Memories Chapel | Funerals Cremation Receptions

Our Valued Staff

Our staff adheres to the highest standard of ethical practices and are committed to ensuring that all of your needs are met. Together, as a team we will provide the best service possible as we help you honor the life of a loved one. Our commitment to the community and genuine compassion toward families are but a few of the characteristics that make us outstanding in our field. We are proud to have some of the most experienced funeral directors in Manitoba providing compassionate care and impeccable service.

Michelle Major

Michelle Major, Owner/Funeral Director

Michelle was born and raised just outside of Brandon, graduating from Elton Collegiate.  Michelle is passionate about the Funeral Service Profession and caring for the families we serve and their loved ones.  Michelle believes in teamwork and how important each member of the team of Memories Chapel is to create a positive experience for everyone who comes through our doors.  When Michelle is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and taking her two boys Cole and Alex to the various activities they are involved in.  Michelle along with the team at Memories Chapel, hope to uphold the professionalism and care that Memories is known for. 



Scott Major

Scott Major, Owner

Scott was born in Carman Manitoba and grew up in Brandon. He has been in the Real Estate Industry since 2007.  Scott is a strong member of our community, being involved with Westman Dreams for Kids since 2008, which includes sitting as President since 2019. When Scott is not working you can find him on the golf course, bowling alley or taking his two boys to one of their many activities. Scott is excited for his new role, and making sure the families at Memories Chapel are taken care of. 




Lawana Spratt

Lawana Spratt, Operations Manager/Funeral Director

Since joining Memories Chapel in 2006 as the Office Administrator, Lawana received her Funeral Director and Embalmer’s License in 2010. Being raised on a farm near Westbourne, Manitoba, she knows the value of hard work and caring for others. In her spare time, Lawana can be found with her husband Murray, attending their daughter’s activities, curling, walking and spending time with family and friends.




Greg Hildebrand

Greg Hildebrand, Funeral Director

With roots in Southern Manitoba, Greg grew up in Portage la Prairie. Greg and his wife Candace have three teenaged children and can be seen around town at various sporting events. They enjoy camping, travelling and playing board games. A Past President of the Manitoba Funeral Service Association,  with almost 30 years of experience in funeral service, Greg has gained extensive experience in many faiths and backgrounds with his previous work in Winnipeg before joining the Memories Chapel Team in 2009.



Lawana Spratt

Samantha Van Damme, Funeral Director

Samantha was raised in Carberry, MB where she continues to reside. Growing up in a small town has taught her the value of taking care of others as family and showing compassion. When she’s not at work Samantha enjoys spending time with her family and friends as well as bowling, playing baseball and pickleball. Samantha started at Memories in 2024 and hopes to help the team at Memories serve families in a professional and caring manner.


Kayla Lamport

Kayla Lamport, Office Adminstrator

Kayla was born and raised just outside of Brandon and brings years of experience in customer relations. Her outgoing personality and infectious smile make her the perfect fit for Memories Chapel.  When she is not at work, you can find her at the bowling alley or on the ball field coaching her teenage daughter Calcie. Kayla looks forward to bringing her professionalism, creativity, and compassion to the Memories Chapel team. 



Brain & Raquell Baker

Brian Baker, Owner

Brian was blessed to grow up on a horse farm just outside of Brandon and it gave him a deep appreciation for hard work, the power of perseverance and the importance of community. These tenets played a big role in his decision to attend the Manitoba Fire College after high school graduation. Sometimes life doesn’t work out the way it was planned, and a training mishap at the fire college set Brian onto an exciting new path in real estate. Since 1997, he has been an award-winning Real Estate agent & partner with Royal LePage Martin-Liberty Realty. In 2001, he was elected president of the Brandon Real Estate Board, and Brian is proud to have sat as a director with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. His latest passion is real estate development, which he has combined with the start-up of several new and exciting business in the Brandon & Westman areas. Brian feels fortunate to be supported by his incredible family and friends and is proud to contribute hard work, passion and perseverance into building our community for future generations.


Raquelle Baker, Owner

As a hairstylist, Raquelle has been privileged to be a part of some incredible transformations. Whether it was a simple cut or a mind-blowing new style, she always been proud to help you feel your best. And it’s that passion for helping people that has led her into a new career in the Life Skills program at Neelin High School. In addition to helping a group of unique and wonderful kids on a daily basis, she also sit on the boards of COR and CCI in Brandon. This is an exciting new chapter in her life, and she thrilled to experience it with Brian and their children, Tyler and Camryn. As well as their amazing granddaughter Paisley.


Craig Hayward, Funeral Service Professional

Born and raised in Brandon, Craig has been associated with various boards and organizations in our community. With 34 years of funeral service experience, Craig has been a part of Memories Chapel since its inception in 1999. He is married to Susan and has two children, Scott and Kelly. When not working, Craig enjoys spending time with his family, friends, golfing, watching sports and yard work.



Scott Beswitherick, Funeral Service Professional


Kaelina Wittmier, Funeral Service Professional


Irene Fidler, Funeral Service Professional


Dalton Fidler, Funeral Service Professional


Brent Buchanan, Funeral Director ~ Retired

Since opening in 1999, Brent has been one of the main drives in Memories Chapel growth. With his 41 years of experience in funeral service, Brent believes in providing Professional Service. He has served on many funeral and local boards to help improve Funeral Service and our community. When not working, Brent can be found at his cottage at Pelican Lake, parking cars for Cities Church or spending time with family & friends.


Vern Schneider, Funeral Director ~ Retired

Vern Schneider was one of three founding funeral directors of Memories Chapel. Beginning his career in 1972 in Neepawa, he moved to Brandon shortly after and served the people of Brandon for almost 40 years. Vern was a member and President of the Optimist Club of Brandon, former President of the Manitoba Funeral Service Association, former Deputy Grand Master Seventh Masonic District, and currently a member of the Brandon Lodge #19 AF of AM and Scottish Rite. Well-loved by the community, rarely a day goes by when people don’t ask how he is doing. Vern stops by for coffee in between traveling with his wife Carol. His example of friendliness, caring, professionalism and integrity is now carried on by the staff.


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