As a company we have always been very fortunate in attracting the highest calibre of staff and this was certainly the case when Colin Gent first joined our loyal and dedicated team. Colin’s service background and military bearing made him a role model amongst our staff whilst his confidence and ability soon marked him out for the role of funeral conductor, responsible for the care of the bereaved family on the day of the funeral and for leading the procession to church or chapel, ensuring the ceremony is undertaken with due reverence and solemnity. Outside of work Colin is a dedicated family man who, together with his wife Paula has now decided to finally retire from work and move to Wales where they will be nearer to their daughter Charlotte.

Since retiring from the Royal Navy after over 30 years service, including duty in The Falklands and also as a Provost Marshal, responsible for naval discipline in central London, Colin has dutifully maintained contact with his former comrades, arranging lunches, formal dinners and other social events; whilst for personal relaxation he enjoys playing golf and hopes to spend more time on the golf course improving his handicap. Colin has been an inspiration for many of us within this company and after winning the “Shiny Shoes” competition for two successive years he has been presented with a lifetime award in recognition of his standards of dress and deportment. As well as earning the respect of his colleagues, Colin has also enjoyed the appreciation of all those he has assisted throughout the years, as well as a certain notoriety amongst those who attend and support our regular social events, especially the female members of the “Eltham Rock Choir”.

On behalf of all the Uden family I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Colin for his invaluable contribution to our work and we wish him and Paula every happiness in retirement.

Good Luck Colin.

Matthew