SAIF announces death of founding member

The Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) has announced the death of one of the founding members Paul Bysouth.

Bysouth passed away peacefully at home in Burwash, East Sussex on Thursday 19 March 2020. Bysouth took over his father’s business in Crowborough, East Sussex in 1962 where it remains to this day, trading under his name.

In a statement SAIF said: “He was instrumental in the very genesis of SAIF when it was founded in 1989, believing passionately in the need to support the independent funeral sector against the rising proliferation of the corporate funeral companies and their aggressive marketing techniques. 

“He believed instead that family owned funeral directors wanted a trade association that would uphold the highest of values and offer reassurance and comfort to the members of the public.”

Bysouth was also appointed a fellow of SAIF in March 2011 at the SAIF AGM that year in acknowledgment of his work and support over many years; the highest honour to be bestowed on any member.