Our Valued Staff - Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre

Our staff adheres to the highest standard of ethical practices and are committed to ensuring that all of your needs are met.  Together, over 150 years of experience can be drawn upon to provide the best service possible as we help you honour 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,

Brent Buchanan, Funeral Director Email: brent@memorieschapel.com Brent Buchanan, has been a part of Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, since its opening in 1999. He is a Past President of the Funeral Service Association of Canada, a past member of the board of the Canadian Independent Group of Funeral Homes and a Past President of the Manitoba Funeral Service Association. Brent is married to Brenda and has four stepchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, snowboarding and household projects.

Craig Hayward, Funeral Director Email: craig@memorieschapel.com Craig Hayward, has been a part of Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, since its opening in 1999, and is a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. He graduated from Crocus Plains Regional High School with a major in carpentry. In 1988 he graduated with honors from the Western School of Mortuary Science. In the past he has been a member of the Kinsmen Club of Brandon, volunteered for the Brandon and District United Way and on the Board and an Executive member of the Westman Terminal Care In Hospice (W.A.T.C.H.). Craig and his wife, Susan have two children, Scott and Kelly. He enjoys spending time with his family, friends, golfing and yard work.

Greg Hildebrand, Pre-Planning Director / Funeral Director Email: greg@memorieschapel.com Greg Hildebrand was born in Morden, raised and educated in Portage la Prairie. Greg studied for one year at Canadian Bible College before enrolling in the Western School of Mortuary Practice receiving his license in 1995. A past president of the Manitoba Funeral Service Association, Greg brings his years of experience to Memories to serve as both Pre-Planning Director and Funeral Director. Greg enjoys spending time with his wife, Candace, and their three children, attending many sporting events, playing board games and camping as well as home renovations and scroll sawing.

Lawana Spratt, Funeral Director Email: lawana@memorieschapel.com Lawana is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. She was born and raised near Westbourne, Manitoba and received her education at William Morton Collegiate in Gladstone. In 2001, Lawana moved to Brandon and received her office administration certificate at Assiniboine Community College. Lawana joined Memories Chapel in April 2006 as the Office Administrator while pursuing her funeral director's license through the Canadian College of Funeral Service, completing her studies in 2010. She is a former director and member of Skate Brandon and has volunteered as a program assistant with Canskate. Lawana and her husband, Murray have a daughter Kiara and together they enjoy spending time with family and 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.

Allan McCrae, Funeral Attendant Email: office@memorieschapel.com

Jack Watt, Funeral Attendant Email: office@memorieschapel.com