Five generations of trusted family funeral care
WestCountry Funeral Service has been part of the local community for generations. The Parson family’s connection to the funeral profession began in the 1800s when ancestors in Plymouth worked as carpenters and cabinet makers, gradually evolving into undertakers as communities started to commission private coffins. In the 1881 Census, John Walter Parson became the first formally recorded family undertaker. From there, each generation upheld the commitment to care: Walter Oscar Parson expanded the business in the early 20th century, and Walter Cyril Parson steered it through the war years. Under Wally Parson’s leadership, the business grew from two offices to seven, earning a reputation for professionalism and compassion across Plympton, Plymouth, Saltash and beyond. Today, as an independent funeral home, we continue to honour that heritage with personalised, dignified services tailored to each family’s wishes.​
Meet the team dedicated to supporting your family
Leah Dawes
Cert.FP
Leah joined us in July 2021 having previously worked in the profession locally. Since joining us, Leah has completed professional qualifications in Funeral Services with the Independent Funeral Director's College and has now become a qualified Funeral Director and continues to support the business by taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of The Old Smithy Funeral Home.
Richard Walter Parson
N.A.F.D. (Dip), M.B.I.E.
Richard is Principal in the team and has worked in the profession since the 1980s. He is highly qualified with the National Association of Funeral Directors and the British Institute of Embalmers and took the chain of office for Chair of the British Institute of Embalmers (South West Division) in January 2024. Sailing is also one of Richard's loves, having had many adventures over many years afloat.
Ian Parson
N.A.F.D. (Dip)
Ian started his career in the early 90s, achieving his N.A.F.D. Diploma with The Great Southern Group, based in Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey. Ian is also a horticulturist and author and has a love of wildlife and nature.
Wally Parson
N.A.F.D. (Dip), B.S.C.
Wally passed away at the beginning of July 2022. He had been involved with the funeral profession all his life, and was a non-stop source of support and advice for us through thick and thin. Wally's experience was second-to-none and he remains a constant inspiration to all of us. Rest in peace.
Charles Cook
Charles joined us in 2023 and has the responsibility of being our hearse driver, assisting with office cover and being a part of the out of hours on-call team.
Rob Rick
Rob joined the team in 2023 following a career in both the military and the police service. Rob's driving experience makes him our ideal first choice limousine driver, as well as assisting with the out of hours rota and office cover when required.
Jason Symons
Afer a long career working in Plymouth Crematoria, Jay joined us in 2024 and brings a wealth of experience with him.
What families have said
“Our huge thanks for looking after Dad and us so well from the beginning through to the very end. Especially you Leah - we couldn’t have done it without you. You will always hold a special place in our hearts for what we shared together. Dad would have been so grateful too.
The service was perfect, you all looked so smart and professional, were so compassionate, caring and respectful of our space. It all ran smoothly and calmly.
Especially lovely was the chapel of rest at Elburton- that was what caught my eye originally and it was a charming and intimate place of calm.
We cannot thank you enough or recommend you enough. Forever grateful.”
Jenny Wallace-Silva (Google review)
Speak to us today for compassionate guidance and support
If you would like to learn more about our team or discuss how we can assist you, please call us any time. We are here to answer your questions, guide you through your options, and provide the reassurance that comes from knowing your loved one is in caring hands.
