William Rofe named Branch Manager

We are delighted to announce that experienced funeral arranger, William Rofe, has been appointed as Branch Manager at Tester & Jones Funeral Services.

William joined our team in October last year and here’s what families have said about him:

“You made everything easy for us, which meant it was less stressful for me. Thank you for all you did to make it go smoothly, William.”

“William, thank you so much for your kindness and support shown during our recent bereavement. It has been a difficult time, made easier by your guidance.”

“William was especially kind and helped us to feel like nothing was too much trouble and our wishes were upheld and respected throughout.”

“William, my thanks and gratitude for all your kindness and sensitivity. The service was dignified, yet joyful. Thank you for ensuring that it all ran smoothly.”

“William has made a real impact to our team at Tester & Jones over the past 12 months, so we are thrilled that he is now our Branch Manager,” says Glenys Jones. “He has brought so much experience to our firm and we know that families really appreciate his caring, professional manner.”

Over the years, William has worked at other firms on the south coast and in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. He admits to applying for his first role at a funeral director, 15 or so years ago, as he ‘always liked different sorts of jobs’. He gained a wide range of experience there from being a chauffeur bearer to a backroom operative to an arranger. The firm also owned a local crematorium, so William was able to gain experience working there too, as well as obtaining some relevant qualifications.

“I think this wide experience helps me when I’m arranging a funeral, as I understand the different jobs done by my colleagues,” says William. “My role at the crematorium is also really useful when families ask me questions.”

Then William worked for a small independent firm in Yorkshire, where he undertook most roles from conducting to collecting the deceased. Then he moved to a funeral home which had been acquired by the owner of a care home.

He eventually moved south to be with his, now wife, Amy – who he initially connected with through work, as she worked for a repatriation firm based in East Sussex.

“I am very proud to be promoted to Branch Manager at Tester & Jones,” says William. “The part of the job I find the most satisfying is meeting families and hearing the life stories of their loved one.”

Since joining Tester & Jones, William has helped a family with a burial at sea and was so interested in the process, that he is now volunteering with The Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) in Eastbourne, which facilitates burials at sea.

“After experiencing a burial at sea, I was keen to discover more about the incredible work the MVS does and I was amazed to find out that their contributions go far beyond this,” says William. “The MVS provides exceptional maritime training, delivered by a dedicated team with a wealth of experience and knowledge. They are always enthusiastic about passing on their skills, nurturing the next generation of seafarers and volunteers.”

“In addition to training, the MVS is deeply involved in charitable and community work - both on and offshore. They support a wide range of maritime and environmental agencies, contributing their time, expertise and resources wherever they’re needed most. Their commitment to service, education and environmental stewardship is truly inspiring and I have immense respect for the role they play in our coastal community.”