A WELL known funeral director in Central Fife has thanked the communities he serves as he celebrate six years of his business.

On anniversary of the establishment of John Gilfillan Funeral Directors, the man himself reflected on all those who have used his service since opening in Bank Street, Lochgelly on the May 4, 2015.

Despite having covered hundreds of funerals in the past six years, John said it is a position he holds dear in his heart, and one he doesn’t take for granted.

He said: “I have never taken my position for granted, indeed the privilege of being asked to arrange a funeral and conduct a service is something that will stay with me forever.

“People often ask how a retired Black Watch Sergeant Major came into the funeral profession. I can go back to the end of my army career in 1994, it was just before that when my brother-in-law, serving with the Scots Guards, was sadly killed in a car accident, during which time I became involved in the funeral arrangements.

“It was during this time that a seed was planted, the role of a funeral director appealed to me, there were transferable skills.

“Fortunately for me Lochgelly Co-op were looking for a part time funeral operative and I was lucky enough to get the job; I have never looked back since.

“Job satisfaction is immense - guiding and serving families throughout a devastating time in their lives can be challenging but equally rewarding as they visit loved ones and prepare for the funeral, which has to be right, there is no rehearsal and therefore meticulous planning, preparation and checking is paramount.

“We are not perfect and there might have been the odd blip along the way, but we do try our very best in ensuring that funerals are carried out with professionalism and dignity.”

John went on to describe the emotional impact the job has on his daily life, and how even after all these years, he is not immune to feeling the effects of giving someone their final resting place.

He continued: “It is an emotional ride as well; I make no apologies for saying that I have openly shed a tear during a funeral service.

“Emotions are often hidden by the concentration needed to get things right, but my heart goes out to the sadness that people endure throughout the pain of grief.

“There is only so much we can do; we move on, leaving families coming to terms with life without their loved one.”

“Within my role I have been blessed to have met amazing people within our close-knit communities,” he said. “I call these people the salt of the earth.

“I am often encouraged by the friendliness and composure of bereaved people, going through tough times, but ever so pleasant and appreciative, that means a lot.”

The funeral trade was thrust into the spotlight during the pandemic as numbers were cut drastically to allow for social distancing, something John was hit hard by.

He said: “My heart went out to those families and although increased to 20, it was a time in their lives when the presence of relatives and friends would have lessened the emotional hurt in some way or other.

“Those families have shown remarkable restraint and dignity, accepting that rules had been set in place to protect others.

“Thankfully, we are now seeing a gradual lifting of restrictions, now up to 40 at both Crematoria, and we are now inviting families into visit loved ones, so hopefully a lead into normality.”

Over the years John has become entrenched in his community and has helped fund foodbanks throughout Central Fife.

He said: “I am proud to say that we have helped finance local foodbank causes throughout the pandemic.

“Obviously, the NHS quite rightly are receiving immense plaudits for all they do, but I must also commend those who continue to serve the local communities, Lorraine Mullin BEM and the team at Lo’gelly lunches, Drew and Mary Nardone and their team at Crosshill and Margaret King and helpers at Cardenden.

“I have met them all throughout these restricted times, their enthusiasm is indeed infectious.”

Despite all the sadness and hurt experienced throughout the past year, John also looks forward to the future.

“I am delighted by the progression of my team. Angela and Paul who are everything I would expect in a funeral director - conscientious, organised, and hard-working, and above all considerably respectful and compassionate when dealing with families.

“I am encouraged by the manner in which they care for the deceased, as though it was their own family.

“It is the very basics of any funeral professional, but I am often encouraged at the way they go about their business. Their commitment is first-class, and I really can’t ask for anymore.”

“I would also mention my wife Norma, who is the one with the creative flair, responsible for the interior designing.

“She has steadfastly ensured that visitors to Lochgelly and Cardenden funeral homes are invited into a tranquil setting and more pointedly, their loved ones repose in the peacefulness of a lovely rest room.

“I will in time move on into semi-retirement, which is just around the corner, but with my assurances that John Gilfillan Funeral Directors and now with a branch in Station Road Cardenden, will remain fully operational well into the future.”