‘I saw my first dead body at 6’

For funeral director Ian Allison death is a big part of his career life. Source: Supplied

THERE'S got to be no better way to remind yourself that life is short than by dealing with death every day.

As a sixth generation funeral director, Ian Allison, 34, is acutely aware of how fragile life can be. "I looked at my first deceased body when I was six years old," he says. "I've always remembered that and I think my attitude and philosophy about life has been different to others because of growing up in this industry."

These days, Allison is the Victorian general manager of John Allison Monkhouse, the family's funeral parlour business, and says you never stop learning as you deal with grieving families and the wishes of those who have passed away. Here he shares the key lessons he's learnt about life from death.

1. Be true to yourself

There's only one of you. Allison says a life well lived is an authentic one.

"When people share stories at funerals, you often find out whether the person has been true to themselves or whether they have been trying to be something they weren't," he said.

"It's important to aim to be genuine and act in accordance to your beliefs. Life definitely doesn't last forever."

2. Share your stories

It wasn't until his grandfather was dying that Allison learnt just how respected he was in the community. He was disappointed he hadn't known more about this when he was still around, and said this often happened when families were planning their loved ones' funerals.

"We don't know enough about people when they have died," he said.

"Australians are often too shy to talk about their achievements, and as a result those around them don't know how wonderful they are. Everyone is so different and therefore every funeral should be too."

Funeral director Ian Allison. Source: Supplied

Funeral director Ian Allison. Source: Supplied

3. Be inquisitive

Not only do we need to share more about our own experiences we need to take more time to check in with those around us, Allison said.

"There are a number of questions people need to be asked before they die such as, 'What was your fondest childhood memory? What has been the most important day in your life looking back? Do you have any regrets?'" he says.

"These questions are too often left unanswered."

4. Let things go

Sure your friends and family are going to get on your nerves at times, but Allison said we've got to let trivial frustrations pass.

"It is important to love friends and family unconditionally — that includes loving the things you like about them as well as loving the things you really dislike about them."

After all it's these stories that often make funerals most interesting.

"Sometimes it's a joke made about a dad being particular about certain things.

"It's good to celebrate these differences," he said.

Funeral director Ian Allison at work. Source: Supplied

5. Look after your health

Every day we're bombarded with messages about the best diets and exercise plans to boost our health, but considering obesity is the leading cause of premature death in Australia, the message is clearly not getting through.

Perhaps we all need to see death up close and personal like Allison does to get the message. "That's another learning from being a funeral director — being fit and healthy leads to a longer life."

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