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 brings a calm, thoughtful presence to Eagars Funerals, shaped by a diverse career spanning broadcasting, sales, teaching, and financial services. While his professional background is varied, a common thread has always been people, listening, guiding, and supporting them through important moments in their lives. 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 funeral home continued to grow, stepping into a more hands-on role felt like a natural progression. Working alongside Casey, Richard now helps ensure families feel supported, informed, and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. For Richard, the most meaningful part of being a funeral director is the privilege of walking beside families during times of loss. He understands how overwhelming grief can feel and takes great care in easing the stress offering reassurance, practical guidance, and a steady presence as families create a farewell that truly reflects their loved one. Outside of work, Richard values time with his now adult children and enjoys watching them continue to grow and develop into their own lives. He also spends time on the golf course finding equal parts enjoyment and frustration in the game, much like life itself.
For Casey, being a funeral director is never just about the practicalities. It’s about walking alongside families, easing the weight of decisions, and creating meaningful farewells that truly reflect the person being remembered. Ensuring every family feels heard, supported, and cared for is the reason she continues to do this work, and why it still matters deeply to her every day. As a third generation Funeral Director, Casey feels honoured to continue her family’s legacy at Eagars Funerals. While her path into the profession wasn’t carefully planned, it quickly became clear that supporting families through loss was work she felt genuinely called to do. After spending time in Japan training racehorses, Casey returned home in 1992 intending to help her father, John, for a short while. That brief helping hand soon became a lifelong vocation. The diversity of the funeral industry, the people she meets, the rituals that bring comfort, and the privilege of helping tell the life story of those who have died sits at the heart of why Casey finds such meaning in her role. Following John’s sudden passing in 2004, Casey stepped into leadership with resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility both to the families she serves and to her own young family. Experiencing loss personally has deepened her understanding of grief and shaped the gentle, thoughtful approach she brings to every family she cares for. Family is central to everything Casey does. She is married to Richard, with whom she shares both life and work, and is a proud mum to Isaac and Emerson, now young adults forging their own paths. Watching them grow has reinforced her belief in the importance of connection, compassion, and taking the time to honour what truly matters.
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.
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.
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.
