Below are Email's & Text's received from families
who have given me the honour of asking me to officiate at a loved ones funeral.
who have given me the honour of asking me to officiate at a loved ones funeral.
Messages of Thanks
From: Ron <ron@xxxxxxxcomms.com>
Subject: Alexandra service
To: Eugene Matthias - Wedding & Funeral Celebrant <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene
My family and I wanted to thank you for such a wonderful and compassionate service on Tuesday. Everything was just perfect and you spoke with such feeling.
You were everything we could have wished for - so again thank you.
With best regards
Ron Sandi and family
From: Jacqueline Lxxxxxxxx
Subject: Dad's funeral
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Good afternoon Eugene,
Just a quick note to say, thank you so much for everything you have done for our family and officiating at my Dad's funeral last week. With the Covid rules and regulations, it felt very strange not to be able to sit properly together and hug each other.
You made the funeral an occasion that Dad would have really appreciated. Your words were so nice and the tone just right. Everyone who was there said how much they enjoyed your service, especially how you managed to get smiles and laughter on everyone's faces.
Thank you also for all the help and support in the preparation for the funeral and advice about the eulogy and order of service.
Kind regards,
Jacquie
From: GILLIAN <xxxxxxxxxxxxxx@ntlworld.com>
Subject: Service for Alan
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Good afternoon Eugene.
I just wanted to say a big thank you to you for putting together such a lovely service for Alan yesterday. Everybody I spoke to who was either in attendance or watching it being streamed said how lovely the service was and how well you came across.
Alan would have been absolutely thrilled with how the whole day went, for which I am so extremely grateful.
Kind regards
Gillian
From: Ruth <Ruth.@xxxxxxx.co.uk>
Subject: RE: Re - Thank you.
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Good morning, Eugene.
You did a marvellous job from start to finish. The full service being available beforehand was a fantastic idea, as it really helped my brother face the day as he knew what was going to happen as he was struggling to cope.
I had no previous experience of dealing with the loss of a family member, and with your guidance, you made it as stress free as it could have been.
Yesterday went very well, which took all the worry away from us, so from the family, we can’t thank you enough, and we would certainly recommend you.
Once again, thank you for everything, and we wish you all the best,
Kind regards
Ruth Johnston
Subject: RE: Re - Thank you.
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Good morning, Eugene.
You did a marvellous job from start to finish. The full service being available beforehand was a fantastic idea, as it really helped my brother face the day as he knew what was going to happen as he was struggling to cope.
I had no previous experience of dealing with the loss of a family member, and with your guidance, you made it as stress free as it could have been.
Yesterday went very well, which took all the worry away from us, so from the family, we can’t thank you enough, and we would certainly recommend you.
Once again, thank you for everything, and we wish you all the best,
Kind regards
Ruth Johnston
From: <michellexxxxxxxxxxx@sky.com>
Subject: Thank you
To: <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene
I wanted to write and say thank you very much for the beautiful service yesterday for my mum Kitty Jones. Your kindness and attention to detail at this very sad time for the family is much appreciated and I’m very glad you were able to support us and perform the service for us to help us say goodbye.
Many friends and family who couldn’t be with us have told us how moving the service for mum was so on behalf of all of us a big thank you.
Best regards,
Michelle
Subject: Thank you
To: <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene
I wanted to write and say thank you very much for the beautiful service yesterday for my mum Kitty Jones. Your kindness and attention to detail at this very sad time for the family is much appreciated and I’m very glad you were able to support us and perform the service for us to help us say goodbye.
Many friends and family who couldn’t be with us have told us how moving the service for mum was so on behalf of all of us a big thank you.
Best regards,
Michelle
From: Pearl Butcher xxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Re thank you.
To: Eugene Matthias <info@themagicclub.com>
Hello Eugene
Thank you so much for the wonderful celebration of life you did for us today.
We were all absolutely delighted to meet you and cannot praise you enough for the beautiful service you performed for David and for us. Debbie and Chris had not spoken to you but Georgina and I had told them how much we liked your manner, your sense of humour and your sympathetic approach.
I have already told many friends about you and thanked Amanda for introducing us and whilst I do not want to meet you in your official capacity any time soon, I do hope at some time in the future we do see you again perhaps wearing your other hat.
Very best wishes, stay safe and thank you
Pearl and family
Thank you again
Subject: Re: Re thank you.
To: Eugene Matthias <info@themagicclub.com>
Hello Eugene
Thank you so much for the wonderful celebration of life you did for us today.
We were all absolutely delighted to meet you and cannot praise you enough for the beautiful service you performed for David and for us. Debbie and Chris had not spoken to you but Georgina and I had told them how much we liked your manner, your sense of humour and your sympathetic approach.
I have already told many friends about you and thanked Amanda for introducing us and whilst I do not want to meet you in your official capacity any time soon, I do hope at some time in the future we do see you again perhaps wearing your other hat.
Very best wishes, stay safe and thank you
Pearl and family
Thank you again
From: cliverxxxxxxxx@hotmail.co.uk>
Subject: Re - Thank You
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Good Evening Eugene
Thank you so much, everyone commented on how well you conducted the Service yesterday. It hit exactly the right note. I would like to thank you on behalf of Sheree, Irene myself and family for making it a good send off for Gladys.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you for any events that you carry out having looked at your Website you have a wide range of talents .
Hopefully we will not be requiring any Funeral Services for a while though, but if we do your top of the list to carry out the Service.
Many Thanks
Clive
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
Subject: Re - Thank You
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Good Evening Eugene
Thank you so much, everyone commented on how well you conducted the Service yesterday. It hit exactly the right note. I would like to thank you on behalf of Sheree, Irene myself and family for making it a good send off for Gladys.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you for any events that you carry out having looked at your Website you have a wide range of talents .
Hopefully we will not be requiring any Funeral Services for a while though, but if we do your top of the list to carry out the Service.
Many Thanks
Clive
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
Shane <xxxxxxxxxxx@hotmail.com> wrote:
Good afternoon Eugene
We all, as a family, wanted to send you a big 'Thank You' for the service you gave for 'Jacko's' funeral.
It was such a lovely service and we couldn't have asked for better. Everyone who went, mentioned how lovely it was.
We will have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone else who may be in the position of needed your services.
So, once again a MASSIVE Thank You from all of the family.
Kind regards
Shane, Linda & family
To: From: <xxxxxxxx@gmail.com>
Subject: Today Service
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Hi Eugene
Thank you so much for today, we all agreed the service was very fitting and delivered with real feeling and with an understanding of my aunt.
We all really appreciate what you have done for the family, if this was ebay you would get 5* feedback!!
Thanks so much again
Linda x
Subject: Today Service
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Hi Eugene
Thank you so much for today, we all agreed the service was very fitting and delivered with real feeling and with an understanding of my aunt.
We all really appreciate what you have done for the family, if this was ebay you would get 5* feedback!!
Thanks so much again
Linda x
From: jane b<xxxxxx@hotmail.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Thank You
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Hi Eugene
I just wanted to say how pleased with the way you conducted my father in law Colin funeral.
The whole process from the first time we met you to the service itself we felt at ease and in very capable hands. We celebrated Colin's life with humour and love which you conveyed.
All the family would like to thank you and express our gratitude.
You assisted us in a time in our lives when we needed it most.
Kind regards
Jane and Alan
Sent from my iPhone
From: xxxxxxxxxxx <@hotmail.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Thank you
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Good morning Eugene
Thanks again for your support and the presentation of the service yesterday.
You were just the man for the job making the whole task so much easier for Josie and I.
Everyone said how much comfort they felt from your service on behalf of Mum.
Thanks again
Josie & Pete, Dave & Maureen
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.it.
Subject: Re: Thank you
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Good morning Eugene
Thanks again for your support and the presentation of the service yesterday.
You were just the man for the job making the whole task so much easier for Josie and I.
Everyone said how much comfort they felt from your service on behalf of Mum.
Thanks again
Josie & Pete, Dave & Maureen
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.it.
From: Daryl
Subject: RE: Thank you
To: <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene,
Thank you for everything you have done, we were all very happy with the service, it was delivered in exactly the right way. Everyone said how good you were.
You have been brilliant throughout.
Thank you so much for all your help and support.
All the best,
Daryl, Laura and Joe.
Subject: RE: Thank you
To: <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene,
Thank you for everything you have done, we were all very happy with the service, it was delivered in exactly the right way. Everyone said how good you were.
You have been brilliant throughout.
Thank you so much for all your help and support.
All the best,
Daryl, Laura and Joe.
From: Sue <xxxxxx.xxx@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Thank You.
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene
I would just like to thank you so much for being our Celebrant, for the service you produced and how you delivered it with such kindness and care. Your support meant so much to our family and helped us all to get through the saddest occasions.
With very best wishes.
Sue, John and family.
Subject: Re: Thank You.
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene
I would just like to thank you so much for being our Celebrant, for the service you produced and how you delivered it with such kindness and care. Your support meant so much to our family and helped us all to get through the saddest occasions.
With very best wishes.
Sue, John and family.
From: Susan <xxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com>
Subject: A very special thank you.
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene
You really did make the day one to remember with a big smile.
Everyone came up to me afterwards and said what a really lovely service it was and your words were so sincere and played upon the celebration of Mums Life. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making it such a NICE day.
Words cannot truly convey the debt I owe you for making it a day to remember, in the best possible sense.
I would have preferred to have written to you in the old fashioned way with pen and paper, but unfortunately cannot find your card.
Kind regards and best wishes.
Susan Joiner
From: Ann<xxxxxxxxxxx@yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: Fw: Celebration of Life service
Dear Eugene
I would like to sincerely thank you for the part you played in my step fathers John Passes funeral last Wednesday.
We were all very deeply touched and moved by your kind words and humour. This could of been a very sad day but instead we found ourselves really celebrating Johns life.
You really did listened to Linda and myself, so you were able to get the eulogy spot on, finding little thing to mention so everyone felt included.
Many thanks
Ann
From: darren <xxxxxxxxx@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Thank You
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>,
Dear Eugene
We would all like to thank you for a wonderful service you did today, everyone expressed the same sentiment to me about how wonderful your service was.
A couple of people have also asked for your contact details as they have family members nearing the end of their lives
I thought your improvisation was brilliant thank you
If anyone asks I would be very happy to recommend you as a celebrant
Again, thank you
Kind Regards
Darren, Louise and Charlie
From: Suzanne <xxxxxxxxx@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Thank You
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Thank you so much for the wonderful service Eugene.
Although it was very emotional for us you made it easy for us to say goodbye.
People commented that you made it sound like you knew Dad and that was very important to us all.
Thank you again
Suzanne, Kev, Ben, Toni and Mayson
…
From: barnes <xxxxxxxxxxxx@hotmail.co.uk>
Subject: Colin service
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene
Richard and I just wanted to thank you so very much for the lovely service you did for Colin yesterday.
You carefully and graciously carried out our wishes, enabling us to bring together Colin's family, my family, old friends and new friends to celebrate his life.
We really do appreciate all your help and support during a very time.
I assume you had a copy of the order of service for your records, but if not please let me know and I will drop one in the post.
Thank you so much.
The very best regards
Denise and Richard Barnes.
Subject: Colin service
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene
Richard and I just wanted to thank you so very much for the lovely service you did for Colin yesterday.
You carefully and graciously carried out our wishes, enabling us to bring together Colin's family, my family, old friends and new friends to celebrate his life.
We really do appreciate all your help and support during a very time.
I assume you had a copy of the order of service for your records, but if not please let me know and I will drop one in the post.
Thank you so much.
The very best regards
Denise and Richard Barnes.
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx@msn.com>
Subject: RE: Thank you.
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene
Thank you so much, friends and family commented on what a nice service it was you gave and loved the memories that were mentioned.
I was so relieved that Eric’s own children felt everything was said as they wanted it to be. As at times communication between myself and them was difficult due to the unexpected death of their mother within 8 days of Eric’s death. A shock for everyone to take in.
I apologise for my middle daughter Hannah completely ignoring our edited version of that tribute and reading her original words!!! She was always the ‘naughty’ one of my three girls. However it is always lovely to have a family member speak at these events and adding a personal touch. For Hannah, who did not tell her Granddad of her feelings believing she would have a last opportunity to see him, which did not happen, it gave her closure and peace to have read the tribute in her own words. I was slightly panicking at the time when I realised what she was doing!!!! I noticed you also glanced at your paperwork!!!
However the service did not feel rushed and thank you for handling the unexpected so well.
Take care of yourself.
Kind Regards
Sharon
Subject: RE: Thank you.
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene
Thank you so much, friends and family commented on what a nice service it was you gave and loved the memories that were mentioned.
I was so relieved that Eric’s own children felt everything was said as they wanted it to be. As at times communication between myself and them was difficult due to the unexpected death of their mother within 8 days of Eric’s death. A shock for everyone to take in.
I apologise for my middle daughter Hannah completely ignoring our edited version of that tribute and reading her original words!!! She was always the ‘naughty’ one of my three girls. However it is always lovely to have a family member speak at these events and adding a personal touch. For Hannah, who did not tell her Granddad of her feelings believing she would have a last opportunity to see him, which did not happen, it gave her closure and peace to have read the tribute in her own words. I was slightly panicking at the time when I realised what she was doing!!!! I noticed you also glanced at your paperwork!!!
However the service did not feel rushed and thank you for handling the unexpected so well.
Take care of yourself.
Kind Regards
Sharon
From: Maggie xxxxxxxxxxxxx@hotmail.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Thank You
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene
Thank you so much for your excellent service on Friday.
It gave everyone a glimpse of the John they knew and many people commented how lovely the service was delivered at the wake afterwards.
You lifted the sadness and truly celebrated John's life - he would have been pleased.
Life goes on and I have to find a way to carry on as he would have wished. I know it will be difficult at times but I have printed off the full script of your service and will be able to look back at that from time to time.
Once again, many thanks
Maggie
Subject: Re: Thank You
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene
Thank you so much for your excellent service on Friday.
It gave everyone a glimpse of the John they knew and many people commented how lovely the service was delivered at the wake afterwards.
You lifted the sadness and truly celebrated John's life - he would have been pleased.
Life goes on and I have to find a way to carry on as he would have wished. I know it will be difficult at times but I have printed off the full script of your service and will be able to look back at that from time to time.
Once again, many thanks
Maggie
Dear Eugene,
Thanks so much for following up since last week's funeral.
I speak on behalf of my brother and sister to say the service you delivered was a wonderfully fitting tribute to our Dad and there were many moments that made us smile and think of better times with him. You wrote the eulogy really well and it really captured Dads essence. You also managed the service seamlessly even with the impromptu Hindu flower scattering! You really understood our family dynamics and I think this was reflected in what you wrote and did on the day. Overall we were just so impressed from meeting you to your quick responses with the drafts and incorporating any changes we made.
Lastly on the day for putting us at ease, you helped to make things so much easier during what I can only describe as a surreal two weeks.
We had some lovely comments from friends and family about the service you did, one even commented that it was the best funeral service she had been to, so that says to me we did celebrate Dads life.
On a personal note I do hope our paths cross again under better circumstances. If I ever marry I will definitely be giving you a call!
I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone I know.
Thanks again
Best wishes
Varshali
From: xxxxxxxxxxx@cranville-wine-racks.co.uk>
Subject: Service
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene,
Just a quick note to say a big thank you.
My brother and I were very pleased with the lovely service and felt it was a superb send off for Derrick and portrayed him as he was in life.
We also particularly appreciated the positive messages you gave to us all.
Chatting with friends and family at the reception it was obvious they were all moved by the service you did.
Thank you so much again
Tina Farrington
Subject: Service
To: Eugene Matthias <info@eugenematthias.com>
Dear Eugene,
Just a quick note to say a big thank you.
My brother and I were very pleased with the lovely service and felt it was a superb send off for Derrick and portrayed him as he was in life.
We also particularly appreciated the positive messages you gave to us all.
Chatting with friends and family at the reception it was obvious they were all moved by the service you did.
Thank you so much again
Tina Farrington
Subject: Re: Celebration of Life Service
Dear Eugene
Thank you so much, the service you performed was just perfect!
I woke up this morning and reflected in yesterday and felt so content that we had really given Jim the send off we wanted and he deserved.
The turnout was overwhelming and humbling but everyone we spoke to said it was the best service they had been to which is a wonderful complement to us all.
Thank you so much for the part you played in ensuring it was just what we wanted.
Kind regards
Carolyn
Dear Eugene
Thank you so much, the service you performed was just perfect!
I woke up this morning and reflected in yesterday and felt so content that we had really given Jim the send off we wanted and he deserved.
The turnout was overwhelming and humbling but everyone we spoke to said it was the best service they had been to which is a wonderful complement to us all.
Thank you so much for the part you played in ensuring it was just what we wanted.
Kind regards
Carolyn
From: xxxxxxxxxxxx@hotmail.co.uk
Subject: Thank You
Good morning Eugene,
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the brilliant service you gave yesterday, we are all very pleased.
I have had so many messages from people saying what a lovely service you delivered.
So thank you so much for what you did.
I hope you have a lovely Easter.
Kindest regards.
Freda
Subject: Thank You
Good morning Eugene,
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the brilliant service you gave yesterday, we are all very pleased.
I have had so many messages from people saying what a lovely service you delivered.
So thank you so much for what you did.
I hope you have a lovely Easter.
Kindest regards.
Freda
Dear Eugene,
Glen and I want to thank you for Mum's lovely send off.
I was a bit concerned about having the service so organised, so often such organisation can lead to a cold and unemotional arrangement.
This was not the case, not only was the service thoroughly well organised, but it was warm and emotional, unlike my father's funeral.
I cannot recommend you highly enough.
Regards.
John and Glen Isherwood
Dear Eugene,
Thank you for your service, which was very good. It was at the right tempo and temperament throughout and everyone said it was a lovely service.
One thing I thought was great was when the grandchildren went up and put things on the coffin. Although you didn’t say anything in your service, it was your idea and I think it gave another dynamic to the informal service that our Mum would have wanted. Thank you for suggesting this.
Thanks for all your help and assistance in this difficult time.
Cheers
Rob
Dear Eugene
Thank you so much.
We have had so many comments from people who thought the funeral was lovely, and it did celebrate her life, as you intended.
You made it a very special day for us.
Thank you.
Kind regards.
Sue and Ashley