Diss worker acquires national diploma in funeral arranging and administration

A Diss worker is celebrating after passing a diploma – designed for people in the funeral service – after two intense years of study.

It may not be every person’s dream career, but Kevin Mobbs – who is often told, ‘I don’t know how you do your job’ – takes pride in what he does and is now celebrating passing a diploma in funeral arranging and administration.

It took the 51-year-old two years to study for the qualification alongside working full-time at Rosedale Funeral Home in Diss.

“It has been difficult at times to juggle, but my experience certainly helped, and all my hard work has now paid off,” said Kevin, who lives in Palgrave. “I am absolutely over the moon. To learn that I had passed was like Christmas coming early.”

The qualification involves making funeral arrangements personal to reflect the life of the person who has died.

Kevin said: “It is a privilege and an honour to be trusted to look after loved ones who have passed away.

“I think what satisfies me most is the knowledge that, when someone leaves my care, I have looked after them in the best way possible.”

Kevin’s job primarily involves the collection of the deceased from hospitals, care homes and private addresses and preparing coffins.

“I find the chapel of rest very calming and peaceful, and always try to spend a few moments reflecting when I place someone in there for a viewing,” he said. “We sometimes play classical music in the mortuary to create a softer environment.”

When not at work, he can be found enjoying countryside walks with Toffee, his chocolate Labrador.