Susan Lasher began her funeral service career as a junior secretary in Calgary, Alberta, in 1986. Her immediate and profound love of the profession, coupled with a strong desire to serve others, inspired her to further her education. In 1988, Sue began her apprenticeship and went on to graduate from the Alberta School of Mortuary Science as a funeral director and embalmer in 1990. With a sincere belief in funeral service and its importance to the well-being of society, she has enjoyed numerous opportunities over the years, sharing her passion with colleagues, students and the community. Sue feels blessed to have served families for more than 30 years and sees funeral service as an innate calling.

In the early 1990s Raymond Reitsema transitioned from pastoral ministry to the funeral profession. It was here he discovered a niche to express his passion for serving people during one of the most difficult times in their life.

Ray’s belief that every life is a gift that deserves acknowledgement and celebration is evidenced in his gentle and understanding manner. He considers it an honor and privilege to support families during this time.

He has often been heard to say, “Barely a day goes by that I don’t feel I have made at least a little bit of a difference in someone’s life.” Other avenues for Ray to appreciate and enjoy life outside the funeral home are family, photography and golf.

Brent Hack was born and raised in Melville, Saskatchewan. The youngest in a family of 5, Brent credits his family and upbringing for his friendly, compassionate, caring and generous nature.

After high school, Brent moved to Saskatoon, where he attended the University of Saskatchewan, received a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies and a Bachelor of Education with distinction. He relocated to Calgary 18 years later to attend Mount Royal University, where he completed the funeral director and embalmer's certificate program.

Upon becoming licensed in Alberta, Brent worked at a family owned funeral home before joining Foster’s Garden Chapel in February of 2005. Brent has built a rapport and trust within the community.

Because of his belief in higher education, Brent taught “Introduction to Funeral Directing” as well as 3 courses on “Funeral Directing Theory” for the funeral director and embalmer's certificate program at Mount Royal University for several years.

When he is not working, Brent enjoys going for a run by the river, sharing a beverage and conversation with friends and attending Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in the heart of Eau Claire with family and friends.

In 2007 Richard Labrecque attended Mount Royal University and began his journey to becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer.

It was after experiencing a death in the family that he felt the need to explore the funeral profession. He found it a very rewarding career. Since Richard began his career at Foster’s Garden Chapel in 2008, he has helped many families through the arrangement process.

With his background of service in the hospitality industry, the transition to helping families was seamless. After high school he went to SIAST Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon. He graduated in 1988 with a hotel and restaurant management diploma. This career took him west to Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia, where he worked at a resort for over 12 years.

Richard was born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, where he was raised on the family farm. Growing up, he was active in cubs and boys scouts. In his spare time, Richard enjoys traveling, the outdoors, downhill skiing, mountain biking and hiking.

Teresa Rands has been in her current role with Foster’s Garden Chapel since 2007. With many years of experience as a funeral director and embalmer, she has a well-rounded understanding of funeral service.

Teresa is able to listen and empathize with families in their time of need. These qualities enable her to precisely design the final tribute for each loved one. She finds it a privilege to create unique and meaningful experiences for each family that are customized to their emotional and financial needs.

Teresa understands the meaning of family, as hers means so much to her. She strives to teach her children love and respect for all by volunteering within her community alongside them. Teresa also enjoys taking part in planning, organizing and participating in the community events held at Foster’s Garden Chapel.

Sonja has been proudly serving families in the funeral profession since 2007. She began her career in Edmonton, Alberta, and graduated from the Canadian College of Funeral Service in 2010. A licensed funeral director and embalmer, she has served at some of the most prominent and long-standing funeral homes in the province. Sonja moved from Edmonton to Calgary in Spring 2016 and feels privileged to serve alongside the other dedicated and compassionate members of our team. 

Feeling compelled to give back to the people and profession that have had such an impact on her growth over the years, Sonja is honoured to have served 3 terms on the board of the Alberta Funeral Service Association. She currently volunteers as a member of the Funeral Education Review Committee, which was established by the Alberta Funeral Service Regulatory Board in 2016.

Sonja’s greatest joy lies in time spent with her family, most especially her daughter, son and grandson.