Richard Stebbings celebrates 50 years in the funeral profession

On June 13 2016, Richard Stebbings celebrates 50 years in
connection with the funeral profession. His Cambridge based family run business offers tailored funeral plans for each individual. 

Richard began his career at the then-Cambridge & District Co–Operative Society, firstly helping in the stonemasons’ department and from time to time with funerals.

After a few years, Richard moved permanently to the funeral department helping with enquires concerning memorials. He assisted with bearing, driving and eventually arranging and conducting funerals.

In 1978 Richard gained the diploma laid down by the National
Association of Funeral Directors. In 1982 he became a member of the British Institute of Funeral Directors.

In 1989 Richard took the role of manager of Co-Operative Funeral Service in Cambridge on the retirement of Mr Kitchen. Following the takeover of Cambridge by CRS, Richard had the opportunity to help set and run Cambridge Funeral Service as the one of the principal directors. 

In 2000 Richard took on another role, that of City Councillor representing his local community. He held the position for seven years, whilst also working within the funeral profession, only standing down when his business became more demanding.

In 2000, the local paper gave readers a chance to suggest persons for a millennium award. Richard was recognised his work with a young child’s funeral.

After a professional dispute with the then-Cambridge Funeral Service Richard was able to set up his own family funeral directors. He works alongside his wife Drusilla, daughter Hazel, sons David and Tony and son-in–law Mark.

Twelve years later, Richard and family thank everyone for their support and hope to be a family run firm for many years to come. Retirement is not anywhere in the foreseeable future as far as Richard is concerned.