​Tiverton Lions honour nine loved ones at Walk of Memories Tree Dedication ceremony

Nine loved ones were honoured with the dedication of seven trees in the Tiverton Lions Walk of Memories, during a ceremony, Sunday afternoon, at the Whitney Crawford Community Centre in Tiverton.

Lion Ron Simmons welcomed the crowd of about 100 people, and the event opened with the singing of “O Canada,” with accompaniment by Ashley Hegmans.

Since 2005, the Tiverton Lions have filled the Walk of Memories with trees, said Simmons, noting that in future years, a stand of three trees will be planted in memory of all those remembered that year.

The plaques of names are posted along the walkway which features a waterfall, flower beds, and a gazebo. This year’s name plaque will be added to that walkway, bringing the total to 277 plaques in memory of 318 people.

Lion Ward Cox acknowledged the many volunteers who help with the Walk of Memories, and Hegmans provided special music.

Lion Gerda Roppel read a poem, “To Plant a Tree,” and Lion Ron Manto unveiled the name plaque.

Pastor Bruce Jones of Chalmers Community Church told the crowd that planting trees in memory of loved ones who have passed away, is a splendid idea because trees live so much longer than we do.

He urged those who have lost loved ones to remember three things as they walk their path of grief:
 

• Take time to give thanks because you were privileged to know your loved one. Take stock of what you are thankful for and take time to laugh at the great memories you shared.
• Take time to grieve. Grief is not easy to endure but it means that your relationship was a strong one and the person who passed away meant a lot to you.
• Take time to heal; if you had a great relationship, then you were blessed, but if your relationship was peppered with problems, you have the opportunity to conduct your life differently with the people following you.

“God dealt with our biggest problem – sin – by sacrificing His Son,” said Jones. “We can’t be good enough on our own, we need God’s grace. Take time to give thanks, to grieve, and to heal.”

Certificates were then presented in memory of the following loved ones:
 

• Marg C. McConnell (1930-2023)
• Margie Travis-Gilchrist
• Jonny Travis
• Helene/John/James Biehl
• Carr Family
• Norm McIntosh (1941-2024)
• Laura Argalis (1964-2023)

The event concluded with more special music by Hegmans, a closing prayer, and refreshments.