This review follows on from the one I have dedicated to the memory of my best pal Billy Earl and again this is written in dedication to him .

As I mentioned in the previous review , we used the Co-op funeral service which is nationwide but this review relates to the service in Paisley

Never having had to arrange a funeral before , I had no idea just what was involved , forms to get filled in , people to inform , flowers to choose etc.

We contacted the Co-op on the sunday morning , and spoke to a very nice man who told us that it would be better to make an appointment and so we went on Monday.

Your are given a personal Funeral Director who guides you through the whole process , which includes choosing flowers , coffin, notices in papers , cars , who you want to perform the service, and deals with the burial or cremation staff as well

The Co-op give you a full outline of the costs and do not push things that they feel are not required , and allowed us to make our own order of service booklet , which made the service a lot more personal.

The Co-op also collect your loved one and as they say "look after them for you" what I also liked is that they dont call them the deceased and refer to them by name , again a nice touch , so much so every thing is prepared in their name

The funeral director knows what a difficult time it is for you and by taking all the arrangements out of your hands allows you to deal more with the grief of loosing your loved one

The Co-op keep you informed of every thing that is happening and what will happen on the day of the final journey , if you have a special route you wish to go on this also can be arranged

In regard to viewings , I have to say this is a personal choice and some people may not feel they can do , it however we went to see Billy , and he just looked as if he was sleeping in his outfit , along with other items we wished to go with him arranged in a tasteful and respective way , also by viewing , you kinda get a chance to say good bye .

On the day of the funeral we were picked up and driven to the funeral home , where Andrew our funeral director met with us , and spoke to the family , we left with Andrew walking in front of Billy complete with Top hat and cane , Billy would have loved this.

Overall I was impressed ( if you can be) by the level of service , curtosy and professionalism , and advice given by all the staff of the Co-Op and both Robert and I thank them for their help and advice

Without hesitation would I recommend the Co-op

Our special thanks go to Andrew Philip who was our funeral director and to Helen Wood who was the officiant from the Humanist Society of Scotland

Dedicated to the memory of Billy Earl sleep well wee man xxx

thanks for reading