I work in a job nobody wants and do it with my dad, it’s brought us closer than ever
THE topic of death can make many people feel uncomfortable.
So unsurprisingly, working as a funeral director is a profession that is often misunderstood.
But a compassionate father and daughter duo have lifted the lid on their roles as they make a lasting difference in the most sensitive moments of people’s lives.
Paula Blackburn, 34, followed in her dad Roy Davison footsteps after growing up hearing all about his day-to-day life in the job.
Roy was previously the superintendent at a local cemetery and has been a funeral director for 17 years.
The pair have now been working at Co-op Funeralcare Amble in Northumberland together for two years.
Paula said: “Growing up I watched my dad work in the funeral sector.
“I always enjoyed hearing about his job and was curious to learn about the sector.
“It meant that death was not a taboo subject in my family, and it became something that was discussed openly and respected.”
Paula began her career as a pharmacy dispenser, but after having her second baby she felt like a change.
“I saw first-hand just how rewarding a job in funeralcare could be, it felt like a natural step”, she said.
She started out as a ceremonial crew member in Plymouth before moving back up north to take on a part-time role as a funeral arranger in Northumberland five months later.
Six months after that, she was part of the full-time funeral service crew.
And now, less than three years since starting her journey with Co-op Funeralcare, “delighted” Paula has taken up a temporary role as a funeral director.
Commenting on working with her dad, she said: “Dad has helped me so much over the last few months in my new role, which has been so comforting.
“We always make sure to maintain a good work life balance and try not to talk too much about work when we’re at home.
“I’m really proud of being a second-generation funeralcare colleague and it feels so positive to work with a family member.
“I’m also keen to achieve and progress in my own right, which Dad has already supported me with.”
Roy, 57, added: “When I first joined the sector, my friends thought it was a strange career choice, but it’s extremely rewarding.
“The simple ‘thank you’ and handshake from the families after the funeral make it all so worth it.
“I am very proud of Paula and love the ‘proud dad’ moments I have when observing her progress in training and client care. I’m sure she’ll go far in the job – it’s been a delight working alongside her.”
Both Roy and Paula credit their teams and the wider support from Co-op Funeralcare for allowing them to thrive in their roles at the Amble branch in Northumberland.
Reflecting on his career, Roy said: “There’s been many memorable moments over the last 17 years, but one that I’ll never forget was a motorbike funeral.
“I managed to get the exact motorcycle hearse that the family had requested and organised for over sixty bikes to follow the ten-mile procession.
“I was also honoured to be asked to ride on the back of the motorbike wearing the deceased’s jacket.”
The rise of undertaker jobs as eco-friendly funerals gain popularity
IT’S the one industry all of us are guaranteed to use yet working as a funeral arranger is still seen as an unusual career choice.
The sector is relatively small with around 20,000 undertakers, mortuary and crematorium assistants working nationally, plus jobs in support services such as coffin making and headstone and memorial carvers.
A rise in eco-friendly funerals and more families choosing highly personalised celebrations rather than traditional mourning means the industry is attracting a wider range of talent.
Dubbed the “Youngertaker”, many staff are joining straight from school or college, attracted by the caring nature of the profession.
A spokesman for the National Association of Funeral Directors explains: “Funeral service is not always included in the list of caring professions recommended by career advisors, but it should be.”
More people are also joining the sector later in life, often after seeing how funeral staff cared for one of their own loved ones.
As well as practical aspects, the job also requires emotional skills to provide support and advice to families.
Salaries are slightly below the national average, but most staff point to the immense job satisfaction.
Large firms such as Dignity and Co-operative Funerals have launched apprenticeship schemes.
Paula added: “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the weight being lifted off a client’s shoulders – I love knowing that I am making a difference, creating an experience that is personal and memorable to those grieving.”
And for any younger people considering getting into the industry, she continued: “Do some research and go for it!
“Over the last three years working at Co-op Funeralcare I’ve experienced so many different roles, which has not only helped me progress through my professional career but also allowed me to give families the best arrangement I can as I understand the different roles and responsibilities involved.”
Her dad chimed in: “It’s not a job that anyone can do, but it’s the most rewarding job that I’ve done.
“The support we have the privilege of offering and the high standards of care we can give to clients and their loved ones makes me feel incredibly proud to be a funeral director.”