MCGUINESS FUNERALS General Manager Wayne Schulz is celebrating 50 years in the industry this month and has provided The Weekly readers with a snapshot of life in one of the world’s most fulfilling careers.
While farewelling a friend or family member can be an extremely difficult undertaking, Mr Schulz has made it his lifelong ambition to assist families in this phase of life.
Mr Schulz has experienced every facet of the funeral business and has a deep passion for ensuring his clients’ needs are met and exceeded in the process of farewelling loved ones.
“As the days roll by in what seems an ever-increasing speed and I approach a time where I may consider retirement, not that this is in the foreseeable future, I am proud to say I have entered my 50th year working within the boundaries of one profession, the funeral profession,” he said.
The Weekly recently caught up with Mr Schulz to turn back the clock on his stellar career and find out how he developed a passion for the funeral business.
“Moving from school into one aspect of the funeral profession was an easy decision for me, my father worked in a factory manufacturing coffins and caskets,” he said.
“As a child, wherever dad went, I went, the factory was a familiar place to me from the age of eight as most Saturday’s were spent there with dad.
“All I ever wanted was to work beside dad as a wood machinist.”
Mr Schulz’s apprenticeship started at HA Schulz Pty Ltd.
“Eighteen months into my apprenticeship the business was sold to HH Webb where I remained for many years to come,” he said.
“I was awarded Apprentice of the Year in my third year and a few years after completion of my first apprenticeship, I returned to college to qualify as a French polisher.
“Some twenty years as a manufacturer had passed when I was offered the managers role at Mt Thompson Crematorium in Brisbane, a position I readily accepted as I saw this as an exciting opportunity for me.
“Often thinking about a deeper involvement in the profession, one of assisting people at a time of need, this seemed like it was meant to be.”
During this time, Mr Schulz’s father suffered a heart attack and gave up work.
“So, the strong bond of the factory with dad and I working together had gone and the decision to change jobs wasn’t difficult,” he said.
“I was unsure if I had the essential personal skills required to assist people at a time of loss, but it was important for me to learn more about my inner self and be available when others needed a hand.
“It was during my time at the crematorium that Rotary was introduced to me and became an extremely important part of my life.”
During the next five and a half years, Mr Schulz’s eyes were opened to the many variances in people’s culture, religion, needs, wants and most importantly the way people grieve, “there is no blanket, we are all so different”.
“I was aware the families assisted at Mt Thompson Crematorium had to some degree, come to terms with the loss of a loved one, the funeral had been held and some time had passed before coming to the crematorium to finalise arrangements.
“I honestly enjoyed my time at the crematorium, believing this was my career change and I would retire there, however, life is unpredictable, and a change of ownership saw the challenge of managing Mt Thompson Crematorium slowly waver.”
Mr Schulz said during a Christmas function he bumped into a couple of old friends, David and Helen Ashton who owned Ashton Manufacturing, a well renowned, respected manufacturer of high-quality coffins and caskets, and a former opposition of his.
“They were aware of the ownership change and questioned if I would ever consider returning to manufacturing, as their business was expanding and they were looking for a production manager and believed I had the skills they required,” he said.
“Their offer was accepted, and almost twenty exceptional years were spent there, the last four as general manager.
“Early retirement entered my thoughts and left the workforce believing I was ready for it, three months later I’m climbing walls, even my hobbies weren’t enough to fill in the days.
“Having been approached several times during this period with an offer to become the Manager of McGuiness Funerals, Murwillumbah and Billinudgel (incorporating White Dove Funerals), I had a decision to make.
“Accepting the position has been enlightening, and the best decision I’ve made during my working career.
“In addition, it has allowed me to once again be involved with Rotary.”
Mr Schulz said every role throughout his career has given him personal rewards and satisfaction.
“But none have come close to my role as a manager and funeral provider at McGuiness Funerals, so much so that retirement is now a very distant thought,” he said.
“The role of funeral provider is vast, much too broad to go into here.
“But at the end of each day you are humbled, proud of who you are and what you represent, satisfied in knowing you have been there for others when they most needed you and so grateful for the amazing people within the funeral profession with whom you share the responsibilities given to us.”
To congratulate Wayne on his stellar career visit McGuiness Funerals in Murwillumbah at 19 Wollumbin St, Murwillumbah, or phone: (02) 6672 2144.