Interview with Francis Day

Interview with Francis Day. Born in 1947 in Nelson, one of nine children. Describes childhood memories of growing up in family run funeral parlour business Day and Son, later known as P Day and Son Ltd, and then Eventide Funeral Services. Talks about his grandmother, Hilda Day (nee Emms), a school teacher, hockey player for New Zealand and businesswoman, and his grandfather Francis Maurice (Paddy) Day who purchased first motorized hearse in Nelson. Recalls family business in Hardy Street, the move to Vanguard Street and then to Marsden House premises to manage Marsden House Funeral directors. Talks about attending Australian Academy of Embalming and Funeral Hygiene in 1964. Discusses Australian methods of dealing with body decomposition and adoption of English customs in funeral services. Recalls in his father's time (Patrick (Pat) Day), there was method of temporary preservation and that proper embalming using intravenous circulation was important development. Refers to embalming training being in Australia, England and American resulting in 13 qualified embalmers in New Zealand by 1971. Mentions being one of three man team which developed embalming curriculum for New Zealand Embalmers Association (NZEA). Talks about embalming being required for hygiene, control of disease and presentation of deceased. Discusses how funeral work affects whole life and attributues neccessary for role. Observes changes from fewer family owned businesses and women entering the profession. Observes role progressed from providing coffin and transportation to profession that provides care for others. Refers to bereavement support program.

Talks about his business expansion projects, opening his own crematorim in Motueka, developing 'Gardens of the World' property at Hope, Nelson. Describes tutoring embalming for 12 years and 30 years on Funeral service Training Trust (FSTT). Discusses environmental impact of embalming fluids and need for regulation of embalmers because of dealing with dangerous substances. Mentions membership of British Institute of Embalmers. Discusses Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ), their Griefcare quality assurance programme and his reasons for forming New Zealand Independent Funeral Homes (NZIFH) with others.

Talks about the business covering Nelson, Rye Valley, Murchison and Golden Bay. Recalls dealing with different ethnic groups. Details Chinese funeral practises. Recounts working on police call outs for fishing industry deaths, and traumantic deaths. Mentions body removal after Inangahua earthquake. Recalls personal impact of working on Mount Erebus air disaster team.

Discusses socialising as a funeral director and impact of profession on home life. Mentions dealing with children's funerals and suicides. Discusses green or eco burials. Expresses concern over direct cremation. Talks about dealing with differing family member wishes. Describes portrayals of profession in media and entertainment. Talks about his 46 years in the business and considers 'it's a calling'.

Abstracted by - Penny Brander

Interviewer(s) - Penny Brander

Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s). 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 1 interview(s). 2.57 Hours and minutes Duration.

Physical Description: Textual files - Microsoft word

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7629, OHDL-001865.

Search dates: 1947 - 2010

Alternative form available: Both printed and digital copies of the abstract are available