by his side. She sat with tears in her eyes as he joked with us about his 'party'.
Phenomenal Funeral
The initial service was held at his uncle's country estate. His casket was a black-lacquered model with his car number plate affixed to the foot and a 'Kenworth' badge at the head. Black satin adorned the interior. "This cancer lark is the pits, but there's nothing we can do about it, so let's get on with the next part of my journey!" was the young man's comment.
The casket was flown to the location in his uncle's black helicopter and met by pallbearers (his mates), dressed in black t-shirts and black caps. They carried him from the paddock, next to the aircraft hangar, up the steps, flanked by two New Zealand flags. The casket was placed on a stand between two digger buckets.
The music featuring The Dixie Chicks and Bon Jovi was turned up to full volume on the surround sound system. During the service, twenty white doves were released to the strains of "On The Wings Of A Dove".
Impressive Funeral Cortege
On the following day, the casket was taken to the West Coast. The funeral cortege. led by two black SUV's, the first one carrying the casket, the second his family. After that came a large truck carrying his two cars and behind the truck another six black SUV's (his friends). His uncle's black helicopter hovered overhead throughout the journey, maintaining radio contact with each vehicle. On arrival in the small West Coast town the cortege drove past all the houses he had lived in as a young child and then through the school grounds with horns blaring (luckily it was during school holidays!).
The initial service was repeated in a local hall, with the local rugby league team forming a guard of honour, the whole town turning up for the service and the rotation of eager pallbearers who carried the casket to the nearby cemetery which culminated in the release of 100 yellow and black helium balloons. His friend sang "Wagon Wheel" at the graveside accompanied by all the mourners. It certainly was a memorable experience.
The funeral celebrant, Reverend Julie-Anne Jones of ChristChurch Cathedral, who isalso on the staff at Bell, Lamb & Trotter, celebrated at both services.
She agreed with the team that this funeral definitely had the 'WOW' factor. However, there was more to come. Everyone was totally unprepared for the unexpected incident at the hotel afterwards, Julie-Anne was chatting to the young man's aunt.
Spectacular Ending
There was a lot of noise and the aunt leaned closer and whispered, "tell me, honestly, do you believe in this life after death stuff?' Almost immediately they were encased in a down draught of freezing air; their hair was flattened to their scalps and then 'bang', the base of the heavy glass that Julie-Anne was holding was pushed out and crashed, unbroken, to the floor. She was left holding the glass, minus the thick bottom, the contents splashing to the floor.
There was a collective gasp from everyone and his aunt became very excited. "He's here, he's here", she yelled and the crowded bar fell silent as she recounted the experience. No doubt this tale will be recounted for years to come and will live on among West Coast legends for future generations. Whether you are a believer or not, there were many eye-witnesses to this event and it certainly was a spectacular ending to the two day celebration.
Farewell to a Pioneering Great
Recently our Bell, Lamb & Trotter team were honoured to be part of a service held in ChristChurch Cathedral to honour one of the pioneering greats of our community.
He was a much loved and highly respected 93 year old and as he and his wife were Canon Almoners of the Cathedral, the celebration of his life attracted much publicity.
(Ian and Suzanne Bell are also Canon Almoners of the ChristChurch Cathedral).
The service was attended by approximately 1800 mourners and as expected a large media contingent were present. The funeral generated news coverage in television, radio and print.
The Heart and Soul of the City
With the ChristChurch Cathedral being 'the heart and soul of the city' it was natural that this auspicious occasion should attract quite a few folk who we (in the funeral business) colloquially refer to as 'professional mourners'. These are lonely people who peruse the newspapers on a daily basis, planning to blend unobtrusively into any large funeral gathering, with the ultimate goal being a splendid afternoon tea. At this service there were so many immaculately groomed mourners, that it was very easy to spot the opportunists. One of our funeral directors approached one woman and (tongue in cheek!) enquired if she was the soloist we were expecting. To his consternation she burst into a lusty rendition of 'Abide with Me' and asked to be directed to a front pew!
World Class Music
Christchurch Symphony, who benefited greatly from the generosity of this philanthropist, created a truly memorable ambience, which combined with heartfelt eulogies, eloquently delivered by his family had a profound effect on those present. The ChristChurch Cathedral Choir and the world-renowned Oxfords, led by Brian Law, sang magnificently.
The catering, organised by Suzanne Bell, who is trained in event management, was superbly orchestrated and held at a nearby hotel. The overall impression of the proceedings was that of a well-oiled machine, perfectly choreographed and exquisitely delivered. Truly a day to remember!
Bell, Lamb & Trotter Funeral Directors Ltd have been serving Canterbury families since 1872. They are a member of the FDANZ (Funeral Directors' Association of New Zealand) and accredited with Griefcare. Whether a small private gathering or a publicly attended farewell is your preference, Bell, Lamb & Trotter Funeral Directors Ltd can accommodate all funeral options to suit your needs, providing a service that is a unique and fitting tribute, reflecting a loved one's life, personality, beliefs and culture.
BELL, LAMB & TROTTER FUNERAL DIRECTORS LIMITED
PHONE 03 389 7999
Ferry Park Chapel, 297 Ferry Road, Christchurch
www.belllambtrotter.co.nz
Julie-Anne Jones
