Here is a small collection of favourites from the past year in celebration of All Souls' Day, or as it is known to many, Day of the Dead. It's a day to welcome back the souls of adult family members who have passed on and to celebrate that reunion with food and drink...take time to have a beer with your brother, lunch with your uncle or fresh cinnamon buns with your mom. It's all good.
The following photos are in chronological order, and in most cases, each photo shows only a small part of each cemetery which makes for a more intimate view of the whole. Happy All Souls' Day!
Saint Cunigundis Roman Catholic Cemetery near Marienthal, Saskatchewan.
June 19, 2023
The cemetery was established by Russian immigrants in the early 1900's and is tucked into what is now a dense planting of trees and shrubs a few hundred feet off the main road. I've enjoyed stopping here over the years but this visit was special in that it was the first time I'd seen it when the grass was green.
Emmanual Lutheran German Cemetery near Ray, North Dakota.
June 21, 2023
The German Cemetery, as it is known locally, is a quarter mile down a well-used prairie trail surrounded by pasture and farmland. It was my first visit here and was graciously welcomed by a herd of cattle just across the fence...curious creatures they are, and skittish too.
Rudser Lutheran Cemetery near Zahl, North Dakota.
June 22, 2023
I love the setting created by the interspersed trees and shrubs in and around the cemetery. Each time one walks around another planting a new visual is revealed...very much like a comfortable country garden. I would imagine the residents are more than pleased with their accommodations.
Saint Anthony's Roman Catholic Cemetery at Grosswerder, Saskatchewan.
July 15, 2023
Even though the air was filled with heavy smoke during my visit I was determined to make the best of it. The old-fashioned wrought iron crosses marking the graves of pioneers are mixed in with the granite headstones of, in many cases, their infant and adult children. Across the road Saint Anthony's Church can be seen through the gray smoky haze. During my short time here I was lucky to have met a local couple who invited me in to see the interior of their lovely historical church.
The Nativity of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Cemetery of Kysylew near Andrew, Alberta.
July 19, 2023
To reach the cemetery one takes the trail past the church, down a slope to a narrow bridge that crosses a creek, then up the other side to the top of the hill that is the cemetery. I've stopped here half a dozen times and no matter the season, the exquisitely maintained cemetery always looks beautiful. There are over four hundred graves in this country cemetery.
Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery near Maxim, Saskatchewan.
September 13, 2023
A little cemetery in remote southern Saskatchewan. I'd stopped here five or six years ago and everything looked almost exactly the same this time around (and that's a good thing). The only difference I noticed was there had been a few recent burials. The cemetery dates back to the early 1900's and is one of the southernmost Ukrainian cemeteries I've found in Saskatchewan.
Swedish Zion Lutheran Cemetery near Souris, North Dakota.
September 15, 2023
The sky had been thick with smoke for most of the day but was beginning to clear when I arrived. Last time I was here there was snow on the ground so I enjoyed seeing it in an early fall setting. The church and cemetery are less than a mile south of the border in a very isolated area of North Dakota. And, as far as I know, this is the only surviving stone church for miles in any direction. It's well worth a detour if ever in the area.
In the overcast morning light...
...and again later that same afternoon.
Hurricane Lake Cemetery near Baker, North Dakota.
September 16, 2023
The cemetery is nestled nicely into the surrounding farmland and someone still comes by to mow the lawn. The church has been ravaged by the weather and people stripping off the siding but it's still standing...it's a survivor.
Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic and Polish Roman Catholic Cemetery near Saint Claude, Manitoba.
September 19, 2023
At one time there was a fence dividing the Ukrainians and Poles but that fence is now long gone. The Ukrainian names are at the southern end of the cemetery (as shown in the photo) and the Polish names reside on the northern end. Both cemeteries are well cared for and still in use...and everyone seems to get along just fine.
Saint Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery near Gardenton, Manitoba.
September 19, 2023
I love these historical Ukrainian cemeteries where all the headstones stand tall like proud little soldiers. It's a sight that never seems to get old, if you know what I mean. The church here has the distinction of being the oldest permanent Ukrainian church in all of Canada.
Saint Michael's and All Angels Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery near Tyndall, Manitoba.
September 21, 2023
A large sprawling cemetery with dozens and dozens of trees and shrubs spread throughout...as much a park as a cemetery. Many of the bushes were boasting their fall colours which certainly enhanced the view. The large metal cross is an unusual but attractive design.
Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery of Sandhill near Ladywood, Manitoba.
September 21, 2023
A shot from the extreme far end of the cemetery where a couple of benches await those who wish to pause and reflect. The grounds are nicely kept and the overall feeling is simple, homey and comfortable. The small country church on the grounds is just visible beyond the grave markers.
An early evening visit to a most memorable spot...the grounds were green and lush with a touch of fall colour, the blue shadows of the setting sun added a spectral element to the scene. This is a place where the past remains ever so present...
...and again on the following morning. All is well and good.
Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery near Maryville, Saskatchewan.
September 25, 2023
Looks like a sunny day ahead.
