Hi, I'm Tim
‘Grief is love persevering’
Hello, my name is Tim Holmes, if you’re reading this it’s likely you’re planning a funeral for someone you love. This page sets out the support I could offer you at this difficult, important time. I am happy to give advice whether you choose to use my services or not, so please feel free to contact me. Being a Funeral Celebrant feels like a calling for me, a way to face my own mortality whilst providing a valuable service to others. I’m inspired by people’s stories, by building community through personal relationships. I believe relationships give our lives meaning, provide a sense of purpose; to love and be loved in return.
I’m a published poet, a seasoned spoken word performer, and passionate about the arts in all its forms. I’m frequently invited to perform or present in wide a range of settings. I love to write and will take great care crafting a unique funeral and personal tribute to represent your loved one. It’s a profoundly humbling experience to gather and tell a person’s life story; a huge privilege to spend time with families and friends as they remember those who matter to them most.
I began my working life as a helicopter engineer in the army but left when I became politically opposed to the conflicts arising. Since then, I’ve worked predominantly in manufacturing and currently work part-time managing a public funded programme supporting decarbonisation and environmental sustainability.
Underlying my intersts is a passion for people and the culture we create. I’m an unapologetic idealist, who despite our challenges, has faith in human beings to do incredible things, both large and small. Although I don’t hold religious beliefs I'm not judgemental of other’s faith, but am driven instead by an innate sense of justice, a strong moral compass and the high value with which I hold a human life.
I live in Meersbrook, Sheffield with my partner and three children and offer funerals and memorials across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and on-line countrywide. However, if you feel I’m the celebrant for you, please get in touch wherever you’re from.
Such a deeply kind and understanding soul with true empathy for fellow humans. We will be ever grateful for the service you gave us, Tim. We will remember you always and we think of you often with such comfort and calmness which is what you imparted to us.
There are not enough thanks we can give. Love and peace to you.”
— Kim Errington
“Tim did an amazing job. He went above and beyond to make sure we had the funeral ceremony we wanted for my dad. He spent so much time learning about my dad’s life and really supported us through the process.
Everyone commented on what a nice service it had been and it felt like a celebration of my dad’s amazing life rather than a depressing event. We really appreciate the support and guidance Tim gave and are really pleased we found him.”
— The Kelly Family
“After the sudden and unexpected passing of my life-partner Tom, I was so relieved to have found Tim Holmes. From the initial consultation, he constantly offered his support, empathy and professionalism to help in this very stressful time. He took the time to really listen and encouraged input from the family to help with his understanding of just who Tom was and what he meant to us all. He expertly wove together a heart-warming and accurate picture of Tom and it was very obvious from the service that he had read and listened to everything – and there was a lot of input. Tom did not want any fuss nor an overly complicated funeral and Tim did us all proud and injected just the right amount of humour – capturing Tom’s personality really well. We did laugh with joy when recounting some poignant aspects of Tom’s life – Tim really summed him up well.
All of our family have said just how wonderful a service it was and were all happy that I found Tim. He not only conducted a great send off for Tom but made sure we were at ease both before and after the service.
I cannot thank Tim enough and if I could rate him out of 10, it would be a 20. A consummate, dedicated and caring Celebrant – you will always have my heart-felt thanks.”
— Mark (and The Roberts Family)
“When my longest-standing and closest friend died recently, he left instructions for a natural burial at a rural burial site in Leicestershire. This was in the middle of lockdown and with no physical structures in the event of rain, it presented a real challenge. Fortunately, he’d asked that Tim act as celebrant before he died. This turned out to be an absolute blessing as Tim was fantastic, before, during and after the ceremony. He collaborated with us on the order of service, the eulogy and the readings and was very diplomatic regarding changes we wanted.
However, it was during the burial ceremony that Tim really came into his own. It was a surreal situation but Tim took it all in his stride, even in the car park where he brought a dramatic aura, calling to the assembly in his broad Yorkshire accent. The ceremony itself was truly amazing and everything we, and our fallen comrade, could have wished for. It all took place under torrential rain and dark skies, but Tim held it all together and it really was primal and magical. Can’t recommend him highly enough: gravitas, humour, charisma, clarity – he’s got the lot and we will be eternally grateful to him for guiding us through a difficult time. Cheers, mate.”
— Harry Harrison
“Thank you so much for the ceremony yesterday. We are so pleased we chose you, you got the ceremony exactly as we wanted it. Both my brothers agreed too and everyone who attended and watched online mentioned how nice the ceremony was. I think it really told the story of my dad and it felt like a celebration of his life rather than a depressing event.
I want to thank you as I know you put a lot of work into getting it right and we also really appreciated the support you gave us in preparation for the day.”
— Marie-Anne Kelly
“Tim listened to us with sympathy and empathy, made us feel like he’d speak of mum with compassion, with words that would represent the beautiful person she was… The service was lovely, spoke of wonderful times and the caring, loving person mum was… Everyone said how good Tim was, how he did mum justice and we really appreciate this. Tim has a lovely caring way and listened to all our wishes for the service we wanted. Thank you deeply…”
— Carey Hopkinson
“I know I’ve said it several times before, but just another massive thank you for all you did for Pete’s burial. Thank you for your awesome presence and for guiding us through the moment with warmth and sensitivity and power and love in equal measure.”
— Kate Martin
“Tim’s words made me weep tears equally full of joy and sadness. Nothing’s ever made me experience that before. Such a wonderfully constructed collection of beautiful words that absolutely nailed it.”
— Emma Birch
“We were both very pleased with the service and the way everything went – thank you so much. Lots of people approached us saying how lovely it was. My cousin Paul, from LA, said it was very personal and a lovely tribute. You actually made the service, I loved how you told the mums with the young children not to worry about the noise and keeping them under control. The poem you read was very apt. I know Susan would have enjoyed the afternoon surrounded by family and friends…
…Once again, thank you very much, you have such a professional, caring attitude and you made the whole procedure so easy.”
— Anne Monks
"I wanted to just say a huge heartfelt thank you for dad's celebration of life yesterday. You did an incredible job! There were a couple of people there who are friends of mine who didn't know my dad that well and they came away saying they felt like they knew him after the service. Everyone said at the wake what a great job you did, you included everything I wanted and really portrayed the person he was. It was beautiful! Honestly can't thank you enough Tim!"
— Annika Carney
“Tim Holmes officiated at the funeral of my husband. He guided me through what was going to happen in detail and made it an easier process on a very difficult day. He explained everything in a caring, understanding and professional way.
The memories given to Tim by family were turned into the most touching, funny and fitting tribute to my husband. It was perfect and I could not have asked for anything better. Thank you, Tim.”
— Andrea Didlock
Tim Holmes
Where I work
I'm based in Sheffield and offer my services around South Yorkshire, however if you feel I'm the celebrant for you, please get in touch wherever you are. I will carry out serbices wherever feels appropriate; cemeteries, natural burial grounds, memorial halls, or open spaces.
Fees from...
£230
Expenses may be charged where significant travel or additional expenses are involved.
How to contact me
Phone
Website
HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.
You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.
Humanist funerals
Humanist funerals, memorials and ash ceremonies are a fitting way to honour a unique life with warmth, sensitivity and meaning, but without reference to religion or an afterlife. They put the story of the person who has died at the heart of the ceremony, paying tribute to them and the legacy they leave, and provide an opportunity to bring people together, not just to share sadness but to celebrate a life lived.
