M.K. Ginder Funeral Directors was founded in September 1983. We were founded by Martyn Ginder who wanted to offer an alternative funeral service to those available in the area at the time, providing choices and bespoke options to the families that we served whilst providing and maintaining the traditional service of a local independent funeral director. Our first premises was located on St. Albans Road, Watford where we continue to care for our families today.
As the company we have grown throughout our history, the name of the business changed to M. K. Ginder & Sons Funeral Directors. The family opened subsequent offices in Bushey in 1986, Bricket Wood in 1990, Abbots Langley in 1991, West Watford, including a memorial showroom, and South Oxhey both in 2002 as well as moving our Head Office to Greycaine Road in 1997 to enable us to accommodate the increase in funerals we were undertaking.
We are the only Family-Run Independent Funeral Directors in Watford have always prided ourselves on providing the Complete Funeral and Memorial Service with the utmost Dignity and Respect.
M.K. Ginder & Sons has always supported a number of local charities and local organisations both big and small. We have been sponsors and supporters of Watford Football Club for over a decade, as well as helping smaller groups and individuals with their causes.
We have been the main sponsors of the Abbots Langley Tough Ten for over 20 years and the Abbots Langley Carnival for 15 years. The company has always found that supporting and encouraging local individuals, groups and organisations can help maintain the ethos and importance of a local community.
As a family business we have always placed the concerns of the families we serve at the forefront of our actions. We are
“The Family Concern, Concerned about Families”
Our History
Martyn Ginder opened the door to our first premises on the 12th September 1983. Martyn had gained experience working within the funeral sector before founding M. K. Ginder Funeral Directors. It was during this time, working for another funeral director in the Watford area, that his vision of what a community funeral service should be was formed. Martyn recognised that in many cases the services offered by the industry left clients with a limited choice as regards funeral content, it was Martyn’s view that his company should be genuinely committed to the community and as such, he felt that to be entrusted with the care of the deceased was indeed a privilege.
Martyn further felt that his company should offer bespoke and flexible choices to clients so the life and character of the deceased could be reflected in the Funeral arrangements… a mantra that is very much in vogue today.
Martyn was supported throughout the start of the business by his wife Jean, and while in her employment at Kodak, Jean supported the business providing the necessary secretarial and administrative support. Their new company conducted 108 Funerals in the first trading year and since that time, Martyn and Jean worked continuously building the reputation of M K Ginder which has steadily grown over the past 30 years.
Martyn’s feeling that the company was to serve the community was very much reflected in his Civic life; he became a Queen Scout in 1977 and was indeed a lifelong supporter of the Scout movement. Martyn was a Rotarian with the North Watford Rotary Club, and a past Master of two Masonic Lodges and a Freeman of the City of London.
Martyn always did his utmost to uphold the dignity and respect of the deceased, and felt both proud and privileged to serve bereaved families around the country.
Following Martyn’s passing in February 2011, the company has continued to be run by his sons Adam and Daniel. Both Adam and Daniel were privileged to work with their father in the business over the years and learnt first-hand how Martyn wanted the service that we offered to be delivered.
Over the past five years Adam and Daniel have continued to maintain the high level of service that M. K. Ginder & Sons has within the community. They have worked to build the connections within the local area and support the causes close to us. They have continued to support the charities and associations that were established during Martyn’s time, as well as introduce new ways to support the community through organising charity fundraising events.
Adam K Ginder, Managing Director
Adam sees the duty of the funeral director as, there to help bereaved families through the responsibility of arranging their loved one’s funeral, ensuring that the life of the person is reflected in the family’s wishes, which is something he is honoured to do in this privileged position.
As Managing Director of M. K. Ginder & Sons, Adam concentrates his attention on the service delivery of the funeral directors, whilst ensuring that the areas of pre-need funeral plans, aftercare services and monumental masonry follow the same levels of care and attention.
In support of this responsibility, Adam serves on the Executive Committee of the London Association of Funeral Directors, holding the honour of President from 2019-2021. He also serves the funeral profession as Chairman of SAIFCharter, the ownership association of Golden Charter, the funeral plan company, where he dutifully holds the role of a Non-Executive Director.
Adam holds a First-Class Degree from Coventry University and a Masters Degree from the University of Bristol. He is a member of the Chartered Management Institute and the Institute of Directors. He is a Trustee for the Abbots Langley Tough Ten Charity, and a Committee Member of the Hertfordshire Lord’s Taverners.
He enjoys golf and is a member of Porters Park Golf Club, and Freemasonry, and is a past master of his lodge.
Daniel J Ginder, Director
Daniel works alongside Adam to ensure that the continued growth of the Pre-Need market is maintained, as well as the reputation and position of the company within the local community. Daniel has continued to build and develop the memorial and after-care areas of the business alongside his responsibilities in the Funeral areas of the business. He is a member of the National Executive Committee of SAIF (The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors), and a founding member of SAIF Next Generation.
Daniel has qualified through the L.A.F.D (London Association of Funeral Directors) and holds his Certificate in Funeral Arranging & Administration - CertFAA, he is also undergoing the additional modules of his Certificate in Funeral Planning with IFD (Independent Funeral Director College)
He is a member of the Watford Junction Chapter of BNI and is currently responsible for the introduction and development of new businesses to the network.
Daniel has previously worked in the motor industry and London Stock Exchange.
Jean E Ginder, Director
Jean co-founded the business in 1983, assisting her husband to build and maintain the reputation and service of the firm since its formation. Following a spinal injury in 1991, she has concentrated her attentions on the administrative directions of the business, as well as implementing need for quality and service throughout the company.
Our Staff
Our trained and experienced staff appreciate that, when a death occurs, even if expected, it is a time when we all need support and understanding. The long serving staff of M. K. Ginder and Sons very much mirror the company ethos of service to, and involvement, in the community. They can be seen supporting a number of local charitable and fundraising events throughout the year.
Our Branch Office Managers are responsible for building a knowledge of their local community and work closely with the local churches and religious groups. Their local knowledge of the area and understanding of the community is integral to the successful service we offer. Our staff are a major asset to our company.
Online Donations and Tributes
Donate online in memory of a loved one today!
