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.
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.
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 .
Sharyn Payne
Hello my name is Sharyn Payne I am a youthful, friendly and professional Funeral Celebrant.
I will meet with you, family and friends to discuss what you would like out of the service and to reflect the life of your loved one.