Funeral celebrant Roy Francis convinced Messenger that just as his wife was entitled to a civil celebrant marriage, she was similarly entitled to a civil celebrant funeral. Some 200 people attended and many urged Messenger to continue the work as "much more important than weddings." Messenger credits Dennis Perry, then brother in law of Helen Francis, of being a decisive influence. From this time on some marriage celebrants began to quietly and carefully officiate at funerals when they were asked to do so. On Tuesday 3 May 1977 a group, consisting of some authorised marriage celebrants and some other persons formed an
Rocko's Modern Life pleasers" article that he enjoyed "Rocko's Modern Life" because of "jovial excitement", "good-hearted outrage", "humanity", and "pushy animated characterizations". However, not all reviews were positive. Ken Tucker of "Entertainment Weekly" described the series as "a witless rip-off of "Ren & Stimpy": mucus jokes without the redeeming surrealism or contempt for authority." Charles Solomon of the "Los Angeles Times" called the series "rock bottom" and a "tasteless attempt to capture the "Ren & Stimpy" audience", mostly expressing displeasure at the crass humor. "Common Sense Media" reviewer Emily Ashby gave "Rocko’s Modern Life" four stars, stating that "Rocko’s Modern Life" is “modern