A Conversation with Larry Newman: Your Trusted Funeral Director at Morleys Funerals Townsville

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what led you to a career in funeral service?

I was born in Townsville and schooled in Townsville and Ingham. After obtaining an Engineering Degree at JCU I decided to join my Wife’s family business and realised how much I loved helping people through a difficult time.

Experiencing Personal Grief. Have you personally experienced significant loss? Can you share a little about that time and how it affected you?

My Mum passed away a few months ago in Brisbane. I was so grateful I had the opportunity to say goodbye to her and attend a lovely family farewell.

How did your personal experience with grief shape the way you approach your work with grieving families?

My own experience reminded me that grieving families need tender support and advice at this crucial time in their grief journey. Also, when distance is a factor, to have a friendly Funeral Director voice to talk to on the other end of the phone is a great comfort.

Professional Insights. What do you find most rewarding about being a Funeral Director?

Having families being very grateful and appreciative for my advice, service and support.

What are some of the most challenging aspects of your role, and how do you manage them?

Technology (like slideshows and streaming) add a lot to the modern funeral service. However, with them comes the stress of creating them and making them play without glitches at the appropriate time during the service. We request that families have all photos and media to us three working days before the funeral which gives us sufficient time to create beautiful farewells and iron out any glitches before the day of the funeral.

Supporting Families. How do you support families during their most difficult times?

Tender support, advice and care.

Are there any particular moments or stories from your career that stand out to you as especially meaningful?

As a father, I am particularly amazed when children contribute to a funeral service with courage and love. One service that comes to mind is when a young girl danced around her Dad’s coffin during a song she had chosen for him. It wasn’t planned and there wasn’t a dry eye in the chapel!

Coping Mechanisms. How do you cope with the emotional demands of your job?

Through exercise, recharging away from work, playing musical instruments and relaxing with family.

Do you have any personal rituals or practices that help you deal with the stress and sadness you encounter?

To be thankful in life and carry gratitude with you wherever you go.

Advice for Grieving Families. What advice would you give to families who are going through the grieving process?

To be patient with yourselves, supportive of other family members and not to judge other people who are grieving differently to yourself. Thankfully we are not robots, and we all grieve differently. So be kind with one another.

Are there any resources or practices you recommend for families to help them cope with their loss?

Try and attend one of Morleys’ Community Seminars on grief or our Christmas Candle Lighting Service. We have also recently produced a brochure listing Websites and Podcasts that may be helpful on your grief journey.

The Importance of Personal Touch. In your opinion, what makes a funeral service truly memorable and meaningful?

I endorse Dr Alan Wolfelt’s - Elements of a Meaningful Funeral which suggest including: Music, Readings, Viewing, Eulogy, Symbols, Gathering and Actions.

How do you ensure that the services you provide reflect the unique life and legacy of the person being honoured?

I ask families if we can include special symbols at the funeral that reflect the hobbies and personality of the deceased.

Personal Reflections. How has working in funeral services changed your perspective on life and death?

As mentioned previously - To be thankful everyday and carry gratitude with you wherever you go.

What personal qualities do you think are most important for a Funeral Director to possess?

Kindness, Compassion, Good with people and technology and a good communicator.

Closing Thoughts. Is there anything else you would like to share with the families you serve?

I always try to educate the community about the value of a meaningful goodbye. They are priceless. When a family member says to their family “I don’t want a funeral, I’m not going to be there”, other family members hopefully will say “Please don’t deny us the opportunity to have a meaningful goodbye. A funeral gathering is about you… not for you…. it is for us”

What legacy do you hope to leave through your work in funeral services?

As my Grandparents-in-law’s name (The Morleys) carries on in Morleys Funerals, I aim to continue helping to make Morleys the most amazing, professional and outstanding Funeral Provider that we can be for the Townsville and NQ Communities.