Nigel Lymn Rose, the chairman of A.W. Lymn The Family Funeral Service, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his dedicated services to the bereaved. This recognition, described by Lymn Rose as the “accolade of a lifetime,” is featured in the recent New Year’s Honours list. With a career spanning over 50 years, he has significantly impacted the funeral industry in the East Midlands.
A.W. Lymn, a family-run funeral director established over 117 years ago, operates 25 branches across the region, including locations in Bingham, Bottesford, and Radcliffe on Trent. Lymn Rose expressed immense pride at receiving this honour, stating, “I’m on cloud nine. It’s simply amazing.” He highlighted the overwhelming nature of the news, which he had to keep secret after being informed just before Christmas.
Dedication to the Community and Industry
Throughout his career, Lymn Rose has demonstrated a commitment to supporting bereaved families. He served as president of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) during its centenary year in 2005 and received the Good Funeral Awards Lifetime Achievement award in 2015. Furthermore, in 2019, he earned honorary membership of the NAFD, a distinction granted to only 30 individuals in the association’s 116-year history.
Reflecting on his recognition, Lymn Rose shared, “My first thought was ‘why me?’ followed by how grateful I am for the support of my wonderful wife Penny.” He also expressed a deep sense of gratitude towards his colleagues, stating, “I feel I am in receipt of this award on behalf of all the dedicated, selfless, and caring colleagues I’ve worked alongside at A.W. Lymn over the years.”
Lymn Rose believes that the funeral profession requires compassion, particularly as people navigate their most vulnerable moments. He said, “What we do is offer kind, calm, and considered words and practical services to help on the worst of days.”
Legacy and Future Generations
Nigel Lymn Rose began his journey in the funeral industry at the age of 17, qualifying as an embalmer while still attending Nottingham High School. He later obtained a Diploma in Funeral Directing in December 1973 and graduated with a BSc in management science from Warwick University in 1976. After joining the family business in 1979, he led A.W. Lymn through its centenary celebration in 2007.
The funeral service also operates the A.W. Lymn The Centenary Foundation, a charitable initiative that has raised nearly £400,000 to support Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) Charity since its inception in 2018.
Matthew Lymn Rose, Nigel’s son and managing director, praised his father’s unwavering dedication. He noted, “Nigel lives and breathes his work” and recounted instances where his father has gone above and beyond, including sacrificing personal holiday time to assist a stranger with repatriation arrangements.
Matthew emphasized the importance of his father’s values, stating, “I will always strive to mirror his ethos of ‘It will do, will not do,’ which has become a foundational principle of our work.”
The recognition bestowed upon Nigel Lymn Rose not only highlights his personal achievements but also underscores the collective efforts of those in the funeral service industry who serve families during difficult times. As he continues to lead A.W. Lymn, his legacy of compassion and commitment to the bereaved will undoubtedly inspire future generations in the field.
