He’s one of the most well-known figures in the North Waikato, but what’s behind the sharp suit and empathetic manner? The Chatter asked Bryce Mounsey to let us know a little more about the man behind the image
You’re well known around the north Waikato as a funeral director, but how did you get into this role?
A bit by accident really; it certainly wasn’t planned! We had closed our pet shop in Huntly after a couple of years, and I was seeking a new vocation when I saw a job advertised at the local funeral home for a funeral director, embalmer and monumental mason. I applied and got the job. The rest, as they say, is history.
Tell us how it all started- and what did you want to be ‘when you grew up”?
I’m a local lad, born in Huntly in 1961, raised on the family farm at Naike, where I attended primary school and then bussed daily to Huntly College for my three years of secondary school education.
I’ve never really been a sporty person but did enjoy running in my earlier days. Not wanting to stay on the farm, I had aspirations of becoming a builder, but instead embarked on a career with the then Post Office, starting out as a telegram delivery lad, moving to mailroom sorter, postie then progressing to a teller, ending my 20 year career as a Postbank Branch Manager in Huntly in 1997. Then I took up my present role -28 years ago now!
What does your role involve – (not too much detail please!?)
I’ve always told folk that my role as a funeral director is the hardest job I’ve ever had – but it is also the most rewarding.
We have to wear many hats in our role. Being empathetic is a big key, being there to support families in their time of need. We are “special people” in a “special role”
We are often the first people outside the family that people call, and our care starts from there. Meeting with the family is key in order that suitable arrangements can be put in place in line with the family’s wishes.
We transfer the deceased to our funeral home in Huntly to prepare them for the final part of their journey, whatever that might look like. We help families navigate an often unfamiliar process at a time that can be stressful and emotional for them. It’s all about making that journey as easy as possible.
What would you say have been the high points (and low points) of your career as a funeral director?
After being involved in this role now for 28 years, I have experienced many highs and lows. On the positive side it would have to be that I have had the wonderful privilege of assisting many families through the process of losing a loved one.
On the negative side, it would have to be the occurrence of Covid and all that that robbed families of at a time of loss. Then there is the financial impact of the then Government’s restrictions around how we had to conduct our business. All that very nearly closed our doors for good!
So how do you relax, what do you do in your spare time What’s important to you?
If I’m not at work or on-call, I like to spend time relaxing (working) at home with many projects always on the go. Spending time with family is appreciated as often it’s them that miss out when you’re committed to this type of work. Your family kind of goes from 5 to 5,000 plus when you’re working.
I ride motorcycles so enjoy getting out in the fine weather to “blow out the cobwebs” of a busy week. I’ve recently returned from a very enjoyable three-week tour of the South Island on my motorbike.
And finally, how do people react when they ask you what your job is and you tell them?
People often react differently when they find out what I do. Some are curious, some even shocked and don’t know what to say. Sometimes it’s just easier to tell people I’m a ‘caretaker’.
When it comes to the “heeby jeebies”, I always tell folk in all these years I’ve never had any issue dealing with the deceased in my care; it’s the living ones that can give you grief!
By Anna Bell
