By Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. It was Søren Kierkegaard who wisely noted, “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” As the 25th anniversary of the death of my father approaches, I have found myself instinctively going backward. Backward to the days just prior to his death when I […]
At Alex Gow Funerals, we have always believed in honouring life’s journey with dignity and compassion. In partnership with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), we are proud to support the Body Bequest Program, an initiative that offers individuals a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by contributing to medical education and research. This […]
Flowers have long been a central part of funeral traditions. They serve as a tangible expression of sympathy, respect, love, and celebration for the departed. But once the service is over, what happens to these beautiful tributes? The answer is as diverse and personal as the individuals who lay them. Let’s explore the various paths […]
In the midst of life’s uncertainties, planning for our final farewell can often feel daunting. Yet, by recording our funeral wishes, we have the unique opportunity to tailor our departure, ensuring that it truly reflects our individuality and values. This thoughtful act not only provides peace of mind for each of us but also for […]
Life is a beautiful tapestry woven with experiences, relationships, and passions. It’s a culmination of choices that make you, well, who you are. So, why shouldn’t your farewell reflect that same level of personalisation? At Alex Gow Funerals, a family-owned business serving Brisbane for over 180 years, we believe your funeral should be a celebration […]
For over 180 years, Alex Gow Funerals has served the Brisbane community. Beyond their funeral services, they demonstrate a commitment to well-being throughout the community, particularly for seniors. One of the recent ways they have achieved this is through their initiative of free puzzle books. These engaging booklets offer a surprising benefit: promoting brain […]
The world is a vast and beautiful place, and with increased travel opportunities, many Australians, especially our seniors, are venturing overseas for adventures. However, unexpected situations can arise, and in the heartbreaking event of a loved one passing away abroad, Alex Gow Funerals is here to guide you through the repatriation process. What is Repatriation? […]
Let’s face it, as the silver threads weave their way into our lives, conversations about end-of-life plans become an unavoidable melody. For those who’ve built a rich tapestry of experiences, ensuring a final chapter that reflects their vibrant personality takes centre stage. Yet, for some, broaching this topic can feel like a sombre note, a […]
Death is a difficult topic for both children and adults to discuss. However, it is important that parents have open and honest conversations with their kids about death to help them understand this natural part of life. As a family-owned funeral home that has served the Brisbane community for generations, Alex Gow Funerals understand […]
Grief is one of life’s most challenging emotional journeys to endure. Experiencing the death of someone deeply loved often induces intense feelings of emptiness, disorientation and melancholy that can seem impossible to bear. As a friend or relative wishing to offer your solidarity or support but uncertain how best to assist, having a starting point […]
Funeral traditions and requirements can vary greatly depending on one’s religious beliefs or cultural background. At Alex Gow Funerals, we understand the importance of respecting different traditions and working with families to plan a funeral service that honours their loved one’s faith or heritage. For over 180 years, our family-owned funeral home has served the […]
Losing someone close leaves a painful void, yet it is important to find ways to honour their memory that can bring comfort and help the healing process. Rather than viewing funerals as solely matters of grief, many people are looking at creative memorial options that allow us to celebrate and remember a cherished life […]
Funeral traditions and practices vary widely across different cultures and religions. At Alex Gow Funerals, we understand the importance of respecting these varied traditions to honour the deceased and provide comfort to grieving families. With our long family history serving the Brisbane community, we have built strong knowledge of diverse religious and cultural practices related […]
For those who have recently lost someone close to them, the holiday season brings new challenges on top of existing grief. Family traditions and celebrations that once brought joy can now stir intense feelings of loneliness and sadness. However, with understanding and support, it is possible to navigate this difficult time. Acknowledge Your Feelings Hiding […]
Choosing a funeral home is a deeply personal decision, and it’s important to find one that aligns with your values and provides the level of care and support you need during a difficult time. In the bustling city of Brisbane, one funeral home stands out for its rich heritage, commitment to professionalism, and family-oriented […]
Death is an inevitable part of life, and while it’s not something we like to think about, it’s important to plan for it. Many people approach end-of-life planning with the intention of creating a plan for their healthcare, distributing their assets, and assigning power of attorney. However, many overlook one of the most important […]
At Alex Gow, we understand that honouring the life and memory of a loved one is a deeply personal experience. That’s why we strive to offer a wide range of funeral services to cater to individual preferences and beliefs. As a trusted funeral director, Alex Gow Funerals is dedicated to assisting families in making informed […]
Losing a loved one is one of the toughest experiences that anyone can go through. The grief and emotional pain that come with such a loss can be overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know how to cope. At Alex Gow Funerals, we understand the significance of grief support and counselling for families during […]
Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience that leaves us at a loss for words. During this time of grief, expressing our emotions and paying tribute to the person we have lost can feel overwhelming. That’s where a eulogy comes in with a heartfelt and meaningful speech that honors the memory of the […]
Losing someone unexpectedly is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking experiences anyone can go through. Whether it’s a parent, sibling, child, friend, or spouse, the sudden loss of a loved one can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. Along with the immense feelings of grief and sorrow, there’s also the […]
Over the last 60 years while we have been based at Breakfast Creek Road, the city has grown to the point where Newstead is now an inner-city suburb. A consequence of this growth, there has been a number of major impacts on our business. One such impact, has been the reduced number of funerals now […]
When it comes to saying goodbye to a loved one, there is no denying that it can be a difficult and emotional time for everyone involved. However, having the right funeral director by your side can make all the difference in helping you navigate this difficult process, making the most of your opportunity to say […]
Pre-planning a funeral is an important step that many people overlook, but it can provide numerous benefits for both the individual and their loved ones. Not only does pre-planning ensure that your final wishes are carried out, but it can also provide peace of mind for your family and alleviate some of the stress and […]
The process of planning a funeral is challenging for any family. Stress may be both physically and emotionally draining. The funeral directors at Alex Gow Funerals are here to assist for that reason. We will meet with you in the comfort of your own home so you can be surrounded by those helping with the […]
When a loved one dies, the coffin is transported to the location of burial or cremation by a hearse. It is simply a vehicle used to transport the coffin and is usually the first vehicle in a funeral procession. You’ll usually see motorised versions today, as opposed to their horse-drawn forebears, but a hearse can […]
It’s a near-impossible task to find the right words to say to someone who is grieving because loss affects each person differently. In truth, there is no one-size-fits-all set of words to say, but this article will guide you through an approach that will turn your worries and concerns into beneficial and positive actions. […]
We all have our own ways of keeping the memory of our loved ones close after they pass away but deciding on exactly what to do with their ashes to honour and remember them can be a little bewildering. The staff at Alex Gow Funerals are very experienced in this area of memorialisation and always […]
Our lives have changed in recent years; the global pandemic has driven many people to stay at home and avoid travel. Even as we return to a “new normal,” not everything has gone back to how it was. Life has slowed down, but it has not ceased. People must continue to work, communicate with their […]
Planning a funeral can be as smooth as silk with every family member in perfect harmony as they farewell their loved-one. Or it can be chaotic and messy, with every individual having different ideas about how the funeral should be organised. Therefore more and more people are considering prepaid funeral plans as part of their […]
An outdoor funeral service is a fitting memorial for someone who enjoys being outside. Some of our own facilities have outdoor funeral areas within the memorial gardens but we can also do these at your favorite park, beach, farm or retreat as long as we can get permission. We may host an outdoor funeral ceremony […]
