Approximately 100 orbs represent community members who passed away in 2022. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

light overcomes darkness

La Ronge Christmas display features orbs for the departed, Ukrainian flag

Dec 20, 2022 | 3:26 PM

Although December brings with it the darkest days of the year, one couple from La Ronge are doing the best they can to make the small northern town just a little brighter.

Lorne and Debbie Klassen, the owners of Lac La Ronge Funeral Home, are once again delighting locals with their annual Christmas display. It features thousands of lights with the main feature being approximately 100 colourful orbs representing the lives lost in the tri-communities in 2022.

“It also represents people we know who are close to us,” Lorne Klassen explained. “Debbie lost her sister, her dad and her mom, so we include that too. It ends up being more than just who passed away here. Last year, there were 100 deaths in this area. This year, it wasn’t that much.”

Since the Klassens started the display in 2020, they have added to it every year. The couple have also been assisted by resident Trudie Richter, who placed 90 per cent of the lights on the orbs.

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To bring awareness and attention to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Klassen included a Ukrainian flag consisting of blue and yellow lights. The invasion began in February 2022 with large areas of Ukraine now under Russian control.

The invasion has led to nearly eight million Ukrainians fleeing the country. Estimates show more than 100,000 soldiers have died on both sides with an additional 40,000 civilians killed or wounded.

The Ukrainian flag reminds residents of the ongoing invasion in that country. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Every night the display attracts many families who slowly drive by. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The funeral home takes care of the many of the deceased in the region. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

“It really doesn’t do anything for the people in Ukraine,” Klassen said of the flag.

“I wish I could do something for them, I just hate what is happening to them. It lets people around here remember there are a lot of people hurting right now at Christmastime. They have no lights, they have no power, some of them have no food, no water. There is stuff like that here, but not like that. Not because one man decided to take over the world and it’s disgusting.”

Klassen began getting the Christmas display ready in October before there was any snow on the ground. He leaves some of it up during the summer months like the orbs that are placed high in the trees and out of reach. Klassen mentioned he likes the way the lights make him feel, noting they attract a lot of families who drive by and that children really enjoy them too.

Even though Environment Canada is forecasting the temperature to dip as low as -28 C (-38 with the wind chill) this evening, the Klassens will be at the display tonight to distribute a small gift to everyone who goes by.

“We’re just turning around to say thank you to the community, because they trust us with their loved ones and we do the best we can to take proper care of them,” he said.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno