15/02/2026
Hello everyone,
Funerals still matter — And here’s why
I’m not against direct cremation. For some, it’s the right fit — simple, private, respectful.
But let’s be honest.
Daytime TV and slick online ads are normalising the idea that funerals are old-fashioned, unnecessary, even wasteful. They make it sound like if you want a service, you’re being sentimental or spending foolishly.
I see the fallout of that thinking every week.
Families come to us later and say things like:
“I feel guilty — it’s like we didn’t give them the goodbye they deserved.”
“We never got to hear the stories from their friends.”
“It feels like it all happened too fast, like they just vanished.”
“There’s no memory of that day — nothing to hold on to.”
Direct cremation without a farewell might save time and money in the short term, but grief doesn’t vanish with the ashes. Most people need a moment to mark the life, gather, and acknowledge the loss.
Funerals — whether traditional or simple — aren’t about fuss. They’re about:
🕊️ Facing the truth of death
🤝 Feeling the strength of community
❤️ Telling the story of a life
🌱 Allowing grief to start its healing journey
I believe the growing trend of skipping farewells altogether is leaving too many people carrying quiet, painful regrets. You shouldn’t have to feel guilty for wanting to remember someone properly.
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but there is value in taking the time to say goodbye. Don’t let an advert convince you otherwise.
Here to serve you with COMPASSION-RESPECT-INTEGRITY. 📞01535 439649. 55 Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley.
Kind regards David 🎩.
