Profile: Evenson Grandin, a young man who has dedicated his life to honouring the deceased and has decided to make it his career

A recent post congratulating this young man from Saint-Martin caught the attention of the editorial team at 97150, who were keen to meet him straight away. We therefore arranged to meet him at his place of work (somewhat austere, as all funeral parlours can be, but with a warm and relaxed atmosphere). Evenson Grandin comes across as a rather reserved and discreet person, but these character traits are qualities that are highly valued in the profession he chose to pursue several years ago. 
In fact, it was around the age of 12 that he first had the idea of wanting to work for a funeral home, without really having any rational explanation for this rather unusual choice. He then got in touch with one of the funeral homes in Galisbay and was quickly given permission to undertake a work placement there. Satisfied with this initial experience, he repeated it as often as possible during the following school holidays, particularly as the firm’s management greatly appreciated his determination and personal commitment, whilst recognising that he undeniably possessed the skills needed to become a professional.

Caring for the deceased is, above all, about respecting them

Reliable, hard-working, attentive, respectful – these are just some of the qualities cited by Isabelle Artsen, the manager of the establishment, who is full of praise for him. Thanks to this mutual understanding, Evenson, a student at the Marigot vocational college, has been on a work-study scheme since 2021, and last June he obtained an official certificate recognising him as a gravedigger, pallbearer and driver, following additional online training. Once he has obtained his A-levels, he will be eligible for the ‘Master of Ceremonies’ qualification, as this is the goal he has set himself with unwavering determination. He will no doubt need to travel to mainland France to complete this highly specialised training.
To the general public, this career choice may seem surprising, but according to Ms Artsen, more and more young people are taking an interest in careers in the funeral sector; proof of this is that: the young woman at the reception desk is also a student, and she fully intends to specialise in thanatopraxy, a profession which primarily involves the preservation and preparation of the deceased. Evenson Grandin has therefore inspired her classmates to follow in her footsteps, and that is much to her credit.