Norman Murray

Welcome!Allow me to introduce myself.I have been a celebrant since 1989, when I ended twenty years as a secondary school English teacher, and became a funeral director, embalmer, volunteer funeral celebrant and funeral educator, working for a large North Shore company. In 2009 I became a free-lance celebrant, specialising in funerals. Over the years I have been the celebrant for babies, children and adolescents, old age, chronic illness, suicide, homicide, accidental and sudden deaths; and for people from all walks of life; some services with only a few people and others with several hundred mourners present.I have a feet-firmly-on-the-ground approach to death and funeral ceremonies. Funerals should match the deceased’s life and values and meet the family’s needs. I believe there should be some substance rather than mere sentimentality, and whatever is included must be appropriate to the situation. Even in the saddest of circumstances, there is room for celebration as well as  recognition of the desolation people may feel. I am comfortable with whatever blend of religious or non-religious content the family may need. My basic task is always to listen to the family as they recount the story of the person they mourn, and then to help them – with understanding, compassion and good humour – to work towards a suitable farewell.

While there is much traditional material available, to bring a little local flavour to funeral resources I’ve written an ever-growing number of verses and poems which capture something of life (and death) in our part of the world. – These are in my book, Exit Lines, now in its fourth edition. It is available if you contact me. Above all, funerals should be real and honest (diplomatic and tactful where necessary, of course), and be part of the solution, not an added burden of grief. It is a privilege to be able to help people over a hump. I leave you with a few comments from families I have cared for. Warm RegardsNorm Murray 

Testimonials: Dear Norm, Thank you so much for your wonderfully warm and heartfelt, compassionate words at our Celebration of Jon’s life last Wednesday, You helped make everyone enjoy a very sad occasion. – Margaret and Roy*********Dear Norm, What can one say. The success or otherwise of Mum’s commitment rested on your shoulders. We served up a venue that might not have been easy. The comments about you from those who wished to know how long you had known the family indicates for me that the job you did was successful in every way. The afternoon was way above and beyond expectations. You had never met us before, yet your interpretation of our discussions from random thoughts into a cohesive narration could not have been improved upon, so thank you Norm. Kind Regards, Phill *********Hi Norm, Just wanted to message you personally and thank you for such a wonderful service yesterday for mum. You did a wonderful job and it couldn’t have been any better as it was just so fitting. You are an amazing listener and captured mum and our family so well. All the best, Ann *********Dear Norm, Please accept my thanks for the way you spoke about Lindsay. But especially for reading my story of my life with him. I lacked the courage to speak for myself. I am very grateful to you. Regards, Colleen. *********Hi Norm, Many many thanks for the way you conducted the service for my Mum.  Your professionalism and well thought out analysis of the family situation stands out. It is a credit to you. We especially appreciated the way you were able to summarise a life so well after only a brief time with the family. You clearly are a ‘people person’ and able to easily draw out the important things to relate as part of the ceremony.  You have made us feel very comfortable with what in some circumstances could be a very difficult choice, and one that could be disastrous if chosen poorly!  Thanks again. Garry *********Dear Norm, Thank you for your part in our farewell service for James and for delivering such honest and thoughtful messages about the manner of his death.  We are slowly coming to terms with our loss and we are all at differing stages on the rollercoaster ride of grieving.  However, I wondered if you would be kind enough to forward your wonderful words to us as I feel we could all benefit from revisiting them.  Looking forward to your reply. Barbara*********