Michael started his working life as a carpenter, joiner and shop fitter, working his way up to site manager, contracts and project management. He had first involvement with the funeral industry when he was asked to refurbish the offices at a funeral home in Newport.
“I was so impressed by the way they conducted themselves and the respect they showed, at all times, to the deceased and the deceased’s family. It really made a lasting impression on me. Before long, I began working with them – at first just little touches here and there – and discovered that I got an immense satisfaction in providing comfort and support, whilst providing a vital service to the families I met.”
As Michael got more involved in the day to day running of funeral homes, he decided he wanted to start his own. Michael G Ryan & Son was established on 1st January 1998.
Louise started helping out in the business at a young age, but unsure of what career she wanted to take, she explored a number of paths such as hairdressing and call centre work. Louise felt she wanted a more fulfilling role and decided to join the business. After directing her first Funeral at 19, Louise became Britain’s Youngest Undertaker.
After helping out in the company since a young age, Rachael did work experience at 15 years old, working alongside her sister and father to see if the industry was something she would be interested in. Before long, Rachael started full time in 2011 and on the day after her 16th birthday, directed her first funeral and took the title of Britain’s Youngest Undertaker from her sister – which Louise is extremely proud of. Rachael’s training was documented on camera and a documentary was aired in 2011 on BBC’s Britain’s Youngest Undertaker showing the detailed, compassionate, and dignified work the business strives to achieve and following Rachael’s everyday life.
Following the introduction of his daughters, Louise and Rachael, it was decided that the company name be changed to include Michael’s daughters so therefore on the 1st January 2011 Michael G Ryan Son & Daughters was established.
Our team at our funeral home will provide advice at every stage of the funeral planning process, and will arrange an individual and unique funeral to help you celebrate the life of your loved one.
If you would like to talk to us about planning a funeral, please come and see us in any of our funeral homes, or if you’d rather we can arrange a home visit. We’re also available 24 hours a day on the phone so if you need anything please don’t hesitate to call us.
Business Principal
Mike is the second child to the late Tom and Elsie. Tom and Elsie met in the Rising Sun public house in Newport, Elsie as a barmaid and Tom as a bouncer. In 1934, Mike’s brother Terry was born 14th April 1935 but sadly passed away, aged 5 weeks.
Mike was secondary schools and town diving champion 1963 – and three-time town Skittles champion and four times runner up.
In his spare time, Mike enjoys gardening, looking after his beloved birds, budgies and cockatiels, being chairman of Newport Skittle Alley League 2018-2019 but his greatest love of all is his family and being a doting Papa to his three Grandsons.
Mike’s passion for caring for bereaved families is as strong today as the day he first decided he wanted to become a Funeral Director
Managing Partner
Louise worked in the background alongside her father, Michael, for many years when he first started the company. With being unsure of her future career, in 2006 Louise decided she wanted to join the firm full time.
After conducting her first funeral, she never looked back. Everyday is different, 20 years later Louise is enjoying growing the business and training our staff to the highest standard of care, compassion and empathy. Her passion for caring for each family is second to none.
Louise strives to achieve a balance between work life and her home life with three little boys.
Funeral Director
Pat has always been in the background of the business since the doors first opened in 1998. Her support and help from when Mike first decided to open his own Funeral Directors has made the company go from strength to strength.
Pat joined the team full time in 2014 when we opened our branch in Cardiff, becoming the face of our Cardiff branch. Pat’s mature essence made her a very valued member of the team. She has since retired in November 2023.
Pat mainly enjoys taking plenty of well-deserved cruises, leaving not much left of the world for her to see. Her main passion and joy in her life is her family and being a Gan Gan to her three Grandsons.
Funeral Director
Rachael joined the family business full time after leaving school in 2011. Soon after she joined, Rachael was given the title of Britain’s Youngest Funeral Director at the age of 16 (which she still holds) and once this was established by the media, a documentary following our family business was made that aired on BBC.
Her professionalism is visual through the compassion she shows towards each individual.
Rachael is a keen singer, with her musical influence being Freddie Mercury. She is also an animal lover who enjoys horse riding, taking long walks with her dogs, and a keen Irish dancer.
Funeral Arranger
Claire joined the business part-time in June 2017. Claire is mainly office based but you will see her from time to time out on funerals as our Funeral Assistant.
Claire’s admin experience is second to none and builds excellent repours with her compassion towards families.
In Claire’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and going to the gym.
Funeral Operative
Simon started with us as an on-call Funeral Operative in 2020. In December 2020, an opportunity of a full-time Funeral Operative position became available, in which Simon was more than happy to accept.
Simon’s extroverted personality makes him a valued member of our team. Simon has completed his Autosmart Complete Guide to Valeting course.
In his spare time, he enjoys nothing more than spending time with his granddaughter and little dog.
Driver
We take pride in everything we do. Our aim is that everyone who works for Funeral Partners shares our values.
Our business exists to help the bereaved to make fitting arrangements for their loved one’s last journey and to provide lasting memories for family and friends. We do this with a positive, caring and understanding approach.
We value diversity and treat everyone with the same respect, courtesy and dignity.
We are a professional organisation and we strive to achieve the highest possible standards in everything we do and to improve upon these standards continuously.
We accept responsibility for our actions both as a company and as individuals.
We believe that we can only achieve our goals by working together in partnership with client families, suppliers and our employees.
Call 01633 854 522 visit branch or arrange a home visit
