QLD Bundaberg - Mr Pat Slee

Many thanks to Pat for providing his profile.

My approach for funerals and memorials is

• to ensure that the ceremony reflects the positive aspects of the person
• provides a fitting memorial and
• in doing so helps those grieving to come to terms with their loss.

I aim to provide the starting blocks for the healing process.. done with sensitivity.. and, where able, a light hearted approach.

What attracted you to funeral celebrancy?
The ability to help and be involved in a difficult part of community life..

In what ways do you consider independent funeral celebrants can assist families?
Primarily an ability to be detached from the whole Funeral Director enterprise which can appear overwhelming and authoritarian in many cases.

The motto of my service “the spotlight is on you..” still prevails.

Is there such a thing as a "good" funeral ?

I believe so. Once we accept the fact that we all have to die and that it is a natural progression, the funeral can then be a memorial to all that was good about that person ....... who, what and when he touched others in his life ........ and how we were all better to have known him.
The skill is to make this transition acceptable.

How do you think families could be better prepared for death?

The first thing would be to accept more about philosophy than religion.. but that is due to my upbringing, a religious person would see the opposite.

Then, it is a matter of accepting that there is only one guarantee in life, and you, generally, have no control over the time or method of your demise.

Also I'd ask "Do you know that, in many cases, the celebrant who married your children and did such a good job.. can also perform Funeral Ceremonies?"

You do not have to use the celebrant supplied by the Funeral Director”.Because THIS is what nobody seems to know about the Funeral Industry..

What are some of the rewards and challenges you face as an independent funeral celebrant?

Rewards = Appreciation and inner warmth in the knowledge that you have helped some people.
Challenges = Finding the right way to help the various people you will encounter.

Are there some extra-ordinary funerals or memorials that stand out for you?

My father’s funeral and recently, that of a friend I have been close with since school.  I delivered a eulogy that caused his widow to get up and hug me… we were both in tears.

Where you would like to be in 5 years time ?
Above ground.

All the very best
Pat

Mr Pat Slee 

Authorised Civil Marriage, Family and Funeral Celebrant
Bundaberg Fraser Coast Queensland

More about Pat:
http://www.spotlightstars.com.au