Frank Rigby, 65, has spent more than four decades with Wathall’s, Derby’s longest established family-owned funeral directors, and says his career has been shaped by “the very best people”.
Frank joined Wathall’s at the age of 20 after leaving college. His first job was making coffins, before he went on to assist at funerals, drive hearses and limousines, and eventually become a funeral director.
Over the years, he has worked across every part of the business — and he has no plans to retire just yet.
One of the defining moments of his career came when he was 27 and Bill Wathall, then managing director of the firm, told him he was ready to be fitted for a top hat and tails.
Frank 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 MD of Wathall’s before his daughter, Helen, took over, was a great teacher and mentor.”
More than a decade ago, Frank took on responsibility for Wathall’s Ashbourne branch. He says he made a conscious effort to become part of the local community and build lasting relationships with 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.”
For Frank, the role of a funeral director does not simply end once the service has taken place.
He said: “I’ve gone round to people’s houses weeks later, had a cup of tea with them and just sat and listened if they need someone to talk to.”
During his career, Frank has helped families create deeply personal tributes that reflect the lives of those they have lost.
One funeral that has stayed with him was for a well-known local man who was known for dressing as Star Wars character C-3PO.
For his final farewell, dozens of stormtroopers walked behind the hearse, while Darth Vader accompanied Frank at the front of the procession.
Frank said: “Every funeral is different. It’s about making sure it’s right for that family and reflects the person they’ve lost.
“I also helped to arrange the funeral of Sir Alan Bates, the English actor, and I worked with a family who wanted a member of their family, the grandmother, buried in her favourite paddock.
“When you have been doing a job for as long as I have, nothing really surprises you.
“We tell customers we can do anything, as long as it is legal.”
Helen Wathall MBE said Frank’s long service reflected the values at the heart of the family business.
She said: “Frank is a wonderful example of what Wathall’s stands for.
“His care, compassion and dedication to families over so many years reflects the values my father built this business on.
“Reaching more than 45 years with Wathall’s is an incredible milestone, and we are so grateful to Frank for everything he has given to the business and to the families he has supported over the years.
“His care, compassion and dedication have touched so many people and this truly reflects what Wathall’s is about.”
Frank’s connection to Wathall’s also runs through his family. His wife, Lynne Rigby, works for the firm too and has been with the business for more than 12 years.