Our Team

Wilson grew up in a funeral directing family, but decided firstly to further his education at University of Otago, graduating with B.Sc in chemistry in 1979. By then, he had already returned to Invercargill and joined the family business of J Fraser and Sons in April 1978. Formal studies at the Central Institute of technology resulted in the certificates of Award in Embalming (1981) and Award in Funeral Services (1993).

Wilson married his lovely wife Gayle, in 1986, having first met each other as members of the Invercargill North Rotaract Club, and together they have devoted their lives to the needs and care of bereaved families in the Invercargill and Southland communities.

Outside of their business commitments, Wilson is a member of Invercargill North Rotary Club, and enjoys swimming and cycling as sporting activities. Gayle is a member of the Invercargill North Inner Wheel Club. Wilson has served two terms on the Executive of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ). He is also an Emeritus Elder of St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, in Invercargill.

Wilson and Gayle love visiting the beautiful areas around Central Otago, and have a strong interest in all matters historical, including family history. This has led them to visit many areas of interest around the country, but being ever on the look-out for new ideas of potential benefit to the delivery of funeral service, often returns with items that end up in the funeral home.

Wilson has guided the funeral home through its many changes from a fully family operated business to a funeral home with all the traditional family values of caring, compassionate and friendly service for which the name of J Fraser and Sons Ltd is known.

I have been at J Fraser & Sons since January 2012. My past experiences are in other fields, but my life’s path has given me a good foundation for this work. I feel that it is an honour and a privilege to assist bereaved families in what is possibly their greatest time of need.

I grew up around rest homes in Otago and had close association with various churches of different denominations and their choirs. My working life for about 15 years prior to joining the team at Frasers was mostly tutoring and training people to use their computers, at times in classrooms and at other times visiting communities throughout Southland.

My interests include many aspects of music, listening to various genres, singing in a church choir and conducting them from time to time, relief tutoring at Out of School Music on virtually any instrument or band, and even composing and arranging pieces of music.

My family is very important to me. I am married with four boys between us. I come from a Southland family and so does my wife. Church life is also important to me.

I was born and raised in Southland (with a strong Stewart Island connection). I started in the funeral industry when I was 19 years old and have been in the industry for 20 years. I have gained both the Funeral Directing (1995) and Embalming qualifications (1990) and now hold a Diploma in Funeral Services.

I get great satisfaction being a funeral director and being able to help families in their greatest time of need. It is a great privilege and honour to be able to assist families at such a difficult time in their lives and I try to go the extra mile to ensure that families’ wishes are accommodated wherever possible.

I am married to Elaine and we have two daughters, Kate and Abby. In my spare time I enjoy annoying and embarrassing my children, watching their sporting endeavours, running, winning at squash and mountain biking.

I was born in Invercargill and educated in the Wellington region.

Women’s Football and Squash dominated my sporting years with my eldest 2 children Nathan and Anna both successful at regional and NZ level in their chosen sport.

I returned to the Mainland where I met and married my farming husband Darryl. My two youngest children, Jamie and Kate and their children along with Darryl’s parents form the 4 generations living and working on our property in the beautiful Western Southland. I am a grandmother to 11 grandchildren and still counting!

I have been in Customer Services both in Retail and Health and Safety before joining the J Frasers & Sons team as an Embalmer. Mortuary Care has fulfilled a long-time interest in caring for the deceased. I feel very privileged and honoured to present an eternal memory picture of someone’s loved one at peace in their times of grief.

In 2017 after working nearly 40 years within the rural sector, the opportunity arose for Ross to pursue a career within the funeral directing profession. Having observed these people at work in the past, he had long time considered that he too would have something to offer families in their time of loss and grief.

Having lived in Winton and the surrounding area all his life, he can be a familiar face in assisting families with all that is required during a time of bereavement.

Ross is married to Kay who have three adult children of whom they are very proud. Times when they can all be together are special as long distances now separate them!

With regards to interests, Ross enjoys catching up with family and friends, overseas travel and spontaneous day trips around the many picturesque spots in our province in his Audi Roadster.

“My experience in life has taught me the importance of listening, as well as hearing the words not spoken”

Craig has lived in Invercargill all his life, is married to Elizabeth and is a proud father of three and grandfather of six wonderful children.

His previous employment was as a Car Parts Manager for several franchises but in spite of a love of cars and motorsport, he accepted the invitation to work at J Fraser and Sons, first as a Funeral Director, then as Monumental Sales Manager.

He is an Elder at First Church and has served there as Parish Clerk, Convenor, Chairman and a member of various church committees and he is a Trustee for various Charitable Trusts. Music plays an important part in his life and he is a member of the First Church Choir and is President of the A Capella Singers Choir.

Craig's main outdoor interest is fishing and other interests include photography, painting, drawing and graphic design. Many of these interests have helped in the creation and restoration of headstones and various monuments.

"I feel very privileged to be involved in the creation of monuments that are your tributes to the loved ones who have gone before”.

“Caring for your loved ones with compassion and dignity“

Rachael is married to her best friend Keith and the proudest mother of her identical twin daughters who are aged 23.  Born in Southland and extremely fortunate to have brought her girls up in a such a loyal and caring region.

Rachael’s past working history was in the banking industry helping her client members.  Her customer service skills and abilities are at the forefront of her mind with everyone she meets.  With this in her focus, the Funeral Industry was a step in her journey to expand her strengths and reach out to others. Rachael was awarded the Rotary Award for ‘dedication and commitment to excellent in the workplace’.

Rachael’s leisure time is spent in the boxing ring, gym, pounding the pavement, quality and quantity time with her family and friends.

Rachael’s family life gives her immense support and a wonderful balance.

‘I feel extremely privileged and so blessed to be working in this industry, being able to assist and guide families through an extremely difficult journey and leave a lasting memory in their hearts’

Originally from the Hawkes Bay, Marshall has called Invercargill home for the past 20 years, in which time he has raised two beautiful children – Liam (14) and Michaela (22).

Marshall joined the Frasers team in October 2018 to work in the Monumental Department with the creation, installation and refurbishments of headstones and memorials. As part of his role, Marshall is undertaking an apprenticeship in monumental masonry through BCITO.

Marshall has been involved in the funeral industry for several years, predominantly with his work at the Southland Crematorium, Eastern Cemetery as well as cemeteries throughout the Southland district.

In his spare time, Marshall enjoys spending time with his children, family and friends. He enjoys playing cricket and taking in the breath taking sights and sounds of the bush, beaches and wildlife that we are so fortunate to have on our doorstep, especially the Catlins area.

Sharon Gardyne was born in Queenstown and raised in Southland. Her varied careers have always involved people and administration.

Just prior to Christmas 1994 Sharon travelled to Haiti for 30 days, working along side a N.Z. Doctor and his wife serving among the poor and in 1996 she left for 7 years voluntary work in Tanzania, East Africa.

On her return to N.Z. in 2003, Sharon joined the team at J Fraser and Sons Ltd, in the role of Office Administrator and latterly Bereavement Support Co-ordinator. Her passions are: Church, family, friends, music, animals, and coffee.

Adopted Southlander who combines a welcoming and friendly personality with professionalism.

Although a Wellingtonian by birth, I completed my secondary school education in Invercargill and therefore call Southland my home.

I am married to a born and bred Southlander and avid Stags fan, David. We have two beautiful daughters aged in their twenties, who we are very proud of. We are now looking forward to them completing their studies and embarking on their new careers.

I have been involved with the Association of Blind Citizens Southland Branch for 20 years in various roles from Secretary/Treasurer to sighted guide and reader. With my varied roles over the years this has allowed me to develop my communication and empathy skills. I have a huge respect for the members I volunteer for.

Whilst Kung Fu dominated my early twenties with the monumental achievement of earning my 1st degree black belt, I now practice Tai Chi in my spare time. We also own a campervan where we love to camp down in Papatowai with family and friends. Also, on my down time I love a cheeky red wine and a game of candy crush.

I have been an office administrator with more than 20 years’ experience working in busy offices. My “why” in life is to help people feel comfortable and empowered whilst contributing to the smooth running of the office at J Fraser and Sons.

I am truly privileged to care for families loved ones.

I had just turned twenty-one when my working journey with the Frasers team began. Prior to that, I graduated from James Hargest College in 2017 where my interest’s involved biology and rowing. I then went on to SIT and gained a Diploma in Beauty Therapy. I continued to work in beauty therapy before the opportunity to join JFS arose.

Having my dad (Hamish), to learn from and work alongside with has given me a sense of compassion and understanding around this industry from a young age.

As an embalmer, it is important for me to provide families the opportunity to spend time with their loved one in a safe environment. Even after death, their dignity and respect are maintained.

Outside of work, I love to spend my time in Te Anau, wandering the outdoors with my partner and my dog Mika. I also enjoy challenging myself in the gym and spending quality time with family and friends.

It was in 2009 that I first became involved within the funeral industry and have had a strong commitment to families ever since. No two families are the same, everyone is unique, therefore there can be challenges along the way, with some incredible outcomes. 

Born, raised, and living in Southland all my life, I’m married to Ross and have two wonderful children, Mandy, and Brad. Mandy has blessed us with grandees, Holly and Graham, who are absolutely delightful, so you will have guessed by now that family are everything!

 My life away from work and apart from family is home. I’ve an extensive garden with a maze that would delight any small child and the child within any adult. An array of animals from dogs, which I try to train in vain, livestock with the cutest sheep in the world, the Blacknose Valais, along with horses, peacocks, plus more. Life is busy, it’s often hectic, but life is also very rewarding and at times, humbling.

‘Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as real strength.’

Born in the United Kingdom, my family and I emigrated to New Zealand when I was six and we have lived in Invercargill ever since. Personal relationships are important to me, and I value spending quality time with my family and friends. I enjoy getting lost in a good book or movie, drawing (I am a keen graphite artist), pottering in the garden, and finding wonderful bargains in charity shops.

Prior to embarking on my career in embalming in 2021, I had an established career in aviation and tourism. I have an authentic desire to help and support people in their time of need and consider this a key part of my nature. I value the importance and privilege of caring for the deceased and preserving their dignity which I believe is a meaningful and significant part in the ‘end of life’ process. I consider it an honour to assist the community by way of my work, in a sincere, compassionate, and professional manner.