Funeral director steps down after 35 years

Andrew Cant of Mortons Funeral Directors has made the decision to step down from his role and begin his retirement after 35 years with the same firm.

The Bromsgrove resident worked for the company since 1982 starting as a general funeral service operative. He worked his way up the ranks, becoming foreman, then funeral manager and finally a funeral director.

Staff past and present were amongst more than 70 people who gathered at Mortons’ Northfield offices to wish Cant a fond farewell. Clergy, celebrants, solicitors, florists, caterers, cemetery and crematorium staff and the company’s stone mason all attended the event to see him handed a TV amongst other gifts as a mark of recognition from the company.

Mortons’ managing director, Derek Case, said: “It’s going to seem strange to not have Andrew around, but equally we wanted to give him a send-off to remember. As an employee he personifies the Mortons ethos, carrying out his duties with dignity and respect. He was always very approachable and had the ability to put people at their ease.

“I would describe him as a real gentleman, someone who consistently found a resolution for families at what is more often than not a very difficult time in their lives – the loss of a loved one.”

Cant added: “I have seen many changes over the years, including what people want from a funeral. The wish to personalise a loved one’s service has increased significantly, and it has been a privilege over all these years to use the knowledge I have gained to help ensure that each individual funeral ended up being precisely what our clients wanted.”

Cant now plans to spend his time with his wife Anita, children and grandchildren.