2024 – The Year That Was
On a personal level, this year started out much better than previous years. Newly married meant many improvements – food, washing, organised, etc. And I kept everyone safe from aliens and zombies.
Kath was already involved with SDF in her particular way. Her eye for detail and creativity certainly improved the work output. Especially with urn designs and creating some very unique pieces.
The Pukeko was particularly rewarding. The family didn’t want the traditional urn, but did want something. Because the person loved Pukeko birds with designed a small, engraved picture that incorporated some ashes in it. We ended up making 5 copies for different family members.
Kath’s artistic talent shined and the family were so happy with the final result.
Kath has transformed the garden of SDF in to the beginnings of what will be a very eye-catching display. Even now people comment about the garden. Of course, I will take full credit if Kath isn’t around. But it isn’t uncommon for people walking past to say something to Kath, who is often out in her happy place – the garden.
We also made a little library that again Kath looks after. It is surprising the number of people making use of it. Even my construction, though amateur, it is still standing.
SDF – the smallest funeral home in New Zealand…. probably.
Being in business – any business – is not for the fainthearted. Those who make this step have my full respect. Increasing costs is something we all feel and I hope things will get better sooner rather than later.
It has been 6 years since we started under the name Purely Cremations. We aim to continually improve every aspect of our service. With Kath’s encouragement we painted the office and improved storage so it is a bit more professional looking.
This year has been our busiest to date. And a high percentage has been word of mouth referrals and recommendations. And although we focus on low-costs for families there are other things that family appreciate. Perhaps the biggest is not being like other funeral homes. We just have a different approach.
One thing we will always do is to be completely honest with families. If we can’t do what they want – we won’t pretend we can. It is too important for us to “play” with such an important event for families.
Saying this, I was involved in our biggest funeral with a few hundred people or so attending. I also had my first Requiem Mass. So SDF is expanding its services. But the majority of funerals I do are simple and straightforward, which I hope takes a lot of pressure off families.
It is a privilege helping families navigate through a tough time to ease their worries and concerns.
We’ve also expanded with headstones. Fortunately I had my brother help my lift the headstone. This was out first proper headstone commission and it went very well.
Like everything we do – we aim to make it simple for families, cheaper and with a positive result.
We don’t always get things right – but we always have a heart to help families as best we can.
Social Media
As some may know I have had a difficult time with Facebook. Not them specifically, but a hacker. I guess the fortunate thing was that they were trying to sell leather bags and nothing embarrassing.
It took several months to finally sort everything out so it was back to how it was. Well it was how it was last time I looked – I haven’t looked today. I know I don’t have many followers – but I still like keeping them up to date with the happenings here. It’s never about quantity, but quality.
Merry Christmas
I don’t think I’ve missed anything not looking at any TV news this year. Reporters, politicians, etc seem to think they always know what is best and right. They don’t. Also this is definitely a less stressful way to live. I’ve read more books that I can remember – all kinds of genres.
Have a great Christmas – whatever you’re up to. Life is full of surprises if you want it to be. Our welcoming / security team has loved meeting each and every person who has popped in. Even when they were kept in the other room. As you can see, all three of them are VERY excited for Christmas.
Take care all,
Owen & Kath
