John Rhind Funeral Directors – playing a vital role in the Christchurch community John Rhind Funeral Directors, established in 1881, has compassionately served generations of Christchurch families and retains a special connection with many of the city’s residents today. John Rhind understands that organising a funeral can be a trying time for a family, but it is also an opportunity to organise a memorable service to celebrate the life of a loved one. “A funeral is a tribute and a celebration of life, bringing family and friends together at a time of mutual sadness. By sharing their sorrow and paying true tribute, it can help them look ahead to the future.” – John Rhind website
130 Years in Christchurch Not many companies can claim to have served Christchurch for well over a century. John Rhind has built a strong
reputation and a certain rapport with its customers who appreciate the dignified manner in which they handle funeral services. General manger Tony Garing says the company can be as versatile and diverse in the way it handles funerals as anyone. “We can offer traditional, modern or alternative funerals - we can tailor our services to suit the client.” The company is back and fully operational after the December earthquakes damaged the catering lounge facility. During the year, while consents and designs were being obtained for the refurbished catering lounge, a temporary marquee was erected next to the chapel so the company could continue to provide the full onsite catering service. This onsite catering is an important aspect of John Rhind’s services which can be completely tailored to suit dietary and or budgetary needs of the guests. The professional, experienced team at John Rhind can help plan and conduct a memorable funeral from casket selection to catering. With 130 years of industry experience the company has become a benchmark for high standards which even extends to the selection of the hearse.
“We run a varied fleet of vehicles, from the ultra-modern imported Cadillac to a recently restored classic 1974 Pontiac hearse – it’s another example of our range of choice,” Garing says.
Being a long serving company has allowed John Rhind to evolve into the brand it represents today, a brand distinguished by quality and its undeniable longevity.
Continuing tradition
Award winning grounds
Located on the east side of Christchurch, the company suffered the effects of the earthquakes as did the local families and friends of John Rhind. “Like everyone in Christchurch we’ve had our hardships in these trying times but we’ve persevered,” Garing says. “We’ve actually had earthquakes while services have been held, five of our staff lost their homes, but we have carried on and stayed strong.”
The London Street chapel is famed for its gloriously well kept gardens which befit the beauty and grandeur of the John Rhind premises. During the years the company has been the recipient of numerous awards for its manicured gardens which offer an added sense of comfort for the guests.
After 130 years, Tony Garing is quick to point out the reasons for the continued success. “Our staff are amazing, we have three of the Rhind family still working in the business, representing the fifth generation to do so. We have a lot of long serving staff including funeral directors that have been present for generations of the same families, that’s comforting for those people.”
All aspects of the John Rhind service are conducted to meet the needs of their clients during an emotional time, but the comfort of having a loved one’s funeral organised by a company that has served the Canterbury community for 130 years, is priceless.
John Rhind Funeral Directors 15-19 London Street Christchurch T (03) 379 9920 www.johnrhind.co.nz
At Rhinds, it’s the extra service that makes the difference Our team is passionate about providing a professional and caring service, helping families design a funeral service that is a unique and personal remembrance, while providing the highest standard of service. Our commitment is to listen, guide you through the options and then take care of all the details to make the funeral service meaningful. We understand the needs of families and friends going through the stress of a bereavement.)
15-19 L ondon St r eet, Chr istchurch
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(03) 379 9 920
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w w w.johnr hind.co.nz