Ian and Suzanne Bell purchased J Lamb, Trotter and Son in May 2003. Ian was professionally educated and trained as an embalmer / funeral director in Toronto, Canada and has made this his life's work since 1980. In early 1991 he moved to Christchurch to marry Suzanne and start a new life. Suzanne was born in Dunedin. Her family shifted to Christchurch when she was only a few months old and she has lived in Christchurch ever since.
Suzanne (nee Shaw) was educated at St Margaret's College (in 2005 Bell, Lamb & Trotter Funeral Directors Ltd donated two memorial books and in 2006, a cabinet, to accommodate the memorial books, which was installed in the entrance to the Chapel). Suzanne is an experienced manager and trained in event management during the years she worked at the University of Canterbury in the Vice-Chancellor's office. Suzanne considers her event management experience a great asset especially when dealing with exceptionally large funerals. She is a true Cantabrian and now Ian considers himself a one-eyed Cantabrian too. Ian is President of the Canterbury Ice- Hockey Association, a position he has held for many years. Suzanne is a member of the Zonta Club of Christchurch Canterbury and assists the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust with their fundraising events. Ian and Suzanne are Canon Almoners of the ChristChurch Cathedral.
Ian, Suzanne and their professional team are available 24 hours a day to assist families through one of life's most difficult and emotional experiences. The bereavement support person rounds out their team to provide a complete caring, sensitive and professional staff. Remember “when the need arises”, Bell, Lamb & Trotter Funeral Directors Ltd are the people to help you.
Bell, Lamb & Trotter Funeral Directors Ltd expects the absolute best from all its staff. Only people with a genuine sense of calling to their work are offered the privilege of joining the team, which will serve the families who request our assistance.
DOMINIC ORR
Funeral Director / Team Leader
Dominic is a knowledgeable and active member of the Catholic community in Christchurch and is involved with the Catholic youth movement. Dominic recently travelled to Rome as a delegate for an international forum of young Catholic workers.
CRAIG PAYNE
Funeral Director / Embalmer
Craig's background is quite diverse and encompasses a number of successful roles including Corporate Security and Chief Reporters Assistant at the Press newspaper. Professional experience with people from all walks of life has given Craig a unique insight into the various cultures, groups and people that form our community. Craig is also an accomplished musician and composer who runs his own music company.
SARAH GREIG
Trainee Embalmer / Funeral Director's Assistant
Sarah commenced with Bell, Lamb & Trotter Funeral Directors Ltd in November 2006 as an embalmer and Funeral Director's Assistant. She was educated at Rangi Ruru Girls' School and then the University of Canterbury. Sarah is a valuable member of our team and enjoys her new role.
REVEREND JULIE-ANNE JONES
Funeral Director / Celebrant
Julie-Anne Jones joined our team in September 2006. Julie-Anne brings with her a wealth of life experience. She has a background in Nursing, Social Work and Marketing and is also a priest assistant at ChristChurch Cathedral. She considers it a privilege to be able to serve bereaved families and the feedback we have received suggests that those who meet Julie-Anne have been impressed with her ability to 'capture the essence' of their loved one in a manner that is dignified, warm and respectful. In her words... “A celebration of a person's life is the last thing that we can do for them. We have a duty to carry out their instructions with love, laughter and dignity, mingling with our tears.”
PAUL SKIPPER
Maori Funeral Director
Paul specialises in Maori funerals. He understands the protocols and the needs of the Maori people in their time of need. He is an intregal part of the Rapaki Marae.
TONY PURCELL
Funeral Director
Tony is a Funeral Director with many years experience. He was an Inspector with the Christchurch Transport Board prior to coming into the funeral directing field.
ANDREW BELL
Funeral Director's Assistant
Andrew is the son of the owners of the company. He was educated at Medbury Preparatory School and Christ's College. He is presently in his final year at the University of Canterbury where he has been studying for a double degree in Law and Commerce, majoring in Marketing. Andrew assists in the family busines during University holidays and when required during evenings and weekends.
BEVERLEY RAINES-MACHIRUS
Bereavement Support
For varied reasons, the weeks and months following a death can be difficult. As bereavement support person, I am available to grieving people to listen and support as required. This is a complimentary service.
Members of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand proudly display the symbol of the Association. The FDANZ symbol is a guarantee of professional integrity, skill, compassion and service.
