About Us

Beckford’s is a family run business based in Guernsey, and is the oldest funeral company in the island, serving the local community for over 135 years.

Beckford’s was founded on Christian principles, however, such is the international and multi cultural and multi faith nature of our business we are able to meet the requirements of all faiths and beliefs in a caring, respectful manner in order to satisfy the requirements of the bereaved and the deceased.

In the case of a death away from home, Beckford’s has many years experience in liaising with overseas authorities in numerous jurisdictions.  Beckford’s ensures the accurate completion of the necessary legal requirements for the prompt and safe repatriation of the deceased to or from the Channel Islands. Beckford’s is partnered with an international network of funeral services in relation to repatriations.

The company also arranges, when required, a choice of floral tributes and lasting memorials from its extensive selection.

Bereaved people can sometimes find organising a funeral extremely difficult. We have highly trained funeral directors who step in and take some of the strain at an emotional time.

Funeral Directors have a unique role in the grieving process. Understandably, most people don’t really think about organising a funeral until they need to. When Beckford's are contacted they are keenly aware that they are entering a highly emotional environment. They are usually called in just after a death and have found, through their years of experience, that they can help to take away many of the concerns of the bereaved in relation to the funeral arrangements. Part of being a good funeral director is assessing situations quickly and with empathy. The bereaved family and friends are dealing with sadness, shock and grief and often for the first time. Beckford's aim to put their minds at ease and guide them through the funeral process with sensitivity and care.

Beckford’s has been organising funerals in Guernsey for more than 135 years. Good funeral directors certainly develop an empathy with the people they are dealing with. This comes from experience and a personal desire to help and reassure. Beckford's take care of all of the details, leaving the bereaved time to mourn – a much needed part of the healing process

Most people are surprised at the range of funerals offered. These vary from large funerals or cremations through to very small, private affairs all of which are unique occasions tailored to the requirements of the deceased and the bereaved.

The following pages will give you an introduction to Beckford's experienced members of staff who are able to assist the bereaved at a very sensitive time.

 

Clem Duquemin
Clem Duquemin
Proprietor

Clem Duquemin the Proprietor of Beckford’s started his training with S.A. Pedley Funeral Directors in West Yorkshire whilst an evacuee during the war. He has a lifetime experience within the field of undertaking.

After World War II when Guernsey was liberated from the Nazi Occupation Clem returned from Yorkshire and continued his undertaking business within the Island alongside his carpentry business. Later he branched out into the growing industry, growing crops of daffodils, tomatoes and later freesias. He also held the position of Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church for 36 years.

Clem merged his company with Beckford’s on the retirement of Mrs Bertha Way in 1983, who was at that time the Proprietor of Beckford’s.  Clem later retired from his carpentry and growing business to concentrate solely on funeral directing.

Although Clem has retired from funeral directing he is still actively interested in Beckford’s and his advice and experience is certainly still respected.

 

Philip Duquemin FCA
Philip Duquemin FCA
Chairman

Philip Duquemin is the son of Proprietor Clem Duquemin. Philip is a chartered accountant by profession. He worked for KPMG in Guernsey and South Africa. He joined Nashua International (later to become NRG) in Guernsey where he was regional financial director for the international subsidiary operations before becoming managing director of NRG International in 1995 and later board member of Gestetner Holdings PLC. The NRG International operation was responsible for the European, Middle East and Africa distributor operations of Ricoh Group with offices in Guernsey, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Moscow and Dubai. NRG International became one of the most successful Ricoh companies in the group. Philip left the Group in 2007.

Phil now provides consultancy services as well as being chairman of a few local companies including Resolution IT Ltd an IT services company. He is also a member of St Saviour’s Douzaine.

Jane Duquemin
Jane Duquemin
Managing Director and Funeral Director

Jane Duquemin is the daughter of Proprietor Clem Duquemin and has always had a background interest in the funeral business.

After many years working within the Finance Industry and as a Legal Secretary she took time off to raise her three children. Since 2001 she has taken a more active role within Beckford’s as Managing Director and Funeral Director.

She feels that it is one of the most rewarding occupations and being able to help a family through a difficult time gives an enormous amount of satisfaction. Jane says “Death is a natural part of the life cycle and it is a privilege being able to offer a sensitive, sympathetic and above all professional service for people in a time of need.”

 

 

Dennis Wherry
Dennis Wherry
Funeral Director

Dennis Wherry joined Beckford’s as a Funeral Director after spending time serving the community as a Policeman. Prior to his time in the Police Force he spent 13 years in the Royal Air Force.

Both his experiences within the Air Force and Police Force have equipped him to become a caring Funeral Director still serving the community with empathy and professionalism.

Beckford’s receive many commendations on Dennis’s care and consideration and attention to detail.

Andy Mahy
Andy Mahy
Funeral Director

Andy Mahy joined the Company after seeking a change in career. He has gained experience in dealing with the public whilst running his own business.   He conducts himself in a professional and compassionate manner whilst being sensitive to the needs of others which has been beneficial in his role as Funeral Director. He is always willing to go the extra mile in minimising the stress and anxiety of the bereaved and ensuring that their wishes and that of the deceased are respected in the conduct of the funeral.

Julie Williams
Julie Williams
Secretary and Monumental Advisor

Beckford’s secretary is Julie Williams who has been with the firm since 1999. Julie has a very compassionate, caring nature, offering a sympathetic approach, which is apparent as the first point of contact in her capacity of telephonist and receptionist. Her duties also include support and administration which she handles with care and efficiency.

Julie has gained many years experience within the monumental side of the business, which she now oversees.  She is able to advise on all aspects of providing a lasting memorial including not falling foul of local cemetery rules and regulations.  Julie can also arrange renovations and alterations to existing memorials.