Our Staff
Paul Wright – Managing Director
Director License No. 16277
Paul joined the family’s funeral business in 1983. As a graduate of Kamloops Senior Secondary (1972) Paul went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the University of British Columbia in 1978. Paul completed his Funeral Apprenticeship training at B.C.I.T. in 1986. He is Past President of the Funeral Service Association of British Columbia and the Funeral Service Association of Canada. Also, Paul served as chairperson of the Thompson Rivers University Foundation from 1997 to 2000. He and his wife Robyn love to travel and enjoy skiing and sailing. Together, they have three children; Alison, Nicola and Lewis.
Sandra Irvine – Administration Manager
Director License No. 16266
Sandra was born in Vancouver and moved to Kamloops with her family in 1961 where she graduated from Kamloops Senior Secondary in 1975. She began her career in funeral service in 1977 when she joined her father, George Wright at Schoening Funeral Service. In 1978, Sandra married Bruce Irvine and together they have two children, Brent and Heather. Sandra has done volunteer work for the Kamloops Hospice Society and has served as a team manager for Kamloops Minor Hockey. Sandra has recently completed her term as the first woman President of the Funeral Service Association of British Columbia and continues to serve as a board member. Sandra and Bruce love to spend time with their family and friends and enjoy relaxing at their property on Shuswap Lake
Joanne Burnell – Admin. Assist/Funeral Director
Director License No. 16259
In 1991, Joanne, her husband Derek and their two children, moved to Kamloops. In 1992, Joanne decided to further her education and attended Thompson Rivers University where she received a Diploma in Accounting. During this time, she became employed in the funeral profession and went on to receive her Funeral Director License in 1995. Joanne has been employed at Schoening Funeral Service since 2000 and is an active member of the Kamloops Blazers where she serves as President of the Booster Club. She is an avid golfer and enjoys gardening, camping and reading on her spare time.
Tim Cook – Funeral Director/Embalmer
Director License No. 16261
Tim was born in Ogema, Saskatchewan and moved to Kamloops with his family in 1970. While attending school, he was hired by George Wright at Schoening Funeral Service to perform maintenance duties. After high school, Tim began a fourteen year career with C.N Rail in the Signal and Communication Department. He returned to Schoening’s in 1994 to begin his professional career in Funeral Service. Since his employment at Schoening’s, Tim has had the opportunity to work with and assist families from all cross sections of the community, which has been an extremely gratifying and rewarding experience. He enjoys all outdoor activities and loves to spend time with his daughter, Lexi.
Tom Mitchell – Funeral Director/Embalmer
Director License No. 16268
Tom began his funeral career in 1986 when he joined Schoening’s as an apprentice. Soon after, he completed his funeral apprenticeship training at B.C.I.T. in 1988. Tom is a talented golfer and pursued a career in the profession from 1991 to 1995 when he obtained his Canadian Professional Golfers Association designation. In the spring of 1995, he returned to Schoening’s to continue a rewarding career in the funeral profession. In his spare time, Tom enjoys camping with his wife Heather and their two sons.
Glen Peter – Funeral Director/Embalmer
Director License No. 16270
Glen was born and raised in Estevan, Saskatchewan where he began his funeral service training by registering in the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Program. In 1974, he took a position as Funeral Director at Schoening Funeral Service and moved his family to Kamloops, B.C. Soon after his arrival, Glen joined the Kamloops Central Lions Club which he enjoyed an active membership with for over twenty- two years. He and his wife Janet have four children and ten grandchildren. Together, the Peters’ enjoy camping and traveling.
Shirley McCaffrey – Certified Preplanning Consultant
Shirley is a full time Certified Preplanning Consultant and has been an integral part of the Schoening’s team since 2003. She is fully qualified to assist families or individuals wishing to discuss options regarding the prearrangement and prefinancing of a funeral service. Shirley is very involved in the community and was awarded the ‘Golden Circle of Excellence’ by the Arthritis Society. Also, she was honored as the ‘Y’ Woman of Distinction in 2003. Together, she and her husband Gary enjoy camping and have two children and three grandchildren.
Cindy Riley – Funeral Director, Merritt Chapel
Director License No. 16277
Cindy was born in Merritt and graduated from Merritt Secondary school in 1979. She began her career in funeral service in 1984 when she joined her grandfather, John Bann at the Merritt Funeral Chapel. Cindy continued working for George Wright when he bought the Chapel in 1991 and went on to receive her Funeral Director License. She married Doug Riley in 1983 and together they have three children, Amy, Ryan and Chad. Cindy is very involved in the Merritt community and has done volunteer work for Merritt Minor Hockey, Merritt Minor Ball and the Merritt Gymnastics Club. She loves to travel and enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family.