1901
The beginning
The story of Finney Funeral Services began in 1901 with Charles Thompson Finney, who was the apprentice of David Storrer, a furniture supplier and undertaker.
The Importance of Celebrating a Life Lived
All of our significant life events are shared with others. Birthdays and weddings provide an opportunity to come together and, in many aspects, funerals offer the same experiences. Funerals allow those who knew a person to show that their life mattered to them, to remember them, and to celebrate a life lived. Funerals offer finality and the understanding that a loved one has died, while marking the beginning of our life without them in it. A funeral is a meaningful life event that allows us to say goodbye with dignity and purpose - symbolic of our love.
Trust
Over our long history, tens of thousands of Tasmanian families have placed their trust in Finney’s. We have consistently been there for our local community to turn to in difficult times.
Care
In our provision of quality funeral care, we rely upon the support of special people from our community in our Funeral Directors and support staff. These people are handpicked and equipped to provide a farewell with dignity, professionalism, purpose and respect. Our highly experienced team appreciate the many and varied rituals and customs of a funeral. From State funerals, funerals for religious dignitaries, to an intimate, private funeral for your family member, Finney’s have the expertise to provide an occasion to allow loved ones to show that their life mattered.
Support
Through our investment in the funeral industry, we have the team and facilities to provide the highest-quality funeral care. For the families that will use our facilities and expertise, we will provide a positive experience, supporting you during what is a difficult time. Your experience is of the utmost importance to us. By providing quality funeral care and industry leading venues, we bring family and friends together to share memories and, ultimately, celebrate a life lived.
Our People & Philosophy
A business steeped in local history
Our philosophy of trust, care and support, albeit slightly more polished today, remains as true now as it was back then. We have always endeavored to provide our clients with the very best service and advice, with respect and the wishes of their loved ones in mind. Whilst we have a long history spanning well over a century, we are always looking into the future. As members of the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA), we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in everything we do. It is in our nature to care for and consider every detail in memory of your loved one. We have invested into our facilities and staff over our long history to bring the Northern Tasmanian community the highest levels of funeral care, following our core values of Trust, Care and Support.
1905
The apprentices
Another of David Storrer’s apprentices was David Armitage. In 1905, Mr Storrer gave the undertaking business to Charles Finney and David Armitage.
1912
Finney & Armitage
This business became Finney & Armitage in 1912 and operated from St John Street in Launceston.
1921
Finney & Sons
On the 1st of December 1921, Mr Armitage died quite suddenly while on duty at a funeral at Frankford. Charles Finney took on the business with his wife and three sons - John, Kenneth and Geoffrey.
1931
Moving with the times
In 1931, C. T. Finney & Sons moved to Brisbane Street and horseless hearses were introduced. These premises had an extensive coffin and joinery factory at the rear, backing onto Cameron Street.
1960s-70s
Continuing the legacy in memory
Following Charles’ death in 1961, the management of the business was continued by his sons. In 1962, a memorial chapel was built on Cameron Street. This was one of the first in Tasmania. In 1976, Kenneth Finney bought out his brothers and continued to run the business.
1990
New growth
The first C.T. Finney Centre was established in late 1980s in Kings Meadows, originally occupied by the company’s monumental works. In 1990, The C.T Finney Centre at Nunamina Avenue, outside the gates of Carr Villa Cemetery, was opened. This facility was the first of its kind within Tasmania. In the mid-1990s, Kenneth’s son, Robert, also joined the family firm.
2005
Franklin Grove crematorium opened
In 2005, the Finney crematorium, Franklin Grove, was opened on the outskirts of Youngtown.
2012
Graham Family Funerals take the reins
In 2012, The Graham Family purchased Finney Funeral Services. The Graham Family are the largest provider of funeral services in Tasmania and are an industry leader. The business was now owned and operated by Mark Graham, Managing Director.
2017
Franklin Grove Funeral Centre opened
In 2017, Mark Graham built an industry leading Funeral Centre at Franklin Grove - the first of its kind in Tasmania. The new venue was opened by the Hon. Peter Gutwein MP on the 1st of December 2017. Formal recognition came nationally from Allan Piddington, the National President of the Australian Funeral Directors Association. The new Funeral Centre has also since been nominated for architectural and building awards.