Tributes paid as funeral director dies

ROBERT NUTTALL

TRIBUTES have been paid to a compassionate funeral director who organised his own service in the weeks leading up to his death.

Kind-hearted Robert Nuttall operated his own funeral services for almost 40 years, working from Shaw and expanding to Rochdale.

The caring Milnrow resident, described as a "Shaw man", was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer three months ago.

Mr Nuttall was surrounded by family members when he died at Springhill Hospice last Saturday aged 68.

Sister Joy Bishop said: "Everybody said the same thing about Robert - he was very well respected, he was a gentleman, he was kind. He was my best friend and he tried to help everyone. In the last three months he planned his own funeral.

"I think he decided this was his field and he knew what he wanted to do.

"He was ringing everyone about bills, he prepared the order of service and had spoken to the funeral director about it all.

"He had spoken with the minister and the person giving the eulogy. He'd chosen flowers and traced a photo for his order of service taken 25 years ago when he was president of the National Association of Funeral Directors (right).

"We are grateful to all the friends and family who have been kind enough to call and write. I am so glad his kindness has been repaid with kindness."

Mr Nuttall took over the funeral services in Milnrow Road, Shaw, before 1979 and set up Robert Nuttall Funeral Services.

He became president of the Manchester branch of the National Association of Funeral Directors, aged 39, after ten years in the profession.

In this capacity he served as a delegate for the North-West area and liaised with councils, the clergy and emergency services, before being elected for a second time in 1998.

In the early 2000s, Mr Nuttall expanded the business to take over a Rochdale firm, Joseph Greene and Son.

Mrs Bishop said: "He built it up from scratch to become a thriving business. His compassion was the thing that came over to people who had lost someone they loved.

"He took all the ladies out for lunch - he would laugh because they were in their 80s and 90s."

Outside of his work, Mr Nuttall pursued his love of classic cars, including membership of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club, and did charity work.

Another dedication included regular day trips with his eldest brother Howard Nuttall, whose funeral he organised in July.

He leaves behind his sister Joyce, brother Stephen and his niece and nephew.

A funeral service will be held at St Paul's Church, Shaw, on Wednesday at 1.30pm followed by a burial at Crompton Cemetery at 2.30pm.