Meet the Team

Robert Sinclair

Owner, Funeral Director and Embalmer

MNZEA Dip in Funeral Services

I joined the industry as a Funeral Director and Embalmer in 1985 commencing at the Wilson-Pailthorpe Funeral Home, Wellington and gaining my certificate in Embalming at the Central Institute of Technology in 1988. In 1990 I transferred to the Lychgate Funeral Home to gain more experience and once again attend the Central Institute of Technology in Heretaunga, gaining a certificate in Funeral Services. In 2000 I completed the required papers to receive a Diploma in Funeral Services. After Lychgate funeral Services Sale in 1996, I was fortunate enough to be employed by JR Croft Ltd in Lower Hutt, for over 20 years.

The opportunity arose for me to purchase the business in May 2010. This allowed me to refurbish the premises and implement up to date ideas allowing us as funeral providers to adapt to all cultures and the ever-changing needs of families during the passing of loved ones. During this time, I have been very honoured to be involved in many private, family services as well as several Military and Prestigious funerals.

Each person that walks through our doors, sharing sensitive memories, stories and emotions are never forgotten and hold a special place amongst our Croft family.

It is important to me that the atmosphere at Crofts is an approachable and honest one, where you can feel safe and secure during one of your life’s most vulnerable moments.

Out of work I have spent many years involved with the City of Wellington Pipe Band, as Piper and Later Pipe Major. My career highlights include being involved in several UK tours performing at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, in Scotland, and in New Zealand when hosted in Wellington. I also competed with the band at the World Pipe Band Championships and smaller contests in Scotland, along with many New Zealand Pipe Band Nationals.

I also enjoy being a member of the Eastern Hutt Rotary Club, the Masonic Lodge, supporting community projects where possible and I had the pleasure of being a companion to King Lewey, our faithful and devoted bichon frise mate until his passing in 2020. Later in 2020 we welcomed with the arrival of Toby, our new four-legged friend requiring lots of work and training.

In 2022 I was blessed with the arrival of my first grandchild, Kaiden Robert Sinclair Lowry, and what a joy he has brought to Helen and myself.

robert@croftfunerals.co.nz

Helen Renor

Funeral Director and Business Coordinator

Having grown up in Wainuiomata, schooled at Chilton Saint James and worked as a Florist in Wainui and Lower Hutt, I decided to take a career path change and joined Croft Funeral Home in 2010.

I cherish being in a position that allows me to help families through one of the hardest times in life.

Being able to guide you through the processes of designing a funeral that reflects your loved ones life, loves and wishes, whilst helping bring family and friends some release and closure is what I am here for.

To relax, I love walking, sports with my son and daughter and socialising with friends and family.

helen@croftfunerals.co.nz

Roland Todd

Funeral Assistant and Board Member

I have lived in the Wellington area all my life and am currently living in Avalon with my partner.

Having worked in the Town Clerk’s Department of the Wellington City Council, I then joined the funeral industry back in 1987 as an Assistant Funeral Director/Administrator.

From 1995, I have worked full time within the Parliamentary Service and Office of the Clerk.
I have been a member of the City of Wellington Pipe Band, and the New Zealand Police Pipe Band and just recently stepped down as President of the City of Wellington Pipe Band, a position I held for five years.

I love tending my garden, holidaying on cruise ships when time allows and still take a keen interest in the funeral industry whilst being able to help my long-time friend Robert Sinclair on an on-call basis.

Kelly McKillop

Graphic Designer

I live in the Hutt Valley with my partner and two children.

With a creative background of 15 years and a degree in Graphic Design (BDES), I work with the Croft team using my skills to create various artwork and especially the personalised service sheets, giving families something to cherish their loved ones by.

I find it extremely rewarding to be part of helping families who are experiencing loss, by creating a visual keepsake to remember their loved ones for years to come.

In my spare time I enjoy supporting our boys’ rugby team and relaxing with family and friends.

King Lewey

The Boss

King Lewey sadly passed away on the 8th of April 2020 to run free and bask in the sun. He was an integral part of our team and will be missed by so many.