A Day in the Life of a Funeral Director.

27th February 2025 | Read Time 3 minutes

The day at Parkgrove Funeral Directors starts much the same way, with a familiar exchange between funeral directors Kevin Taylor and Chris Simpson.

On arrival, it’s always good morning, how are you.. then straight in with the main Question - "Want a brew?" Kev asks.

"I've just had one at home," Chris replies—almost always the same answer, but the question is part of the morning ritual nonetheless.

With a fresh day ahead, the team gets stuck into emails and plans out their tasks. The nature of their work means no two days are exactly alike, but routine plays a crucial role in ensuring that every family and their loved one receives the highest standard of care. Some days, there are funeral services to oversee; on others, arrangements with families take centre stage. There are also quieter days, but the team is always prepared for the unexpected.

One of the first tasks, if a service is scheduled, is washing the hearse. The vehicle is more than just transport—it’s an essential part of the final journey, a symbol of respect. Every detail matters. The same care extends to every aspect of the funeral, from the flowers to the order of service, ensuring everything is perfect before the day begins.

Always Ready to Answer the Call

While the team may have a schedule, the phone can ring at any time. When it does, everything must be balanced—planned services continue as scheduled, but immediate assistance is always given priority when a family calls to notify them of a death.

“When we receive that call, we take our time,” Chris explains. “It’s never just a case of collecting details. We listen. We learn about the person who has passed, about their family, their wishes. We offer guidance and support, and when the family is ready, we arrange to bring their loved one into our care.”

That first conversation is an emotional one. Families are often in shock, sometimes unsure of what steps to take next. A funeral director's role is not just about logistics—it’s about providing reassurance and a steady presence in a moment of loss.

The next step is bringing the deceased into their care. If the person has passed away in a hospital, they liaise with the ward or mortuary to arrange the transfer. If the death occurred at home or in a care home, the team respond immediately, travelling to meet the family in person. No matter the circumstances, the priority is always to carry out the process with care, respect, and professionalism.

But while those arrangements are being made, the rest of the team continues their work. If there’s a funeral that day, it will take place as planned. A well-organised funeral director ensures that nothing is ever neglected—whether it’s a grieving family in need of immediate assistance or a funeral service already in progress.

Preparing for the Service

By midday, preparations for a funeral service are in full swing. If the service is scheduled for 1:30 pm, the team carefully transfers the coffin into the hearse. Every movement is considered and deliberate.

Angus' newest funeral directors drive a Tesla hearse ( Article by the Courier) Read HERE Image: Mhairi Edwards/DC Thomson

“From the moment we arrive at the service, we are there to guide and support the family,” Kev says. “From greeting guests to ensuring everything runs smoothly, we carry out our duties with the utmost care.”

Dressed in their formal attire—top hat, frock coat, gloves & cane —they lead the procession, paging the hearse as it reaches its final destination, whether at a crematorium or graveside. Every funeral follows certain traditions, each with its own significance. The coffin is addressed with a gentle bow upon arrival, a mark of respect. After the committal, the flower board is placed over the coffin, and finally, the congregation is invited to stand as the family takes their leave.

But beyond the ceremonial aspects, the true role of a funeral director is to be there for the family in whatever way they need. Some families require quiet guidance, others lean heavily on their expertise to lead the way. Many just need a reassuring presence—a reminder that they are not facing this alone.

After the Service

Once the funeral concludes, the team returns to Parkgrove. Funeral attire is swapped for suits, and the focus shifts to the next tasks of the day.

Afternoons are often spent meeting with families to discuss funeral arrangements, overseeing viewings, or working in the mortuary, preparing those in their care for their final farewell.

“We always uphold the highest standards of care, respect, and dignity,” Chris says. “That means everything from dressing the deceased according to family wishes to ensuring every detail of the coffin is perfect—handles fitted, liners in place.”

This part of the job is deeply personal. Some families wish to provide clothing for their loved one, perhaps a favourite outfit or something that held special meaning. Others leave the decision to the funeral director, trusting them to ensure their loved one is presented with respect. No matter the request, everything is handled with the utmost care.

The Final Responsibilities

As the day winds down, emails are checked once more, phone calls returned, and families kept updated. There are always formalities to attend to—ensuring paperwork is processed, liaising with florists and celebrants, confirming service details.

Throughout every step of the process, Parkgrove makes sure families know they are supported. The work of a funeral director extends far beyond the service itself—it’s about care, guidance, and respect.

Because here, it’s never just about funerals—it’s about people, families, and the trust placed in those who carry out this deeply personal work.