|
A brief family history. 1891 onwards:
1891 - Grady’s Funeral Directors, founded by James Grady as a hire business with 2 donkeys and a wagonette. Landaus and horses were to follow, and a journey into Havant cost just 2/6d or 12 pence. George, grandson of James, became the 3 generation to carry on the tradition and he expanded to 8 Landaus and 2 Broughams. With the advent of motor cars came also WW1 and George was called up.
1916-George was de-mobbed, minus one lung, and went back to the hire business which now boasted 6 cars.He and his father carried on and were the first people to own a motor Hearse - a rarity in those days. The local undertaker at this time was of failing health and George managed his business for five years, and on his death, took over.
1928 - George married Margaret and the following year their son Gordon was born.
1957 - Gordon married Rene Maunder, and they went on to have two daughters Jane and Sarah.
1976 - George passed away.
1979 - Margaret passed away. Gordon and Rene continued to run the business.
1988 – Jane joined as the fifth generation, becoming one of the only Lady Funeral Directors to conduct funerals.
2001 – Rene became ill and started to take a less active role.
2003 – Jane’s husband Peter joined as a partner.
2004 – Jonathan, Jane and Peter’s youngest son, becomes the sixth generation to join the company.
2005 – Excellent facilities at Grady’s include 2 new chapels of rest, two modern cool rooms, offices and arrangement rooms. In addition - we will have a small garden of rememberance including a chapel suitable for small private family funerals.
2006 - Jane’s daughter Lucy joined the business.
2008 - Gordon passed away leaving the new era of younger family members to continue in the way he would have wanted.
Over the last 100 years the firm has provided a sensitive and professional service, combining old fashioned ideals of quality and service, with a modern approach responsive to the contemporary needs of a modern society.
|
