People you can depend on to care about the details

At Academy, our funeral directors are very much part of the community and are passionate about providing a professional and caring service. Nothing is too much trouble.

Please phone us on 343 0919 for further information.

Wayne Lyons Manager and Funeral Director Wayne Lyons joined Academy Funeral Services in 2008 after 34 years of experience in the funeral industry. For the past two decades, Wayne has managed funeral homes and, during that time has been president of the FDANZ. Wayne has been actively involved with FDANZ, as well as Rotary and the Linwood Rugby Football Club. Outside work Wayne enjoys coastal sailing, salmon fishing and the great outdoors with his family.		Peter Lawrence Consultant Funeral Director Peter established Academy Funeral services in 1982 after graduating from the School of Embalming in London in 1980 with honours. Peter enjoys attending to the prize-winning gardens at Academy Funeral Services as well as his own home garden.

George Holtz Assistant Manager and Funeral Director A qualified funeral director and embalmer, George enjoys the contact with people, particularly being able to help in their time of need. George and his wife have three adult children and when he can find the time he enjoys golf and sea fishing, as well as watching rugby, cricket and basketball.		Andrea Thomson Funeral Director Andrea has worked as a funeral director since 1999, gaining qualifications as part of her desire to deliver a professional and personal service. With a background as bridal consultant Andrea has developed the skills to assist families arrange the ceremonies they desire. In her leisure time Andrea enjoys tramping, dancing and following her children's travels around the world.

Kelvin Hurst Embalmer, Assistant Funeral Director Kelvin has been in the funeral industry since 2005. As a qualified embalmer and member of NZ Embalmers' Association, Kelvin also assists at funerals. As well as enjoying time with his family, Kelvin is a keen league player and enthusiast. He has been involved with the Papanui Rugby League club for 30 years and is a founding member of Papanui Masters' Rugby League.		Tania Leighs Funeral Director Tania has been a funeral director since 2007, enjoying her role of helping people at what can be a stressful time. Before funeral Directing Tania worked in her husbands family business. With three adult daughters, Tania finds her sparetime is taken up with family commitments, sporting and social activities.

Murray Crozier Embalmer and Assistant Funeral Director Murray has worked at Academy since 2008 after working for many years for Air New Zealand in reservations, check-in and ground staff. In his spare time he enjoys gardening and sport, playing social league and cricket.		Mike Chandler Funeral Director Mike started in the funeral industry in 2002, coming to Academy from the Harewood Crematorium. He is an enthusiastic member of the Salvation Army. Mike and his wife Trish have two adult children and two grandchildren. In his leisure time Mike enjoys reading, golf and spending time with his family.

Dawn Skinner Administration Coming to Academy from other administration roles in retirement villages, Dawn brings her caring and sensitive touch to assisting the many families who make contact with us in their time of need. Dawn has two adult children and grandchildren, in her spare time Dawn enjoys renovating her home and gardening.		Carolyn Ark Administration Carolyn has worked in an administrative role at Academy Funeral Services since 2004. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, reading books and has a real passion for fitness.

Jenaya Pascoe Embalmer and Funeral Director Jenaya began her career in the funeral industry in June 2005. She is a practising member of the NZ Embalmers Association, completing the National Certificate in Embalming in 2009 and receiving the Top Practical Student Award. Jenaya also assists at funerals, where her friendly outgoing personality is appreciated by families. A West Coaster, Jenaya likes to return home to visit family and support their involvement in lawn bowls tournaments.