Funeral service business opens at La Misère |12 October 2005

Owned by Mr Ralph Labrosse, a carpenter by profession, the funeral business offers a variety of coffins for adults and children, and transportation service to the mortuary, residence, church and cemetery.  Clients have the choice for either a simple or purple-coloured padded coffin with headrest. The business however, does not offer the service where bodies can lie in state.

The coffins, which are made at Mr Labrosse's workshop, are fabricated from soft board (sapili) and wood, and are meticulously lined up with satin material by his wife, Maureen. The coffins have very interesting designs, conceptualised by Mr Labrosse himself.

The prices for the coffins vary from R2,200 to R6,000, inclusive of transportation service.

Mr Labrosse, who is actively involved in the construction industry, said he has been contemplating the idea of having his own funeral service over the past 10 years.

He said he has painstakingly built up his stock of coffins prior to opening his business, to meet demand which he said is on the increase.

"This is a dream come true. I'm sure that with the variety of elegant designs produced, I have coffins to suit the taste of everyone," he told Business Nation.
He said the business would provide potential clients with wider choices for competitive products and services.

The business is opened Monday to Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., but Mr Labrosse said he is available after opening hours to respond to urgent calls.

JR's Funeral Services can be reached on telephone number 344633.