Dear Chris
It has been a few weeks since the funeral of my husband, Detective Inspector Howard Gumley on 22nd October 2004, at Macquarie Park Crematorium. That day is still so fresh in my mind and still brings such comfort remembering the wonderful tribute that you provided for my husband. It was perfect. He wanted a celebration of life and that's what you delivered to him and us.
Your assistance and advice in the arrangements was invaluable and your experience was evident, in all the little things that mattered. Your knowledge of the venue helped us choose the perfect place for a funeral of this size. You made it look so easy. It made such a difference to the family, to have complete confidence in your company and leave everything to you. It genuinely lightened our burden.
Your manner was at all times professional and you showed us genuine concern and compassion that went way beyond 'the job.' These are traumatic times when families are at their most vulnerable. You never once pressured nor took advantage of us. Quite the contrary, you treated us with the utmost consideration and dignity at all times and listened to our wishes. You respected all our decisions and saw that our instructions were carried out to the letter. Nothing was a problem for you and your staff.
On the day of the funeral your staff carried themselves with such grace and discretion that many people thought you part of the family. That is a testament in itself, to the wonderful service that you provide.
I have also had plenty of feedback from family and police who seem to be in agreement, that it was the best funeral they had ever seen. Howard would have loved it - it was sincere and uplifting.
It is said that the only two certainties in life are death and taxes - well, with taxes the ATO pretty much has that covered, but for assisting with passing of a loved one, we get a choice and if I had to arrange a funeral again, I'd be happy to choose you. Thank you again for your help.
It was a magnificent funeral.
Regards
Julie
Dear Chris
There are no words I could say to express my gratitude, as everything you said and did was exactly what I had wanted. I feel I must let you know of the many phone calls and letters I have received, saying 'Really Glor, it is the best funeral we have ever attended.' All thanks to you and Fr. Peter. Chris, I will have no hesitation in recommending your services to all I know.
Thanking you again.
Yours Sincerely
Gloria Bourke
To Chris
From deep in my heart I thank you for arranging my son Paul's funeral. Chris, you were amazing, your compassion, sensitivity and thoughtfulness was second to none. Thank you for the photos, the tape and CD, I will treasure them forever. Hopefully we might meet again not under the same circumstances.
Thank you once again.
Regards
Jan Steele & family
Dear Chris,
On behalf of our son-in-law John McFadden and all the family, I should like to express our grateful thanks for your assistance in arranging the funeral of our daughter Fiona on Thursday last. Your empathy, your understanding, your helpful suggestions and your willingness to carry the burden for us, made our task so much easier to carry out, if not to bear.
Your immaculate attention to detail, coupled with the skills of celebrant Phillip Grace, provided us with the kind of service we were looking for, and our daughter would have approved of. It was much appreciated by all who attended.
You will be pleased to learn that the picnic which followed was also a great success.
Thank you again
Bryan Pritchard
Dear Chris
Just a few short words to simply say 'Thank You', for being there for all of us at the time of mum's death.
You made everything seem so simple & free of stress - the notices, the songs, the booklets, book marks & their printing etc. All the strain you took away from us. I honestly was not looking forward to all the above, but hey! I didn't count of course, on your expertise in your vocation. At the church, everything was done with such reverence & calm & you & your employees were caring guides for those of us who don't know the ropes. The memory of you walking in front of the hearse - slowly leading the way to the street & then for a short distance down it, is vivid in my mind & the mind of Susan my wife (and I'm sure others).
You & your staff added grace & respect to mum's Big Day, & I thank you for that.
Sincerely
Mike Ryan
Dear Chris
Something just has to be said. Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone. I have to say Thank You to you for the wonderful work you did in the performance of Mum's funeral.
Nothing could have been done better:
Your valued professionalism;
The tasteful and dignified presentation;
The air of kindness and caring.
And all done at the most difficult time in the lives of those who were there. My brother, Fr Peter, will no doubt speak to you himself. But for my part, I am reminded that gratitude is the memory of the heart. Everyone who was there joins me in my thanks to you.
Sincerely
Anne O'Malley
Dear Chris
It has taken me a few weeks to but this letter together, I'm afraid that the words don't convey all that I want to express to you. I wanted to thank you for the way you dealt with my friends Phil and Julie, at a time when their world had totally crumbled around them you showed great compassion and were very patient and considerate when many changes were being made.
You helped make their wishes come together with a minimum of fuss, and managed the service and other arrangements exactly as the family wanted. Phil and Julie were comforted in the knowledge that you were taking the greatest care of their precious son. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all your help.
Regards
Debbie Oates
Dear Chris
I would like to thank you for looking after my husband's funeral arrangements. During such an emotional and sensitive time when so much has to take into consideration for a funeral, it was very comforting for me and the family to be introduced to you and your company. We found you to be very caring, supportive and showed a genuine interest in our family needs.
The organisation, presentation and careful attention is given to the funeral service was exactly as the family and Jim would have wanted. The bookmarks were also very special and appreciated especially whenever I saw Jim's face peeping out of the men's shirt pocket. It brought a tear to my eyes and a smile on my lips and made me feel very proud that I was married to such a beautiful man.
This will be a lifelong memory for me. A number of the bookmarks have been sent overseas to family and friends. It's difficult for me to fully express to you in words my appreciation for helping me and my family through this difficult and sad time. Thank you.
Regards
Lyn
Dear Chris
This is just a short note to express our gratitude for your handling of dad's funeral arrangements. The service in Sydney was handled with great care and consideration. The memorial service in Lismore went well thanks to your help organizing the minister and the Crematorium Chapel for us.
We appreciate your sympathetic attitude and your willingness to cater for every need and request that we made. The effort that you went to for the correct music for us was extraordinary and the collecting of Dad's ashes to save us, was wonderful and we thank you for that.
Yours sincerely
Bruce and Carol Tippett
Dear Chris
I want to thank you for the way you co-ordinated the various facets of Jim's funeral, and made it all flow so well. Your suggestion of Rev. John Reid was inspiring - he really is a lovely man - and between you, accommodated the Tongan traditions, the Scottish piper and hymn, and the boys' moving dedications to their father.
I really feel that Jim would have approved, and it was a very fitting close to a life well lived. Many at the funeral said as much to me on the day.
Again, my thanks.
Kindest regards
Florence Bell
Dear Chris
My family and I are so very grateful for the wonderful arrangements you made for Mum's funeral. Everything was as we would have wished, and above all the kindness and caring you showed us throughout was so very much appreciated.
Sincerely
Arthur
Dear Chris
Many thanks to you and your staff for your services. We appreciated your sensitivity and efficiency in arranging Mum's funeral.
Best Regards
Robert
Dear Chris,
Thank you for all your help and assistance over the past two weeks. Your support and friendship during this sad time have meant a great deal to us.
Yours sincerely
Bruce and Kaye