Lee Funeral Home is a well-known establishment in Nairobi, Kenya, often associated with high-profile individuals and prominent personalities who have passed away. Located at Nairobi Hospital, it has become synonymous with providing first-class funeral services. Here is a detailed look at the man behind this prestigious funeral home, John Lee, and the history of its establishment.
Background of John Lee
John Lee is a Kenyan-born British national. Raised in Kenya, he returned to the UK with his parents in 1963. There, he joined the police force and was assigned to medical duties, where he frequently interacted with pathologists and undertakers.
- Early Life and Education: Born and educated in Nairobi, Kenya.
- Career in the UK: Joined the police force in 1964, worked at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for the coroner’s office.
In 1968, John Lee returned to Kenya and was dismayed by the poor conditions of the city’s mortuary facilities. This prompted him to consider establishing a modern funeral home.
Establishment of Lee Funeral Home
- Year Established: 1987
- Inspiration: Then-Attorney General Charles Njonjo, who was the chairman of Nairobi Hospital, encouraged Lee to set up a funeral parlour on the hospital grounds.
- Construction: Began in 1987 and was completed in December 1989.
Lee Funeral Home was officially opened during the 25th anniversary celebrations of Kenya’s independence on December 12, 1989. The funeral home was built to provide world-class services to the deceased and their families, filling a significant gap in the country’s mortuary services.
Features and Services
Facilities:
- Luxurious Chapel: Provides a serene environment for mourning and services.
- Fleet of Expensive Hearses: Includes limousines and other high-end vehicles.
Services:
- Body Collection: Charges around Ksh 5,000 to collect the body from home.
- Daily Storage: Costs Ksh 3,000 per day.
- Coffins: Prices range from Ksh 35,000 to Ksh 130,000.
- Body Handling: Washing and dressing cost Ksh 5,000.
- Hearse Services: A Jaguar hearse for transport within Nairobi costs about Ksh 130,000.
Core Values:
- Providing first-class quality service to both the deceased and their bereaved families.
- Ensuring dignity and respect in handling all aspects of funeral arrangements.
Impact and Legacy
Influence on Funeral Services:
- The establishment of Lee Funeral Home paved the way for the development of other private morgues in Kenya.
- Known for maintaining high standards, it has become a benchmark for funeral services in the region.
Reputation:
- The funeral home is often trending on social media whenever a prominent individual in Kenya passes away.
- It has been associated with high-profile figures such as former President Daniel Arap Moi, Cabinet Ministers John Michuki and Nicholas Biwott, and Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore.
Ownership and Management
Family-Owned Business:
- Lee Funeral Home is a family-owned company, reflecting John Lee’s personal commitment to the enterprise.
Vision:
- John Lee has expressed pride in the achievements of Lee Funeral Home, noting its international reach and the high standards it upholds in funeral services.
Conclusion
John Lee‘s vision and dedication have transformed funeral services in Kenya. From its humble beginnings in 1987, Lee Funeral Home has grown into a premier institution, providing dignified and high-quality services to the deceased and their families. The funeral home continues to uphold its founder’s values, ensuring that each service is conducted with the utmost respect and professionalism.
