Ian Cowling
Ian has over 20 years experience in the funeral industry, previously working for two other Newcastle family-owned firms. He only left his first position after the company was bought by a multi-national company and it's core focus shifted from the families it served. The other company Ian worked for was so large that he wasn't able to spend quality time with client families. Ian knows first hand that a smaller family-owned business is better placed to care for other families.
Throughout his years in the industry, Ian has conducted several thousand funerals including many ethnic services, and is acutely aware of the cultural requirements of Newcastle's immigrants. He has built strong relationships with many of the local clergy. Ian believes that a funeral service has dual purposes: to celebrate a life well-lived and to enable families to publicly grieve their loss. Every life is worth celebrating, no matter how old or young!
Ian commenced work in the funeral industry while studying Industrial Design at Newcastle University, and has also worked as a casual radio announcer. He is heavily involved with Christian Football (Soccer) both around Australia and here in the Hunter. Enjoyed playing the world game, before a knee reconstruction cut his time short. Loves to spend time with his wife and four young children on weekends. Spends way too much time creating websites like this one!
Ian is current Public Officer for Mayfield Business Association and Chairman of the Lewis House Hostel Committee.
View Ian's Linkedin Profile.
Our Story
Past
In 1882, Jonah Bevan and his family established the first funeral home in Stockton. Using the same time honoured traditions and beliefs instilled in him by his parents and grandparents many years before, Jonah quickly developed a reputation for providing caring and professional services to his community in their hour of need. Understanding the importance of these traits, Jonah and his family ensured these characteristics were passed down through his descendants. Little did Jonah know that the business he founded on these 'old fashioned' traditions would still be following his ideals more than a century later.
Present
From its humble beginnings in Stockton, today our business has grown to serve families from all areas of Newcastle and the Hunter. Jonah would be proud to know that despite our expansion, every family we serve is still provided the same care and professionalism that he showed more than a hundred years ago. It is this commitment to service that has meant Jonah's original business in Stockton is the oldest continually operating funeral firm within the Newcastle area, as well as being one of the oldest in the state.
Future
Whilst our business has grown substantially over the last century, our family is still actively involved in it's day to day operations. Since our business remains family owned, we can ensure every family we serve receives the highest standards of professionalism and care. Our staff are trained in the importance of these traits and our family's direct involvement means the dependance and faith so many families have had in us for generations will continue for generations to come.
Professionalism
France Family Funerals has over a century of experience in all aspects of funeral service. We operate on two levels:
- As a business, we operate in a professional manner, & are established to abide to all laws & operate on "good business practice" model.
- As a family, we choose to conduct our duties with dignity & sensitivity by offering compassion & understanding to those families who are grieving for the loss of their loved ones.
What We Do
At France Family Funerals we can tailor a funeral service to your individual wishes whilst complying with all relevant laws and regulations. After discussing your preferences, we take detailed instructions about the required services and facilities you require. Then we ensure that the funeral is dignified and delivered to the highest professional standards possible. The list below is not a comprehensive list of services that we provide but it is indicative of our duties and responsibilities:
Our Services
Catering for all religions, beliefs and customs, we can arrange funeral services in any location you choose including church, crematorium, graveside, or even in your own home/garden. We can put at your disposal air-conditioned chapels, event rooms and tearooms. Our family and experienced staff are there to care for your family, because the "most important thing to our family is.... your family"
