Leo K. Colton Celebrant Services

A little bit about me and what I do...

A small part of my story so far

Hi, I’m Leo (the one on the right in the picture) and I live in the wonderful town of Barnsley with my wife Lisa.

I’ve spent the majority of my working career employed by the NHS specialising in community mental health services in and around South and West Yorkshire: doing my very best to help some of the most marginalised people in our community. Sometimes it can be intense, short-term work helping people get back on their feet after a brief period of ill-health or it can be more prolonged work, helping people who have struggled long-term with their mental well-being and have, in many cases, had it a bit rough over the years. I help them as best as they can reengage with family, friends, the wider community and in some cases, help them start living life again. I’ve always loved this work, it’s rewarding (not necessarily financially) but it’s interesting, it can be sad, emotionally draining and be extremely stressful but it can be occasionally funny too, despite the stresses. Also, the work can be uplifting, life-affirming and can offer people hope, where previously there was none. It must be positive in one way or another because I keep doing it. And finally, it’s a vocation. Which leads me to…

…my work as a celebrant came about by osmosis I suppose. Unfortunately, at my (not too tender) age I’ve suffered several close family and friend bereavements and have written and performed numerous eulogies at numerous funerals and the people attending have often commented that my speeches feel more like a celebration of the life of those recently passed and were not too sombre an affair. I have always believed that the passing of a loved one, although tragic and traumatic, has many aspects that should be celebrated and I try and help family and friends of the departed remember the light of someone’s life, whilst respecting the darkness of their passing.

I have always loved meeting and talking to people, my wife often suggests that I’m like Forrest Gump or a particularly friendly cocker-spanial, but speaking to and helping people in crisis has been a large part of my working life and career so far and I believe my celebrant work is doing exactly that, helping people in crisis. Death is unfortunately a part of all our lives and sometimes we need comfort, support and guidance and celebrancy seems to fit that criteria perfectly. I like to visit families and together, over a cuppa, we’ll discuss a loved ones life and together we’ll come up with a service that they would be proud of, and you’ll keep in your hearts forever.

I like to think of myself as a warmhearted, open and helpful individual with varied interests and passions. My work for the NHS involves speaking to people, asking questions and suggesting helpful outcomes. I love to write about people, share their stories and let my words paint a picture of their life and I feel that celebrant work is something that I was born to do.

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Why work as a celebrant?

A small part of my story so far

Because I believe that a funeral, however low-key, grand or presidential, should be a celebration of someone's life.

As we all know, family and friends dynamics can often be difficult to navigate, even during the best of times, but especially so during such a traumatic and stressful event as losing someone and organising their funeral.

Because I believe that a funeral, however low-key, grand or presidential, should be a celebration of someone's life.

By allowing an experienced celebrant help you articulate often hard to express thoughts into appropriate words and ease your heavy burden just enough for you to concentrate on yourself and family and your path, although difficult, will be easier to travel. As a celebrant I believe that speaking to family and friends about their loved one in an honest and open manner is essential in painting a fuller picture of the person you’ve lost, allowing me to take the strain by removing at least one stress for you during an already stressful time.

As a celebrant, I can help with planning the order of service, music, writing the eulogy and creating a beautiful service for your loved one. I always do my best to be as helpful as possible so if you have any requests or are unsure of the whole funeral process et cetera, I can help guide you through this difficult time.

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What can I do to help?

First of all, you need to get in touch with me when you feel able to do so. Contact me either by phone, drop me a text/WhatsApp message or an email using the box provided. Second, we’ll have a chat over the phone then we can arrange a visit to your home when it’s convenient for you. I’ll ask you some simple questions about memories of your loved one, their character, their take on life, their interests, maybe music they loved and any stories you want to share and, with your answers and vital contribution, we’ll create a service that you're happy with and your loved one deserves.

We all want to be remembered, and I’ll do my best to create a memorable day for everybody.

See the contact details below, get in touch when you're ready, and we'll take it from there.

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