Crane Funeral Services

16/02/2026

“There’s no such thing as a silly question when you’re grieving. My role is to make things clear, calm, and pressure-free.”
Damian. Director - Crane Funerals.

15/02/2026

Your Life, Your Funeral, Your Way

I’ve helped thousands of families over the years, many of them doing their absolute best in a moment they never wanted to face. One of the most common things I hear is, “I just hope we’re doing what they would have wanted.”

That uncertainty can be heavy — and it doesn’t need to be.

Taking the time to plan ahead, and in some cases pre-pay your funeral, isn’t about being morbid or pessimistic. It’s about protecting the people you love. It’s about clarity, choice, and peace of mind — for you, and for them.

When arrangements are made in advance:
• Your wishes are known and respected
• Your family is spared difficult decisions under pressure
• Financial stress and unexpected costs are reduced
• And the focus can remain where it should be — on remembering a life, not managing logistics

At Crane Funerals, we believe people deserve to understand their options before they need them. There’s no pressure, no rush, and no obligation — just honest conversations and straightforward guidance from someone who’s walked this path with many families before.

If planning ahead feels like the right thing for you — or even something you’d simply like to understand better — I invite you to reach out. A quiet conversation today can make a meaningful difference tomorrow.

Damian Meehan
Crane Funerals
Always Peace of Mind 🤍

12/02/2026

There are some losses that words will never fully reach.

The passing of a baby or a child is one of them.

As a funeral director, I have stood alongside families in moments of unimaginable heartbreak. But becoming a parent myself — after many years of trying — has given me a deeper understanding of the love parents hold, and a new awareness of just how profound that loss must be.

The love for a child begins long before they arrive. It is fierce, instinctive, and all-encompassing. To lose a child is not something anyone can ever truly prepare for, and it is not something that should ever be rushed, minimised, or explained away.

What I have come to understand through this work is that, in the midst of that pain, there is also an extraordinary act of love — the decision to place your child into the care of others for the final time. That trust is immense. It is sacred.

At Crane Funerals, we approach these moments with the utmost tenderness, patience, and respect. Every child is cared for with gentleness. Every family is given time, space, and support. There is no expectation of strength — only understanding.

If you have experienced this loss, please know that your grief is seen. If you haven’t, I hope this serves as a reminder of the quiet strength carried by families who have.

It is a privilege we never take lightly — to care for your child, and to support you through the hardest moments a parent can face.

Damian
Crane Funerals
Always Peace of Mind 🤍

10/02/2026

Every now and then, someone will look at me, smile… and say,
“You know who you look like, don’t you?”

Apparently, Prince Harry and I are somewhat alike to some people.
The red hair. The grin. The general look.

I usually have a quiet laugh about it — and if I’m being honest, I’ll tell them that Harry’s not quite as good-looking as I am 😉
I also like to imagine Meghan somewhere saying, “Why does everyone keep telling Harry he looks like Damian Meehan?”

All jokes aside, what matters most to me isn’t the resemblance — it’s the people.

At Crane Funerals, my focus has always been on caring for families as people first. Listening. Taking the time. Making sure every family feels supported, respected, and never rushed through what is often one of the hardest days of their lives.

Yes, there’s room for a smile when the moment allows.
But there is always dignity, compassion, and genuine care at the heart of what we do.

It’s a privilege to be trusted with this work, and I don't take that lightly.

Damian
Crane Funerals
Always Peace of Mind 🤍

02/02/2026

Business has changed.

The way we communicate has changed.

But one thing never changes.

Being available when people need you most.

This photo was taken while I was answering a client enquiry as we prepare for an upcoming service. Sometimes that connection is a phone call, sometimes an email, and often a text message — but responding promptly matters. Reassurance matters.

I’ll do whatever a family needs me to do to make this time easier, clearer, and more supported. Because when someone reaches out, they’re not just asking a question — they’re trusting you in one of the most important moments of their life

28/01/2026

Children bring innocence, warmth, unexpected smiles, and a gentle lift to what can otherwise feel very heavy. Whether to bring them to a funeral is a personal choice, but remember they are little rays of light who quietly remind us that life continues, even in moments of deep sorrow. And they also need the chance to say goodbye - they are grieving in their own way, and they will miss their person deeply. So, while they make make some noise from time to time, you may find their presence brings comfort to everyone, including them.

27/01/2026

No matter who you are, losing someone or something you love deeply can be incredibly painful. You may find yourself experiencing many difficult emotions, and at times it can feel as though the sadness may never ease. These responses are a natural part of grieving a significant loss. While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there are caring and supportive ways to tend to your pain — and, with time, these can help bring moments of renewal and gently guide you forward.

15/07/2023

THE ROLE OF RITUALS AND TRADITIONS IN THE GRIEVING PROCESS

Rituals and traditions reflect a fundamental system of values that help bind us together.

They have stood the test of time because they offer ways to tackle grief and process it in a way to help us move forward into a new and altered way of living.

The traditions that surround the grieving process also provide easy ways for the Community to support the bereaved. This is vital both in the moment and moving forward through the ups and downs that will come.

When you start to attack the rituals of everyday life and events such as grief and funerals, it can take away our most basic forms of togetherness and Community sentiment.

We each have an important role in our Community and our group of family and friends. And we each deserve to be held in the same high regard in death as we were in life.

When it comes to death and funerals, some like to say “just bury me in a cardboard box” or “I want no fuss”. Often what they are doing is waiting for you to tell them they are worth more than that and they deserve a proper farewell.

But people often like to avoid the topic of death and grief, hence they try to sweep it under the carpet with such aloof comments.

However, we can’t bury our head in the sand. As they say in the classics “none of us can escape death forever”.

And as such, traditions and beliefs provide a proven structure and way to cope through the chaotic and often confusing path of grief.

Rituals and traditions involved in the funeral process have evolved to give honour where honour is due, respect where respect is due, and tribute where tribute is due.

At the same time, we shouldn’t lose the true meaning of our traditions and begin acting out of habit...
.. It’s important to carefully plan the exact type of farewell you would like to give your loved one.

Inevitably there will be some sense of “sameness” from one funeral to the next, but with the help of a good funeral director you can arrange a funeral to suit your family’s particular needs.

And this is what brings an individuality to ritual and tradition.

Instead of being stuck in a rut, be free to make personal choices within a proven path / system of values and tradition. That is what eases the pain of grief and gives your loved one the best send-off possible.

Rituals and traditions help us feel closer to the deceased. They help us show our love and respect not only for them, but for their grieving family.

The grieving process is a natural and normal reaction to loss. And rituals and traditions are a natural and normal way for humankind to cope with such pain.

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Splash

15/07/2023

Recently I was asked why I chose the ‘Crane’ as the symbol and
name of our funeral company - Crane Funerals. I thought I would
share why the Crane represents the values that I feel are perfectly suited to the important industry that we represent, and that I have been a part of for over 25 years.

Symbol of Honor and Respect:
The crane has long been revered in different cultures globally. It
is regarded as a symbol of honour, respect, and deep
reverence. These sentiments align perfectly with our company,
and the purpose of a funeral, where loved ones gather to pay
their respects to the deceased. The crane's presence serves as
a reminder to family and friends to approach the ceremony with
utmost respect and to honour the life that has passed. By
incorporating the crane into funeral rituals, we acknowledge
the significance of paying respect to a loved one.

Symbolic Wings of Goodbye:
As the crane takes flight, its wings spread wide, creating a
majestic sight. This act of taking flight can symbolise the
departure of a soul, it’s ascension to the sky, and the act of
saying goodbye. The crane's wingspan becomes a beautiful
representation of the soul's journey beyond this earthly
existence. Its flight path inspires mourners to embrace the
concept of letting go and finding solace in the belief that their
loved one is now at peace.

Grace and Elegance:
The crane is renowned for its grace and elegance, which
makes it a fitting symbol for funerals. Its slender figure, long
neck, and gentle movements show a sense of serenity and

tranquility. These qualities resonate with the emotions felt
during a funeral, where grace and dignity are essential to
honour a loved one. Just as the crane glides through the air
with poise, it symbolises the transition from life to the afterlife
with grace.

Longevity and Spirituality:
In many cultures, the crane is associated with longevity and
spirituality. Its longevity is attributed to its ability to live for
several decades, representing the enduring memory of a loved
one and their everlasting impact on the lives they touched. The
crane's connection with spirituality is established in various
belief systems, where it is often regarded as a messenger
between the earthly realm and the heavens. By adopting the
crane as a symbol, our funeral ceremonies incorporate the
notion of the soul's journey and the belief that there is another
part to the journey.

Funerals are a deeply personal and emotional event that can
provide closure and a sense of peace for family and friends.
The crane's grace, elegance, longevity, spirituality, and
symbolism of honour make it the perfect symbol to represent
our funeral company and team of professionals who pride
themselves on creating a respectful, dignified and heartfelt
event for your loved one.

Crane Funerals are so grateful for the privilege of supporting
families, and creating unique and dignified funeral ceremonies
for your loved ones.

Photo by Sammy Wong on Splash

04/02/2022

14/06/2021

Merneta Amelia Harris

Family and friends are invited to attend the Ceremony to celebrate the life of Merneta Amelia Harris.

The Service will be held in the Federation Chapel, Lilydale Memorial Park, 126-128 Victoria Road Lilydale, on Monday 21st June 2021 at 11.45am.

With funeral numbers still being limited, the family are sending out invitations to the people they have in mind, so that numbers can be controlled.

Merneta's Service will be live streamed however, and the link to join the livestream on the 21st, as well as a place to to leave a tribute to Merneta, can be found via the link below:

https://cranefunerals.com.au/funeral-notices-and-tributes/merneta-harris-funeral-notice/

Merneta Amelia Harris - In The Care Of Crane Funerals

24/04/2021

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning;
We will remember them.”