We’re so proud of you, Trevor
On 4th July 2023, our own Trevor Hunnaball was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of Funeral Directors, in recognition of more than 65 years’ service to the funeral industry. The Award was presented by Andrew Judd, CEO, NAFD, and Suzy Middleton, CEO of sponsors SEIB. The SEIB NAFD Lifetime Achievement Award simply could not go to a more deserving person; one that we, as his work family, are proud to serve alongside.
With characteristic modesty, Trevor said, “I really don’t know what to say. I’m a bit overwhelmed, and just want to say thank you to SEIB and the NAFD for this honour. It has been a privilege to look after so many bereaved families for so many years, and to have the support of my family and a great team working with me.”
Trevor is so unassuming that it didn’t occur to him that his own industry held him in such high esteem, but we, of course, knew better. He sets such a great example of hard work, mixed with kindness, integrity, good humour, and service to our clients, that he makes us proud to work with him, not just on this special day, but every day.
We’ve been receiving congratulations via social media and personal messages, all agreeing that this is such a well-deserved honour for him. Among them was this lovely message from former NAFD President, Miss Alison Crake, Senior partner of Crake and Mallon Funeral Service, Stockton on Tees.
Alison spoke for many when she wrote, “I just wanted to drop you both a line to offer my warmest congratulations on Trevor’s very well deserved lifetime achievement award. A true recognition of all you have done (and do) not just for bereaved families and your community, but also to the wider NAFD membership. I was delighted when I saw the news, you must both feel so very proud (and rightly so!). I hope there is a celebration with your friends and family on your horizon (and that there are a few corks popping somewhere!).”
On the day, Trevor’s wife Melanie, who helped found the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group with the purchase of Geo Paskell of Manningtree in 1983, was there to watch his surprise as his name was announced. Also cheering him on were Trevor’s son Saul, and his daughter Polly, both of whom many of you know, as they also work with him in the business.
As a company, we have had plenty of cause to celebrate and be proud this year, marking the 40th anniversary of the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group, as well as Trevor’s amazing 65 years in the industry last December.
Seeing Trevor win the SEIB NAFD Lifetime Achievement Award was not just the crowning glory of a brilliant career, but also recognition of the true gentleman, friend to many and the excellent leader that we are all proud to follow.
Congratulations, Trevor, from all your work family.
Photo: Trevor Meeks
Andrew Judd, CEO of the NAFD, presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to Trevor Hunnaball. Suzy Middleton, CEO of sponsors SEIB was also there to congratulate him.
