Civil Funerals are services that take the beliefs of the family and make them central to the funeral. They allow you to say what will and will not happen in accordance to your wishes. They allow the life of your loved one to be remembered in a way that is fitting and helpful at a difficult time. I will work with you to ensure that that happens.
With more than 20 years of experience leading funerals I will do my utmost to provide a dignified and highly personal ceremony, which will be based on your requirements.
We have lived through challenging and unprecedented times, funerals are essential, saying goodbye to someone we love has never been more important.
Having worked safely all through the pandemic my promise to you is that I will keep up to date with government legislation and keep in regular contact with the local crematoria and funeral directors.
For a caring, personalised and understanding service
Contact Mark Gilborson at: devoncivilcelebrant@gmail.com
Mark Gilborson was recommended to me and my brother by the Funeral Directors. We were keen to find someone experienced to lead our mother's funeral. After a bad experience tens years previously with another celebrant it was vital that we chose someone who we could trust implicitly and who had a great sense of humour. After explaining this to the funeral director she did indeed find us the perfect celebrant in Mark.
Initially we wanted to meet Mark in person to make sure he was a good match for us. He kindly made a home visit so my brother and I could discuss our requirements for the service. A rapport was quickly established and Mark put us totally at ease. Throughout the whole process, from our initial meeting to the day of the funeral, we felt comforted and reassured by Mark's professional yet personable demeanour . He was incredibly supportive, empathetic and very communicative, responding to emails and calls promptly; Nothing was too much trouble and his attention to detail was impressive.
On the day of the funeral Mark lead the service with great ease, confidence and sensitivity. He was relaxed and humorous yet respectful, which is exactly what we had hoped for as we wanted the funeral to be a celebration of our mother's life and personality. There was much music and laughter as well as some tears but it was an absolutely perfect tribute to her. My whole family fell in love with Mark.
Half way through the service my Aunt whispered to me "Oh what a lovely, lovely man!" Everyone else echoed her comments throughout the day.
We struck gold when we chose Mark as our celebrant. The service ran seamlessly. We are so deeply grateful for everything he did for our family and for our mother. I can't recommend him highly enough. A day we will always remember and carry in our hearts forever.
Thank you Mark, you are a star!
Everyone leaves a footprint Every person is unique Every life matters