About Gibson's Funeral Services
Gibson’s Funeral Services is proud to serve our local community, providing meticulous service, advice, emotional support and guidance when families need it most.
If you would like to talk to us about planning a funeral, please come and see us in any of our funeral homes. We’re also available 24 hours a day on the phone so if you need anything please don’t hesitate to call us.
Our history: Gibson’s of Howden-le-Wear
In 1795, Robert and Pheobe Gibson – Tenant farmers of Burnley Row, Hamsterley/Bedburn, had a son, Joseph Gibson. One of six sons and two daughters, Joseph continued farming at Burnley Row Farm on the Hoppyland Estate but it would appear that the farm was unable to sustain such a large family so, in the 1850’s he decided to become a carpenter and looked towards the rapidly expanding mining village of Howden-le-Wear to establish a living. He became an accomplished joiner, carpenter, cabinet maker, Cartwright and undertaker. He was also one of three official enumerators for the 1851 census of North Bedburn Parish Council.
One of his sons, William Forrest Gibson, was apprenticed at Staindrop as a carpenter and joiner. After serving his time, his employer refused to pay the full rate, whereupon he packed his tools and carried them to Hexham where he found employment in building the Queens Hall. Upon it’s completion, he moved on to Gateshead and was employed in the building of the North Eastern Railway Offices. A side-line was making pick axe handles for the miners. After that, in 1872, he returned to Howden-le-Wear and continued his father’s business. In old age and increasing infirmity, the business was passed on to his son Joseph Gibson (about 1916). He was a keen sportsman, being a member of the local football club and a runner, elected local councillor on Crook and Willington urban council and parish council, and was appointed J.P. magistrate on the bench at Bishop Auckland. Following his unexpected death after a minor operation, his son, William (Bill) Gibson took over the business in 1947. Upon retirement in 1974, his son, Mark Gibson continued the business, managing Gibson’s Funeral Services from Bishop Auckland, whilst retaining the original premises at Howden-le-Wear and an office in Shildon.
In 2002, Mark’s son, Matthew Joe Gibson, was welcomed into the firm followed by Mark’s daughter Victoria Gibson in 2010, taking the business into the sixth generation. Victoria manages the administration from the head office in Bishop Auckland.
In 2024, Gibson’s Funeral Services became part of Funeral Partners Ltd.
Meet the Team
Matthew Gibson
Business Principal
I left school at 16 & joined the family business, as the 6th generation of Gibsons. We have served families since 1860 in Howden/Bishop Auckland & Shildon.
Outside of work I enjoy mountain biking and spending time with my family.
Victoria Gibson
Business Principal
I joined the family business 15 years ago, as the 6th generation of family funeral directors, alongside my older brother Matthew.
I enjoy spending time with my family, running and horse riding.
Mark Golding
Funeral Director
I’ve been in my role at Gibson’s for 7.5 years but been in the business for 32 years. I love my job because there is nothing better than looking after families at their worst time and doing a great job for them.
I am a avid Newcastle United supporter and season ticket holder.
Ian Peareth
Funeral Director
My role is a Funeral Director, and I’ve been with Gibsons for seven and a half years. I enjoy my job and get satisfaction helping people where I can.
Outside of work I occasionally entertain on stage as a singer, which also helps in the job, I don’t mind a bit sing in church and try to encourage everybody else to join in, also play table tennis and like to watch rugby union/league, not fussed, support Scotland in the Six-Nations.
Kevan Dodds
Funeral Director
I’ve been a proud member of staff at Gibson’s Funeral Services as a Funeral Director since 2012. I look forward to continuing to support families in our community at their time of need.
My main hobbies and interests are equestrian pursuits, clay pigeon shooting and music composition.
Ryan Dodds
Funeral Director/Funeral Service Operative
I have been part of Gibsons since 2016, as both an FSO and Funeral Director. I’m passionate about my role and take pride in guiding and supporting bereaved families.
In my spare time I enjoy music and ju-jitsu.
Michael Sneath
Funeral Director/Funeral Service Operative
I joined Gibson’s Funeral Services in 2021 as a Funeral Director/Funeral Service Operative.
I love being able to help family through the toughest times of their lives. Away from work I enjoy spending time with my family as well as watching football and motorsports.
Michael Bell
Senior Funeral Service Operative
I started at Gibsons in 2005 as an FSO. It’s such a rewarding job, supporting people through the most difficult time of their lives.
Outside I work I love motorbikes and spending time with my family.
George French
Senior Funeral Service Operative
After 6 years years working in the Funeral profession, I still believe it is the most rewarding job there is. Whilst my role is varied, I specialise in the care and preparation of the deceased, and proudly work by the motto that; For our clients only the best will do.
Outside of work I am an organist and keen golfer, and volunteer with Mencap. Above all I love spending time in the countryside with my partner, and visiting my family in London.
Michelle Gutteridge
Officer Manager
I joined Gibson’s in 2019 and I really enjoy my role of Office Manager.
My interests outside of work are hiking, running and football.
Claire McMahon
Administrator
I have worked for Gibsons for 3 years as an administrator, taking care of families, assisting with masonry and funeral plans. I find the role is very rewarding supporting families at a very difficult time in their lives.
My hobbies are gym, reading, dog walking, shopping, spending time with my family and watching tiktok!
Lorraine Hamilton
Receptionist
I have worked at Gibsons for 2 years now in reception. I love that we support clients and give comfort in their time of need.
Outside of work I love to walk my dog and relax.
Our Values
Pride
We take pride in everything we do. Our aim is that everyone who works for Funeral Partners shares our values.
Helping People
Our business exists to help the bereaved to make fitting arrangements for their loved one’s last journey and to provide lasting memories for family and friends. We do this with a positive, caring and understanding approach.
Respect for everyone
We value diversity and treat everyone with the same respect, courtesy and dignity.
Professional Standards
We are a professional organisation and we strive to achieve the highest possible standards in everything we do and to improve upon these standards continuously.
Accept responsibility
We accept responsibility for our actions both as a company and as individuals.
Partnership
We believe that we can only achieve our goals by working together in partnership with client families, suppliers and our employees.