Tree of Remembrance – fellowship of a common loss
By Kim Walker
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, MacLean's Funeral Home hosted their annual Tree Of Remembrance at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Oyen. This evening is held annually to honour the families served over the past year. All community members were welcome to join in this time of fellowship.
MacLean’s Funeral Home staff: from left: Blake Hertz (representing his mother Conny Hertz, funeral attendant since 2016), Lauren Burgemeister (Hanna Funeral Home – helped out several times over the year and Kim helped them), James Walker (funeral attendant since 2017), Kevin McBain (funeral attendant since 2011), Bonnie Burke (attendant, driver, celebrant, answers phones since 1987), Pam Stark (funeral director - returned in 2017 and relicensed in 2019), Rosalind Scarff (funeral attendant since 2020), Ryan Koehli (owner since 2019), Kim Walker (employed since 2013 - funeral director, embalmer, business manager), Joanne McBain (food prep helper). Missing from photo: Ken Shubert (drives and answers phones since 1991), Daena Wilson (2019-2024, retired to focus on work and other commitments). Joining the photo in front are Morgan and Ethan Koehli.
Photo by Diana Walker
Community Choir: Organist Marilyn Lehman, conductor Pastor Brad Broadhead. Back row, from left: Ken and Joan Mick, Heather Norris, The Rev. Dr. Catherine Holland, Shirley Foot, Bonnie Burke. Middle row, Joan Shields, Mel and Mary Loose, Ralph Jorgenson, Madeline Nichols. Front row, Lealla, Nigel, Elowen, Linnea, and Rowenna Broadhead.
Photo by Kelsey MacDonald
East Sounding Creek 4-H Beef Club: from left: Hayden Bingeman, Doug Westerlund, Rhett Rude, Cooper Norris, Leif Westerlund, Warren Westerlund, Cabrie Tye, Emma Westerlund, Camrie Norris, Quade Tye, Colt Grover.
Photo by Kelsey MacDonald
Throughout the evening, attendees were entertained by a choir formed from the local churches, led by Pastor Brad Broadhead. Before the entertainment, delicious ham, cabbage rolls, pasta salad, veggies and buns were enjoyed, all cooked by Kim and Pam with prep help from Joanne and James.
Since moving this event to the Legion, organizers have had the privilege of having East Sounding Creek 4H club parents and kids assist with greeting everyone, hanging up the coats, helping with kitchen duties, serving beverages, etc. The 4-H has lent helping hands the last 4 to 5 years with next year already booked!
The evening consisted of speeches, a PowerPoint, musical entertainment, and recognition of people and groups who have helped the organizers with a highlight of medallion presentations. This year roughly 150 family and community members enjoyed many laughs, conversations and tears but most importantly fellowship of a common loss.
Next year's Tree of Remembrance is scheduled for November 22, 2025.