J Frazer & Son BA5
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A Funeral Home is much larger than your first impression, plus
there is a lot more to operating a funeral home than you would
first imagine. |
Its not just about organising and directing a funeral service, you
need to be multi-tasked at providing the services of a counselor,
surgeon, cabinetmaker and more, as a large crowd of Chamber members
discovered on the evening of Tuesday 12 September at JFraser &
Sons Funeral Home on Esk Street.
Wilson Fraser is a fourth generation family member to run the
funeral home, it all started with his great grandfather who opened
in 1899 as a Stone Masonry in Tay Street near Wensleys Cycles, then
moving to where the National Bank stands today. In 1962 W.Frasers
father and brothers built the current site, which has served well
until 4 ½ years ago, when Mr. Fraser decided it was time for some
extensive renovations on the Conservatory and Chapel area, (which
is now such a lovely setting that they have even held a wedding
reception here!)
As we moved through the building viewing photos of
Invercargill's largest ever funeral Mr.A which drew a crowd of
around 5000 people, we arrived at the coffin display room, first
viewing a very elaborate stained pine coffin with padded satin
lining, after which there was a large array of coffins available in
a variety of designs, colour, and wood.
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An area of great interest is the make-up room, where we learned
about the embalming procedures…… a skilled art in itself. There is
certainly plenty to choose from in the display room of headstones.
The granite headstones are of volcanic origin - hence the different
effects and colours. They arrive polished and ready for engraving,
which is also performed onsite.
This special team is very dedicated, being on call 24 hrs a day and
7 days a week, where they work very closely with the family from
the time of death through to the end of the funeral service. They
say it gives you great satisfaction of having helped a family
through this difficult time.
A huge thank you to Wilson and your team for hosting a very
informative and fascinating business after 5 evening for our
Chamber members, enjoyed by all.
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