A BROMSGROVE funeral director is stepping down after more than 35 years with the same firm.
Andrew Cant started work at Mortons Funeral Directors in 1982 and since then has worked his way up the ranks.
Staff past and present were among more than 70 people who gathered at Mortons’ Northfield offices to wish Andrew a fond farewell.
Clergy, celebrants, solicitors, florists, caterers, cemetery and crematorium staff and the company’s stone mason all attended the event to see Andrew handed a TV, along with other gifts in recognition of his time with 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.”
Andrew began his career at Mortons, which also has offices in Cotteridge and Rubery, as a general funeral service operative.
He then became foreman, funeral manager and finally a funeral director.
He said: “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.”
Andrew now plans to spend his time with his wife Anita, children and grandchildren.
