People you can depend on to go the extra mile
The dedicated team of people at Sowman's are (from left) Sandra Glen, Brenda Black, Lloyd Bush, Jo Renner, Barry Hayman, Faye Partridge, Jenny Andrews and Judith Batty.
Over the years Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors has built a reputation of offering excellent service and genuine caring assistance to Marlborough families. Sowman’s is located in central Blenheim.
Sowman’s has a reputation for professional and caring service from its funeral directors and support staff who are passionate about going the extra mile to ensure families can have peace of mind at what can be a very stressful time. As members of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ) we are pledged to uphold the highest professional standards.
Sowman’s approach is what you would expect from a funeral firm that has been in Blenheim for over 130 years: Friendly, understanding and, above all, sincere. The services we provide demonstrate caring professionalism, and we know how to take care of all the details when arranging a funeral – whether it’s being held now or being pre-arranged or pre-paid for some time in the future.
At Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors we have an air conditioned chapel, catering lounge, casket display lounges and private spaces for families to view their relatives.
In the weeks after the funeral is over, it can help to have someone on hand who understands what a difficult time this can be coping with grief and Sowman’s offers, free of charge, a bereavement support person to talk things through. We also offer a free book (or colourful poster for children) to help you understand the effects of grief.
Our Heritage
Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors has been part of the Blenheim community for 135 years and was established in 1869 by Alfred Sowman. In 1930 his son Alfred was joined in the business by his sons Harold and Geoffrey, and was renamed Sowman and Sons.
After the death of his father and Harold's retirement, Geoffrey and his wife Rita formed Geoffrey T Sowman Ltd, Funeral Directors. Their three sons, Alistair, Terry and Philip, have all been involved with the business over the years.
Originally operating from a large two-storey workshop, the company made caskets by hand. In 1983 monumental masons Hoar and Sons was purchased and moved next-door. Today they are the only registered monumental masons in Marlborough.
The old building was also demolished in 1983 to provide parking and a chapel had been built in Hutcheson Street. Sowman's were pioneers in modern cremation facilities and provide the only cremation service in Marlborough.