OLDS — About 35 people gathered near the cenotaph in Olds' Centennial Park on July 11 for a ceremony marking the Olds Community Lifestyles Committee legacy paving stone initiative.
Each stone features the name of a loved one, mentor or something else of significance. Twice a year, the stones will be laid beside the path leading up to the cenotaph. The eight-inch-by-eight-inch paving stones can be purchased from a committee member for $125 each.
The committee is hoping that in conjunction with Mountain View Hospice Society, a QR code containing information from the stones can be created near the site and possibly on a website as well.
Money made via the program will go into the Olds Community Lifestyles Committee's Community Legacy Fund, which disburses a portion of that money back into the community.
Several stones which have already been purchased and engraved were laid out in a row at the edge of the path for the ceremony.
In the crowd were Town of Olds Mayor Judy Dahl and several members of council, some Community Lifestyles Committee members, members of Mountain View Hospice Society and other groups as well as several relatives of people remembered via the stones and some grandchildren too.
During an interview with the Albertan, Erica Sweetman said she got the idea for the legacy stones six years ago while walking up the walkway to the gazebo at Olds College. It too has memorial stones inlaid into the path.
“I walked it and thought, ‘those people are there forever,” she said.
Sweetman told the crowd that the legacy fund has been in place for over 20 years and was the vision of the Wiper family. Since 2011, it has been promoted by the Olds Community Lifestyles Committee.
She said she’s hopeful the initial group of stones will be laid in place shortly, as soon as town staff have the opportunity. She’s hopeful another batch can be installed before Remembrance Day “because that part of the park is well populated on Nov. 11.”
Mayor Judy Dahl welcomed the crowd and said the community is grateful for the legacy fund.
“It serves as a savings account for the community of Olds,” she said, adding that many groups in the community have received money through it.
Cindy Palin, who has served as an Olds Community Lifestyles Committee member and is training to become a chaplain, also spoke to the crowd.
“Thank you for joining us for this special time that has been set aside to remember and celebrate the lives of our loved ones, those who have gone before us, but continue to live on in our hearts at some point in life,” she said.
“It's different for each of us. We come to realize that what truly matters are the people we love, their stories, their presence and the lasting impact they have made in our lives, this community and the world.
“As we face the pain of good-bye and walk through the journey of grief, we search for meaningful ways to honour who they were. We seek ways to keep their memory alive, to ensure that their stories will not be forgotten.”
Palin noted that throughout history, stones have been used as “enduring symbols of remembrance.”
She added that as loved ones or other people stop and read the stones,” their names will be whispered and their legacy will live on.”
Palin read aloud the names of people and one service club engraved on the stones. She and added a little about each.
“Lucille Konsmo, a woman of deep faith and community spirit and one of the founders of our Community Legacy Fund.
“Tyler Bulechowsky, a devoted son, husband and father taken from us far too soon.
“Judy Schlickenmayer, remembered for her unwavering dedication to volunteering and her love for the community.
“Fritsje Bierhorst, a beloved brother whose young life was tragically cut short during World War II.
“Rietje Bierhorst, a cherished sister who passed alongside her brother.
“Frederick Bierhorst, a beloved brother named after his younger sibling. Frederick was a lifelong veteran and peacemaker.
“Dr. Harvey Cole, a man full of life, a dedicated veterinarian and an inspiring Olds College instructor.
“Jack Bannerman, a family man who found joy in fishing, golf and gardening.
“James Murdock, known for his wit, kindness and generosity.
Harry Warne, a man blessed with many friends and a generous heart.
“The Kinette Club of Olds, honoured for their legacy of community service, fellowship and national pride.”
Palin also read a couple of psalms from the Bible.
“Psalm 62:6, ‘truly, God is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress. I will not be shaken.’ And Psalm 18:2, ‘the Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. My God is my rock in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Palin told members of the crowd that if they would like to purchase a stone and have it engraved with information about a loved one, they should contact a committee member.
