Rod Slessor, grandfather of seven grandchildren and former photocopier technician, moved to Auckland’s North Shore in search of a new role.
“Becoming a funeral director was a huge shift for me,” Rod reflects. “However, it’s been more fulfilling and rewarding than I ever imagined. It’s definitely more meaningful than fixing photocopiers, and I’ll never look back.”
Rod initially worked as a funeral director at a corporate-owned funeral home. While he enjoyed the role, he began to yearn for a more personal experience. “After a while, I felt like I was just another cog in the machine. I liked the work, but I wanted something more intimate and personal.”
A New Start With Windsor Funerals
That’s when he met Hazel at Windsor Funerals. When a position became available, Rod applied and quickly found a new home with the small team.
“I love the relaxed, family-like atmosphere here. Being part of a Christian-owned company means we’re not simply profit-driven. There’s no financial pressure to sell services, which allows us to simply meet the needs of our clients,” Rod explains.
Rod considers it a privilege to serve grieving families and is passionate about ensuring they have peace of mind during what can be an incredibly stressful time. “My goal is to make the funeral planning process as easy as possible for the families I serve.”
Practically Supporting Families Through Grief
When asked how people respond to his role, Rod shares that many don’t realise the full range of tasks he handles on a daily basis.
“We do everything we can for the families—from transfers and dressing the deceased to handling the behind-the-scenes admin work,” he says. “We prepare caskets, fasten nameplates, arrange flowers, and book the venue. We have been needed to operate the multimedia and comfort in times of grief. We’re here to make everything easier for the families.”
During quieter times, Rod is happy to take on extra tasks, like handyman work and facility management at the funeral home. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Rod’s number one tip for planning a funeral is to give yourself enough time. “There are so many details to consider, so I always recommend allowing at least three days to properly plan a funeral.”
Though he’s in the business of helping others through grief, Rod isn’t immune to it himself. Like the rest of the team at Windsor Funerals, he’s experienced personal loss. His advice to families dealing with grief?
“Let it out. You can never fully prepare yourself for the loss of a loved one. Work through it, and remember that one day, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. It will get easier with time. In the meantime, we’re here to make the practical side of things as smooth as possible.”
Windsor Funerals provides compassionate, personalised, affordable funeral options in Auckland.
Our team works closely with each family to ensure that every detail aligns with their values, budget, and vision for a meaningful farewell. We aim to help families make decisions that resonate with their loved ones’ lives and legacies. Contact our Windsor Funerals team today for more information or to discuss your options. We’re here to support you every step of the way.