Our Team

John Gawryluk

Funeral Director & Embalmer

The Gawryluk's Elk Valley roots trace back to the early 1900's when John's great grandparents immigrated from Italy and the Ukraine to the small mining community of Michel. A lifetime resident of Fernie, John enjoys working closely with generations of families he has known throughout his life, as well as meeting residents new to the area. Previous to becoming a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer, John worked in the local coal mines and as a paramedic for the BC Ambulance Service.

John is a member of the Lost Souls Society and the Sparwood Historical Society.

Lynda Gawryluk

Funeral Director & Certified Celebrant

Lynda was born in Yorkton, SK, but has called Fernie home since 1971. Blessed to have been a stay-at-home mom for 15 years, she now enjoys her career as a Funeral Director and working side by side with John.

Lynda is an Enroller with TruStage Life of Canada (formerly Assurant Life) and is able to assist anyone interested in preplanning their funerals. She is also a Certified Celebrant available to families who prefer a non religious or non denominational ceremony. She works closely with families to create a service that reflects the personality of their loved one.

John & Lynda have 4 sons; Nathan, Joshua, Kyle & Jordan.

Jordan "JJ" Gawryluk

Funeral Director & Embalmer

JJ successfully completed his apprenticeship with Cherished Memories in September 2022 and is excited to pursue this next chapter in his life. With great communication skills and a genuine, compassionate heart, JJ looks forward to assisting families during their time of need.

Born in Fernie, JJ is the youngest of John & Lynda's four boys. He is an avid outdoorsman who loves to spend his time exploring the back country and is always looking for his next adventure. JJ is also a Red Seal carpenter, and his amazing talents have been greatly appreciated by his family and friends!

JJ's career as an Operations Supervisor with Teck Coal has provided a wealth of experience in interpersonal communication skills and leadership qualities that will benefit not only himself, but the families we serve as funeral professionals. 

JJ lives in Jaffray with his wife Rebecca and their beautiful daughter Hailey.

Wendy Lyn

Apprentice & Certified Funeral Celebrant

Wendy has called Fernie home for many years. She has extensive knowledge in the hospitality industry, having created and sold both a fine dining restaurant and Happy Cow ice cream company in Fernie and Cranbrook. 

In September of 2023, Wendy began her Funeral Director and Embalmer apprenticeship with Cherished Memories. Her outgoing nature and her compassionate heart will serve families well.

Wendy is also a certified celebrant available to families who would prefer a non religious ceremony. Creating a meaningful and memorable service for families is her main goal.

Wendy lives with her husband Dan, and their beautiful King Charles dog, Romeo. 

Corlyn Haarstad

Support Staff

Our “South Country” girl, Corlyn resides in Elko with her husband Dean. 

Corlyn has been an important part of the Cherished Memories family for over 20 years. Intrigued with historical burial sites and local history, Corlyn enjoys the challenge of helping families find the graves of their loved ones. She also dedicates her time to the Elko Volunteer Fire Department, the Sparwood Historical Society, and the Lost Souls Society.

Brian Schmitz

Support Staff

Brian lives in Fernie with his wife Susan and has two adult children, Rebecca and Andrew. He is the retired Fire Chief for the City of Fernie who now enjoys his time travelling and spending summers at the family cabin.

Romeo

Emotional Support Dog

Romeo is a King Charles Spaniel who is being trained as an emotional support dog for Cherished Memories.

His favourite things are long walks in the woods, his chewies and his stuffed bunny.

Romeo will quietly greet you at the door, and is available to anyone who would like his calming, comforting presence beside them.