Would you say you enjoy your job?
I like meeting people from different walks of life—this way, I can see all types of funerals. It gets tiring sometimes because I have to put on layers and layers of clothing on my deceased clients but I always tell myself it’s a good workout. My biceps have become bigger!
How did your family react when you chose to pursue this career?
Because my wife is in the medical industry, she understands. My children are very proud of me. They’d tell their friends that their father’s a skilled and professional embalmer. Some people may think that I’m weird but that’s their problem. Once, my relatives found out about my job because an interview with me was aired on television. They probed and I just said, “So what?”
How would you describe your relationship with your deceased clients?
I treat them with respect and dignity. I would say to them, “I will make you beautiful! You’ll look 10 years younger!” I treat them like VIPs; it doesn’t matter if they’re rich or poor. I’m not afraid; I feel like a friend.
What has been your most memorable encounter?
Once, an old man’s family members noticed that his eyes were open and were so shocked. It was only a chemical reaction—his muscles became hard—so I used glue to shut his eyes. Immediately, he looked like he was sleeping again.
What does a typical working day involve?
There are usually three to four remains to embalm a day, but when I get five or six, I get very exhausted. I drink plenty of milk to remain energized because I don’t know how many to expect per day. I’ve been asked to come back on some days because there’s just too much new business.
Would you embalm your own loved ones?
I will gladly take that on without pay. It’s like accompanying them through the last of their time.
Is there anything you don’t enjoy about your job?
It’s got to be the post-mortem autopsy. Even though I wear protective equipment and a face mask, the stench still gets to me. Every 30 minutes, I go out to take a breather for five minutes and look at the birds before heading back to finish the job. Sometimes I have to cut up the corpses too.
If you could switch careers, what would you do?
I’ve already been a physiotherapist, an emergency technician, and an embalmer. I would want to be a funeral service provider next. Because I can embalm, I can check if the people I hire make the cut.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt?
Now I know where all the internal organs really are! And they’re exactly where the books tell you.
To have Eusebio help you when the time comes, call Singapore Funeral Services, #01-1347 Blk. 3 Toa Payoh Industrial Park, 6841-4666.
