Our staff of non-licensed funeral professionals play an important and vital role in serving your family on the day of the service. As a funeral attendant, they are responsible for assisting your family in all aspects of the service. This includes transferring the deceased to and from the funeral home, leading funeral processions to the cemetery, providing guests with information about the service, cleaning the funeral home, and much more.

Without the assistance of these hardworking individuals, we would not be able to provide families with the exceptional level of service and professionalism that they have come to expect from us. We invite you to browse below to learn more about our outstanding staff.

Jennifer Both, Office Administrator
Email: jennifer.both@saamis.com

Jennifer began her employment with Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium in 1999 and after a seven year absence returned in 2011. She was raised in Medicine Hat and graduated from Crescent Heights High School.

Jennifer graduated from Medicine Hat College before her employment at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel. She is married with four children, Evan, Carys, Nolan and Adara, who keep her busy with their many sports and activities. Jennifer is a member of First Assembly of God Church.

Colin Cooper, Funeral Attendant

Colin began his employment with Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel early in 2017 after teaching music at Medicine Hat High School and Menlo Park, California for the past 39 years. He is married to Mary and together they have two boys, Dawson and Derek, both married, as well as two grandchildren. Colin enjoys volunteering, biking, his local church, friends and hanging out with his wife.

Dale Drefs, Funeral Attendant

Dale began his employment with Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel in 2007. Dale was born and raised in Medicine Hat, married Shirley in 1973 and have two married sons and four grandchildren. Dale received his post secondary education degree in electronics at S.A.I.T. and worked in that field for Xerox for 40 years until his retirement. Dale enjoys curling, fishing, baseball, golfing and spending time with his family.

Lynett Getz, Life Celebrant/Social Worker
Email: lynett.getz@saamis.com
Office Phone: 403-528-2599
Fax: 403-526-9732

Lynett Getz RSW, started her employment at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel in September, 2016. Lynett is a registered Social Worker as well as a Certified Life Celebrant. Lynett has a passion for supporting people as they work their grief journey and will be facilitating grief groups and providing counselling. Lynett is married, mom of two, and a proud Gramma! She and her husband enjoy spending time with their family and pet beagle.

Lorraine Givens, Funeral Attendant

Lorraine began her employment with Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium in 2007. Lorraine has two children living in Medicine Hat, five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Lorraine was born in the Fox Valley area where she received her education, graduating from high school at St. Angela’s Academy in Prelate. Lorraine spent thirty years in the banking profession, and ten years in retail sales. In her semi-retirement she enjoys listening to music, cooking, scrapbooking, reading, travelling and volunteering at the Esplande. But mostly she loves to spend time with her grandchildren.

Darrell started his employment with Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium in early 2017. Darrell was born and raised in Medicine Hat and is married to Joanne and they have 2 married sons, Tyler (Sarai) and Chad (Lizzie). Darrell enjoys family get togethers, volunteering, going to the gym, Tigers Hockey and is an avid golfer.

Sandra began her employment with Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium in 2000. Sandra is married to Bruce Matt and they have two sons.

Syd began his employment with Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium in 1990. A Licensed Funeral Director from 1993 - 2016. Syd is married to Kirsten and they have two sons and reside in Empress.

Kim began singing at funerals for Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium in 1993. She is married to David Pancoast. They enjoyed raising their three children, Ammy (Mark), Jeffry and Carson (Leigh-Ann) and look forward to each grandchild as they come along.

Kim (Thompson) grew up in Medicine Hat. She and David currently operate a reforestation seedling operation with David’s brother and his wife. Kim sings with the Adele Armstrong Ladies Choir and accompanies the Saamis-Teen Girls Ensemble and the Kodaly Songster Children’s Choir. She enjoys participating in musical theatre productions and sharing “Grama” time with her grandchildren (and children). Loving family, sharing with good friends, working hard and having fun are the ideals she holds most dear.

Patrick Power, FamilySide Representative
Email: prp252@telusplanet.net
Office Phone: 403-862-7298

Grant began his employment with Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium in 2009.

Donna began playing for funerals with Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium in 1990.

Trevor began his employment with Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel in 1999. He is married to Michelle and they have two children, a son, Bryan, and a daughter, Shaylene. Trevor enjoys music, sports, and spending time with his family and friends.

Lorinda Unvoas, Funeral Attendant/Apprentice Funeral Director and Licensed Embalmer

Val Welk, Organist/Soloist

Val began playing at funerals with Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium in 1995. She began her career in the field of music teaching private piano lessons over 30 years ago. She began teaching Music For Young Children in 1998 and now teaches music at Dragons and Butterflies Preschool.

Val (Heller) was raised on a farm across from Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. She graduated from Medicine Hat High School and studied Grade 10 Conservatory Piano. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Hillcrest Christian College majoring in Theology, minoring in Music and Education. Val is very active in Little Plume Evangelical Church as the Church Pianist and Assistant Sunday School Superintendent. Val enjoys reading, music, children, and playing the piano. Val lives with her husband, Delwin, and two children on an acreage outside the city.

Funeral Chapel Staff