We believe, in your time of need, that providing you and your family with professional care and compassion is essential in helping you say goodbye in such a way that is personal and meaningful.
At Eagars Funerals we can empathise with families because we have walked in those shoes; we know the importance of having family around you at funerals. When we say we care for loved ones, we care for them as if they were a member of our family.
We know that it eases the pain and grief by having the ritual of a funeral service and the importance of saying goodbye in a style that best suits the family. A funeral is about getting everything right, both big and small - our ultimate aim is to have families come and say Mum and Dad would have been proud of the service we have helped them to create.
Richard’s career has spanned broadcasting, sales, teaching, and financial services—an eclectic mix that has shaped his strength in business management and his natural ease with people. These experiences now play a valuable role in his work at Eagars Funerals, where he supports families with care, clarity, and calm. Married to Casey since 2003, Richard has been connected to Eagars Funerals since 2007 and officially joined the business full time in 2015. As the company continued to grow under Casey’s leadership, stepping into a more active role felt like the right moment—not just for the business, but for their family. Today, Richard oversees much of the day?to?day operations, complementing Casey’s focus on guiding families through the creation of meaningful farewells. While he treasures the practical side of running a busy funeral home, it’s the personal connections that matter most to him. Richard considers it a privilege to walk alongside families as they honour their loved ones in ways that feel genuine and deeply personal. Outside of work, Richard appreciates spending time with his now?adult children and finds great joy in watching them continue to grow and shape their own lives. He also enjoys playing golf on a regular basis—despite the game occasionally testing his patience more than he’d prefer to admit.
As a third-generation Funeral Director, Casey is deeply proud to uphold her family’s legacy at Eagars Funerals. She joined the business in 1992 after returning from Japan, where she was involved in the pre-training of racehorses. What began as a short-term plan to help her father, John, soon revealed itself as the work she was truly meant to do. When John passed away suddenly in 2004, Casey stepped into a leadership role with strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication. She guided the business forward through challenging times—all while raising her two young children, Isaac and Emerson. Today, seeing them grow into capable, independent young adults remains one of her greatest joys. Family has always been at the centre of Casey’s life and career. She and her husband, Richard, share a strong partnership both at home and within the business. When Richard joined Eagars Funerals full time in 2015, it marked a meaningful new chapter for them both. Now overseeing much of the daily operations, Richard complements Casey’s commitment to creating personalised, meaningful farewells. For Casey, ensuring that every family feels genuinely supported and cared for is at the heart of her work. She firmly believes in the importance of saying goodbye in a way that feels right for each individual—honouring lives, memories, and the connections that matter most.
Aaron was born and raised in Inglewood and is father to 2 grown sons, Liam and Cody. Throughout Aaron’s life he has always shown care and compassion for others. This has been demonstrated through his previous role as a caregiver in the disability and aged care sectors. This care and compassion continues, as he has now returned to a profession he takes great pride in, a Funeral Director. Being able to assist families in a time of need, along with the ability to help create a fitting farewell for loved one, is a privilege for Aaron. During his spare time, he will most likely be with his partner either gardening, fishing, spending time with family, or out with his sons hunting.
With a passion for the outdoors, Leland has spent his life in various countries travelling with his snowboard until eventually settling in New Plymouth. After spending 7 years in the region as residential builder, he joined the Eagars team, putting to use his charisma and personable skills to serve the community. With a family history in the funeral directing business, the compassion and empathy required comes easily to him. Making hard times more bearable for everyone who comes through our doors is a service he feels privileged to provide. On his days off, he relishes being outside enjoying nature - you’ll find him in the outdoors surfing, spearfishing, hiking, biking and occasionally abseiling down a cliff face.
Jess brings a rare blend of compassion, versatility, and quiet strength to her work as a funeral assistant and embalmer. With a diverse background that includes roles as a phlebotomist, nanny, stable hand, and chef, she has cultivated a well-rounded foundation in both technical skill and empathetic care. Her time in healthcare taught her the importance of precision and respect for the human body, while caring for children and animals helped her develop deep emotional intelligence, patience, and calm under pressure. Working outdoors and around horses nurtured her appreciation for nature’s rhythms, grounding her in a profession that often confronts the fragility of life. In her current role, Jess draws on all these experiences to support grieving families with empathy, attentiveness, and grace. She approaches each task with care, whether preparing the deceased, offering support to loved ones, or ensuring every detail is handled with dignity and respect. With resilience and heart, Jess brings comfort where it’s needed most.
Lynda is the warm and welcoming face at our front of house, bringing both professionalism and genuine care to every interaction. Born and raised in New Plymouth, she has a deep appreciation for her hometown’s natural beauty, from coastal walks to the mountain views, and enjoys the simple pleasures of life like spending time with family, catching up with friends over coffee, and being at home. A proud mum to three boys nearing adulthood, Lynda’s summers are often spent on the sidelines of cricket tournaments, supporting her sons with the same dedication she brings to her work. With a strong background in finance, accounts, and administration across various industries, Lynda combines technical expertise with a people-first mindset. Her ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life is one of her greatest strengths. Whether she’s managing front-of-house responsibilities, handling financial tasks, or supporting families during sensitive times, Lynda’s warmth, empathy, and attention to detail ensure that everyone feels respected, supported, and well cared for.
Jill is honoured to support families through her role, providing compassionate, thoughtful, and personalised care. She understands that every family’s journey is unique and is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where families feel listened to, understood, and gently guided with care and respect. Jill brings a wealth of experience, including ten years with St John, where she proudly serves the Taranaki community as a frontline ambulance officer. Working closely with individuals and families during times of crisis, she developed a calm, empathetic approach and a deep appreciation for clear communication, reassurance, and care. Alongside her husband, Stephen, Jill owned and managed a dairy farm, reflecting her strong work ethic, resilience, and connection to rural life. This experience reinforced the values of teamwork, commitment, and dedication that she carries into her professional role. A proud wife and mother, Jill cherishes time with her daughter, Ava, and enjoys regular visits to Queensland to see her son, Caleb. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, cycling, and spending time with family and friends.
