Kevin Brice

We all will at some point face loss in our lives. I have gone through the bereavement process and understand the importance of a good funeral and how that truly helped me come to terms with my grief. Bringing people together in a collective moment of remembrance, to celebrate a life, is indeed an honour.

When I retired from being State School Senior Teacher / Manager, I searched for a new calling that provided as great a purpose as being an educator. I considered how I could contribute. I am a confident public speaker, understanding that good communication always starts with careful listening. My experiences supporting young people over three decades to discover the best in themselves, taught me empathy; being a guide through challenging times. Supporting the acclaimed Firebird Theatre, for people with learning disabilities, had shown me the power of performance, music and words. Finally an Oxford University English degree has given me a lifelong love of poetry. I wanted to continue combining these skills usefully to help people.

Then I discovered the Celebrant role, and it all fitted. A vocation with a clear purpose: to show empathy, to support, to assist those during a time of great pain and sadness.

It is a privilege to meet with people, listen to memories of their loved ones, and help them to create a fitting eulogy and service for them. It is an honour to help people through their loss, and to celebrate all the wonderful ordinary lives around us that pass away.

So here I am, happy, to listen, guide, provide.

I can support people within Bristol and the South West.