Our History
Parkgrove Crematorium was established in 1993, providing a place of peace and remembrance for families across Angus. For over three decades, we have been committed to offering dignified and compassionate care to those saying their final goodbyes.
Recognising the growing need for a seamless and supportive funeral service, Parkgrove Funeral Directors was established in 2024. This expansion allows us to provide complete funeral care, ensuring that families receive the highest level of support, from the first call to the final farewell.
As a family-run funeral service, we believe that every farewell should be personal, meaningful, and tailored to honour the life of your loved one. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through every step, offering care, professionalism, and understanding when you need it most.
With both our crematorium and funeral directors on-site, we offer families a simple and seamless service, providing comfort and reassurance at every stage of the journey.
Meet the Team
-
Ken Parke
FOUNDER
Ken Parke, Managing Director of Parkgrove, has led the business with visionary innovation since founding it in 1993. His commitment to environmental sustainability saw Parkgrove develop the first modern electric cremator, reducing cremation's environmental impact. Under his leadership, Parkgrove also installed a solar energy system that powers the entire site, making it Net Zero. Ken's forward-thinking approach has positioned Parkgrove as a leader in eco-friendly funeral practices and a model for sustainable business operations.
-
Chris Simpson
FUNERAL DIRECTOR
Chris Simpson joined Parkgrove Funeral Directors in early 2024, bringing with him a deep care for the Angus community. Passionate about supporting families during difficult times, Chris is dedicated to creating personal, meaningful tributes with empathy and compassion. Chris is responsible for ensuring Parkgrove Funeral Directors hold themselves to the highest level of standards, strictly adhering to the Scottish Funeral Directors Code of Practice. Outside of his role as a Funeral Director, Chris enjoys photographing weddings, always celebrating life’s special moments with warmth and care.
-
Kevin Taylor
FUNERAL DIRECTOR
Kevin Taylor is our newest addition to Parkgrove Funeral Directors team. He is eager to embrace this exciting chapter in his new role. Committed to supporting families during difficult times, he is dedicated to creating personal and meaningful tributes with empathy and compassion, drawing on his experience in the military. Outside of his role as a Funeral Director, Kevin enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends in his home town Carnoustie.
-
Elaine Buchanan
CREMATORIUM SUPERINTENDENT
Elaine Buchanan, Superintendent of Parkgrove Crematorium. Elaine brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to supporting families with care and compassion. With a strong connection to the Angus community, Elaine oversees all aspects of the crematorium, ensuring every detail is handled with the utmost respect. Outside of work, she enjoys participating in local community initiatives and spending time with her family in the beautiful Angus countryside.
Our Values
-
We are dedicated to preserving the dignity of your loved one through every aspect of our service. From the initial consultation to the final farewell, we ensure that all proceedings are conducted with grace and integrity, reflecting the honour and respect your loved one deserves.
-
We embrace innovation to provide environmentally sustainable and modern services. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in our use of electric cremators and solar energy, setting new standards in the funeral industry while caring for our planet. We have recently received a Tesla Hearse, charged entirely from Solar generated onsite.
-
We believe in treating every individual with the utmost respect, honouring the life of each person we serve. Our commitment to respect extends to every family, ensuring that their wishes and traditions are upheld with care and consideration.
-
Understanding that this is one of the most challenging times in a family’s life, we approach our work with deep empathy. We are here to listen, support, and guide with compassion, providing comfort and understanding every step of the way.
-
As a proud member of the Angus community, we value our connection to the people we serve. We are committed to giving back and supporting local initiatives, reinforcing our deep roots and dedication to the community that has trusted us for over 30 years.
-
We believe in complete transparency in all our interactions. From clear pricing to open communication, we ensure that families are fully informed and supported throughout the process, fostering trust and confidence in our services.
Committed to Our Community
Photo: PJ Parker
At Parkgrove Funeral Directors, our commitment to the Angus community goes beyond providing compassionate funeral services. We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us for over 30 years, and our involvement in local initiatives is a reflection of that dedication.
One of our proudest contributions is our sponsorship of the home end Stadium at Arbroath Football Club. As a longstanding part of the Angus community, we understand the importance of supporting local sports and the positive impact it has on bringing people together. Our sponsorship helps to ensure that Arbroath FC continues to thrive, fostering community spirit and providing enjoyment for fans of all ages.
In addition to our support for local sports, we are also deeply committed to environmental sustainability and charitable giving. At Parkgrove Crematorium, we recycle all metals recovered during the cremation process. These metals are sent to Orthometals, a company that specialises in recycling materials from cremations. Any money received from this recycling is donated to local causes, allowing us to contribute to the well-being of our community in a meaningful way. This initiative not only reflects our commitment to sustainability but also ensures that the proceeds are used to support local charities and projects that benefit those in need.
Through these efforts, Parkgrove Funeral Directors is proud to play a role in enhancing the quality of life in Angus, demonstrating our ongoing dedication to the community that we are honored to serve.
Photo: PJ Parker