Our Staff

Kaylie Hamre

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Kaylie is the fourth generation of the Hamre family to become a licensed funeral director and has been assisting the community now for 15 years. She is devoted to the families she serves and takes great pride in creating unique and meaningful services.

Kaylie was born and raised in Fort St. John and is proud to raise her two children within the Peace Country. When not at the office you will find Kaylie in the mountains camping or fishing, up the river, or anywhere in the backcountry soaking up the tranquility of the great outdoors.

If you would like to contact me personally you can reach me at khamre@telus.net

Ric Hamre

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Ric is married and has lived in Fort St. John since 1979. He has 6 children that also reside in the area. He has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 30 years, and Ric has been the owner of Hamre's Funeral Chapel since 1986. “As a third-generation funeral professional, it’s clear that this is the work I was intended to do. And Fort St. John is the perfect place to follow my calling. My wife Darlene and I thoroughly enjoy being part of this community and caring for the families who live here brings me great pleasure.” Ric is the first and, at present, the only owner of a funeral home in Fort St. John who both works and resides here. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” 

His dedication to the profession shows in his commitment to various organizations over the years. Currently, he is a representative on the Funeral Service Association of British Columbia Board of Directors and is Past President of the Funeral Service Association of Canada. Ric also finds time to devote to the community through his role in the P.A.R.T.Y program, with his daughter Kaylie, and his wife. 

“The greatest incidence of serious injury and death is the 15 to 24-year-old age group, and it is always heartbreaking when we have reason to care for a young person who chose to engage in dangerous behaviour such as speeding, drinking and driving, or not wearing a seatbelt. It’s our goal to prevent such pain for families – and such losses to the community. Our young people are our future, and we all need to protect them.”

If you would like to contact me personally you can reach me at rhamre@telus.net

Sandy Neustaeter

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Sandy was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She worked in a care home for 5 years caring for those in the end stages of life and felt great reward from being able to provide that care. Sandy met and married her best friend, Chad in Bible College and together they had 4 spirited children; Mikayla, Ashton, Mackenzie, and Abbey. In 2017 they welcomed their grandson, Joshua.

Sandy was a stay-at-home mom, while Chad pastored in churches. Once the children were older, Sandy was able to move into a position at Hamre’s, which evolved into fulfilling a lifelong desire to become a funeral director and embalmer. Sandy proudly graduated from the Canadian College of Funeral Services in 2020. She deeply loves being able to help families, is honored to care for families during one of the most difficult times in their life, and takes great pride in her work.

Sandy has a strong commitment to her family and when she has free time, you will find her at rodeos cheering on her daughter or building their little farm together with her family. Her heart is happy when spending time with her cows.

If you would like to contact me personally you can reach me at sneustaeter@telus.net

Mandy McDowell

Funeral Director & Embalming Apprentice

Mandy is no stranger to the beauty of the Peace Region.  She was born and raised in Fort St. John and now lives in the community of Taylor. Family is important to her and she loves spending time with her husband, three children, dogs, and cats.  She also enjoys kayaking, hiking, and yoga. 

Mandy grew up in the restaurant industry and spent 20 years as a server in her family’s restaurant.  She has also volunteered with the Taylor Fire Department and has had the privilege of being a surrogate mom to twins and a baby boy. 

Mandy’s heart for serving others is part of what makes her such a key member of the Hamre’s family.  She is apprenticing to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer and looks forward to continuing to serve her community for many years to come.

If you would like to contact me mmcdowell@telus.net

Rhonda Easton

Office Administration

Rhonda was born in South Korea and raised in California. Her family has been involved in ministry for her whole life in one form or another, whether on the mission field, camp work, or in church ministry. She met her husband at Bible College in Iowa and has called Canada home ever since. 

Rhonda was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom, spending much of her time homeschooling their children. She is passionate about her family, serving at church, and people in general. In her spare time, she enjoys woodworking, crocheting, hanging out with her family, and feeding people. 

Since 2020, Rhonda has enjoyed serving families at Hamre’s as they walk through one of the most difficult times of their lives. Her care and compassion are shown in her ability to assist families, and she is such an integral part of the Hamre’s family.

If you would like to contact me personally you can reach me at rhondaeaston@telus.net

Gord Klassen

Celebrant & Funeral Attendant

Gord grew up in Fort St. John before moving away in 1983 and returning with his family in 1998. Gord served two terms as a Trustee on the School District #60 Board of Education from 2005 to 2011 and served as a Fort St. John City Councillor since 2011.

Gord graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Religious Education and worked for 25 years as a pastor. He also worked as a support worker with School District #60 for several years. In addition, Gord has served his community as Chair of the Fort St. John Hospital Ethics Committee; Chaplain to the Fort St. John Fire Department; an Auxiliary Fire Fighter; Regional Coordinator for Samaritan's Purse Christmas Shoe Box Project; and Parent Advisory Councils at CM Finch, Bert Bowes and also as PAC President at NPSS.

Gord is married to Sharon; together, they have three children and seven grandchildren.

Ernie Hamre

In Loving Memory

Ernie was the original owner of the funeral home when it was called Reynar's Funeral Home. He was father to Ric and Grandfather to Kaylie

The son of a farmer and funeral director/embalmer from Minot, ND, Ernie was born in Provost, AB. One of his first jobs was selling cemetery plots for Chapel Lawn and Glen Eden Cemeteries in Winnipeg, MB. He would later apprentice and receive his funeral director and embalmers license in 1963.

After a few years of service, Ernie and co-worker Harry Tymofichuk purchased a funeral home in Lloydminster on the AB/SK border. Selling the firm they next purchased Reynars Funeral Home in Dawson Creek, BC in 1966. Due to health concerns, Harry sold his part of the firm and Ernie remained the sole owner until his retirement in 2002.

Ernie assisted families in their time of need for over 50 years. Even after he retired, he would still come in to help when it was needed. He was taken from us suddenly on July 4, 2017, in Dawson Creek, BC at the age of 80 years. He left a legacy of caring for his family and the families of Fort St. John.