Our Team

Meet the people behind the care.

Our dedicated and supportive staff are here to guide you through this

difficult journey. We take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure

your needs are met.

Doug Friesen

Owner & Founder

Born and raised in Grande Prairie, Doug has committed his life to working in and owning local businesses as he and his wife Eunice raised their family. Doug worked in the printing industry for a number of years before owning and operating his own service businesses. With his gentle manner and family-centered approach, Doug has developed excellent and trusting relationships within our community. In 2012, Doug decided to use his talents to make a positive and lasting impact on grieving families and he and Eunice established Bear Creek Funeral Home.

Take a moment to speak with Doug and you’ll notice how genuine and passionate he is about making a true difference for families as they make final decisions about a loved one. Doug is dedicated to providing families with options that suit their needs while honouring the life of their loved one in a unique and meaningful way. 

Eunice Friesen

Owner & Funeral Celebrant

Eunice retired from a 25-year nursing career to serve families together with Doug when they established Bear Creek Funeral Home in 2012. Over the years her warm and caring spirit and natural way of connecting with people have made her a popular choice of Funeral Celebrant for families.

She has a Master of Business Administration in Innovation Leadership and  has volunteered countless hours in the community. Eunice served on City Council from 2017 – 2021, and she currently serves as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for the Northwestern Alberta Foundation.

Jennifer Greentree

Managing Director & Embalmer

Jennifer’s eye for detail and design is always appreciated by families who spend time with her as they select a meaningful monument for their loved one. Her ability to connect to the unique needs of each family is a true gift. 

Jennifer has worked in many customer service lines of work before her passion for meaningful service to others brought her to Bear Creek Funeral Home. Jennifer obtained her Funeral Directors Licence through Mount Royal University in August 2015, and her Embalming Licence in 2017. 

Jennifer was a founding member of Northern Networks Business Networking International in Grande Prairie and in 2016 was appointed by the Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board to serve on the Funeral Education Review Committee. Her excellent work on the Committee led to a role as Instructor with Mount Royal University in the Funeral Services Program where she taught for several years.

Heather Gallagher-Rowe

Administrative Lead

Heather’s attention to detail helps to ensure that every behind-the-scenes element is completed and ready for a funeral service. Heather truly embodies Bear Creek Funeral Home’s guiding principle of “caring for each as our own”.

Although she did not grow up in the area (being a transplanted Nova Scotian) Heather has, for the past 4 decades, made Grande Prairie her home. During this time she has made many lifelong friends and is very familiar with Grande Prairie and the surrounding areas that are served by Bear Creek Funeral Home.

Her past professional experience has been primarily with not-for-profit agencies in the city, including over 10 years as a Crisis Counsellor. This experience,  coupled with her own deep personal grief over the loss of loved ones, gives her both a sincere compassion for and genuine desire to assist others who are grieving.

 

Karleigh Hexspoor

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Karleigh’s gentle and compassionate support to families inspires comfort and confidence as she guides them through the difficult task of funeral planning.

Originally from High Level, Karleigh knew at a young age that she wanted to help people. Initially planning for a Degree in Psychology, she shifted her course and graduated from MacEwan University in 2018 with a Diploma in Police and Investigative Studies. She was working as a Youth Addiction Counsellor when a friend suggested she consider funeral services at Mount Royal University. 

Abi

Abi Doerksen

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Born and raised in Alberta, Abi found her passion wanting to help those who are grieving and their lost loved ones. She felt right at home starting her funeral services diploma through Mount Royal University and finished the program in 2022. 

In her spare time, Abi loves reading and creative writing.

Abi

Brian & Sue Fuller

Good Grief Community Facilitators & Attendants

Brian and Sue met in Windsor, Ontario, where they were both raised. Brian was selling life insurance and Sue was working in a bank when they transferred to Alberta with their two young children in 1977. Shortly after, they felt called to ministry with the Salvation Army. They served in many locations, including Bermuda, before their retirement in 2011. They’ve been working with Bear Creek Funeral Home since 2014. Brian officiates funerals and helps with attending and transfer driving, while Sue is the backbone of our Good Grief Community.

The Fullers enjoy traveling whenever they can, especially cruises.

 

Petey the Dog

Everyone’s Best Friend

Petey is an Argentine Dogo mix who joined the family at Bear Creek Funeral Home in June, 2015.  Doug and Eunice found 5-year-old Petey in a shelter, and he immediately demonstrated the qualities they were looking for in a dog who would be called upon to provide comfort for anyone who needs it. Petey retired in 2021, but still comes into the office upon request.

He has been a wonderful presence in the funeral home over the years, and was once even named as an honorary pallbearer.

What Our Families Have To Say

"They are very compassionate and supportive. Held space with the family and their presence provided comfort and peace through some of the toughest times. They are angels."

Cindy Fiddler Morgan

"I met with Doug to discuss my Mom’s arrangements which had already been pre-paid but in another city. He advised me what was best to do when the need arises. His help in sorting out what was covered and how to access it was so valuable. Very comforting knowing everything is covered when she passes. Great service & caring staff."

Barbara Campbell

"I can't even touch the surface of how compassionate Bear Creek Funeral home was during the most difficult pain from losing our son so young and sudden. They took the worry of having to make arrangements right off our shoulders. They treated our son with the utmost respect. You will forever be in our hearts. Special angels here on earth."

Cynthia Kirk Bujold

"They do an excellent job thank you. "

Connie Roose

"I was so fortunate, yesterday, that Eunice had some time to tour me through their new facility! What a beautiful space. I am so delighted for Doug and Eunice and indeed everyone in the Peace Country who will be blessed with this trinity: the halls, the shop and the Funeral Home. National preeminence is on the horizon - setting the Canadian standard at a new level of excellence. Congratulations!"

Rae Weniger

"Thank you so much for everything you have done to help us get through the worst time in our lives. Your kindness, and compassion was heartfelt. Visiting with Petey was a blessing, and I want to particularly thank you for the rush on getting our necklaces to us so quickly. God Bless you all, thank you again."

Annette Couiyk Whillier

"My family and I want to thank you for your kindness, concern, and efforts during the recent passing of our father... We genuinely appreciate your manner in handling the many details surrounding his funeral arrangements. Your courtesy and professionalism will be remembered in our family, and recommended to others. We are especially grateful for the final opportunity of closure."

Darryl Wanyandie

"Thank you so much Karleigh, and your wonderful team there! I couldn’t have asked for a more pleasant and professional experience to purchase my glass piece which I will treasure for always! Right down to the little bag that my grandparents’ ashes came back in, so much etiquette and respect! Nana and papa are home! Thank you! "

Casey Grondahl

"Thank you so very much for the final extra touches to the "Yukon" condolence message for John. You -- or you and your IT techs -- have exceeded my most optimistic hopes in your adjustments. The attached print screen shows a grander version of the names of my husband and me on the side of the message than I had anticipated. My husband is very impressed by the extra thoughtfulness and technical expertise of copying our "full signature" up from the bottom of the message. We wish good health, safety, and kind blessings to you and everyone at Bear Creek Funeral Home. Thank you again for the extremely important and much appreciated assistance all of you provided for John and to my family."

Chrys Antaya (and Jefferson Olson)

"Bear Creek has been amazing for our lost family members and friends over the years ."

Wendy Whitman Doucet

"Karleigh & Heather took very good care of me with the passing of mom. Kind, patient. Answered all the questions even the ones I was unsure about. From the moment they answered the phone I felt very secure in leaving my mom in their hands. Karleigh thank you for including Kasper and Adrian in this journey meant a lot to us, thank you. You made all my last arrangements with my mom so pleasant and set my mind at ease I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done."

Heidi Martinson

"I had the pleasure of working with Jen there… she went above and beyond x5- she really helped everyone be able to grieve a bit better."

Charlene Fowler

"Thank you so much, you guys are great. And your services are so much appreciated, we had an amazing experience dealing with you guys and will forever be grateful. I have even considered doing a career change, to help people the way you guys do!"

Ashley Krohl

"Thank you, Doug, Jennifer, Heather, Kolton, Cassie, & anyone else I forgot who helped with the planning & presentation of Mom`s funeral/celebration. We were very impressed at your professionalism & attention to detail. Everything was above & beyond what we had expected, and we cannot thank you enough. Relatives in Australia, England & BC all commented on how wonderful the livestream quality was- we will cherish this video forever ♥ We will recommend your top-notch business to everyone we know. Thanks again "

Tammy & Rob Twelvetree

"To everyone at Bear Creek Funeral Home, Thank you for the excellent service you provided for my Dad’s funeral. Thank you for your professionalism and for your caring. All the extra details like the card box, the large memorial display with his name and picture on it, and the glass memento with his name and fingerprint on it all added to the caring and considerate atmosphere that surrounded the service. The concern you displayed for my mother and all of us put us at ease and helped us all through the day. Thank you for all the paperwork done on her behalf."

Isabelle Thorson

"We wish to thank you for being so understanding and kind to us during this difficult time. We appreciate you working with us on our busy schedule to make the proper arrangements. To Jen, the Family of Bear Creek Funeral Home, you will always be appreciated and in our kindest thoughts."

Janna and Emma

"Thank you so much for all your help, kindness, and support. You all made this step easier for me to handle."

Lauren Marchis

"Jennifer & Staff, My family & I would like to let you all know how very much we truly appreciate all that you have done for us. From beginning to end, you were always so kind and compassionate. You addressed all of our concerns & questions and took care or every detail surrounding my dad’s funeral with dignity. Not to mention, the level of patience and understanding you showed along the way. You helped ease our worries by handling all aspects in planning his funeral and made an extremely difficult time a little more bearable. My dad was shown the honour and respect he so deserved & we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. The courtesy and professionalism from all the staff at Bear Creek Funeral Home will forever remain invaluable and always remembered. Bless you all!"

Lisa Jamie Coulter and family

Contact Our Team

Our team is here for you. 

11802 99 Avenue
Grande Prairie, AB
T8W 0C7

Grande Prairie

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