Register to get 3 free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Wathall’s Frank Rigby is marking 45 years of service at Derby’s longest-established family-owned funeral directors.
Rigby, who says his career has been filled with “the very best people”, has helped families to create tributes to their loved ones for decades.
Joining Wathall’s at the age of 20, Rigby, now 65, began by making coffins before assisting at funerals and driving hearses, later becoming a funeral director for the firm. With experience across every department, he arranged the funeral for English actor Sir Alan Bates.
At 27 years old, he was given his first funeral director duties by owner Bill Wathall, who told him he was ready to be fitted for a top hat and tails. Rigby said: “I never forgot that day. It was a sign I was being trusted to take funerals and I was really flattered.
“Bill, who was the managing director of Wathall’s before his daughter, Helen, took over, was a great teacher and mentor.”
Wathall’s, established in 1858, is currently managed by Helen Wathall MBE, the fifth generation of her family to run the business. Rigby has been responsible for the Ashbourne branch for more than 10 years, and has continued to build relationships with the wider community and local families.
He said: “I really love that my job allows me to be there for people when they need it most. Families come to us at a very difficult time, and it’s important they feel supported and listened to.”
