Welcome to David Lawson
Independent Family Funeral Director
Hello, my name is David, I am a qualified Funeral Director, Embalmer and Past Chairman of The Yorkshire Division of The British Institute of Embalmers and a Bereavement Befriender with over 33 years of experience in the Funeral Profession.
Having worked for large Funeral companies and family-owned businesses in Keighley, Bradford, Halifax and Leeds areas, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience in bringing together the wishes of the Deceased and their Family alongside the practicalities of arranging a funeral.
In 2022 I have finally achieved my greatest ambition -to set up on my own as an Independent Funeral Director, following in the footsteps of my Great Grandfather W. J. Lawson & Son, Cabinet Maker, and Undertaker of Skipton.
His business was originally based in Cumberland Street, before moving to larger premises on Water Street and eventually to Sackville Street.
Areas We Cover
Serving Keighley, Silsden, Craven, the Aire Valley, Wharfedale and all other areas.
Our Mission Statement
It is the mission of David Lawson Independent Family Funeral Directors to facilitate meaningful ways for families to grieve their loss and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
We will do this by providing options, choices and guidance with the highest level of competence and compassion. We will provide all this in an affordable, cost-effective manner and one that reflects exceptional value.
We will always strive to exceed the expectations of each family we serve.
You can be rest assured that your loved one will be loved.
FORGET ME NOT AS TIME GOES BY,
FOR YOU CAN FIND ME IN THE SKY,
FORGET ME NOT THOUGH WE’RE APART,
FOR YOU TO CARRY ME WITHIN YOUR HEART,
FORGET ME NOT ALTHOUGH I’VE GONE,
FOR MY MEMORY WILL ALWAYS LIVE ON.
What We Offer
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Advice and guidance at every step -
Arrangements that are tailored to meet your family's needs
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Local expertise and knowledge
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Cremation or burial at any local crematorium or burial site
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Funeral services of all faiths and cultures
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Viewing of the deceased in the chapel of rest
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Hearses, funeral vehicles and bespoke transport options
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Memorials and tributes
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Monumental Masonry
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Pre-Paid Funerals
Why choose a funeral with us?
With over 30 years of experience working in the funeral profession, I have built up a vast array of practical and personal skills to enable me to provide only the very best service to you and your loved one in my care.
This, combined with my caring, empathetic and professional manner will leave you confident in my ability to carry out your loved ones wishes to the highest possible standard, with all the special, personal touches you would expect from an independent family business, delivered with
Not sure which funeral is right for you?
Speak to one of our funeral experts for help with choosing a funeral that suits you.
If you want to learn more, give us a call, email or leave a message.
Call us on 01535 657 974
Help and Support
Following the death of a loved one, I understand how upsetting and difficult it can be. You can be certain that I am personally available 24 hours a day to assist, give guidance and help plan the final journey for your loved one, that is memorable and created with compassion, respect and integrity.
You should contact the doctor’s surgery that your loved one was registered with or NHS helpline 111. The doctor will make arrangements to visit also to verify and confirm the death. If the doctor is satisfied and has seen the patient in the last 28 days, they will provide the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and arrange for the certificate to be emailed to the local registrars. When you are ready for me, please call on 01535 657974 and I will arrange to convey your loved one into our care
The first thing you need to do is at once dial 999 and ask for the Police and Ambulance services. If your loved one has not been seen by a GP in the previous 28 days, the coroner will be notified. You won’t be able to register the death until the coroner has confirmed the cause of death. Once the Paramedics have verified the death, they will leave a yellow form for me to collect. This allows you to contact me to convey your loved one into our care.
When your loved one passes away in Hospital, you will need to contact the Bereavement Office, who will arrange for the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to be issued by the hospital doctor. The certificate will be emailed to the Registrars so you can make an appointment to register the death and obtain necessary certificate. On your instructions we can convey your loved one into our care.
The manager or senior nurse will contact you to inform you of the death, if you are not present, they will give you an opportunity to visit before we are instructed to convey your loved one into our care. The death must be verified by the doctor from your loved one’s surgery, senior nurse at the home, or if out of hours the on-call doctor. The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death will be issued by the normal doctor and emailed to the Registrar.
Registering a Death
In England and Wales a death must be registered within 5 days. Registration must be conducted by the Registrar of Births and Deaths, for the area in which the death occurred however, there will be some occasions where this is not possible. For example, if it takes some time for the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death to be obtained or the Coroner has been involved.
Who Can Register a Death
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A relative.
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An adult present at death.
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The person making the arrangements with the funeral director.
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A care home manager or hospital administrator.
Information The Registrar Will Ask You
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Date and places of birth.
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Their name and surname.
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Their usual address
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Maiden surname if they were a woman who had been married or in a registered civil partnership.
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Name and occupation of spouse if they were married, widower or in a registered civil partnership.
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Date of birth on the surviving widow, widower or civil partner.
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Did they have a pension or allowance from public funds?
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Their NHS number, if you have it.
What Certificates Will Be Issued?
Death Certificate is a certified copy of entry in the Death Register. They currently cost £11 each and are required for bank, building societies, solicitors, stocks and shares, personal insurance companies and private pensions. Certificate for Burial or Cremation (green form) you must give this form to the funeral director. The funeral cannot take place until it is received and forwarded by us to the crematoria or cemetery authorities.
White Certificate to be sent to the Department of Work and Pensions, which is a BD8 form, with details of any pensions or benefits the deceased was claiming.
To Register The death, You must make an appointment by telephone call.
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Bradford / Keighley Registrars - 01274 432151
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Skipton Registrars - 01609 780780
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Leeds Registrars - 01132 224408
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Burnley Registrars - 0300 1236705
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Calderdale Registrars - 01422 288080
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Huddersfield Registrars - 01484 221030
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Airedale General Hospital - Main Desk - 01535 652611
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Bradford Royal Infirmary Bereavement Office - 01274 364477
Government Tell Us Once
Tell Us Once is a service that lets you report a death to most government organisations in one go.