This year marks the 90th anniversary of Auckland’s historic funeral directors, Davis.
Verve sits down with general manager and funeral director, Michael Powell, to learn more about the industry, and his journey through it.
“Davis has been around for such a long time, and is a well-respected brand,” he says. “Stepping into the role was, therefore, both humbling and exciting. As societal values and culture diversity continue to shift and grow, it has been immensely interesting seeing the business adapt and evolve to these changes – keeping alive the value of tradition and ceremony but blending this with a broadening set of wishes and needs.”
Could you tell us more about the evolution of the industry?
“A key part of the shift to more varied farewells is the growing dependence on technology. People lead busy lives. The global population has never been so mobile, and technology provides a vital link for those who cannot attend in person. I see this trend continuing to grow and we respond by delivering capabilities to enable fully immersive services anywhere.”
Is there a particularly memorable service you’ve been involved in?
“Now that takes some thought. I can think of a funeral that I looked after for a person who went missing and was eventually presumed dead. The family were insistent that they join friends, school mates, colleagues past and present of the deceased to give thanks for the deceased’s life. Beyond human optimism and the guilt of holding a funeral when the deceased could still be alive. I have never in my career as a funeral director seen such an outpouring of disbelief and grief.”
Looking back, Michael reveals that it was “only a matter of time” before he succumbed to the lure of the industry, having worked in a funeral home as secondary employment “as a much younger man”. He recalls how it made him more aware of “both the value and the fragility of life”, while also developing an admiration for the profound role that funeral directors play in society.
“Death and dying are not something you really comprehend or accept as kids,” he continues. “With age, I have grown to understand that death is a part of life. Working in the funeral industry reminds me daily of the reality of death, and the fact that death has no rules. It’s vital that we strive to live a meaningful life, and equally that we should all take time to step out of the day-to-day grind when someone close to us dies, and take the time to mourn, to celebrate, to honour them. This enables an acceptance that the physical life of the person who has died has come to an end, and that life going forward will undoubtedly be different.”
Beyond the practicalities of the funeral, Davis takes great care and pride in their community support.
“We achieve this in several ways – notably through financially supporting foundations reliant on fundraising, like partnering with Mercy Hospice, Totara Hospice, Hospice West Auckland and The Starship Foundation,” says Michael. “We also financially support a number of sporting clubs, and of course not forgetting, our valued partnership with the Auckland Philharmonia, which in turn provides us the opportunity to give the gift of music through concerts both public and private throughout the year.
“In addition to financial support, the Davis team volunteer and engage in community outreach activities such as training and awareness.”
A funeral director’s role, he goes on, is to take the journey with those impacted by the death of someone close, and to attend to the practicalities of looking after the deceased and ensuring they receive a dignified and respectful farewell.
“We do not sell funerals. We take the time to get to know every family we have the privilege of serving, developing an understanding of their needs – be they cultural, religious, or just simply their wants. In response we use our experience to present them with options and ideas as to how they can achieve the desired farewell outcome. This allows the family to make an informed decision which will support their mourning and grief journey.”
We take the time to get to know every family we have the privilege of serving.
How do you and your team look after yourselves as well as the families you serve?
“Families are at the heart of everything we do. From the very first call to transitioning to post-funeral grief counselling, our funeral directors are there to listen, guide and assist families during their time of need. At the risk of sounding cliched, there is something almost family about the team at Davis. The close-knit environment allows team members to talk about their experiences in a safe environment free from judgment – and with a high level of understanding, as we have all been there.
“Life in a funeral home can result in significant after-hours work. I allow the team flexibility and a level of self-management in terms of their designing the optimal roster, ensuring that we’re promoting a healthy work-life balance. All staff have access to company paid counselling and supervision to ensure that a private and confidential pathway exists for them to discuss any matters or concern, which needn’t be work related.”
As for Micheal’s life beyond the funeral home, it’s all about “time with my son, my family and my friends”. “I live rurally so there is always something to keep me busy,” he says. “My true passions are cars, scuba diving – and desperately trying to improve my guitar skills!”
Visit davisfunerals.co.nz for more information.
