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On the 25th of June our guest speaker was Simon Manning, a Funeral Director born in 1963. Simon's early experiences with his grandparents' deaths sparked his interest in becoming a funeral director. He pursued this career from a young age, starting with cleaning duties and gradually gaining more responsibilities. After overcoming initial challenges, including a harsh interview at E. Morris Junior, he eventually found a position at Litchgate Funeral Home. Simon's career progressed as he trained in embalming and funeral directing, eventually becoming a qualified professional. He noted the shift from family-owned funeral homes to corporate management, which led him to establish his own business, Harbour City Funeral Home, in 1989. Despite initial financial constraints, his company thrived, expanding through acquisitions and opening new branches. By 2023, the business had grown significantly, and he sold it to Propel Funeral Partners, joining their board. Simon also established the New Zealand Funeral Disaster Response Team, contributing to various major disaster responses, including the Christchurch mosque shootings and the White Island eruption. His efforts earned him a QSO for services to the funeral industry. Additionally, he mentioned his involvement in Rotary and community activities, including a vineyard project that raised substantial funds for charity. Reflecting on his extensive career, Simon emphasised the importance of empathy and professionalism in the funeral industry, contrasting the present standards with those of the past. Now, he is looking forward to a gap year and exploring new opportunities. |
