Robert Maddock – Humanist Funerals

A humanist funeral can be pretty much anything you like.

First, there is no need to have the funeral in a specific place. As well as crematoria, and burials there are alternatives like woodland burial sites. It’s increasingly popular to have the most basic cremation (with nobody present) and then a separate memorial ceremony at a later date. Such a memorial can take place somewhere really special from the deceased’s own home or garden, to their favourite riverbank or the local cricket pavilion.

Second, you can include music or readings that meant something to them…or that means something to you.  There can be personal tributes, live music – you name it.

Most of all though, a humanist funeral is a way of saying goodbye from the heart.

You can see a suggested funeral outline by clicking here.

The only thing that you cannot have in a humanist funeral is anything which forms an act of worship – we are, after all, non-religious. However, we are inclusive; it is possible for a family member to read a short prayer, for example, if it was especially meaningful to the deceased. We also include a short moment for silent contemplation which can be used my those with religion to mark the death in their own way.

• I will meet with you and other family or friends; those most closely connected with the person who has died to learn more about that person and ensure that the funeral truly captures their life and personality
• I will advise on practical matters, such as options for the committal or the amount of time available for the ceremony at the crematorium
• I will listen to your ideas on music or readings and provide my own suggestions if needed
• I will share my ideas and draw on my experience when appropriate
• I will liaise with those involved in the ceremony, for example, anyone who will be reading a tribute or a poem / piece of prose
• I will write a unique ceremony that’s absolutely fitting for the person who has died and the circumstances – you will see this script as soon as possible and we can hone it until you are completely happy
• I will be a calm presence on the day, and will lead the ceremony with warmth and dignity
• I will give you a presentation copy of the final script to keep forever

My name’s Robert. I’m married to Issy and we have two frighteningly large sons. We live in the lovely little market town of Ulverston in the South of Cumbria just outside the Lake District’s boundary; a ten mile drive to either Coniston Water or Lake Windermere.

Originally an IT professional by trade, I spent well over ten years as a male housewife looking after our boys and the hoover while Issy went back to her career.

As a family we try to enjoy the beautiful place in which we are lucky enough to live; walking, sailing, canoeing, taking photographs and, most recently, Wainwright “bagging”. I also volunteered as a governor at our local high school and as a magistrate in the nearby town of Barrow-in-Furness. For a few years I was Akela for the 2nd Ulverston Cub Scouts.

Society is important to all of us, from the immediate circle of our families to the wider world in which we live our day to day lives. Throughout human history we have marked important moments and transitions with shared ceremonies; I recognise this importance in my work helping people through some of the most difficult of times.

If you’d like to know more then please contact me.