About Us

The founder of the company, Arthur Gresty, was born in 1908 in Moor Nook, off Derbyshire Road South, Sale, and was the son of a Gentleman’s Gardener. As a young man he trained and worked as a mechanic for a garage in Hale.

Arthur attempted to sign up for wartime service but to his surprise was given an exemption due to his work duties (vehicle maintenance and service to the funeral profession). He enrolled in the Home Guard (Dad’s Army), which he often said did not fall short in reality from the TV comedy.

In 1942, after working over a number of years for local Funeral Directors, hiring out vehicles and helping with funeral duties, Arthur started to offer his own complete Funeral Service in Sale Moor. He studied the theory and practice of embalming, qualifying as a member of the British Institute of Embalmers in 1946 and so becoming the first qualified embalmer in the Sale/Altrincham area.

In 1945, Arthur leased The Sale Moor Garage, his combined commercial garage and funeral directors premises (with the first private rest room facilities in Sale Moor). The following year, he managed to purchase the property.

In 1947, Arthur was proud to be accepted into The Masonic Lodge, Pax Vera (No. 6200) based at Tatton Road, Sale, and later The DeSala Chapter. He worked through the various chains of office and was a strong member of the lodge for 41 years.

Robert Gresty was born in 1940, the youngest of three children. After studying Metal Work and Engineering Drawing at Sale Grammar School, Robert left school in 1956 and worked with his father, trading as a partnership.

In 1962, Robert took the National Association of Funeral Directors examination and proudly obtained the Diploma in Funeral Directing, thus becoming the first qualified Funeral Director in the Sale/Altrincham area. He later qualified for membership of the B.I.E. in the 1970’s.

Robert married his wife, Margaret, in 1971 at St Alphonsus Church, Old Trafford and had two children, David and Helen. Margaret became Robert’s co-director when she received her father in law’s shares as a gift. Arthur decided to pass the company on to his son and daughter in law.

Paul says “helping families during their time of need is of huge importance to me, and with that comes a feeling of great satisfaction.”

Paul has a certificate in Funeral Service and in his spare time, likes spending time with his family and friends and motorcycling.

Anthony has worked for Arthur Gresty Funeral Homes / C L Birkett & Son Funeral Directors as General Manager / Funeral Director since 2004.

He says he enjoys “the opportunity to perform the last act of kindness that can be done for anybody.”

Anthony is an Ordained Roman Catholic Deacon and Assistant Director of Liturgical Ceremony for the Diocese of Shrewsbury.

He is a heritage railway enthusiast and has an interest in all things railway.

Catherine says she enjoys “being able to see the finished work and seeing the client being pleased with their chosen memorial.”

Her biggest achievement in life has been raising her two daughters.

In her free time she enjoys reading, baking, watching TV dramas and walking her dog.