A goodbye as personal as the life it honours.
Alongside weddings, I have the privilege of leading humanist funerals and celebrations of life across Scotland. A humanist funeral has no set script and no religious framework — it is built entirely around the person: their story, their humour, their music, the things they loved and the people who loved them. Sad where it needs to be, warm and even funny where it should be, and true to them all the way through.
How I work
When a family gets in touch — directly or through their funeral director — I come and meet you, usually at home, and we talk. Not a form-filling exercise: a proper blether about the person, with the kettle on. From that conversation I write the tribute from scratch and share it with you before the day, so nothing is a surprise and everything is right. On the day I lead the ceremony calmly and clearly, holding the room so your family doesn't have to.
Anywhere, and any form
Crematoria and cemeteries, of course — but also graveside ceremonies, woodland burials, memorials in village halls, gardens, hillsides and favourite places. A humanist funeral can include a hymn or a prayer for those who want one — humanism is inclusive, and the day belongs to the family, not to a rulebook. I also lead memorials and celebrations of life held weeks or months later, and ash-scattering ceremonies in the places that mattered.
What to do now
If you're arranging a funeral just now, I'm so sorry for your loss — and you don't need anything worked out before contacting me. Email johnpaul.fitzpatrick@humanism.scot or ask your funeral director to book John Paul Fitzpatrick, Humanist Society Scotland celebrant. When you're ready, you can read about what happens at a humanist funeral and how to plan one.