Hope and Sons Funeral Directors

Client Feedback

These comments are taken from Hopes Family Follow-Up Surveys and letters from families between now and 2006.

“Everything from day 1 was arranged to a very high standard and we would to especially thank Michael for all his help.”

“John made everything go smoothly and the hard decisions were easier to make.”

“Michael’s professional attributes were more than outstanding.”

“More than satisfied with Donna, she was most helpful in every way.”

“Andrew was extremely courteous and professional at all times.”

“They came to our home and weren’t in any hurry, they listened to what we had to say.”

“Everything was so well done, we weren’t rushed into anything, they were available at any time we needed.”

“It was the personal care ‘Hope and Sons’ took with every stage. It felt like you took the time to get to know us.”

“She made us feel like we had nothing to worry about it would be taken care of.”

“Thank you to you all. At this sad time you made things so easy at this difficult time.”

“The sensitivity and courtesy shown to one at such a sad time.”

“Johanna was wonderful and you are so lucky to have such a wonderful person at Hopes.”

“John was fantastic. Would recommend him to anyone.”

“Both my sister and I felt we had a large part in the decision making process with none of the stress.”

“Top marks and will not hesitate to recommend to others.”

“Donna was sensitive, caring and interested. She easily fitted into our family and was a pleasure to have in our home. She cared and that meant the world to me.
The service sheets were superb – thanks also for the cards – very special touch.”

“John left no stone unturned. Most professional and very helpful.”

“The personal touch and the helpful information at a stressful time.
I liked the photobook sent – a lovely touch.”

“Everyone was extremely caring and helpful.”

“Donna was very helpful while also being unobtrusive.”

“Being able to talk freely about arrangements and pricing – thanks Mike.”

“I had no concerns – everything was hassle free. Thank you for that.”

“After service support and Christmas function very helpful. Johanna makes a difficult time less difficult. Personal attention of staff. Knowing our names and being helpful.”

“I would like to thank Johanna, who was there for me all the way.”

“I am extremely grateful to Andrew. He was so calm and helpful, many thanks.”

“The caring and empathy shown by everyone I came in contact with, they listened to what the family wanted and gave us all we asked for.”

“They allowed us as much time as we liked with our loved one.”

“Couldn’t have been more understanding and kind.”

“I found her very helpful and courteous, patient and tolerant.”

“Andrew was wonderful, people like him are a gift to the profession. Caring and understanding at a very difficult time, details that were small to him, but meant a lot to us as a family.”

“John ‘fitted in’ to our family – sense of humour etc.
Professional approach with genuine, easy to relate manner.”

“Andrew was so extremely professional. He was kind, thoughtful and respectful.”

“Always attentive and courteous from Barbara the receptionist, to John and Andrew the funeral directors- very warm team.”

“Andrew made things very easy.”

“We found Andrew excellent and very caring; nice quiet manner. Our family and myself were very impressed. Great.”

“Excellent. Once again Donna made our situation easy. We cannot speak highly enough of her.”

“Johanna could not have been more helpful and supportive.”

“The dignified professionalism of all personal with whom we dealt.”

“Michael has provided a high degree of personal and professional service every time.”

"Very satisfied with the relaxed yet professional demeanour of John whose care in ensuring no detail was overlooked was much appreciated by the family."

"Nothing was a bother, no question was unanswered. Attention to detail was superb."

"The first meeting with John was not rushed in any way and made it much more easy to cope with everything. "

"The wonderful service from everyone involved. I cannot speak too highly of your splendid staff. "

"The Christmas Service was lovely, so poignant, yet simple, thank you. "

"Andrew made my job easy. "

"Donna's help with arranging to bring Dad home from Wellington, organising Merle, the family airfares, and keeping us on track generally. "

"He was excellent - very supportive, informative, and helpful."

"Gary had a very "easy" manner and put us at ease. "

"Reassuring knowing that you'll be around for the next time. "

"They thought of everything. It was superb."

"Donna was totally brilliant and became part of our family. Thank you. "

"Johanna was very helpful through all aspects of our daughter's death. "

"As far as funerals are sensitive potentially difficult situations all was managed with dignity and diplomacy. "

"The consideration, guidance, and support received from Johanna were top notch, and were more than expected."

"Quiet, dignified and diligent planning."

"Excellent. A gentleman's approach, very dignified."

"You were all very helpful as I have not had to do this before by myself."

"Andrew's personal service, very professional, caring and sensitive. A great help to us."

"Thanks for making a difficult day easy."

"The willingness to assist in any way possible, with many tasks taken out of our hands. Efficiency and sensitivity."

"The caring of all the staff, the presentation of mother, all the assistance provided. Extremely happy and satisfied."

"Donna has a very caring, sensitive approach - helped to make a difficult time somewhat easier - our Mum looked great."

"Just to let you know - you were all so supportive, empathetic, honest and calming to our family in our time of need. We will never forget you all."

"Lyndon, Tricia, and all the staff couldn't do enough to help us at our sad loss. Top marks to all."

"Lovely facilities and nothing was a problem to organize. Very nice afternoon tea."

"The most meaningful aspect of the service you provided was saying that you would look after him."

"Michael's expertise and sensitivity, exceptional, above and beyond."

We know we are not perfect.
Some areas you have helped us identify where we can improve.

“Having 3 people dealing with us (for whatever reason) – all were lovely, but felt 3 was a bit much.”

“Introduce your assistants helping at the funeral.”

“Ensure the casket is buried in the centre of the grave.”

“The service sheet was lovely, with a backing of a farm, but we could have used a photo of our own farm if we’d known earlier.”

“A larger gathering area for after the funeral would be good.”

“Improve the instant coffee.”

“The previous service felt too close in time.”

“Make sure the correct versions of the bible readings are printed.”

“Provide bigger and more vases in Chapel.”

"Date of birth on order of service was incorrect."

"Having a list of alternate venues."

"Outside TV needed for the people outside."

"More encouragement by your staff for the Tribute Book to be signed."

"We could have done with more time for afternoon tea. I had forgotten that country people enjoy a catch-up."

"The service at the Church was unobtrusive. There was one mix-up with the seating."

"The name on the DVD was incorrect spelling."

"Mention the chance to record the service."

"The full range of coffins priced with pictures."

About Us

Our Aims & Values

Hope and Sons

Telephone: 03 455 5074