A Derby funeral director arranged the final farewell for English actor, Sir Alan Bates, allowed a dozen stormtroopers to walk behind a hearse and secured the right permission for a local horse lover to be buried in her beloved paddock.
Kind Frank Rigby, 65, who works at Wathall’s, is celebrating 45 years of service and at the family-run firm and says his career has been filled with “the very best people”.
Frank joined Wathall’s after leaving college at 20 and was tasked with making coffins before going on to assist at funerals, driving hearses and limousines, and then becoming a funeral director. Over the decades, he has worked in every department at Wathall’s and he says he’s not about to retire!
A defining moment in his career came when he was just 27 years old and owner, Bill Wathal, told him he was ready to be fitted for a top hat and tails.
“I never forgot that day,” said Frank. “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.”
Over a decade ago, Frank took on responsibility for the Ashbourne branch, and he says he made a conscious effort to become part of the community and build relationships with local 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.”
Frank says the role of a funeral director doesn’t end after the service has been delivered – he’s always in touch with families.
“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,” he said.
“The level of care is central to the way Wathall’s supports families, ensuring they feel supported not just in the lead-up to the funeral, but in the weeks and months that follow.”
During his career, Frank has helped families create highly personal tributes that reflect the lives of their loved ones.
One that stood out to him was a funeral for a well-known gentleman who was known locally for dressing as Star Wars character C3PO.
For his final farewell, dozens of stormtroopers walked behind the hearse and 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 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 the business extends beyond his own role as his wife, Lynne Rigby, also works at Wathall’s and has been with the firm for more than 12 years.
