b'Prince Albert Pine Grove Cemetery Board PresidentThe custodians make sure that the grounds are pris-tine for this occasion, Alex noted.Retires After Amazing 40 Years of Service Thepicturesque13-acrepropertyonJe reySt.in One of Alexander Williamsons last ocial time and talent to the cemetery management,thePrince Albert has attracted theatre groups for walkabouts.llingHistorical tours led by Paul Arculus have been very popu-dutiesasPresidentofthePrinceAlbertPineGroverole of secretary-treasurer for 23 years. She retired in 2018. lar. Some people just like to wander through reading the Cemetery Board was signing the registration papers forOperating a private cemetery is the same as runningheadstones. Others walk their dogs in the cemetery or jog not-for-pro t corporation status. This was necessary be- a business, Alex explained. The board makes importantthrough, Alex said.cause the local cemetery gradually grew larger over thedecisions, which are carried out.Two of the famous people interned here are hockey years, and so it was reclassi ed. Two custodians, working alternate weeks, are respon- player John Ross Roach (1900-1973) and actor Craig Russell The incorporation, along with an ocial name changesible for grounds maintenance and helping people choose(1948-1990). from Ontario Pine Grove Cemetery, took place in April ofplots or niches. Last year, proper bathrooms were installedThe cemetery roots date back to 1831, when Aaron 2021. This coincided with Alexs retirement from the boardusing well water from the property, which was a great im- Hurd buried his wife Anna on this land, in the former after 40 years of loyal service. provement over the old porta-potty, Alex noted.Reach Township.Alex described his four decadesA comfortable, warm and clean new oce was built toAlexiscon dentthateverythingwillcontinueto on the cemetery board as commu- provide a nice environment for the public, he said proudly. runsmoothlywithexperiencedMarkFletchernity service. Annual budgets always include the straightening and lling I got pleasure and satisfactionrestoration of gravestones, some of which sink into thethe Presidents role, aided by the other dedicated board out of serving, he commented. ground over time, Alex said. Because of the trend towardsmembers.Hisparents, Annetta(Primrose)cremation in the past few years, more columbariums withRetiring from the cemetery board does not mean the and Alex Williamson (Senior),niches were added. end of volunteerism for Alex. He continues to serve on and his brother David, areCemeteries are an essential service, said Alex, so it isthe property maintenance committee for the Port Perry all buried there. When thebusiness as usual during the pandemic. The only di er- Presbyterian Church. time comes, Alex and hisence is that the board meetings have had to be held overHe looks forward to being able to work out at thet-wife Gail will also rest atZoom or emails, instead of in-person.ness centre and enjoy a round of golf when things open thebeautifullytreedThe past two years, the annual Decoration Day Serviceup again.Pine Grove Cemetery. had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. Usually, this com- I like to keep busy, commented the 82-year-old, re-In the past, Gailmemorative event held the last Sunday of June, draws atired GM employee, who makes his home in Port Perry.also dedicated herbig crowd. By Lynn Campbell, Focus on ScugogMon-Fri: 8-61565 Hwy. 7A, Port Perry(Beside Walmart) Sat: 8-4905-985-3655www.taylorfordsales.com18FOCUS - JULY 2021'