Tania Bishop
My name is Tania Bishop. I was born and grew up in Milton - 3rd generation. After attending Tokomairirio High School I went to Teachers College to get some life skills and experience under my belt. 30 years later I have held three incredible careers, teaching, owning and running a Women’s Only Gym for 19 years and of course my current number one love, my privileged Celebrant role.
From a school leaver, I always wanted to serve families with their loved ones funeral, and to be able to do this in South Otago, I feel very honoured.
As a celebrant, my aim is to create a service that is always reflective of your loved one, so that means I will listen with an open attitude and with a deep, caring understanding, guiding each person involved through the funeral service you want. I offer totally personalised funerals, designed with sensitivity, warmth, professionalism and any other quality you want to reflect for your loved one.
Peter Collett
Hello, my name is Peter Collett. I have been a celebrant most of my life. For the first 20 years as a Catholic Priest, then after leaving the active ministry, as a civil celebrant.
I consider myself well skilled in dealing with the sensitive nature of death and grief. I believe I have an great rapport with all types of people having spent the last 12 years of my working life as a Chaplain at the Otago Corrections Facility. I’m now semi retired but still take an active part in our community which includes being a Justice of the Peace.
If you are looking for a friendly, highly experienced, non judgmental male to look after your family at your moment of need then I’d be very happy to help. I feel very blessed to be able to work with Stan and his excellent team as we assist you during this sad time.
Christine Eyles
My name is Christine Eyles and I have just recently completed my Celebrant training through the Celebrant School in Auckland.
I have been involved in the South Otago community for the past 25 years, after my husband and I purchased a business in Balclutha in 1992. I have worked mainly in the medical field in different reception/administration positions within our community over this time.
A huge priority for me is the care that I can give to the people I meet, and I feel with my training I can now take that care to a new professional level when people are in need after losing a loved one.
I look forward to working with you and the very professional team at Leishman Funeral Services.
Robyn Johnston
It is an honor and a privilege to work with families of loved ones that have passed, crafting a beautiful farewell and offering support and kindness during their time of grief.
I am a Professional Singer. Whether it is a hymn or a song the evokes memories of their loved one, it is my absolute pleasure to offer this additional service. (I offer this free of charge)
I pride myself on giving 100% to families during such a difficult time .
Melanie Kerr
Melanie has over 14 years of experience as a Funeral Celebrant. She loves people and is honoured to walk with families in their time of need.
Melanie is professional, compassionate and courteous, has a very high standard of personal presentation and treats everyone she meets with the utmost respect and dignity. She has a vibrant yet down to earth personality and also a great sense of ceremony and solemnity. These aspects of her character combined with a fantastic sense of humour mean that she can seamlessly intertwine formality, sobriety and light-heartedness into her services as appropriate.
She deals well with people of any age, from all cultures, religious backgrounds and walks of life and has a wonderful ability to set people at ease when they are under stress. She is also adept at handling demanding and/or delicate situations with care and professionalism.
Liz Lyall
Just over 10 years ago my life took on a new meaning, sadly to say it took my Mother-in-laws passing to take me down my new path.
I would like to thank my husband for asking me to take his mums funeral, so this was how it all started.
I applied to the celebrant school in Christchurch, and was accepted, and I must say, it was the most rewarding year of my life.
Over the 10 years I have helped so many families with the loss of their loved ones, I cherish my time with families, helping them get through the most difficult time.
I have been part of the South Otago Region for over 50 years, and I’m very humbled by all the support I have received.
I feel very privileged to be part of the Leishman Team.