Master of your own journey – right to the very end.
Some people know exactly what they want in life. And then there’s Zifco, who even knew what shoes he wanted to wear to his own funeral!
Brown brogues, blue suit, striped tie. He’d selected the music, chosen his celebrant, decided where his ashes should be scattered and even specified tea, coffee and biscuits afterwards.
You see, Mr Zifco Pufcas was a gentleman who knew his own mind. And if there was one thing I learnt during our Journey together, it was that Zifco wasn’t about to let anyone else take the driver’s seat!
A Life Less Ordinary
Born in Perth in 1941, just 15 minutes before his identical twin brother Jim, Zifco grew up helping his parents on their market garden in Wanneroo. After school, the boys would harvest vegetables before accompanying their father to the markets in West Perth, often working through the night. Little wonder Zifco occasionally fell asleep in class!
Over the years, he turned his hand to everything from milk deliveries and pest control to working alongside his brother in the funeral industry. He was also passionate about wildlife conservation, birdwatching and the Australian bush.
A hardworking man with a strong sense of family, Zifco helped care for his ageing parents and remained particularly close to his twin brother until Jim’s passing in 2009.
He’d certainly experienced life’s ups and downs, but through it all, Zifco remained fiercely independent.
When Our Journeys Crossed
I first met Zifco in 2023 when he engaged ne: solutions as his Senior Move Manager, assisting with his relocation from independent living accommodation into St Bart’s aged care.
What began as a professional relationship gradually became something more. With limited family support available, Zifco asked me to become his Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) and Enduring Guardian (EPG), entrusting me to support him with important decisions and ensure his wishes were respected.
And believe me, he made those wishes very clear!
Zifco was cheeky, independent and wonderfully particular. If he wanted another medical opinion, he’d organise an appointment with a doctor outside the aged care facility. If he made a decision, he’d explain it, clarify it and then, just to make absolutely certain you understood, explain it again!
He certainly kept me on my toes.
But what I admired most was that moving into aged care hadn’t changed his determination to remain in control of his life. He welcomed assistance when needed, but he wasn’t about to surrender his right to choose.
And why should he?
His Final Chapter, His Way
Perhaps the best example of Zifco’s independence was how meticulously he planned his own funeral.
He had prepaid his arrangements with Simplicity Funerals (Osborne Park) and made his wishes known to the wonderful Elaine.
In typical Zifco fashion, he’d revisit the details to make sure everything was understood on numerous occasions over the years. There was no leaving things to chance!
When Zifco passed away, with the wonderful support of Elaine and the team at Simplicity Funerals, we were able to honour his wishes and give him the farewell he’d so carefully planned.
Right down to those brown brogues.
I think he would have been rather pleased to know everything went according to his plan!
Who’s in the Driver’s Seat?
Zifco’s story is a lovely reminder that growing older, moving into aged care or needing assistance doesn’t mean giving up control of your life.
As Senior & Specialty Move Managers, we often meet people at significant turning points. While our work may begin with downsizing, relocating or transitioning into aged care, it’s rarely just about the physical move.
It’s about understanding the person, respecting their wishes and helping them navigate whatever comes next.
Sometimes that Journey lasts a few weeks. Sometimes, as with Zifco, it becomes something far more meaningful over the years.
And perhaps that’s the question his story leaves us with: Have we made our wishes known, and do we have the right people beside us to help honour them?
Thank You, Zifco
Thank you for trusting me to be part of your Journey, for keeping me on my toes and for reminding me that independence isn’t always about doing everything yourself. Sometimes it’s about having someone beside you who listens, understands and respects your choices.
You lived your life your way, planned your farewell your way and certainly made sure everyone knew exactly what you wanted!
You truly remained the Master of your own Journey, right to the very end.
Rest peacefully, Zifco.
Jay
Senior & Specialty Move Manager®