History of the Pemberton Cemetery
Established in the 1930's
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In 1929 a committee of members from the Anglican Church acquired some land for a cemetery (adjoining the P.G.E. Railway right-of-way on a hillside on what was known as the Mile 60 crossing - and what is now known as 'The Plateau'). However, after the first burial in 1934, two problems with the property became apparent. The land was found to be very rocky and unsuitable for digging graves, and a survey found a discrepancy in the property boundary. The parcel was deemed inappropriate, and the site was abandoned.
A letter written by Eric H. Gethen, Secretary Treasurer of the Pemberton Cemetery Committee, to the Public Utilities Commission in Victoria, on September 3, 1962, describes the old site:
1935According to a written description of events (author unknown), twenty-five community members attended a public meeting in August of 1935 for the purpose of “having a cemetery in Pemberton Meadows belonging to the community as a whole.” Mr. W.C. Girling chaired the meeting.
Brothers Ed and Pat Wilson offered a half-acre from the old McLeod property that they had purchased in 1931. [Pat was present for the original public meeting in 1935, but was killed in WWII and thus was not involved in the development of the cemetery. Brother Ed, recorded throughout the documents as E.A.M. Wilson, was very involved in the administration of the cemetery in its early days.] Citizens expressed that the cemetery should be non-denominational and be the property of all citizens of Pemberton. The Anglican Church members acceded, and the land donated by the Wilson brothers was given to the community with the condition that a board of trustees were appointed and tasked with the responsibility of the layout, and to beautify and preserve the property as a burial ground. After discussion about electing individuals from the younger members of the community, three trustees were unanimously elected: Mr. Morgan Miller Mr. John Ronayne Jr. Mr. E.A.M. (Ed) Wilson A working committee was also appointed to “collect necessary funds, arrange the legal matters, and otherwise prepare the site.” The original Pemberton Cemetery Committee established in 1935 included: W.C. Girling - Secretary Wm Miller N.F. (Nels) Fraser S. (Sandy) Ross E. (Ed) Wilson J. (Jack) Ronayne Sr. R.H.E. (Bob) Taylor |
Shortly after the original public meeting a notice was sent to the public, asking for donations to establish the site, and states:
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“…does now call upon the Public to subscribe to a fund for the necessary expense in connection with survey, grading and fencing…
… It is sincerely hoped that an early response will make possible an early and adequate resting place private for those we once knew and respected.” |
19 donations came in, ranging from $1 to $10, for a total of $63 raised.
A work bee was held on October 8th, 1935 to build a fence. The following people are recorded as being present:
Sandy Ross
Gerald Ross
John Ronayne Jr.
Ronald Ronayne
Robbie Miller
G. Gimse
L. Van Beem
R.H.E. (Bob) Taylor
Barry Girling
Christopher Girling
W.C. Girling
Eric Gethen
A work bee was held on October 8th, 1935 to build a fence. The following people are recorded as being present:
Sandy Ross
Gerald Ross
John Ronayne Jr.
Ronald Ronayne
Robbie Miller
G. Gimse
L. Van Beem
R.H.E. (Bob) Taylor
Barry Girling
Christopher Girling
W.C. Girling
Eric Gethen
The first fence cost a grand total of $53.30.
The 1935 Statement of Accounts reads:
(Expenses) (Donations)
Board of Certificate $2.50 Subscriptions $63
Cost of Fence/Gates $32.80
“ “ Lumber $10.00
“ “ Labour $10.50
“ “ Grass seed $1.45
“ “ Minute book $3.30
Balance $2.45
The 1935 Statement of Accounts reads:
(Expenses) (Donations)
Board of Certificate $2.50 Subscriptions $63
Cost of Fence/Gates $32.80
“ “ Lumber $10.00
“ “ Labour $10.50
“ “ Grass seed $1.45
“ “ Minute book $3.30
Balance $2.45
There were three burials in 1935. The first burial was Grace Eleanor Dunn (moved from the original cemetery).
As the Secretary of the cemetery committee, W.C. Girling assumed the majority of responsibility for the cemetery until 1951.
As the Secretary of the cemetery committee, W.C. Girling assumed the majority of responsibility for the cemetery until 1951.
1951-1956
As the health of W.C. Girling began to fail, a new committee was formed in 1951. Elected members were:
Morgan Miller
Roy Cowston
John (Jack) Taillefer - Secretary
Another ‘donation request letter’ written by John Taillefer, and sent to the “Residents of Pemberton and District” on April 16, 1952, states that:
Morgan Miller
Roy Cowston
John (Jack) Taillefer - Secretary
Another ‘donation request letter’ written by John Taillefer, and sent to the “Residents of Pemberton and District” on April 16, 1952, states that:
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“The committee has looked over the grounds and find that a great deal of improvement is necessary. Funds are urgently needed to cover expenses.”
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This letter inspired an annual $10 donation from the Pemberton Women’s Institute, as well as donations from private citizens.
Known on much of the legal paperwork as the ‘Little Cemetery’, Jack Taillefer sent a letter to the lawyers in Vancouver to set them straight by stating that the cemetery is known as the 'Pemberton Cemetery.’
Known on much of the legal paperwork as the ‘Little Cemetery’, Jack Taillefer sent a letter to the lawyers in Vancouver to set them straight by stating that the cemetery is known as the 'Pemberton Cemetery.’
By 1955, Morgan Miller was the only remaining committee member that still resided in Pemberton, and so a new committee was elected, and discussion began to start the process of legal transfer of the property title. Elected members were:
Morgan Miller
E.A.M. Wilson
Eric Gethen - Secretary
In 1956 a legal survey was conducted, as E.A.M Wilson still held Legal Title of the land.
Morgan Miller
E.A.M. Wilson
Eric Gethen - Secretary
In 1956 a legal survey was conducted, as E.A.M Wilson still held Legal Title of the land.
1957-1965
In 1957 a general public meeting was held and a body of trustees was elected to, on behalf of residents, “…obtain the transfer of, and to hold the Legal Title of the Cemetery." Appointed trustees were:
R.H.E. (Bob) Taylor
George Mitchell
Morgan Miller
R.H.E. (Bob) Taylor
George Mitchell
Morgan Miller
A committee was also formed for operating and general maintenance, and included:
E.A.M. Wilson
George Mitchell
John Ronayne (Jr.)
Gerald Ross
E.H. (Eric) Gethen - Secretary
In 1958 another donation request letter written by Eric Gethen was sent to residents of Pemberton, outlining a programme of work that included:
The letter concludes with:
E.A.M. Wilson
George Mitchell
John Ronayne (Jr.)
Gerald Ross
E.H. (Eric) Gethen - Secretary
In 1958 another donation request letter written by Eric Gethen was sent to residents of Pemberton, outlining a programme of work that included:
- Transfer of legal title
- Final eradication of couch grass and other weeds
- Re-sowing of grass
- Erection of new fence
- Making and placing of grave markers
- Arrangements for mowing and general maintenance of the plot
The letter concludes with:
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“In the interest of our community as a whole, we ask that you give this request your deepest consideration.”
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13 donations were received from this letter, ranging from a $1 donation to $15, for a grand total of $58.
Included in the work bee was the addition of a road sign. Gus Zurcher was tasked with the creation of a sign, 6” x 24,” painted with the word ‘CEMETERY.’
Another letter written by Eric Gethen, (no date – but was between 1958-1962), addressed to the residents of Pemberton Meadows, Pemberton, Mt. Currie and district, states:
Included in the work bee was the addition of a road sign. Gus Zurcher was tasked with the creation of a sign, 6” x 24,” painted with the word ‘CEMETERY.’
Another letter written by Eric Gethen, (no date – but was between 1958-1962), addressed to the residents of Pemberton Meadows, Pemberton, Mt. Currie and district, states:
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"At a public meeting Messrs Morgan Miller, George Mitchell, and R.H.E. Taylor were appointed as trustees for the purpose of being holders of the deeds of the cemetery as soon as it was possible to make a legal transfer of the property. These trustees would be the ‘owners’ of the cemetery on behalf of the Pemberton District. (Including Pemberton, Pemberton Meadows, and Mt. Currie.)
It was found that the “Title” could not be Registered with the Land Registry Office if the trustees were private individuals and consequently the Pemberton Branch of the Canadian Legion were asked to, and consented to accept, the position of trustees, in place of the three mentioned above, and with their approval. Although the Pemberton Branch of the Legion will be legally responsible for the operation of the cemetery, they desire that the actual operation be in the hands of a committee representative of the whole district. Under this system the management would be in conformity with the wishes of the public meeting mentioned above. The committee chosen consists of Messrs Morgan Miller, George Mitchell, John Ronayne, Gerald Ross, D.A. Johnson, and E.H. Gethen (the last two are Legion representatives).” |
By 1962 the title (ownership) of the land was determined to be the Pemberton Legion, despite the title still having not been transferred.
In 1963 the request was made ‘to have the lot registered as a Cemetery rather than as merely a piece of land.’
In 1964 a letter was sent to lawyers requesting that new property owner Dr. F.W. Arber sign a deed transferring the cemetery to the Pemberton Legion.
In 1963 the request was made ‘to have the lot registered as a Cemetery rather than as merely a piece of land.’
In 1964 a letter was sent to lawyers requesting that new property owner Dr. F.W. Arber sign a deed transferring the cemetery to the Pemberton Legion.
1965-Present
It appears as though despite much correspondence the title of land never was signed over to the Pemberton Legion, until present owner Jill Giese signed it over upon her purchase of the property, now known as ‘Dreamcatcher Meadows,’ in 2003.
The governance of the cemetery continued to be administered and maintained by a committee consisting of community volunteers and Legion representatives, through the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and into the 21stCentury. By the late 1990’s both the Village of Pemberton and the SLRD added a representative to the committee.
Below is a list (likely incomplete) of individuals who have volunteered on the ‘Cemetery Committee’ throughout the decades. The list is ordered chronologically, as best as can be determined by existing records. Dates provided are an estimate of the year in which they began service. The length of service is difficult to calculate, as many individuals, especially between the 30’s and 50’s, served on multiple committees.
The governance of the cemetery continued to be administered and maintained by a committee consisting of community volunteers and Legion representatives, through the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and into the 21stCentury. By the late 1990’s both the Village of Pemberton and the SLRD added a representative to the committee.
Below is a list (likely incomplete) of individuals who have volunteered on the ‘Cemetery Committee’ throughout the decades. The list is ordered chronologically, as best as can be determined by existing records. Dates provided are an estimate of the year in which they began service. The length of service is difficult to calculate, as many individuals, especially between the 30’s and 50’s, served on multiple committees.
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List of Volunteer Committee Members
W.C. Girling - Secretary - 1935 - 1951 Morgan Miller - Trustee - 1935 John Ronayne Jr. - Trustee - 1935 E.A.M. (Ed) Wilson - Trustee - 1935 William Morgan Miller - 1935 N.F. (Nels) Fraser - 1935 A. (Sandy) Ross - 1935 John (Jack) Ronayne Sr. - 1935 R.H.E. (Bob) Taylor - 1935 Roy Crowston - 1951 John (Jack) Taillefer - Secretary - 1951 George Mitchell - 1954 Eric Gethen - Secretary - 1955 Gerald Ross - 1957 John Leach - 1969 Dick Green - 1969 P.L. McCulloch - 1969 B. Cherry - 1969 Gordon Sangster - Secretary - 1971 Hector Harwood - 1974 Tom Ranson – Legion Representative - 1974 Frederick Meen - 1974 N.J. Decker - 1976 Clifford Ronayne - 1980 Jack McGrade - 1982 Max Halber - Legion Representative - 1984 Dawn Ross - Legion Representative - 1986 Linda Welsh - Secretary - 1986 Michael Ross - Caretaker - 1986 Jean McEwan - 1986 Phillip Perkins - Village Representative - 1987 Frank Rollert - 1987 Brian Day - Legion Representative - 1991 Susie Gimse - SLRD Representative -1999 Elinor Warner - Village Representative - 2000 |
