Exactly 250 geraniums planted at Memorial Gardens as part of nationwide initiative to commemorate COVID victims. (Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Flowers Honour COVID Deaths

P.A. cemetery now home to 250 geraniums to honour those who died from COVID

Sep 21, 2021 | 12:07 PM

Over 200 geraniums are on display at Prince Albert’s Memorial Gardens to honour the residents who’ve died from COVID-19.

They are one of 130 Arbor Memorial Funeral Homes taking part in nationwide initiative called the “Special Floral Tribute” which is aimed at comforting the loved ones of individuals who’ve passed away.

In total, over 20,000 geraniums have been planted across the country.

Branch manager Austin Atchison says the local memorial will hopefully serve as a comforting spot for those struggling.

“We want to create a safe space for people to come and take their armour off and spend as much time as they need.”

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Since the start of the pandemic, over 70 individuals across the North Central region, which includes P.A., have passed away from the virus.

This jumps up to more than 640 for all of Saskatchewan and nearly 27,500 for all of Canada.

It’s impacted many lives including Don Cody, Memorial Gardens’ representative, who lost his long-time friend and NHL player Fred Sasakamoose late last year.

“He’s one of the people that passed away from COVID and we’re very pleased that we can say that we planted a geranium for him and planted a geranium for many of the others.”

One of P.A.’s most notable losses from the virus was Victor Thunderchild, a well-known and well-respected high school student counselor.

He passed away in April after spending roughly 16 days in hospital.

Thunderchild had worked for Carlton Comprehensive High School for nearly 30 years.

In a statement, Thunderchild’s wife Vi noted the garden will add to the large amount of support her family has received since his death.

“I would add that the loss of my beloved husband has been hard. But through his passing others got vaccinated who had planned not too,” she said.

“Our community became more united. I want to thank you to all those who reached out to me and supported our family.”

Meanwhile, Arbor Memorial is continuing to work with families who’ve lost a loved one during the pandemic and haven’t had a chance to hold a ceremony.

There are currently no restrictions on funerals across Saskatchewan, however, masking is mandatory when indoors.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow