Douch Family Funeral Directors are an independent family run funeral director, with seven branches and four coroners’ contracts throughout Dorset and on the Isle of Purbeck. The business was founded by Frederick “FC” Douch in 1910 and the business remains owned and run by the family.
Over the past two decades, the Douch family has trusted Superior UK Automotive to meet its fleet requirements. In 2020, Douch took delivery of three new Pilato Mercedes Polaris Hearses and the latest vehicle to join the Douch fleet is a brand new bespoke Vito 116 Extra Long removal vehicle.
Four coroner’s contracts mean that this busy and skilled firm is regularly called out needing to be ready and equipped for the unknown; having the right vehicle is crucial. Jonathan Stretch of Douch Family Funeral Directors told us why the Vito XL has proven to be a dependable all-rounder for the firm.
“We were looking for a reliable and functional vehicle that would work hard for us under a variety of circumstances,” he said, “the storage is very useful and well thought out, for example, we have a built-in wardrobe space behind the front seats for uniforms and PPE so we don’t have to keep our garments in footwells”.
“The increased capacity and Superior’s robust ‘Rise&Fall’ decking system allow us to meet the demands of whatever we face when on-call,” said Jonathan “we arrive dignified and professional whether on the scene for a coroner, called to a hospital or meeting a family at home”.
The Vito 116 XL has side windows and removable window blanks which makes it a true multi-purpose vehicle. It can be used as a flower hearse, as a repatriation vehicle or, as the Vito XL accommodates extra weight and length, it can also serve as a hearse for oversized coffins. Jonathan commented, “Our Vito has dual functionality allowing us an option for families needing an alternative to a hearse whilst remaining respectful and non-clinical”.
Nick Douch, FC Douch Managing Director and current SIFC European Chairman commented, “We required a bespoke removal vehicle to meet our particular requirements and as usual the Superior team listened and delivered to our exact specifications”.
Superior’s Kevin Smith added, “Our families have worked together for many years now and it has been a pleasure as always to help Nick and Jonathan with this latest addition to the Douch fleet”.