2025 Annual General Meeting
The Old Cemeteries Society held its AGM on April 16, 2025, with 35 attendees. Key highlights included the election of officers, plans for Edna Farnsworth grave restoration, and the introduction of The Wilf Bruch Outstanding Volunteer Award. Ben Clinton-Baker presented…
Read more…
Around Town
The BC Black History Awareness Society seeks donations for a grave marker for Sydna Francis, a significant historical figure. Meanwhile, various cultural projects in BC highlight the province’s sports and architectural heritage, alongside efforts to preserve the Tam Kung Temple.
Read more…
Studying Archaeology at the Cemetery
On February 28, Professor Erin McGuire and her students from the University of Victoria explored Ross Bay Cemetery for their Anthropology course. They studied funerary practices, toured with OCS President Yvonne Van Ruskenveld, and documented graves and monuments.
Read more…
Ching Ming at William Head Cemetery
On April 5, visitors gathered for the first Ching Ming event at William Head Cemetery, celebrating Chinese ancestors and honoring Chinese Labour Corps workers. Organized by Mary Lindsay, the event included speeches, rituals, and a dedication to preserving this important…
Read more…
Tour Notes
On March 2, Yvonne Van Ruskenveld guided a tour on Edna Farnsworth’s grave, a project for restoration in 2025. Other tours highlighted history, including grisly deaths, annexationism, and early settler families, engaging diverse groups throughout spring at local cemeteries.
Read more…
OCS Small Cemeteries Zoom Tour
The Old Cemeteries Society hosts Zoom tours of heritage cemeteries, with a recent session featuring John Azar’s presentation on southeastern Vancouver Island’s small cemeteries. Recorded for later viewing, the presentation covers various regions and is available on YouTube.
Read more…
Volunteer Profile: Wilf Bruch
Wilf Bruch received the Outstanding Volunteer Award at the Old Cemeteries Society meeting, recognizing his 25 years of service and leadership. He led significant projects, including the Ross Bay Cemetery Memorial Gate, and contributed to the preservation and documentation of…
Read more…
Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria 