First Hand - Two Men from Tūākau

Television (Full Length Episode) – 1993

Bruce Graham, wife Lynn and son Mark are in the funeral business, serving the people in the Waikato town of Tūākau at their darkest times. This episode of First Hand takes place in the aftermath of local man Athel Parsons' death, from collecting his body to his funeral and cremation. Athel lived alone but was from a large family. He contributed to his town through his love of sports, in particular indoor bowls. As Bruce organises Athel's farewell we learn about both men's lives, and how the most common of events can affect a small community.

In the reception area Lynn is churning out sandwiches for hundreds — better to have too many, than to run short.
– Narrator Michael Keir-Morrissey describes the work behind a successful send-off