40-up for industry worker

A regional manager for the Co-operative Funeralcare has clocked up 40 years’ service for communities in Cumbria and Tyne and Wear.

Fifty-six-year-old Alan Williamson began his career in the industry back in 1972, working for a funeral home in Sherburn Hill. He became a qualified embalmer in 1977 and joined the British Institute of Embalmers in 1978.

That same year Alan passed his diploma in funeral directing and asked to move to Horden to continue his role as a funeral director. Several decades and promotions later, Alan was appointed to the position of regional manager of west Durham and Cumbria in May 2006.

Alan is currently the regional manager of Cumbria and Tyne and Wear, looking after 29 branches that take care of around 3,400 funerals a year.

“I feel incredible lucky to have enjoyed every aspect of my job throughout the 40 years I have worked in the funeral profession, whether it was helping with funeral arrangements when I first started or looking after the entire region as I do now,” Alan said.

“I have worked with some wonderful colleagues and met some fantastic people, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work for the Co-operative Funeralcare for many years to come.”

Image: Alan (right) is presented with his long service award by sector manager Kevin McAlister.