David Chafer | Funeral Celebrant

Funeral Celebrant in York

Hello, my name is David Chafer and I am your Funeral Celebrant for York and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

My work is so varied and I meet lots of people from all walks of life and I am always fascinated by their unique lives. As someone whose work has always involved writing, organising and presenting/performing in one way or the other, it felt like a natural extension to become a celebrant, applying my skills, background and interests.

I have been writing about people’s lives and telling their stories all my professional life: firstly, for over 20 years working in business communications and event management and, over the last 15 years, as a professional actor, producer of my own theatre company and as a training facilitator. I even ran a wine tasting event company for a while – great fun!

I have lived on the outskirts of York since 2016 and I’m a proud Yorkshireman with Scottish heritage. I love the history and diverse culture of York, its beautiful buildings, lovely old pubs, restaurants, cafes, theatres and social life.

My principal love is live performance and theatre, with regular trips to the Edinburgh Fringe, the many theatres across Yorkshire or in London. My passion is drama, but I equally love live music, comedy and occasionally ballet.

I enjoy a good pint in a country pub – I’m lucky to have plenty of those on my doorstep – as well as good food and a matching glass of wine. My wife and I enjoy walks in the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds and on the North Yorkshire Moors, plus regular trips to the East coast, particularly to Whitby, our favourite. I love my sport from football to cricket, golf to snooker, whether watching live or glued to the telly, cheering on.

I would define my beliefs as Humanist, but chose to train with the UK Society of Celebrants to be able to offer ceremonies that reflect others’ broader world views and beliefs.

 

Smooth Ceremonies: pitching your ceremony just right

Everyone has a story to tell and I want to help you tell the stories of your nearest and dearest at the most difficult of times.

As a funeral celebrant for York and East Yorkshire, my aim is to help local families reveal the story of your loved one, designing a ceremony which best matches your wishes. Together, we will build a narrative of your loved one through our conversation, which for me should be based on compassion, empathy and learning.

My writing style is designed to connect the listener to the life described, to find the humanity of the person and what impact they had on their family, friends, colleagues and community.

Together, we will develop a ceremony with the right blend of words, music, humour and solemnity, which you feel truly captures the life and character of your family member. Setting the right tone is key and through our conversation and my understanding, I aim to reflect the tone and style of funeral ceremony that gives your loved one the most appropriate send-off, telling their story with care, consideration, accuracy and honesty.

I have been to enough funerals to understand what felt right and, occasionally, what felt like a mis-cue. Funerals are emotional occasions and I aim for funeral ceremonies that run smoothly, have warmth and compassion for the deceased. Funerals are a collective, shared experience – a celebration of a life that should be remembered for the stories and moments that define the life lost.

If you want to know more about how I may be able to help you and your family, drop me a line to discuss your ceremony needs.