Our History
Mal Dubock – Founder of Dubock Funerals in 1987
Mal Dubock was introduced into the funeral industry in late April 1964 when he was offered a position with a family owned and operated funeral home.
At the time he was working full-time as an accountant at Walton’s Department Store in Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD.
He was also a skilled part-time Australian Army Reservist, having trained at the Officer Cadet School in Portsea and served as a Captain in the regular army for six years.
When he began his new position, the funeral industry was new and unfamiliar to Mal. His interest in this new opportunity soon developed into a new career for Mal. He was eager to learn and embraced his role as he soon discovered the value and privilege of assisting people during challenging times.
Less than a month after taking on the position and three days before his 25th birthday, Mal married Maureen Mitchell. The year of 1964 proved to be an important one for Mal as both his new career and marriage would prove to be successful and enduring.
Mal worked steadily as both a Funeral Director and Branch Manager for over 20 years at the same company before he decided to establish his own business, which would be known as M. Dubock Pty Ltd. Mal sought a suitable building in or around Brunswick as he had worked locally for many years and was a long-term member of the Brunswick Rotary Club. It wasn’t long before he identified a suitable and affordable fit at 155 Melville Road, West Brunswick.
The building had previously operated as a factory and training venue for TAFE students to learn trades and was in need of a good clean and update. He “borrowed” furniture from the family home, purchased a second-hand hearse and some basic essential equipment. It was all hands-on deck to get the building fit for purpose before Mal’s first funeral service which was held on the 19th of March 1987. In those days, Mal was fortunate that he got along well with Robert “Bob” Minter, a local coffin manufacturer. Bob supported Mal’s new business by deferring payment for the coffins needed in the early days. Bob became Mal’s long-term friend and mentor, with the two of them meeting up on most Wednesday evenings over the years at their favourite pub.
During the early days, Mal heard on the grapevine that a couple of Senior Executives from a corporate funeral company had been touting that his business “wouldn’t last until Christmas”. Mal was committed to proving them wrong and put in the extra yards to make his dream business a success.
In 2014, Mal and Maureen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. At this time, Mal also continued to be involved with his business and conduct funeral services. His enduring commitment to both his marriage and his profession was unusual but not surprising. He cherished his life with Maureen and was consistently understood the value of his work and place within the funeral industry. Maureen supported Mal and the business throughout their time together. She offered Mal the support necessary for him to focus time on the business and took on supportive over the years, managing the books in the early years.
After Maureen’s passing in 2015, Mal finally decided to hand over management of the business to his son, Stephen (Steve). As change had come unexpected, he decided to travel and seek new experiences. While he didn’t work onsite, his commitment to the business continued, offering his ongoing advice and support until his passing in July 2022, at the age of 83 years.
Over his 50 years working in the funeral industry, Mal conducted over 7,000 funerals and was always honoured that so many families placed their trust in the service he provided. He developed a reputation for going “above and beyond” which ensured that Dubock Funerals became a critical niche funeral service in the Melbourne.
Dubock family legacy
Mal’s family have recognised the value of Mal’s work and the importance of smaller businesses maintaining a presence in the funeral industry. Whilst the familiy continues to operate the business, over the years, they have witnessed many successful family funeral businesses either dissolve or sold to large funeral operators. The importance of integrity and ensuring care over profit was always important to Mal and was instilled into his family and those who have worked for him.
Philip, Mal and Maureen’s eldest son, has played a supportive role in the office from the very beginning looking after administration and accounts. Daughter, Jane, has assisted in a variety of roles intermittently since the business began around study, family and alternative work. Stephen joined the business in 1999 working alongside Mal where he learned all aspects of the business. Philip, Jane and Stephen continue to have varied roles in the business and Mal’s granddaughter Portia has recently joined the team.
Steve Dubock – Managing Director
Stephen (Steve) took over managing the daily operation of the business in 2015 after 16 years of experience working with families, conducting funerals and learning the operation of the business. Steve worked closely with Mal and has adopted his values of care and integrity when providing funeral services. Stephen continues to grow and diversify the business ensuring that funerals provided meet the evolving needs of families.
We have always been fortunate to have a wonderful team of experienced arrangers and support staff that are dedicated to the service and care of our client families. Some of our staff have worked alongside Mal and working for the company for many years. All are committed to upholding the company vision and values of prioritising care, compassion and service excellence to those who have entrusted us to look for their loved ones.