Candice Dillen
Humanist Celebrant in Scotland

Celebrate a life lived

 

 

 

The first humanist funeral I attended was my nanas back in 1999 when humanist funerals were unusual. I loved how unique it was and how it celebrated her life and who she really was. In 2005, I wrote and delivered the tribute at my dads funeral, which I think is what led me to this role, years later. 

 

I conduct funerals across Edinburgh and Lothian’s. I will meet families in their own home, where I will outline what’s involved in the ceremony. I listen to the family as I find out about the life of the deceased, asking questions to guide people so I can be sure I have the information I need to write a tribute that is truly reflective of their loved one. I always ensure that the family have a ceremony draft in advance so any final amendments can be made. I’ll then provide a final copy for the family to keep.

 

It’s an honour to be trusted by families at such a difficult time in their lives and a privilege to share in the achievements and challenges of a life lived. I ensure that each ceremony I write and deliver is dignified, meaningful and truly reflects the character of the person who has passed away. It’s very important to me that every family feels comforted that they’ve had the most fitting tribute possible for their loved one. 

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I'm often asked if funeral work is very difficult. Sometimes of course it can be, but it's also the most rewarding work I do. I love to hear stories about people's lives, sometimes sad, sometimes amusing, often unforgettable.

 

That's such a privilege.