Our Team

Joan Gibson (née Osborn)
Founding Family Member
Joan began her working career at age 15 at Osborn's Shoe Store. Following a year of college, she entered the Psychiatric Nursing Program at Riverview Hospital. A few years later she moved to the U.S. where she continued to work as a nurse before opening a grocery store with her husband, Denny, in Everson, WA. After her sister, Diane, began working at Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel, her dad invited her and Denny to come back to Maple Ridge to work along side her sister. Joan completed her apprenticeship and worked as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer until her retirement in 2021.  Joan has two children, one of whom is also a licensed Funeral Director, and three grandchildren.

Diane McKenzie (née Osborn)
Founding Family Member
Prior to being licensed as a Funeral Director and Embalmer, Diane worked as a Psychiatric Nurse for 19 years. Although she did not start her working career in the funeral profession, she was certainly surrounded by it even living in the apartment above the funeral home her father constructed in 1964. When the opportunity came to join the profession, it was an easy transition since dealing with loss and grief were part of her nursing studies. She was licensed as a Funeral Director and Embalmer in 1991 and worked in the funeral home until her retirement in 2021. Diane enjoys spending her “golden” years cruising, ballroom dancing, and spoiling her 2 grandchildren.

Daniel Baxter
Owner and Funeral Director
Dan was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and moved to the West Coast with his family at a very young age. Upon graduation from the University of BC with a degree in Engineering, he began officer training with the Canadian Armed Forces in which he served for 5 years including 3½ years under NATO command in Germany. Upon release from the military, he joined the family fire safety and security business where he worked primarily in customer service. This was followed by 12 years of consulting for various business clients. During a six-month stint with a private funeral and cemetery provider, Dan discovered a profession where he could have a lasting impact on the clients he served. This led to his decision to seek licensing as a Funeral Director and, along with his mentor, Ian Elliott, purchase Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel from Joan and Diane. Dan and his wife, Marina, have been married for 38 years. They have 4 adult children.

Rachel Baxter
Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer
Following in her father’s footsteps, Rachel is currently in the second year of her apprenticeship to become a Funeral Director and Embalmer. Having worked for years in the service industry, she was drawn to the funeral profession by its unique blend of compassion and customer service. Outside of her studies, Rachel enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors, finding solace and inspiration in nature. She also has a passion for baking, often whipping up treats to share with friends and family. Rachel is actively involved in community events in Maple Ridge where she now lives with her fiancé and their 3-year-old German Shepherd.

Melissa Matthews
Funeral Director & Embalmer

Beginning her career in funeral service as a crematorium operator in 2018, Melissa developed a deep understanding of the importance of dignity, honor, and respect in this profession. In 2021, she graduated from the Canadian College of Funeral Service as a licensed funeral director and embalmer, equipping herself with the skills to provide compassionate and professional care to families during their most difficult times.

Outside of her professional life, Melissa enjoys attending live music and playing guitar, which provides a creative outlet and balance to her life. She also has a passion for travelling and exploring new cultures, collecting art and memories along the way. With empathy, creativity, and a deep commitment to serving her community, Melissa provides caring support and comfort to every family, ensuring that each farewell is as unique and special as the person it honors.

Melissa is a member of the Aldergrove Rotary Club.

Michelle McKenzie
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Michelle entered the funeral profession in 2022 and gained her Funeral Directors and Embalmers license in 2024. Though relatively new to the funeral profession, she has found purpose and fulfillment in serving the community in their time of need. She takes pride in her work and always has a smile on.

Born and raised in Vancouver, she spends her time eating, running, reading, and enjoying the natural beauty British Columbia has to offer. When not enjoying the outdoors, you can find her cozied up with her cats and a good book.

Jennifer Scramstad
Funeral Director
Jennifer started in the funeral profession in 2021 and graduated from the Canadian College of Funeral Service in 2023. Her empathy and compassion for helping others are what drove her to pursue her career in funeral service. She walks alongside every family she serves, offering guidance and support through their journey to help honor their loved ones.

For Jennifer, it is a privilege to be there for families during the hardest times in their lives. Jennifer grew up in Burnaby and currently resides in Maple Ridge with her children. In her free time, she enjoys being involved in her Church, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.

Ronald Lund
Funeral Director
bio coming soon.

Darcey Holmes
Crematorium Manager
Darcey was born in Toronto, ON and moved to BC in her early years. She has been a resident of Maple Ridge for 40 years. Darcey has extensive training in The Royal Conservatory of Music and during her time off, she enjoys composing music of all genres and spending time with her family. Although her passion for music has been life-long, she finds fulfillment in her career in the funeral profession. Darcey has been with Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel and Crematorium since 2014.