HELPING people through tragic times is why John Knowles has worked at a city funeral directors for 40 years.
John started working at Ernest Cocks and Sons after he left school and marked four decades working in the business with a party at Gloucester Cathedral last week.
He joined after leaving Linden Secondary School in 1974, and despite a passion for acting and performance he says he has no regrets about choosing the job he loves.
John said: "I love my work and feel privileged to have worked here for so long. When I left school my main criteria at the time was to find a job where I could meet people and help people.
"Working at the funeral directors is really good for that. We help people at the most difficult time of their lives."
John, 56, said the industry has changed through the years and now eye-catching casket designs such as telephone boxes, bottles of whiskey and keyboards are readily available on request.
The most high profile funeral that John has helped organise was that of magazine editor Isabella Blow, which took place at Gloucester Cathedral in 2007.
Away from funerals, John spends his time playing the organ at Holy Trinity Church, Longlevens, and as chairman for amateur dramatic group The St John's Players.
He even starred as an extra in television series The Onedin Line, Pennies From Heaven and feature-length John Cleese film Clockwise.
John said: "Acting is great for helping me to unwind and get away from the realities of the job.
"But I'm convinced I took the right course. My father died when I was 13 so I had to face death quite early."
Angie Berry, John's colleague for 23 years, said: "We get on really well and John has a really warm sense of humour. Having a familiar face really helps in this business, because John is someone who families can trust in their most difficult times."
