About us

John began his career in the funeral industry over 45 years ago. He became a fully qualified funeral director with an NAFD diploma in funeral directing and also a fully qualified embalmer with the British Institute of Embalmers. In 1994 John and his wife Barbara Tempest purchased Robson and Ellis funeral service in Bramley, in 1995 established John P Tempest funeral service in Chapel Allerton and in 2002 purchased Percy R Wood funeral service in Hunslet. John has a personal involvement in all funerals that take place. In his spare time he sings with the choir of Leeds Minster.

A former teacher, decided on a career change and joined her husband, John, in the funeral business by becoming joint partners. Barbara’s role covers all aspects of running the businesses and overseeing all the branches are run smoothly and efficiently.

Son of John and Barbara. After working with people with mental health and learning difficulties he returned to the family business in 2008. Matthew’s roles are funeral arranger/director, office administration and other funeral operative duties. In his spare time he sings in a local Methodist choir and performs regularly with Lidos at the Carriageworks Theatre.

Daughter of John and Barbara. Officially joined the family business in 2009 having helped out many years before. Ruth’s main role is funeral arranger/director having completed her NAFD diploma in funeral directing, also office administration and other general duties.

Kelly started working for the family business in 2002. She followed her father Dennis Jackson who was John’s right hand man from taking on Robson and Ellis in 1994. Kelly’s main role is funeral arranger/director having completed her NAFD diploma in funeral directing, also office administration and other general duties. In her spare time she looks after her horse and likes travelling.

Jayne joined the company in 2004. She started as a receptionist for our Hunslet office. She has lived in Hunslet her whole life and is very popular in the community as she attends the local Parish Church, St John and St Barnabus. Her main duties are to manage the Hunslet office as well as funeral arranger/director, office administrator and other funeral operative duties.