Our Staff

Meet Our Staff

Zachary Schmidt

Licensed Funeral Director

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    Raised in Kimberley BC where he spent the majority of  his teenage and young adult life.   After moving to Nelson He met and later married his amazing and supportive wife.  In 1997, he started his career in the funeral service profession, something he finds rewarding,  aiding his community in dark times.

Brenna Ekstrand

Office Administrator

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    Brenna was born and raised in Saskatchewan, growing up in Regina and area, but living in various rural communities for the last 25 years.    She has many years’ experience in the Social Services field and is new to the funeral industry.   Her and her husband, Craig have three adult children, living in two different provinces. She is an active member of Kin Canada since 2007 and has served on various non-profit boards, including the Kinsmen TeleMiracle Foundation Board.  Her and her family enjoy spending time outside, kayaking and exploring the area with their dog.  They are looking forward to making the Kootenays their forever home.

James & Barb MacKay

Advance Planning Representatives

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    James & Barb MacKay serve as Castlegar Funeral Chapel’s Advance Planning Representatives. James & Barb specialize in meeting families to present the importance and value of making final arrangements in advance of need.


    They both know how planning ahead saves families the stress of making final arrangements after a death has occurred, both emotionally & financially.


    James & Barb MacKay are long time residents of the West Kootenay region and have lived in both Nelson and Castlegar with their two children. They both enjoy all the amenities the West Kootenays offer including winter sports such as curling and skiing; and in the summer months, spending time at our region’s beautiful lakes boating and waterskiing.

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