Dempsey & Forrest Funeral Directors

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Dempsey & Forrest Funeral Directors

Whanganui's compassionate and trusted funeral service provider - here to help in your time of need. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Thank you for visiting our page. Dempsey & Forrest a name you can trust. We are a family owned and operated business. Dempsey & Forrest have assisted families in Wanganui and surrounding areas since 1930. Our commitment is to ensure we provide our families with a very compassionate, high quality professional and personalised service to meet the individual requirements and needs to all those who engage our services. Our experienced and qualified funeral professionals are able to guide you through the many facets of a funeral to assist you in making personalised and memorable funeral arrangements to reflect the personality of your loved one. At all times we endeavour to provide appropriate services and advice for each situation. Dempsey & Forrest
208 Guyton Street
Wanganui
Ph: 063490202
dempseyandforrest@xtra.co.nz

24/03/2026

Creating a lasting memorial for someone you love is deeply meaningful, and Tam is here to help guide you through the process with care, expertise and attention to detail 🤍

She assists families with second inscriptions on existing headstones, refurbishing and re-lettering headstones and the creation of new headstones for both burial and cremation memorials.

If you've been considering a memorial for a loved one, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Tam to talk through your options, she's always happy to help.

www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz/headstones

16/03/2026

✨ It's Show Week! ✨

We are so proud of Jimmy and Mel's daughter, Demi, who has been rehearsing since August last year for the upcoming production of Les Misérables, opening this Friday at the Royal Whanganui Opera House.

Demi will be playing Little Cosette alongside one of her best friends, Indy Bartley and they're part of a wonderfully talented cast of local Whanganui performers bringing this iconic show to life.

With eight shows lined up, it's shaping up to be a truly special production for our community.

🎟 Tickets are on sale now through Amdram Whanganui and the Whanganui Opera House - make sure you secure your seats and support our incredible local talent!

https://rwoh.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/155721

05/03/2026

Happy Birthday, Jimmy 🎉

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, Jimmy began his funeral directing career in 1988, continuing a proud third generation tradition of caring for families in our community.

His genuine care and passion for the people he is privileged to serve is something we see every day. Jimmy always goes the extra mile, giving his time, support and heart to those who need it most.

Today we celebrate the man behind it all. Since we all know Jimmy loves a beer, we hope he's enjoying a well earned one today. Cheers to you, Jimmy! 🍻

19/02/2026

Our in house catering doesn’t just stay in house 🤍

With our catering van, we can bring the same care and quality to wherever your service is held - whether that’s a church, community hall, family home, or another meaningful space.

From small gatherings to larger farewells, we’ll take care of everything, so you can focus on what truly matters.

If you’d like to learn more about our catering options, we’re always here to help.

www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

17/02/2026

Don’t miss this special night 🎨✨

Tickets for A Fragile World are still available – grab yours now through the link below or in-store at Katie Brown & Co and help make a difference, supporting the Cancer Society.

💛 https://events.humanitix.com/a-fragile-world/tickets

09/02/2026

FOREVER MEMORIES 🤍

Turn a fingerprint into something you can hold onto. These personalised pieces make a thoughtful gift for someone special or a meaningful keepsake for yourself.

The Forrest Fingerprint Jewellery collection is subtle, personal, and full of meaning. Designed for necklaces and bracelets, available in sterling silver or 9ct gold.

If you’d like to create one, we’d love to talk you through the process. Phone 06 349 0202 or visit our website:
www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

03/02/2026

It's wonderful to see Whanganui's creative community coming together for the A Fragile World Art Auction, supporting the Cancer Society and the important work they do. ✨

A big thank you to the organising committee - Belinda Pilcher, Katie Brown, Lynne Vinsen, Sarah Bartley and Mel Forrest for bringing this event to life. 💛

Tickets are limited and selling fast, secure yours now:
https://events.humanitix.com/a-fragile-world/tickets

Or in-store from Katie Brown and Co, 29 Ridgway Street, Whanganui.

26/01/2026

First day back, but make it formal. 👔

James with Demi and Coop heading into the first day of the school year, with Coop especially pleased to be in a formal uniform - "just like Dad's". 😉

We hope you've all had a lovely break and are settling back into the rhythm of the year. 🤍

www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us at Dempsey & Forrest! 🎄

We're grateful, always, to the families who place their trust in us. We know this season can be a mix of feelings, joyful for some, harder for others, especially when missing someone they love. Wherever you find yourself this Christmas, we're thinking of you and wishing you moments of comfort, warmth, and connection in the days ahead. 🤍

www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

18/12/2025

Standing beneath Jim’s remembrance tree, it’s hard not to think how proud he would be. 🤍🌿

Jim believed deeply in family, service, and showing up for others. We think he’d be smiling seeing Demi and Coop already part of the journey, carrying forward a legacy built with care.

www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

10/12/2025

A little festive cheer in the lounge today! 🎄🎀

The Embroiderers Guild gifted us a gorgeous Christmas treat as thanks for using our catering lounge each month. It’s a pleasure to support wonderful groups who bring our community together.

www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz

27/11/2025

Our talented trio - Tam’s daughters Sophie and Stevie, and Demi, Jimmy and Mel’s daughter - popped in to rehearse their vocals for our upcoming Remembrance Service. 🤍

Every December for the past 25 years, we’ve held this service as a special evening for the families we’ve been privileged to care for throughout the year. It’s one of the most meaningful moments on our calendar, and hearing their voices come together is a beautiful reminder of why.

dempseyandforrest.co.nz

Address

208 Guyton Street
Whanganui
4500

Website

http://www.dempseyandforrest.co.nz/

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