Tom Owen and Son is a highly successful and long-established funeral business with amazing links to the Enigma Code and the stars of Coronation Street.
Tom Owen and Son is a highly successful and long-established funeral business with amazing links to the Enigma Code and the stars of Coronation Street.
Special Community Feature Story by Don Hale.
The firm is one of the oldest independent funeral directors in both Llandudno and the surrounding areas, and is the only company recognised by the Good Funeral Guide in the whole of North Wales. The company has continued to set the pace for decades with their high standards, and numerous innovations throughout this period.
The business is now run by Tristan Owen, a fourth-generation family member, and his wife Kelly, who took over the helm at this highly successful enterprise over two-years ago.
They remain determined to continue the legacy of its founder, who helped to shape the way the company has evolved over the past 90-plus years and have become the energetic new faces of this respected long-established business that has faithfully served the local community since 1930.
The business is now run by Tristan Owen, a fourth-generation family member, and his wife Kelly, who took over the helm at this highly successful enterprise over two-years ago.
They remain determined to continue the legacy of its founder, who helped to shape the way the company has evolved over the past 90-plus years and have become the energetic new faces of this respected long-established business that has faithfully served the local community since 1930.
*Peter Owen (seated) with a framed photograph of his father Tom, together with other family members (l-r) Jayne Owen, Tristan, Kelly, and Scott Owen.
Two key characters in a fascinating family history story.
For Tristan and Kelly, they have perhaps inadvertently become two vitally important key characters within this latest chapter of a fascinating family history story dating back to 1899!
Their unique family tree, and some of the amazing facts revealed within it prior to the initial launch of the firm in 1930, and again following the development of Tom Owen and Son, resemble some of the most essential ingredients for a potential ‘Rags to Riches’ type period drama!
Tristan’s great, great grandfather, William Owen, is the outstanding hero of this compelling story. He escaped from near poverty as a farm worker following a devastating Foot and Mouth outbreak in Mickle Trafford, near Chester, in the early 1890’s, before travelling by horse and cart with his family, to start a new life in Llandudno. It was a risk he simply had to take!
William however was a grafter, and his labouring skills helped with the construction of some of the town’s most iconic projects such as Woolworths and Marks and Spencer,’ and in later years, he encouraged his four sons to become entrepreneurs.
Their unique family tree, and some of the amazing facts revealed within it prior to the initial launch of the firm in 1930, and again following the development of Tom Owen and Son, resemble some of the most essential ingredients for a potential ‘Rags to Riches’ type period drama!
Tristan’s great, great grandfather, William Owen, is the outstanding hero of this compelling story. He escaped from near poverty as a farm worker following a devastating Foot and Mouth outbreak in Mickle Trafford, near Chester, in the early 1890’s, before travelling by horse and cart with his family, to start a new life in Llandudno. It was a risk he simply had to take!
William however was a grafter, and his labouring skills helped with the construction of some of the town’s most iconic projects such as Woolworths and Marks and Spencer,’ and in later years, he encouraged his four sons to become entrepreneurs.
Family links to the Enigma Code at Bletchley Park, and on-screen funerals for Coronation Street stars.
Tom Owen (*pictured above), was one of these four intrepid young lads, eventually starting his own funeral business after an initial part-time role in 1921, leading up to its more formal establishment in 1930, with his brothers’ additionally creating a garage, and a very popular ice cream shop in Llandudno to help serve the expanding tourist trade.
Amongst the many interesting references to the fascinating Owen family tree, there are numerous other totally unexpected twists and turns.
Tom’s brother James but better known as Stewart, joined the Army and eventually became a war hero working secretly at Bletchley Park with the Enigma Code team during WW2, whilst Tristan’s father Scott, later handled several on-screen funerals for a host of Coronation Street soap stars during the 1990’s, and even appeared in a special walk-on role!
Amongst the many interesting references to the fascinating Owen family tree, there are numerous other totally unexpected twists and turns.
Tom’s brother James but better known as Stewart, joined the Army and eventually became a war hero working secretly at Bletchley Park with the Enigma Code team during WW2, whilst Tristan’s father Scott, later handled several on-screen funerals for a host of Coronation Street soap stars during the 1990’s, and even appeared in a special walk-on role!
*Pictured (*above left), Scott Owen with Corrie stars Thelma Barlow (Mavis Wilton) and Barbara Knox (Rita Sullivan), and (*right) Scott with Bill Tarmey (Jack Duckworth).
Scott represented the third generation of the family to become involved, and he followed in the similar footsteps of his grandfather Tom, and his father Peter. He joined Tom Owen and Son in 1974, and just like many other family members before, he arrived straight from school, and learnt his trade on the job under expert family supervision.
It was about ten years later that Scott and his firm, were then booked to handle many on-screen funerals for several Coronation Street television stars including those of Ernie Bishop, Derek Wilton, Vera Duckworth’s mum, Brendan Scott, and Don Brennan.
Tristan is more than happy to continue along that same well-trodden path set by his predecessors, who had each helped to provide an essential duty of care to the bereaved at a time of need.
Tristan and Kelly are passionate about continuing to provide a modern, and a very caring approach to funerals, and after chatting with the pair, it’s clear they are more than willing to go that extra mile to help create the perfect bespoke funeral to help celebrate the life of the person who has died.
Change of Lifestyle
This energetic couple who only married in July 2022, both gave up secure, well-paid careers, plus their home, to take over the funeral business, but admitted they were thrilled and delighted to be asked by Tristan’s father Scott, to come back and to take the helm.
Scott was apparently considering retirement after 45-years with the firm, and he wanted to try to keep the family momentum going and hoped his son would consider his offer to run the firm.
And, although this job opportunity came quite ‘out of the blue,’ Tristan said he felt “honoured,” and believed it was a “privilege,” to have been invited to take on this unexpected challenge.
He says he had no original intention to return to Llandudno to run the funeral business, as he already had a settled life and a key position, and at first, he thought Kelly might not relish the idea of giving up everything they knew to move back to his home patch.
However, when he mentioned this incredible life-changing opportunity to Kelly, he was pleasantly surprised by her almost immediate response, so within a matter of hours this friendly and ambitious couple talked through the idea and quickly accepted the post.
Tristan said: “It was a big step as I knew it was such a massive decision, but then I asked Kelly, and she was really keen and supportive. She jumped at the chance to live and work in Llandudno, as it’s such a beautiful part of the world.”
Kelly added: “Who wouldn’t want the chance to come here to live, the office is just a few minutes from the sea and mountain backdrop. It’s such a lovely town and community, and Tristan was often working away in India for weeks on end, so it was no real family life. We are incredibly lucky to live here.”
And, although this job opportunity came quite ‘out of the blue,’ Tristan said he felt “honoured,” and believed it was a “privilege,” to have been invited to take on this unexpected challenge.
He says he had no original intention to return to Llandudno to run the funeral business, as he already had a settled life and a key position, and at first, he thought Kelly might not relish the idea of giving up everything they knew to move back to his home patch.
However, when he mentioned this incredible life-changing opportunity to Kelly, he was pleasantly surprised by her almost immediate response, so within a matter of hours this friendly and ambitious couple talked through the idea and quickly accepted the post.
Tristan said: “It was a big step as I knew it was such a massive decision, but then I asked Kelly, and she was really keen and supportive. She jumped at the chance to live and work in Llandudno, as it’s such a beautiful part of the world.”
Kelly added: “Who wouldn’t want the chance to come here to live, the office is just a few minutes from the sea and mountain backdrop. It’s such a lovely town and community, and Tristan was often working away in India for weeks on end, so it was no real family life. We are incredibly lucky to live here.”
Born and bred in Llandudno
Tristan was born and bred in Llandudno but eventually moved away to seek more regular employment in his chosen profession, and to progress as an international IT manager and an executive for Renold Plc, an age-old manufacturing company based in Manchester that primarily made chains and gearboxes.
He said: “I was a business systems manager responsible for a global roll-out of standardised business processes and IT software. My role was to liaise with local management across various sites globally, managing the implementation of new business processes. This involved a lot of international travel to places like India, China, and the US.”
He said: “I was a business systems manager responsible for a global roll-out of standardised business processes and IT software. My role was to liaise with local management across various sites globally, managing the implementation of new business processes. This involved a lot of international travel to places like India, China, and the US.”
The couple met through work, and quite bizarrely, later found out that they were both on the same online dating site. Tristan explained: “We were both on a dating site before really knowing each other in work. We talked one day and ended up exchanging stories in work about being on the site, and it went from there. We never came across each other at work until that chance meeting in the kitchen.”
Following his move to Llandudno, he added: “Joining the family firm has been a steep learning curve but we are both very active in the community, and we feel it’s so important to be involved. The company has been looking after many families across the community for so many years, and it’s a real privilege to have been given this opportunity.
“We strive to be human first and a funeral director second. We offer a modern approach to funerals.
We are honest, caring, supportive, and very approachable, and we pride ourselves on giving the highest level of attention to detail. It’s all about the little details, where nothing is too much trouble.”
Following his move to Llandudno, he added: “Joining the family firm has been a steep learning curve but we are both very active in the community, and we feel it’s so important to be involved. The company has been looking after many families across the community for so many years, and it’s a real privilege to have been given this opportunity.
“We strive to be human first and a funeral director second. We offer a modern approach to funerals.
We are honest, caring, supportive, and very approachable, and we pride ourselves on giving the highest level of attention to detail. It’s all about the little details, where nothing is too much trouble.”
First female Funeral Director, and Louie a new informal ‘Bereavement Dog’
Kelly has since become the first female Funeral Director and the diversity champion in the company’s history, and she is naturally very proud of her new role. Kelly is keen to ensure that Tom Owen and Son services are accessible to all and value everyone as an individual, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable.
Kelly combines her role alongside managing the firm’s finances, and the social media for the company. They recently introduced another key member of staff in Louie, their young and quite beautiful black Labrador, (*pictured above), who is now working as an informal ‘bereavement dog.’ He too has become quite popular with members of bereaved families, offering comfort and friendship as needed.
Kelly combines her role alongside managing the firm’s finances, and the social media for the company. They recently introduced another key member of staff in Louie, their young and quite beautiful black Labrador, (*pictured above), who is now working as an informal ‘bereavement dog.’ He too has become quite popular with members of bereaved families, offering comfort and friendship as needed.
Keen golfer who won a prestigious Cup with a bizarre family link
Tristan enjoys his brief leisure time and loves playing chess, walking their pet dog Louie with his wife Kelly, and is also a very keen golfer, who recently won the prestigious Oxford Cup.
This historic trophy was ironically first sponsored several decades ago by some of his former family members, who were brothers of the founder Tom Owen, including John (Norman) and James (Stewart), or Tiff, who ran the Oxford Garage in Llandudno, together with William (Bill), who once had a very popular ice cream shop in Llandudno.
This historic trophy was ironically first sponsored several decades ago by some of his former family members, who were brothers of the founder Tom Owen, including John (Norman) and James (Stewart), or Tiff, who ran the Oxford Garage in Llandudno, together with William (Bill), who once had a very popular ice cream shop in Llandudno.
Tristan said: “As far as I know it was the early 1920’s when the garage first sponsored the Cup competition. Tom Owen and his brothers were all heavily involved with the Maesdu Club, and for some reason most of them confusingly switched their middle names around including John (Norman and James (Stewart) or Tiff, who worked with the juniors, and remained a lifetime member, whilst Tom Owen’s portrait is still on the wall as a past captain!”
Kelly claimed Tristan sometimes becomes quite obsessive about his hobby, and he admits he enjoys a bit of freedom with a round of golf on a Wednesday, providing the weather or business permits. Tristan is also involved with Llandudno Rotary Club, and next year (2023) he is set to become President of the local Club.
Tom Owen and Son additionally sponsor several local charities, sporting clubs and events, including a two junior football teams, the Nick Beer Memorial 10k race around the Great Orme, and the Deganwy Dash 5-mile race, which is now known as Rowan’s Run, and some other events, including donating to a local defibrillator.
Kelly, who loves reading a good book, and being with her teenage daughter Sophie, is additionally involved with Llandudno Soroptimist’s, and the North Wales Business Club.
Kelly claimed Tristan sometimes becomes quite obsessive about his hobby, and he admits he enjoys a bit of freedom with a round of golf on a Wednesday, providing the weather or business permits. Tristan is also involved with Llandudno Rotary Club, and next year (2023) he is set to become President of the local Club.
Tom Owen and Son additionally sponsor several local charities, sporting clubs and events, including a two junior football teams, the Nick Beer Memorial 10k race around the Great Orme, and the Deganwy Dash 5-mile race, which is now known as Rowan’s Run, and some other events, including donating to a local defibrillator.
Kelly, who loves reading a good book, and being with her teenage daughter Sophie, is additionally involved with Llandudno Soroptimist’s, and the North Wales Business Club.
Free ‘Coffee Connection’ offer for Bereavement Support
This dynamic couple have also introduced a much-needed bereavement support group called ‘Coffee Connection’ at the Providero Tea & Coffee House at 112 Upper Mostyn Street. They are held on the third Thursday of the month between 10am and 12 noon, with the next meetings scheduled for 17th November 2022; 15th December 2022; and 19th January 2023.
Kelly confirmed: “We started this in May 2021, and it’s proved very popular, especially after the pandemic when people were not able to get out after being bereaved. We sponsor the coffee morning, and it’s free to attend, primarily for the bereaved or the lonely, who just need to see a friendly face, or to talk to someone. It’s generally attended by about twenty-five people or so, of all ages, both male and female. Everyone is welcome.”
Kelly confirmed: “We started this in May 2021, and it’s proved very popular, especially after the pandemic when people were not able to get out after being bereaved. We sponsor the coffee morning, and it’s free to attend, primarily for the bereaved or the lonely, who just need to see a friendly face, or to talk to someone. It’s generally attended by about twenty-five people or so, of all ages, both male and female. Everyone is welcome.”
Support from Scott Owen and the firm’s hard-working team
The pair paid a deserved tribute to the help and support of family members and key staff who helped them to make the transition as smooth as possible, and they also gave generous praise to the welcome advice from Tristan’s father Scott Owen, who has acted as a mentor to them during the take-over and since!
Tristan is well-aware of the enormous challenge and the responsibility his position demands and he outlined some of the important upgrades applied to their business facilities, including a fully refurbished Chapel of Rest, and an on-site mortuary. In addition, they have created a new in-house floral studio, and are working hard to ensure that their services are accessible to all, including being wheelchair accessible, and that all their paperwork and social media is accessible to blind and visually impaired people with the help of RNIB.
Tristan is well-aware of the enormous challenge and the responsibility his position demands and he outlined some of the important upgrades applied to their business facilities, including a fully refurbished Chapel of Rest, and an on-site mortuary. In addition, they have created a new in-house floral studio, and are working hard to ensure that their services are accessible to all, including being wheelchair accessible, and that all their paperwork and social media is accessible to blind and visually impaired people with the help of RNIB.
Roll call at Tom Owen and Son
Tom Owen and Son has a loyal and hard-working team, which includes Chris Lea (*above), a long serving member of staff who also directs funerals, manages the fleet of cars, and the bearers. He is a keen walker and caravaner.
In addition, Vicky Baines is a funeral operative responsible for looking after those in their care within the mortuary. She is a qualified holistic therapist and likes to spend time with her daughter.
James Crompton is the in-house florist who works in association with his own family firm ‘Petals.’ He likes to spend time with his dog, and enjoys playing tennis, video games, and cooking, and he also writes articles for the Florist magazine.
In addition, Vicky Baines is a funeral operative responsible for looking after those in their care within the mortuary. She is a qualified holistic therapist and likes to spend time with her daughter.
James Crompton is the in-house florist who works in association with his own family firm ‘Petals.’ He likes to spend time with his dog, and enjoys playing tennis, video games, and cooking, and he also writes articles for the Florist magazine.
*Vicky Baines (*above left) with James Crompton.
Various caring and sympathetic funeral plans to suit your budget and your needs.
Tristan, Kelly, and the team are committed to providing the very best of professional care, support, and expert advice to families in time of need, in a modern, yet traditional setting, concentrating on what families say and need, and advising them in a sympathetic and caring manner.
Tom Owen and Son offer bespoke funeral plans to suit your budget and your needs, which includes natural woodland burials, unattended funerals, and bespoke funerals that are tailored to your needs, whether that be a celebration of life, or a more traditional, simple service, and even a baby or child funeral.
Tom Owen and Son offer bespoke funeral plans to suit your budget and your needs, which includes natural woodland burials, unattended funerals, and bespoke funerals that are tailored to your needs, whether that be a celebration of life, or a more traditional, simple service, and even a baby or child funeral.
A bespoke funeral offers a more personalised service, which may be more appropriate for you and your loved one. It can be tailor-made to help celebrate the life of the person that has died. Other options include a woodland burial, which is perhaps more green and more fitting dependent upon your needs.
The child and baby funeral service allows a very special goodbye, recognising the sensitivity of such a funeral, and working with you, to create a funeral that is both thoughtful and creative. The company does not charge for this latter service.
They also offer memorials, headstones, jewellery, and keepsakes, plus a large range of coffins and caskets that can be specially selected including eco coffins, traditional oak veneer, wicker, cardboard, and many others utilising different shapes and colours if required.
The child and baby funeral service allows a very special goodbye, recognising the sensitivity of such a funeral, and working with you, to create a funeral that is both thoughtful and creative. The company does not charge for this latter service.
They also offer memorials, headstones, jewellery, and keepsakes, plus a large range of coffins and caskets that can be specially selected including eco coffins, traditional oak veneer, wicker, cardboard, and many others utilising different shapes and colours if required.
Website: https://tomowenandson.com
(Part 2): Special Archive Feature:
The extraordinary family history of Tom Owen and Son.
*An historic family photo of the Owen family (*front row l-r), Aunt Wilcox, John (Norman), James (Stewart or Tiff), Maggie Owen, and (top) William Owen, William junior (Bill) and Tom Owen.
If it had not been for a sudden outbreak of the dreaded Foot and Mouth disease over 120-years ago on a small farm at Mickle Trafford, near Chester in the early 1900’s, the old established Funeral Directing business of Tom Owen and Son in Llandudno, might never have started!
Tom, the eventual founder of the firm, came into the world in 1899. He was the son of William and Maggie Owen, and a welcome brother to William, John, and Stewart. To most people, the names of the four Owen boys might seem reasonably straightforward, but on their family history timeline, and during their time in Llandudno, some became better known for whatever reason as William (Bill), James (Stewart or Tiff), and John (Norman), with only Tom appearing to retain his original birth name but also being known to some as Tolly!
William came from a farming family, working over the years on the family farm in Trafford, now known as Ivy Bank, however, with severe restrictions impacting the entire agricultural industry, and with associated family accommodation limited, he was forced to reconsider his position urgently, and to search for a new life elsewhere.
It seemed the fast-developing seaside town of Llandudno, just across the border in North Wales, was an attraction and provided some exciting opportunities, with the prospect of new jobs, low-cost housing, and a much healthier environment for his growing family.
Tom, the eventual founder of the firm, came into the world in 1899. He was the son of William and Maggie Owen, and a welcome brother to William, John, and Stewart. To most people, the names of the four Owen boys might seem reasonably straightforward, but on their family history timeline, and during their time in Llandudno, some became better known for whatever reason as William (Bill), James (Stewart or Tiff), and John (Norman), with only Tom appearing to retain his original birth name but also being known to some as Tolly!
William came from a farming family, working over the years on the family farm in Trafford, now known as Ivy Bank, however, with severe restrictions impacting the entire agricultural industry, and with associated family accommodation limited, he was forced to reconsider his position urgently, and to search for a new life elsewhere.
It seemed the fast-developing seaside town of Llandudno, just across the border in North Wales, was an attraction and provided some exciting opportunities, with the prospect of new jobs, low-cost housing, and a much healthier environment for his growing family.
Horse and cart move to Llandudno
Boosted by the increasing popularity of ‘tourism,’ this picturesque spot must have seen like a true beacon of hope after the family’s recent setbacks, so within days of losing his job and his home on the farm, the entire Owen family, packed up all their worldly goods and set off by horse and cart for a rather uncomfortable 54-mile journey to Llandudno.
His optimistic approach however, quickly paid dividends, and they soon settled into their new surroundings and earned respect within the local community. William, almost immediately, gained employment as a much-needed builder’s labourer, and worked on many new and important local development projects, including the former Woolworths and Marks and Spencer sites.
Later, he purchased a Fish and Chip shop on Clonmel Street, then a new plot on Somerset Street, where he set up ‘The Oxford Garage.’ It was on this plot that the Owen family flourished.
As the years rolled on, William tried to encourage all his lads to continue to live and work in the area, and he even offered each of them a car as an incentive to stay. He believed in hard work and dedication, and his idea obviously proved beneficial, and perhaps encouraged them all to become entrepreneurs.
Tom eventually ran the garage together with his father on Somerset Street, whilst William (Bill) took over the Clonmel Street site and ran a very popular ice cream shop in the town.
His optimistic approach however, quickly paid dividends, and they soon settled into their new surroundings and earned respect within the local community. William, almost immediately, gained employment as a much-needed builder’s labourer, and worked on many new and important local development projects, including the former Woolworths and Marks and Spencer sites.
Later, he purchased a Fish and Chip shop on Clonmel Street, then a new plot on Somerset Street, where he set up ‘The Oxford Garage.’ It was on this plot that the Owen family flourished.
As the years rolled on, William tried to encourage all his lads to continue to live and work in the area, and he even offered each of them a car as an incentive to stay. He believed in hard work and dedication, and his idea obviously proved beneficial, and perhaps encouraged them all to become entrepreneurs.
Tom eventually ran the garage together with his father on Somerset Street, whilst William (Bill) took over the Clonmel Street site and ran a very popular ice cream shop in the town.
*In later years, James (Stewart) additionally became a War hero! He joined the Army and worked on the secretive Enigma Code project at Bletchley Park during World War Two.
The launch of Tom Owen and Son
Shortly after leaving school, Tom Owen began work in his father’s garage, and also worked as a part-time taxi driver. A bit later, Tom and his father began helping at some local funerals, and in 1921, aged just 22, he bought a hearse and limousine, and decided to start his own funeral directing business, again, initially on a part-time basis, but as the new enterprise began to take shape, he decided to go full-time, and soon he was in huge demand.
And, just a few years later with the business developing rapidly, he married his sweetheart Alice May, and in 1929 they celebrated the birth of their baby boy, Peter.
During the following year, 1930, Tom really established the business Tom Owen and Son. The company served the bereaved families in the local community and surrounding areas, and in the same year, he also purchased a small shop at number 11 Bodhyfryd Road in Llandudno, next to his family home.
Quite remarkably, the business has remained there ever since, albeit with a few important changes! And, later in 1945, Tom welcomed his only son, Peter, into the business shortly after leaving school, but tragically, one of the first funerals he helped to arrange, was that of his mother, Alice May! Tom remained involved with the company from 1930 until his death in 1968.
And, just a few years later with the business developing rapidly, he married his sweetheart Alice May, and in 1929 they celebrated the birth of their baby boy, Peter.
During the following year, 1930, Tom really established the business Tom Owen and Son. The company served the bereaved families in the local community and surrounding areas, and in the same year, he also purchased a small shop at number 11 Bodhyfryd Road in Llandudno, next to his family home.
Quite remarkably, the business has remained there ever since, albeit with a few important changes! And, later in 1945, Tom welcomed his only son, Peter, into the business shortly after leaving school, but tragically, one of the first funerals he helped to arrange, was that of his mother, Alice May! Tom remained involved with the company from 1930 until his death in 1968.
Peter Owen was a popular and prominent local character
In due course, Peter Owen (*pictured right) became the second-generation family member to be involved in the running of this successful funeral business. He was said to be a very prominent character and wore a black suit every day. Peter took over the running of the firm in 1960 when it became a Limited Company.
He was known for his sharp dressing and his eccentric personality and set some compelling new standards of excellence within the family firm, and in 1952, he was also the very first local Funeral Director to introduce a prestigious Shearline Hearse.
It was said that Peter’s unique popularity was so great at one stage, that sometimes he had to travel along the back streets of Llandudno if he was in a rush, as walking down Mostyn street could involve a long delay, as so many people wanted to stop and chat with him.
In August 1957, Peter and his wife Shawna had a son, Scott, and a few years later he was joined by his brother Paul. Peter remained involved with the firm from 1945 until 1987 and has now retired.
He was known for his sharp dressing and his eccentric personality and set some compelling new standards of excellence within the family firm, and in 1952, he was also the very first local Funeral Director to introduce a prestigious Shearline Hearse.
It was said that Peter’s unique popularity was so great at one stage, that sometimes he had to travel along the back streets of Llandudno if he was in a rush, as walking down Mostyn street could involve a long delay, as so many people wanted to stop and chat with him.
In August 1957, Peter and his wife Shawna had a son, Scott, and a few years later he was joined by his brother Paul. Peter remained involved with the firm from 1945 until 1987 and has now retired.
Scott Owen booked to handle on-screen funerals for Coronation Street stars
Scott represented the third generation of the family to become involved, and just like many other family members before, he arrived straight from school, and learnt his trade on the job under expert family supervision. He gained a diploma in Funeral Directing with the NAFD scheme and in 1980, he took charge of the company.
During the 1990’s, Scott and his firm were booked to handle several on-screen funerals for Coronation Street television stars including those of Ernie Bishop, Derek Wilton, Vera Duckworth’s mum, Brendan Scott, and Don Brennan.
In those days, Brennan’s on-screen obituary claimed he was the crazy taxi driver who was killed in a car crash as he attempted to mow down factory owner Mike Baldwin. And the other actor, Brendan Scott, was said to have briefly owned the famous corner shop!
During the 1990’s, Scott and his firm were booked to handle several on-screen funerals for Coronation Street television stars including those of Ernie Bishop, Derek Wilton, Vera Duckworth’s mum, Brendan Scott, and Don Brennan.
In those days, Brennan’s on-screen obituary claimed he was the crazy taxi driver who was killed in a car crash as he attempted to mow down factory owner Mike Baldwin. And the other actor, Brendan Scott, was said to have briefly owned the famous corner shop!
*Scott Owen (*pictured above left) on the set at Coronation street, and (*right) publicity for the firm about some on-screen burials in the local newspapers.
Authentic touch to burial of soap stars
At the time of filming the Derek Wilton episode, Scott confirmed how Tom Owen and Son played a unique role in these TV soap funerals and confirmed: “They wanted an authentic touch to these sombre occasions. It was fun filming the burial of some top soap stars, and I was asked to provide a hearse and some cars, but it was strange being on the set.”
And why was a firm of undertakers in Llandudno asked to do a Coronation Street funeral, Scott replied: “It’s all because a few years ago, we did the funeral of the mother of the production designer Christopher Walker, who lived in Llandudno, He obviously remembered us when they were looking for a Funeral Director to provide cars and a hearse. We were happy to help, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.”
At the funeral of Corrie character Derek Wilton (Peter Baldwin), Scott explained: “This was our third one, and this time, I and four other members of staff spent two days filming scenes on the set at Granada Studios, and at a Manchester church with actress Thelma Riley, who played Mavis Wilton, and Barbara Knox, who played Rita, together with all the other regular cast members.”
The dramatic scenes though had to remain a secret until broadcast and Scott added: “Even though it was a funeral they were filming it was brilliant fun. They were a great crowd, very chatty and friendly. Nevertheless, Thelma Riley was obviously sad to see Derek – her on-screen husband for many years – laid to rest.”
And why was a firm of undertakers in Llandudno asked to do a Coronation Street funeral, Scott replied: “It’s all because a few years ago, we did the funeral of the mother of the production designer Christopher Walker, who lived in Llandudno, He obviously remembered us when they were looking for a Funeral Director to provide cars and a hearse. We were happy to help, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.”
At the funeral of Corrie character Derek Wilton (Peter Baldwin), Scott explained: “This was our third one, and this time, I and four other members of staff spent two days filming scenes on the set at Granada Studios, and at a Manchester church with actress Thelma Riley, who played Mavis Wilton, and Barbara Knox, who played Rita, together with all the other regular cast members.”
The dramatic scenes though had to remain a secret until broadcast and Scott added: “Even though it was a funeral they were filming it was brilliant fun. They were a great crowd, very chatty and friendly. Nevertheless, Thelma Riley was obviously sad to see Derek – her on-screen husband for many years – laid to rest.”
A speaking and walk-on part for Scott on Coronation Street film set
In the scene in which Scott appeared on screen as himself, it showed a Funeral director being greeted at the Wilton home by Rita. Scott said: “I had to be made up and I even had my hair gelled to stop it blowing about. Then they asked me to say a few words to Rita (Barbara Knox), when she opened the door. It wasn’t scripted. They just asked me to behave as I normally would when I went to the home of the deceased. I just said the first thing that came into my head, so I hope it turned out, OK?”
*(Pictured above and circled far left), Jack Howarth, who played the character Albert Tatlock in Corrie for over 24-years, was a familiar figure in Deganwy, where he lived.
Same base in Llandudno for over 90-years
Scott was involved in the business from 1974 until 2021, and worked hard for nearly five decades, helping to develop a progressive business model, and to oversee many new improvements to the business base at the very same office base on Bodhyfryd Road, which they have occupied for over ninety-years!
He is now retired but remains involved with the company on a limited part-time basis as required, and he has acted as a mentor to his son Tristan and Kelly and is always willing to offer advice and support when needed.
Tristan Owen now represents an incredible fourth generation family member to run this business and together with his co-Funeral Director and wife Kelly, they are delighted to be at the very heart of Tom Owen and Son and are well supported by a loyal team and seem intent on taking the taking the company forward into another new and exciting era!
He is now retired but remains involved with the company on a limited part-time basis as required, and he has acted as a mentor to his son Tristan and Kelly and is always willing to offer advice and support when needed.
Tristan Owen now represents an incredible fourth generation family member to run this business and together with his co-Funeral Director and wife Kelly, they are delighted to be at the very heart of Tom Owen and Son and are well supported by a loyal team and seem intent on taking the taking the company forward into another new and exciting era!
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