Honouring Loved Ones with Personalised, Compassionate Farewells.

FUNERAL DIRECTOR & OWNER

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 and owns Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors.

Families value Hayden’s professionalism and his ability to remain calm under pressure. When emotions are heightened or tensions arise, he provides steady guidance and clear direction, ensuring arrangements move forward respectfully and without unnecessary stress.

With decades of experience, Hayden understands the responsibility families carry. He works carefully and methodically, creating a sense of stability at a time when it is most needed.

Outside of work, Hayden enjoys mountain biking, travelling and spending time with his wife Kylie and their two daughters, Madison and Georgia.

BUSINESS MANAGER & OWNER

Kylie leads the creative and brand direction of Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors, overseeing funeral photography and the projects families see and remember, including the much loved Lola the Funeral Therapy Dog calendars.

As Business Manager, she works behind the scenes to ensure arrangements are organised, prepared with care, and delivered to a consistently high standard. Kylie is focused on raising the bar, strengthening systems, and ensuring families experience professionalism at every touchpoint.

Before joining the family firm in 2020, Kylie worked in corporate marketing. She brings strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and a commitment to continuous improvement to the business.

Outside of work, Kylie is a rally co driver with a passion for motorsport, enjoys fashion and cooking, and values time with her husband and their two daughters, Madison and Georgia.

FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Brent grew up in Rangiwahia and entered the funeral profession in September 2017.

As a funeral director, Brent takes responsibility for ensuring each service is carefully planned and carried out exactly as intended. Families often comment on his thoroughness and the care he takes in managing every practical detail behind the scenes.

He works alongside families from the initial arrangement meeting through to the day of the service, methodically guiding decisions and ensuring nothing is overlooked. Brent’s focus is on delivering a service that runs smoothly and reflects what has been discussed, without loose ends or last minute uncertainty.

He takes pride in following through and getting the details right. Families value his reliability and his commitment to doing what he says he will do.

Brent is married to Nadia and they have two daughters, Olive and Hattie. Outside of work, he is a bagpiper, a member of the local Scottish Society, and never far from a cup of coffee.

FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Nate joined Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors in 2023. Families consistently speak of his warmth, kindness and the genuine care he brings to every interaction. Many have shared that his compassion and guidance brought them great comfort during an incredibly difficult time.

Nate connects easily with people and has a natural ability to put families at ease. He takes the time to listen, understand what matters most, and support each family in creating a farewell that truly reflects their loved one. His encouraging and positive presence helps families feel supported from the first conversation through to the final farewell.

In 2025, Nate donated a kidney to his brother, a decision that reflects the compassion and dedication he brings to his work with families.

Nate and his wife Hannah live in Foxton with their two children, Atalia and Reuben. Family and community sit at the centre of everything he does. Outside of work, Nate enjoys time with his family, attending Christian Community Church in Palmerston North, fishing and planning for his first fishing kayak, music, fitness and time at the gym.

FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Lou joined the funeral profession with a clear sense of calling to support families during significant times in their lives. She values listening carefully, honouring personal stories, and ensuring each person is treated with dignity and respect.

With qualifications in makeup artistry and veterinary nursing, Lou brings precision and attentive care to her role. Her background reflects a consistent pattern in her life, caring for others with patience and steadiness.

Families appreciate Lou’s thoughtful nature and the reassurance she provides. She understands that details matter and approaches her work with consistency and quiet focus.

Outside of the funeral home, Lou is an artist, crafter and seamstress. She is a member of the Eastman Rover Scout Crew and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

While many assume she is American, she is in fact French, with an accent that keeps people guessing.

Her favourite quote is, “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” Marilyn Monroe.

FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Ross has more than 30 years of experience as a fully qualified funeral director and embalmer. His experience provides reassurance to families who want their loved one cared for properly and with respect.

Ross brings a calm and warm manner to his work. He is patient, attentive to detail and practical in his approach. For families who appreciate a touch of humour, his cheeky wit often helps ease tension at the right moment, without ever losing sight of the significance of the occasion.

In 2025, Ross stepped into semi retirement and now works one day a week, continuing to support families who value his experience and guidance.

Ross and his wife Raewyn live on a lifestyle property, where he enjoys gardening, spending time with family and planning their next travel adventure. He is also a long standing and active member of the Cross Roads church community.

Lola is our beloved Funeral Therapy Dog - a 2018 Miniature Schnauzer with a gentle nature, keen intuition, and a remarkable ability to bring calm and comfort wherever she goes.

Originally intended to offer quiet companionship in the office, Lola had other ideas. In 2020, she began making her way downstairs to sit with families during funeral arrangements, choosing the people she sensed needed her most.

When families started requesting her presence at funerals, her mum Kylie knew it was time to make things official (and find the perfect outfit).

These days, Lola is a local favourite. She rides in her Lexus, stars in her own TikTok videos, and even has her own calendar.

Lola helps families feel more at ease during difficult moments, especially children and those feeling overwhelmed.

Whether she’s greeting guests in the atrium before funerals start or offering a gentle nudge, her presence provides reassurance in a way only a dog can.

At home, Lola loves going for walks with George the cat and is a proud member of the Ashhurst/Palmerston North Schnauzer Walking Group.