About Us
History
William Cotton & Sons Ltd is a privately owned and operated 3rd generation family business serving Feilding and districts. Originally established in 1930 by William & Rachel Cotton the company is still owned and operated by members of the Cotton family with a long and proud history of caring for the community.
William was a Funeral Director, French Polisher and Cabinet Maker who immigrated from Cookstown, Northern Ireland. William could see there was a potential for such a funeral business to be established in Feilding alongside their Furniture, Cabinet and Casket manufacturing business which was based at their current site. Some of the locals still recall that “Mr Cotton made my foot stool” “They made our table which we still have”
As time went on William and Rachel had various members of the family assisting with the funeral home operations and their sons Norman and Walter became the primary funeral directors.
With the furniture retailers expanding and the funeral directing operations increasing in services Norman and Walter decided that they could no longer do justice to their furniture production therefore they decided to slowly wind down the furniture production and keep on with their casket manufacturing and spend more energy in what really mattered to them, their community in times of grief.
As in some family businesses it was decided that Norman's wife Jeanette would assist in administration tasks of the business. This eventually led onto Jeannette becoming a funeral director.
Norman and Jeanette's son Shane joined the family business in 1992 learning the many facets of the family business under Normans tutoring.
When their children were all of school age, Shane's wife Rachel joined the company in various roles from assistant office manager to Catering coordinator.
When the family and friends have finished refreshment following the service and the dishes are overflowing in the function lounge they are ably assisted by their children who enjoy helping Rachel and Shane making this a real family business.
Meet The Team
Hayden & Kylie Cotton
Owners
Hayden is one of the few fourth generation funeral directors in New Zealand, with more than 30 years of experience in the profession. He is fully qualified as both a funeral director and embalmer.
Hayden is the great grandson of William Cotton, grandson of Robert Cotton, and son of Trevor Cotton. Together with his wife, Kylie, they own Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors in Palmerston North. With the purchase of William Cotton Funeral Directors, Hayden and Kylie are proud to continue a fourth generation legacy of serving families with care, dignity, and professionalism.
Families value Hayden's professionalism, experience, and reassuring presence. He remains calm under pressure, providing steady guidance and practical support during what is often one of life's most difficult times. When emotions are heightened or challenges arise, Hayden helps families navigate each step with care, clarity, and respect.
With decades of experience, Hayden understands the responsibility families place in him. He approaches every detail thoughtfully and methodically, creating a sense of confidence and stability while ensuring every farewell is carried out with dignity and compassion.
