Kings Funerals on the couch with TCT

THE ever-evolving march of technology has made a significant impact on the funeral industry, according to the family behind Kings Funerals. Michael, Louise and Beth King were the guest speakers at the Torquay Commerce and Tourism (which has re-incorporated the Bizz3228 group) April networking event, held at RACV Torquay resort.

Kings Funerals – which recently opened an office in Torquay – is Geelong’s largest family-owned and operated funeral business.  The company was originally established in Geelong in 1955 by returned RAAF serviceman Max King, who had already spent several years using his skills in French polishing to produce beautiful coffins.

Max’s son Michael joined the business in 1983, after training as a funeral director in London, and spent 10 years at Kings Funerals with his father before Max’s death in 1994. Michael remains managing director, his daughter Beth is the company’s general manager, and his wife Louise established Louise King Funerals by Women (Geelong’s only all-female funeral service) in 1995.

In conversation with TCT’s David Isaacs and Cathy Stacey, Michael King said the importance of good customer service had not changed during his time in the business, but telecommunications had changed significantly. “When mum and dad started the business, we were tied to the telephone, literally – people just didn’t go on holidays, or if we did, just one went. I can remember the introduction of the fax in the late 1980s; I couldn’t believe what difference that made. But I think the real difference was the introduction of the mobile phone.”

Beth King said funerals could now be broadcast over Skype or webcam, and said the Australian funeral industry as a whole was among the best globally. “Australia and New Zealand are leading the way in funeral service, we’re really fortunate here. “We’re about 20 to 30 years down the road on issues the rest of the world are just starting to grapple with.”