Brent began working in the funeral industry during 2017 being engaged as an independent Funeral Celebrant, officiating in the Christchurch and Canterbury region.
A humbling privilege officiating funeral and memorial services, and in most instances, being asked to capture, weave, and share a loved one’s life story as part of their ‘celebration of life’ ceremony in addition to collaborating with industry partners to help the ceremony be seamless.
During 2020, Brent transitioned into a full-time Funeral Director’s role with InvoCare New Zealand. With respect and dignity, Brent was instrumental at helping families, whānau, and communities navigate through funeral arrangements and all the wrap around options, during a significant time of loss and grief.
From the cradles to the elderly, across a multitude of belief’s, cultures, religions and all the in-betweens.
After taking some time out to cycle across Europe and then the length of the North Island (www.therurus.com), it allowed time away from both roles to reflect on what has been.
It also allowed Brent to gather perspective around how one could remain in the industry and continue to serve with the changing landscape, i.e. more direct cremations and D-I-Y memorial celebrations of life, and understand what affordable options are available to families, whānau and communities.
And hence, Everything Funeral was launched – an independent service empowering you to understand what funeral options are available and affordable, without losing the personalisation, celebration and remembrance to still make it a meaningful farewell of a loved one.
Brent has own/operated a primary aged childcare business; led a quality and business transformation team for a logistics company in Dubai; held a case management role in family dispute resolution co-ordination; mentored youth and start up/struggling SMED businesses; is a registered Marriage Celebrant; holds a Diploma in Celebrant Studies with The Celebrant School; and is a validated member of Celebrants Aotearoa New Zealand.
Brent balances life life coaching, youth mentoring, freelance illustrating, adventure travel, and enjoys a glass of red strumming the ukulele.
Married to Claire, they have two adult children.
Lastly, with about seven years passion within an industry that has so much enrichment, it taught Brent things with meaning.
Such as:
1. Life is precious.
2. Your time on this planet is short and that there is no life rewind button.
3. Life is unfair.
4. Grief is real.
5. Good character of being is attractive.
6. We are all humans who have to share the same ground we walk on.
7. What differentiates us to make life fascinating are our beliefs – whether cultural, religion, rituals, or none.
8. You have to have a sense of humour for your own wellbeing’s sake.
9. There is life after losing a loved one.
10. We are all going to end up upwards (cremation) or downwards (burial), therefore, refer to number 1.