Stephen Dil - Managing Director

A third generation funeral director, Stephen follows in the footsteps of his father Lindsay and grandfather Wilf who set up the business in 1960. He became Managing Director in April 2005 when his parents left New Zealand for a church mission in Cape Coast Ghana for three years.

Stephen’s career with the family business began as soon as he left Westlake Boys High School in 1991. Following a two year break to complete a church mission in Montreal Canada, he returned to become a funeral director. His formal training began in 1996 when he completed the National Certificate in Funeral Directing followed by the National Certificate in Embalming the year after. Together these qualifications become the National Diploma in Funeral Services.

In addition, Stephen was awarded the Noel McNee Memorial Award for the top practical student, and was the top theory and top overall student. He also has a Bachelor of Business Studies majoring in Management (Massey University 2007).

In addition to the company’s professional affiliations, Stephen is a member of the New Zealand Embalmers' Association (NZEA), and a Registered Funeral Director. He is a trustee of the Funeral Service Training Trust (FSTT) which is funeral industry’s Industry Training Organisation (ITO). He has been on the trust since 2002 and is currently the Deputy Chair.

Stephen and his wife Heidi married in January1996 and have three daughters, Emma, Sophie and Rosalie. They are committed to family life and Stephen relishes time with his girls. He also finds time for active involvement with his church, golf, and, as a member of the Outboard Boating Club, spending time out on the Hauraki Gulf in his 5.5 metre runabout 'Tonic'.