Category: Stone Stories

Stone Stories: Pamela Harvey’s Long Journey Home

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Some stories stay with you for a long time. Pamela Harvey’s story was one of those, for me.

For decades, Pamela was one of Sudbury’s missing persons. Her name appeared on lists of unsolved cases and in newspaper articles. Her family spent years wondering what happened and hoping that one day they would finally know the truth.

After 47 years, that answer finally came.

Who Was Pamela Harvey?

Before Pamela Harvey became known as one of Sudbury’s missing persons, she was a daughter, a sister, a mother, and someone who loved adventure.

Pam, as her family called her, was born and raised in McKellar, Ontario. She was independent, headstrong, and always looking for new adventures.1 Shortly after turning 18, she moved west to British Columbia, where she met Richard “Rick” Rousseau.1 The couple later welcomed their son, Ricky, but after their relationship ended, Pam returned to Ontario to raise her son closer to family.1

Back in Ontario, Pam worked as a waitress in Parry Sound before moving to Sudbury in 1977.1 Her family described her as bright, full of personality, and easy to befriend.1 She worked hard to support her young son and build a life for the two of them.1

In Sudbury, Pam lived with little Ricky in an apartment on Lloyd Street and worked at the Kingsway Hotel.1 She was a devoted mother, so when her sister Cate received a call that Ricky had been left in someone else’s care and that Pam was gone, the family immediately knew something was wrong.1

Pam’s family travelled to Sudbury to bring Ricky home and try to figure out what had happened. When they entered her apartment, they found her clothing, jewellery, and other personal belongings still there.1 To them, it did not look like Pam had simply walked away from her life.1

Pam was officially reported missing by her father, Gerald Harvey, on Christmas Day, 1978.1 She was only 23 years old.

For decades, her family lived with unanswered questions about what had happened to her.

Unsolved

Over the years, questions remained about whether Pam may have known something connected to a violent incident that happened in Sudbury around the same time she disappeared.1 There were also questions about whether Pam may have witnessed a murder. Without knowing what happened to her, it remained one of the many unanswered questions surrounding her case.1

I had the opportunity to work with local author Sarah May on her book Unsolved Sudbury, which featured Pam’s story. At the book launch, her son and other family members attended. It was amazing to have them there, but it was also heartbreaking. It was clear how much Pam was missed, and how large a space she had left behind in their family and their hearts.

One of the hopes behind the book was that by continuing to share these stories, new information might come forward and help bring answers to families who had been waiting for them.

  • Book cover of Unsolved Sudbury by Sarah May.
    Unsolved Sudbury: Missing, Murdered, Unexplained. by Sarah May.

Identified

After nearly five decades of questions and uncertainty, there was finally a breakthrough in the case.

In March 1979, the body of an unidentified woman was discovered in St-Eustache, Quebec.2 Investigators determined that she had been the victim of a homicide, but her identity had remained unknown for decades.2

Although forensic technology was limited at the time, evidence collected during the original investigation was carefully preserved.2 In 2026, a collaborative effort between the Sûreté du Québec, the Greater Sudbury Police Service, the Québec Coroner’s Office, and the Laboratoire de sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale used modern forensic methods, including DNA analysis, to identify the woman as Pamela Harvey.2

After decades of uncertainty, Pam’s family finally had some answers.

Although 47 years had passed, the evidence that helped identify Pam had been carefully preserved. It is a powerful reminder that preserving stories matters. The details we save today can help bring someone’s story back into the light years later.

When I read the news, I immediately thought back to that book launch and to Pam’s family. I thought about all the years they had spent hoping and looking for answers. Nothing can undo that kind of loss, but there is something meaningful about finally being able to give a name back to a person who had been unknown for so long.

  • Lakeview Cemetery, McKellar ON ©2026
    Lakeview Cemetery, McKellar ON ©2026

Lakeview Cemetery

It was a bright and sunny day when I visited Lakeview Cemetery. The rural cemetery was quiet, and I wasn’t exactly sure where Pam was buried, so I walked the rows of headstones. I knew I was looking for a grey marker with two ceramic portraits on it.

After searching for a while, I spotted the stone in the distance. There was Pam’s face looking back at me.

Pam shares a gravestone with her father, Gerald, who passed away in 2015. Her mother, Yvonne, also has a place in the family plot and is still living. A ceramic portrait of Gerald and Yvonne sits beside the Harvey family name, while a portrait of Pam sits above her epitaph. It is the same portrait that was often used in the media when talking about her disappearance.

“Pamela Orlean
Mar. 7, 1955
Always loved. Never forgotten”

Her death date is still blank.

If I had walked up the left side of the cemetery first, I would have seen the Harvey name engraved on the back of the stone. Instead, I came upon Pam’s portrait first.

It was really moving to visit her gravestone in person. For the longest time, the stone had been a cenotaph, a memorial to someone whose final resting place was unknown.

I don’t know if Pam will eventually be brought home to rest beside her father. I hope she will. But there’s something comforting about knowing where she is now, even if many questions about what happened to her, still remain.

Gravestone of Pamela Harvey. Lakeview Cemetery, McKellar ON ©2026

There was one thought I couldn’t shake as I stood there. Pam had been found nearly fifty years ago, but no one knew it was her.

The advances in forensic technology are pretty amazing.

Evidence that was collected nearly 50 years ago was still there, waiting for the technology that could finally give Pam her name back. I hope we continue to hear more stories like this, where missing people are identified, and families finally get the chance to bring their loved ones home, and find some closure.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Unsolved Sudbury by Sarah May | Book
  2. Collaborative effort leads to identification of Missing Person, Pamela Harvey (1978 Greater Sudbury) | GSPS

Stone Stories: Stompin’ Tom Connors and a Sudbury Saturday Night

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“The glasses they will tinkle while our eyes begin to twinkle, and we think no more of Inco on a Sudbury Saturday Night”1

If you are familiar with these lyrics and catchy tune, you might be from Northern Ontario. 

Sudbury Saturday Night, released in 1967, just might be Northern Ontario’s signature song. It was written in the mid-1960s by legendary country and folk singer Stompin’ Tom Connors.2 I grew up listening to this and other Stompin’ Tom songs, having been born and raised in Sudbury.

So, when I saw that a road trip with my mom would take me close to the final resting place of this music icon, I knew we had to make the small detour and pay our respects.

Thomas Charles Connors

Thomas Charles Connors was one of Canada’s most recognizable folk and country storytellers. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick to a young single mother, his early years were shaped by poverty and constant moving as he and his mother moved from place to place, often struggling to get by.3 After being placed in the care of the New Brunswick Children’s Aid Society, he was eventually sent to live with a family in Skinner’s Pond, Prince Edward Island.3 By the age of fourteen, he had left and begun hitchhiking across Canada, starting the journey that would define much of his life.3

With his guitar and a growing collection of songs, he spent years travelling from town to town, writing about the people he met and the places he passed through.4 Those experiences would go on to shape the storytelling style he would become known for, rooted in everyday Canadian life, small towns, and working people.4

He earned the nickname “Stompin’ Tom” because of his habit of stomping his boot on a piece of plywood during his shows to keep rhythm, which became part of his signature sound and stage presence.3

What really set him apart was how strongly he stayed rooted in Canada. At a time when many artists were pushed toward the American music industry, he deliberately chose to stay north of the border and write about Canadian places, people, and experiences.5 His songs often feel like snapshots of everyday life, from rail yards to hockey rinks, and that grounded storytelling is a big part of why he is still so widely remembered.

One of his most iconic songs, Sudbury Saturday Night, captures the feeling of a working-class weekend in Northern Ontario and continues to be closely tied to Sudbury’s identity.2

Stompin’ Tom passed away from natural causes in 2013 at the age of 77.6 In the days leading up to his death, he wrote a handwritten letter to his fans, thanking them for the support they had shown him throughout his career and life.6

Erin Cemetery

Stompin’ Tom Connors is buried at Erin Cemetery in Erin, Ontario, alongside the ashes of his mother.7 It’s a small rural cemetery in a town southwest of Toronto, surrounded by rolling countryside where life moves at a slower, more peaceful pace.

On a road trip that took me through the area, I knew this was a stop I couldn’t pass by. There’s something powerful about standing in front of a name you have heard in music your whole life, now carved into stone in a quiet place like this. It shifts the experience from listening to someone’s story to standing directly in the space where part of it now rests.

It was a beautiful summer day when we visited back in July 2024. The sun was bright, and there really was not much shade anywhere in the cemetery. It’s a very open space, except for a small tree-lined area in the west corner. That just happens to be where Connors is laid to rest, which felt like a bit of quiet luck on a hot day.

His black granite gravestone immediately stands out, both for its design and for everything left around it. The stone features a portrait of Connors in profile with his guitar, set in front of an outlined map of Canada, a simple but meaningful tribute. There is also a Bible verse inscribed on the stone, adding another personal layer to the memorial.

What really caught my attention were the items people had left behind. There was an assortment of coins and small stones, some inscribed with place names like P.E.I. and Timmins, which made it feel like visitors were leaving a piece of where they came from. There was also a small wooden guitar, a bottle opener, and a guitar pick, among other things. Each item felt intentional, like a quiet nod to who he was and the stories he told through his music.

There was no one else in the cemetery when we were there, but it did not feel empty. It felt like a place that is visited often, where people stop in, leave small tokens behind, and take a moment before moving on. It doesn’t feel like a tourist stop. It feels like a place where people keep a quiet conversation going with his music and memory.

Gravestone of Stompin’ Tom Connors, Erin Cemetery, Erin ON ©2024

A Sudbury Connection

Even though Stompin’ Tom Connors is buried in Erin, his connection to Sudbury runs deep.

Sudbury Saturday Night is arguably one of his most well-known songs, painting a picture of workers heading out to unwind after a long week.2 Over time, it has become closely tied to Sudbury’s identity and is often treated as an unofficial local anthem. The song continues to appear in community projects and tributes that celebrate both the city and its working-class roots.8

There is also a long-standing legend tied to the Townehouse Tavern, where Connors was performing in the mid-1960s. According to local accounts, he was playing a multi-week run at the bar when he wrote Sudbury Saturday Night, inspired by the energy of the room and the people around him.9

The Towne House Tavern, Sudbury ON ©2026

That connection is also visible in the bronze statue of Stompin’ Tom outside the Sudbury Community Arena. The statue, sculpted by Tyler Fauvelle, captures him mid-performance.6 His left hand is positioned for a C chord, one of the main chords used in Sudbury Saturday Night.10 It reflects how deeply his music has become part of the city’s identity and landscape.

Statue of Stompin’ Tom Connors, Sudbury ON ©2025

Sudbury’s live music scene still carries that same spirit forward, especially at places like The Townehouse Tavern. The venue has long supported Canadian talent, regularly welcoming both local musicians and touring artists from across the country. In many ways, it continues the same spirit Connors championed, giving Canadian voices a stage and keeping grassroots music culture alive in the city.

Together, the song, the statue, and the local music scene show how one artist’s work can become part of a place’s identity in a lasting way.

Visiting Stompin’ Tom Connors’ grave feels like stepping into a quieter side of a very loud legacy. His music is still deeply present in Northern Ontario, and standing at his resting place adds a different kind of weight to songs that already feel familiar.

It made that small road trip detour feel completely worth it, and reminded me just how closely music, memory, and place can be connected.

Thanks for reading


References:

  1. Sudbury Saturday Night lyrics | Lyric Find
  2. What’s Ontario’s signature song? The case for ‘Sudbury Saturday Night,’ by Stompin’ Tom Connors | TVO Today
  3. The Icon | Stompin’ Tom Centre
  4. Stompin’ Tom Connors | The Canadian Encyclopedia
  5. How Timmins gave Stompin’ Tom Connors his first break | TVO Today
  6. Stompin’ Tom Connors dies at 77 | CBC
  7. Tom Connors | Find a Grave
  8. And we’ll all make a music video … on a Sudbury Saturday Night | Sudbury.com
  9. Memorial Stomp for Tom, Saturday |Sudbury.com
  10. Stompin’ Tom Connors statue unveiled in downtown Sudbury | CBC

Stone Stories: Canada’s Cancer Nurse

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I first learned about René M. Caisse by chance during a visit to downtown Bracebridge, Ontario. The restaurant I had planned to visit with my Mom was closed, as was most of the downtown core, because it was Easter Monday. Only one place was open, and it just so happened to be across the street from a statue of René M. Caisse.

After reading the plaque, I pulled out my phone and did a quick search to discover that she was the woman behind the herbal remedy known as ESSIAC.

I had never heard of Caisse before, or ESSIAC, for that matter. The more I read, the more I had to know.

What exactly was ESSIAC, and how did this small-town nurse end up known around the world? A little more searching revealed that her final resting place was also in Bracebridge, so I added a stop to our trip to pay our respects. By the end of the day, I would find myself standing beside her gravestone, reflecting on how one small discovery downtown had turned into a much larger story.

René M. Caisse

René M. Caisse was born on August 11, 1888, in Bracebridge.1 Trained as a nurse, she developed an herbal formula for patients that she later named “ESSIAC”, her last name spelled backwards.2 The formula included roots, bark, and leaves of plants such as burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm, and rhubarb root.3

In her manuscript, I Was “Canada’s Cancer Nurse”: The Story of ESSIAC, Caisse described how she first learned about the herbs that would later shape her life’s work. In the mid-1920s, while serving as head nurse at the Sisters of Providence Hospital in northern Ontario, she encountered an elderly patient who had once been diagnosed with advanced cancer.4 According to Caisse, the woman told her that decades earlier, a local Indigenous medicine man had offered her an herbal remedy. The woman chose to follow his instructions, preparing a daily tea from the specific plants he identified in the region. When Caisse met her nearly thirty years later, she seemed to be in remission.4

Caisse wrote that at the time, a cancer diagnosis often felt like a death sentence.4 The patient’s story stayed with her. She recorded the names of the herbs and later began refining the formula, eventually combining several plants into what would become known as ESSIAC.4

Caisse maintained that she never claimed to have discovered a guaranteed cure for cancer, explaining that her goal was to control the disease and pain relief.4

A bronze statue in the Bracebridge downtown core honours her work. The sculpture, created by Huntsville artist Brenda Wainman-Goulet, stands on a stone base near where her clinic once operated.5 During the 1930s and early 1940s, thousands of patients travelled to the Muskoka region hoping to visit her clinic.2

  • Statue of Rene M. Caisse.
    Statue of Rene M. Caisse. Bracebridge ON ©2025

But, along with the attention came controversy.

The medical establishment questioned the effectiveness of her remedy, and government reviews in Canada concluded there was no clinical evidence to support ESSIAC as a treatment for cancer.5 Some studies even indicated it could cause possible harm.3 Caisse, for her part, believed powerful interests stood in the way of broader acceptance. She wrote that it would make established research foundations “look pretty silly if an obscure Canadian nurse discovered an effective treatment for cancer.”4

Even so, people still seek out ESSIAC, drawn by word of mouth and the hope that this herbal blend might offer relief when other options feel limited. Her legacy remains visible in Bracebridge and beyond, through her statue, a theatre named in her honour, and through the many stories of those who came to her clinic in search of help.5

Beyond Caisse’s time, the remedy has been commercialized and repackaged. For example, the company ESSIAC®, through ESSIAC Canada International, touts its herbal blend as “trusted since 1922,” with marketing of powdered, capsule, and liquid extract forms.6 Meanwhile, Resperin Canada Limited claims to prepare “Resperin’s Original Caisse Formula Tea” using Caisse’s original herbal recipe.7

Even with all the marketing around it today, independent sources still say there’s no reliable evidence that ESSIAC works as a cancer treatment.3

  • The main ingredients of ESSAIC; burdock root, sheep sorrel, rhubarb root, and slippery elm.
    The main ingredients of ESSAIC; burdock root, sheep sorrel, rhubarb root, and slippery elm.

Months after our trip to Bracebridge, the story followed me home. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my local natural food store carries a version of ESSIAC. Standing in the aisle and seeing her name and likeness on a bottle nearly a century later made the story feel less like history and more like something still unfolding.

Curious, I asked what forms they carried and ended up purchasing a small sample of the four main herbs that make up ESSIAC. The store sells it as loose herbs, herbal powder, in capsule form, and as a pre-mixed blend packaged in a large bag. The clerk told me ESSIAC is popular and they always keep it in stock. She mentioned that sales tend to come in waves, and that often people who have just received a cancer diagnosis come in looking for it.

It’s interesting to see how Caisse’s legacy still lives on the shelves of health shops nearly a century later, with people continuing to turn to it in moments of uncertainty. Whatever conclusions science has reached, the hope attached to her name has clearly endured.

  • ESSIAC bottles on a store shelf.
    Bottles of ESSIAC on the shelf of my local health food store.

René M. Caisse McGaughey suffered a broken leg after a fall at her home, from which she never recovered.8 Five weeks later, on December 26, 1978, she passed away at the age of 90.8 Although she received tempting offers to establish clinics in the United States, she chose to remain in Canada. In her writings, she explained that her ancestors had come to Canada from France in the 1700s and that she was determined to prove the merit of ESSIAC in Canada so the country would receive the credit.4 Not far from the statue that first caught my eye, Caisse now rests in Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Bracebridge.

Finding her grave felt like the final piece of the story. From spotting the statue downtown, to learning about her work, to standing at her grave, the story had come full circle. Her gravestone, which acknowledges her as the “Discoverer of ESSIAC” is simple yet powerful.

Walking among the rows of gravestones, I reflected on how her story is deeply rooted in this place. She is remembered not only because she lived and worked in Bracebridge, but because the community continues to honour her in visible and lasting ways.

In many ways, this visit brought together local history, public memory, and my own curiosity, all meeting at her final resting place.

Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Bracebridge ON ©2025

René Caisse’s life offers a fascinating mix of determination, controversy, and local remembrance. She stands out as a woman from a small town who believed in an herbal remedy, faced bureaucracy, and left a legacy that is still visible today.

While the scientific verdict on ESSIAC is still debated, the story of its creator remains part of Canadian medical history.3

Visiting her statue in downtown Bracebridge, noticing her name on a product shelf, and standing beside her grave reminded me that remembrance takes many forms. Sometimes it’s cast in bronze, sometimes printed on packaging, and sometimes it’s etched in stone, just waiting for someone to notice.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Timeline of Essiac History | Rene Caisse Revolutionary Nurse & Holistic Pioneer
  2. Who was Rene Caisse? | ESSIAC Info
  3. Questionable Cancer Therapies | Quackwatch
  4. I Was “Canada’s Cancer Nurse”: The Story of ESSIAC by René M. Caisse, R.N. | Manuscript
  5. Honoured in Bracebridge | ESSIAC Info
  6. ESSIAC Rene Caisse | ESSIAC Canada International
  7. The 4 Herbs in René Caisse’s Formula | Resperin Canada Limited
  8. René M. Caisse McGaughey | Find a Grave

Stone Stories: A Skyscraper in the Cemetery

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There’s something about the start of a new year that makes me want to jump right in, and what better way to do that than with a stone story.

This one had been on my must-see list for a while, and last summer I finally got to see it in person on a road trip with friends. Tucked away in Aurora Cemetery in Aurora, Ontario, is one of the most unique gravestones I’ve ever come across: a miniature version of the Empire State Building.

John William “Jack” Bowser was born in 1892 in Aurora, Ontario, and went on to become a successful businessman and entrepreneur.1 After moving to New York City, Bowser made his fortune in construction, eventually becoming closely associated with one of the most famous buildings in the world, The Empire State Building.2 Dubbed “Canada’s Greatest Builder,”2 Bowser was deeply involved in the project and served as the construction superintendent, which helps explain why this iconic skyscraper would later appear in such an unexpected place.3

Despite his success in the United States, Bowser maintained strong ties to his hometown. He returned to Canada, and remained active in construction. Bowser owned and operated ABC, Aurora Building Corp. until his death, in 1956.1

  • The Aurora Era, newspaper clipping.
    The Aurora Era, Serving Aurora and District. Aurora, Ontario, Thursday, December 20th, 1945

A Skyscraper Among the Stones

Bowser’s gravestone is impossible to miss. Carved in the unmistakable shape of the Empire State Building, the monument rises above the surrounding stones, complete with stepped setbacks that mirror the Art Deco design of the real skyscraper.4 Standing roughly 10 feet tall, the stone serves as a tribute not only to Bowser himself, but also to his pride in being part of a project that briefly held the title of the tallest building in the world.5

It’s also a fascinating example of how personal identity and legacy can be captured in stone. Rather than traditional symbols or lengthy inscriptions, this monument tells Bowser’s story at a glance. Even if you didn’t know his name, the shape of the stone immediately sparks curiosity and invites questions.

Aurora Cemetery

Aurora Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable local figures, but Bowser’s grave is by far one of its most talked-about features. The cemetery itself is well-maintained and easy to walk, making it a worthwhile stop even beyond this one monument. That said, it’s easy to see why this gravestone has become something of a local landmark and a favourite stop for cemetery enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

My friends and I visited during one of those truly hot summer days when the heat seems to cling to you, even when you’re standing still. Despite the temperature, the Empire State Building gravestone was impossible to miss. It towers over the surrounding stones, drawing your eye almost immediately as you approach that section of the cemetery.

We were more than happy to slow down and admire it. The monument sits beneath a small grove of trees, and the shade was very welcome after walking through the cemetery in the full sun. We lingered there for a while, taking in the details of the stone and enjoying the brief break from the heat.

John W. Bowser is laid to rest beside his wife, Adaleine McMillan Bowser, who died suddenly in an accident on September 4, 1948.2

Grave of John W. Bowser

Gravesite of John W. Bowser and his wife Adaleine Bowser. Aurora Cemetery, Aurora ON ©2025

Seeing the gravestone brought back memories of my first trip to New York City in 2010, when I saw the real Empire State Building for the first time. Standing at Bowser’s grave, it was hard not to compare the two. One is a towering steel skyscraper in the middle of a busy city, and the other is a quiet stone monument in a small-town cemetery. Even so, both have a presence that makes you stop and look up.

  • New York City Skyline.
    New York City Skyline (The Empire State Building is on the far right), New York NY ©2010

John W. Bowser’s Empire State Building gravestone is a perfect reminder that cemeteries are full of unexpected stories. Sometimes those stories are told through dates and names, and sometimes they rise straight out of the ground in the shape of a skyscraper.

Starting the year with a stone like this feels fitting, and it’s a good reminder to keep looking closely. You never know what kind of story might be waiting in the next cemetery.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. John W. Bowser | Wikipedia
  2. John W. Bowser, More About an Auroran Linked to the Empire State Building | Living in Aurora Blog
  3. John W. Bowser’s Empire State Building Grave | Atlas Obscura
  4. Empire State Building Tombstone In The Aurora Cemetery, John W. Bowser | Living in Aurora Blog
  5. Empire State Building brought prominence to Bowser | YorkRegion.com

Stone Stories: The Golden Girls of Prospect Cemetery

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Have you ever heard of best friends being buried together?

That’s exactly what four women in Toronto chose to do. They lived in the same neighbourhood, supported one another, and made sure they’d stay side by side long after their time on earth. Their story is heartwarming, inspiring, and a little unexpected.

In the heart of Toronto’s Prospect Cemetery sits a shared gravestone marked with one simple word: Friends. The four women behind that stone, Pauline Chorna, Annie Hrynchak, Nellie Handiak and Anna Baran, might not be famous, but their story has captured hearts across Canada and beyond.

These women, friends in life and now in death, chose to be buried together as chosen family. Their decision, made decades ago, quietly reflects a lifestyle that’s now becoming more common, one that embraces shared housing and friendship as a way to age with dignity and connection.1

At a time when most people were buried with relatives, choosing to be buried with friends was unusual and incredibly meaningful, which is part of why their gravestone stands out so much today.

  • Friends gravetsone
    “Friends” Prospect Cemetery, Toronto ON ©2025

Thank you for being a Friend

Long before the Golden Girls TV show aired in 1985, these four women had already built full lives rooted in friendship and community. All four were immigrants from the Carpathian Mountains, part of a wave of 20th-century migration driven by difficult economic times2. Some say they may have met on the ship that brought them to Canada.2

They each married and raised families, but no matter where life took them, they stayed close. They met regularly to play cards and catch up at the Carpatho-Russian cultural centre, building a bond that lasted decades and continued beyond their lifetimes.

This kind of friendship, and now living arrangement, is part of a growing movement in Canada known as the Golden Girls model. It’s a new way for seniors to share homes instead of moving into care facilities. It helps fight loneliness and can make housing more affordable. In 2019, a bill called the Golden Girls Act was introduced in Ontario to make shared housing easier and more protected by law.3

The movement has grown beyond Toronto, too. In my hometown of Sudbury, for example, a group of women created the Golden Girls Network to help seniors learn more about shared housing. They want people to know that this way of living can offer friendship, safety, and support. It’s not just about saving money, it’s also about finding joy and community in later life.4

  • Prospect Cemetery gates
    Prospect Cemetery, Toronto ON ©2025

Prospect Cemetery

Prospect Cemetery opened in 1890 and has been part of Toronto’s landscape ever since, with peaceful paths and historic stones that reflect more than a century of stories.5

We visited on a chilly, grey day in late April 2025. My fiancé and I were staying in Toronto with friends, and they suggested we take a stroll through the cemetery. The cemetery is quite large, and many locals use it for dog walks, bike lessons and quiet strolls.

Our friends were more than happy to show us around, especially to show us the grave of the well-known Golden Girls.

We found their final resting place easily. The red granite stone sits right along the path. At the top, where a family name would usually be, is the word “Friends”, followed by the names and dates for each woman.

Pauline Chorna was the first to pass away on January 30, 1977.

Annie Hrynchak followed on February 6, 1993, at the age of 87.

Anna Baran also passed away on February 6, 1996, 3 years later, at the age of 91.

Nellie Handiak, who had purchased the cemetery plot back in 1968, was the last of the group to pass away.2 She died on June 22, 2006, at the age of 97.

  • "Friends" gravestone in Prospect Cemetery, Toronto ON
    Prospect Cemetery, Toronto ON ©2025

Handiak’s daughter, Jeannie, honoured one of her mother’s final wishes by slipping a deck of cards into her casket.2

When Handiak first told her daughter that everything had already been arranged, even the headstone, Jeannie was taken aback. “Oh, we got that too. We’re gonna be ‘friends’”, her mother had said.2 When asked why, her answer was simple: cards. So when Jeannie placed that deck of cards in the casket, she made sure the four friends could carry on their favourite card games in the afterlife.2

Their story continues to be shared online and in local news, and their gravestone has become a small point of interest for visitors who are moved by their friendship.

So, if you ever find yourself wandering through Prospect Cemetery, take a moment to visit their grave. It might leave you thinking differently about getting older and about how powerful true friendship can be.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Who are the Golden Girls of Prospect Cemetery and why did they decide to spend eternity together? | Toronto Star
  2. Best Friends…Forever | Toronto Star (through Pressreader)
  3. Golden Girls Act to help seniors access shared housing | Registered Nurse Journal
  4. ‘Golden Girls’ concept expands to Sudbury, Northern Ontario | Sudbury Star
  5. Prospect Cemetery | Find a Grave

October Stone Stories: The Bird Family and Woodchester Villa

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Even though Halloween has just passed, it still feels like a perfect time to share another ghost story.

One that stands out is the tale of the Bird family of Bracebridge, Ontario, and the mysterious history of Woodchester Villa. A house known for both its striking architecture and its lingering ghostly rumours.

In April of 2024, my mother and I took a trip to Bracebridge to explore this unique historic site. It was Easter weekend and our first road trip of the season. The Spring thaw had come early, but spring itself hadn’t quite arrived yet. The trees were bare, and the grass was still brown, giving the whole day an autumn feel.

It was fitting, since we were there to visit ghosts.

Woodchester Villa. Bracebridge ON ©2024

Henry James Bird

Built in 1882, Woodchester Villa was the dream home of Henry James Bird, a successful wool mill owner who made his mark in Bracebridge, Ontario.1 Henry was born on January 3, 1842, in Woodchester, England, the youngest of eleven children.2 He learned the wool trade in his home country before spending time in Australia and the United States, eventually settling in Canada in 1867.2

Before finding his footing in Bracebridge, Henry worked for the Rosamond Woollen Company in Lanark County.2 A few years later, he bought a mill in Glen Allan, but after a terrible flood damaged the property, he decided it was time for a change.2 Tragically, before he could make the move north, his first wife, Sarah Jane Fraser, and their two young children died of tuberculosis.2 In 1872, Henry moved to Bracebridge, where he opened the Bird Woollen Mill beside the falls.2

Henry quickly became a respected businessman and community leader. He served on the town council and helped bring new public utilities to the growing town, including its first water and fire protection systems.2 His success and civic pride eventually led him to build his grand home, naming it “Woodchester” after the village where his story began.2

Woodchester Villa

Although Woodchester Villa was ahead of its time, it’s also long been tied to strange happenings that add to its eerie charm. The house was closed during our visit, but we spent plenty of time admiring its design and reading the educational panels scattered around the property. They helped us picture what life might have been like for the Bird family living within those walls.

I wandered around the grounds with my camera, hoping to catch a flicker of movement from inside. We didn’t see any spirits, but the landscape itself felt charged, as if the past still lingered quietly on that secluded hilltop.

Woodchester Villa is one of Ontario’s finest examples of an Octagonal house.1 The eight-sided design was inspired by Orson Squire Fowler, an American phrenologist and author who believed octagon homes were healthier and more efficient than traditional square houses.1 Bird fully embraced this philosophy, creating a three-storey home that blended innovation with comfort.2

Inside, the villa featured some impressive amenities for the late 1800s, like indoor plumbing supplied by rainwater tanks on the second floor, a ventilation system that circulated air throughout the house, and even electric lighting, which was rare for the time.2

Woodchester Villa. Bracebridge ON ©2024

For all its beauty and history, Woodchester Villa has a reputation for being one of the most haunted spots in Bracebridge. Behind its restored walls, many believe something otherworldly lingers.3

Stories tell of a spectral woman and two ghostly children who seem to wander the rooms.3 Visitors and staff have reported hearing the soft cries of a baby, the quick steps of little feet on the upper floors, and the faint sound of a woman’s voice singing somewhere in the distance.3 Cold spots are often felt throughout the house, especially near the basement stairs. Some have also described the air growing so cold they could see their breath, even in the middle of summer.3

While no one can say for sure who these spirits are, many believe the ghostly woman could be Henry Bird’s first wife, Sarah Jane, accompanied by their two young children.3 All three died of tuberculosis before Henry moved to Bracebridge. Perhaps, as Andrew Hind suggests in Muskoka’s Most Haunted 2, their sudden, tragic deaths left them unable to rest, and they followed Bird north to the home he would later build.3

The idea is both eerie and oddly touching. If the spirits truly belong to Henry’s lost family, Woodchester may represent the life they were meant to share, their love quietly echoing through the halls, long after death.

Bracebridge United Cemetery

After exploring the villa grounds, we visited the nearby Bracebridge United Cemetery, where Henry James Bird and his family are buried.

After some searching, we found the graves of Henry, his second wife Mary Matilda Bird, and several of their children, including Margaret Elizabeth and Catherine.

The cemetery was quiet and calm, yet the connection between the villa and the family’s final resting place added an eerie layer to our visit. Standing at Henry’s grave, I felt surrounded by history and maybe something more. Whether it’s the family’s hardships or the strange energy tied to their home, the Bird story seems to linger beyond the grave.

Bracebridge United Cemetery, Bracebridge ON ©2024

The Bird family’s story and their haunted home remind us how easily history and mystery can intertwine. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, there’s something about Woodchester Villa that still feels alive with the past.

For anyone interested in cemetery tourism or dark local history, this hauntingly beautiful site is well worth the visit.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Woodchester Villa, Bracebridge | Ontario Heritage Trust
  2. Woodchester History | Bracebridge The heart of Muskoka
  3. Muskoka’s Most Haunted 2 by Andrew Hind | Book

October Stone Stories: The Haunting of Bell Mansion

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Some places just have a presence.

You can’t help but notice them. The Bell Mansion in Sudbury, Ontario, is one of those places. It’s grand, full of history, and, if the stories are true, maybe even haunted.

Despite its spooky reputation, it’s also been a popular spot for wedding photos, with its striking architecture offering a mix of romance and a touch of haunted charm.

But while the mansion still stands for now, its future is uncertain, and its past lingers in more ways than one.

The Bell Mansion. Sudbury, ON ©2024

The Bell Family

William Joseph Bell, better known as Willie Joe, was born in Pembroke, Ontario, in 1858.1 He started in the lumber industry at just 18, working as a scaler and lumberjack in Quebec.1 By the time he moved to Northern Ontario in 1896, he had already made a name for himself.1 He quickly climbed the ranks, becoming Vice-President and General Manager of the Spanish River Lumber Company in 1901.1 His influence didn’t stop there; he also ran a hardware company and sat on the board of National Grocers Ltd.1

In 1886, he married Katherine Skead, the daughter of an Ottawa senator, and the couple eventually settled in Sudbury.1 Beyond business, they were generous community builders. Their greatest gift may be Bell Park, a beautiful green space on Ramsey Lake, which they donated in 1926.2 A gift that continues to benefit Sudbury today.

The park remains one of the city’s most beloved gathering spots, offering accessible recreation for people of all ages. Just as Bell Park connects residents with nature, the Bell Mansion connects them with the city’s past, standing as a reminder of the Bells’ influence and Sudbury’s early growth.

The Bell Mansion

Built in 1907, the Bell Mansion, also known as Belrock, is beautiful. Made from local stone in the Arts and Crafts style, the house once sat on 155 acres, stretching from Elizabeth Street down to Ramsey Lake.3,4 That land is now Bell Park, but back then it was all part of the Bell’s massive estate. The mansion itself is a 6,000-square-foot beauty, complete with a coach house, greenhouse, and a separate house for the servants.4

On December 3, 1955, disaster struck when a fire gutted the home, leaving little more than stone walls standing.5 Only one room survived—the conservatory.5 The Nickel Lodge Masons bought the property, but their rebuilding plans never came to life.5 For more than a decade, the mansion sat empty until the Centennial Committee of the Chamber of Commerce led renovations in 1966.5 Two years later, ownership was transferred to Laurentian University, which leased the space to the Art Gallery of Sudbury.5

For decades, the gallery displayed countless exhibits within the mansion’s walls. But what fascinates people just as much as the art are the ghost stories.

Over the years, people have reported eerie sounds such as rustling skirts, heels clicking across the floor, and even ghostly horses neighing outside.6 Many believe Katherine Bell still keeps watch over her home.6 Staff and security have both described phantom footsteps, loud crashes with nothing disturbed, and objects disappearing only to reappear days later.5

The most memorable stories involve a woman’s voice that can be heard eerily singing throughout the house. It’s seems to be loudest in the conservatory, the only room spared by the fire.5 Some say Katherine is still rehearsing for one last ghostly concert.5

She may not be alone. Visitors claim William Bell also makes his presence known, through heavy footsteps and sightings of a tall figure in a dark suit and top hat, quietly watching over the gallery.5

Another mystery once puzzled visitors: the sound of children laughing and playing inside the house, even though the Bells never had children of their own.5 The voices eventually faded, but the questions remain. Who were they, and what tied them to the mansion?5

In 2024, I visited to photograph the exterior. Though currently closed to the public and sadly in visible disrepair, the mansion still has an undeniable elegance, and definitely still has stories to tell.

The Bell Mansion. Sudbury, ON ©2024

Calvin United Church Cemetery

For all their ties to Sudbury, the Bells aren’t buried there.

Instead, they rest in Calvin United Church Cemetery in Pembroke, Ontario, a peaceful spot along Boundary Road East where six cemeteries line the street.

William Joseph Bell died in January 1945 at the age of 87 from complications of a leg injury, and was buried in the family plot.5 When Katherine Bell passed away in her home at age 90 in 1954, she was laid to rest beside him.7 William’s parents and three siblings are also buried in the family plot. Their large pink granite monument is simple and understated. It’s a sharp contrast to the grandeur of the mansion they left behind.

On my way back from Ottawa in 2024, I stopped in to visit their graves. Despite their prominence in Sudbury, I was surprised they weren’t buried there. With the help of reference photos, I eventually found their gravestone and was able to pay my respects.

Bell family plot. Calvin United Church Cemetery, Pembroke ON ©2024

Today, the fate of the Bell Mansion is uncertain.

In late 2024, Laurentian University announced it would list the property for sale, saying repairs were too costly.8 The Art Gallery of Sudbury, which had long occupied the mansion, has already relocated as part of Laurentian’s insolvency process.8

In response, local advocates launched a petition urging that the grounds remain open to the public and that the heritage designation be respected.9 Many argue the mansion is too important a piece of Sudbury’s history to lose.10 That is one of the reasons I felt it was important to photograph it and share its story.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that this house has a past worth remembering.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. The History of Bell Rock | Local Color
  2. Appreciating the legacy of Bell Park | Sudbury.com
  3. Bell Mansion provides touch of elegance | Northern Ontario Business
  4. Turning Bell Mansion into a historical teaching tool | Sudbury.com
  5. Haunted Museums & Galleries of Ontario by Andrew Hind | Book
  6. Ten haunted habitations and spooky sites in Greater Sudbury | Sudbury.com
  7. The History of The Bell Mansion | Art Gallery of Sudbury
  8. Historic Bell Mansion in Sudbury, Ont., listed for $1M | CBC
  9. Sale shouldn’t limit access to Bell Mansion grounds, petition states | Sudbury.com
  10. Bell Mansion’s heritage should be protected, local history buffs say | Sudbury.com

Stone Stories: The Tangled Truth of J.E.H. MacDonald

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On a recent trip to Toronto with my fiancé, we found ourselves with a bit of free time to explore—and for me, that usually means a visit to a cemetery.

Our friends we were staying with suggested we take a walk to Prospect Cemetery, one of the larger and more historic burial grounds in Toronto. It was a chilly, grey day for late April, but despite the dreary weather, it was perfect for a quiet stroll.

There’s something extra special about sharing my love of cemeteries with others. I pointed out some grave symbolism along the way, and our friend—who used to bring their daughter here to bike ride—showed us some of their favourite gravestones.

But I also had a bit of a personal mission too: to visit the grave of J.E.H. MacDonald, one of the founding members of The Group of Seven.

  • Portrait of J.E.H. MacDonald
    Portrait of J.E.H. MacDonald. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

J.E.H. MacDonald

James Edward Hervey MacDonald was born in Durham, England in 1873 and moved to Canada with his family in 1887.1 He trained in commercial art and landed a job at Grip Ltd., a Toronto design firm that turned out to be a creative hot spot for future Group of Seven artists.2

MacDonald mostly painted with oil, a paint that let him build rich textures and bold, expressive brushwork into his landscapes. He had a special talent for using bright, sometimes unnatural colours to set a mood rather than literal realism. His style focused more toward the feelings and spirit of the landscape rather than detailed realism.2

He was especially inspired by the wild landscapes of Algoma and the Rocky Mountains. His 1916 painting The Tangled Garden shows just how much colour and movement played into his work.2 Besides painting, he also taught art and eventually became the principal of the Ontario College of Art in 1929.2 He helped shape not only Canadian art but also the next generation of artists.

  • The Tangled Garden, 1916, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario J. E. H. MacDonald
    The Tangled Garden, 1916, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario J. E. H. MacDonald, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Controversy

MacDonald made headlines again in late 2023—long after his death—but not for the reasons you’d expect.

The Vancouver Art Gallery had been showing ten oil sketches that were believed to be his work, donated back in 2015. But after some doubts were raised, experts took a closer look—and discovered they were fakes!3

Experts tested the pigments, looked at the brushstrokes, and compared the style to his known works. The materials didn’t match what MacDonald would’ve had during his lifetime, and the way the art was created didn’t quite fit either.4

In a refreshing move, the gallery didn’t just quietly pull the pieces—they created a whole exhibit about the forgery, cleverly called A Tangled Garden.4 The title, a nod to MacDonald’s famous painting, added a bit of irony to the situation.

I respect how the gallery handled it. They used the opportunity to teach people about how art is authenticated and how fakes are detected. In the end, MacDonald’s reputation stayed strong—no copy could ever capture the depth and meaning of his real work.

Prospect Cemetery

J.E.H. MacDonald passed away in 1932 after suffering a stroke. He was only 59. He’s buried in the family plot in Prospect Cemetery in Toronto.5 His grave is simple, tucked away among the rows of headstones. A foot stone with his initials J.E.H.M., and his birth and death dates sits in front of a larger family stone with the MacDonald name. Next to it is another foot stone marked W.H.M. / 1876—1956. I’m not certain, but I believe he might be laid to rest beside his brother, William Henry MacDonald.

There is another foot stone in the MacDonald family plot that is a bit of a mystery. The stone is engraved with the letters J.E.M. and the dates 1920-1926. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to uncover any details about this child’s grave.

Standing in front of MacDonald’s grave felt like another little win in my personal journey to visit the final resting places of all the Group of Seven artists. This was the third grave I’ve visited so far, and I find it fascinating how different each artist’s marker is.

Despite their fame, none of their gravestones are flashy. Like Franklin Carmichael’s grave, MacDonald’s grave didn’t have any grave goods—no paintbrushes, no small stones, no tiny canvases. But there was something powerful about the peacefulness of the spot.

The family plot of J.E.H. MacDonald. Prospect Cemetery, Toronto ON ©2025

There’s something grounding about visiting the grave of someone whose work you admire. You see where their story ended, but you also carry part of their legacy with you. That day in Prospect, under grey skies and the hum of city life just beyond the trees, felt like the perfect moment to reflect on MacDonald’s impact.

Whether through his bright, expressive paintings or the recent conversations around art authenticity, J.E.H. MacDonald still shapes how we see Canada. His grave may be modest, but his influence on Canadian art is anything but.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. J. E. H. MacDonald | The Canadian Encyclopedia
  2. James Edward Hervey MacDonald | The Group of Seven
  3. These Group of Seven artist’s sketches are fake — and that’s the point of this Vancouver Art Gallery exhibit | CBC
  4. Museum Realizes Ten J.E.H. MacDonald Sketches Are Fakes—and Puts Them on Display | Smithsonian Magazine
  5. J E H MacDonald | Mount Pleasant Group

Stone Stories: Sudbury’s Ghost Bike

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Bicycles often represent freedom and joy, but when painted flat white and placed by the roadside, they carry a much heavier meaning.

These “ghost bikes” mark the sites where cyclists have lost their lives, serving as haunting memorials and powerful reminders of the need for safer streets.

  • Sudbury’s Ghost Bike, in memory of Dr. Robert D’Aloisio. Sudbury ON ©2025

The History of Ghost Bikes

Ghost bikes are roadside memorials placed at locations where cyclists have been killed in traffic accidents. The bikes, painted entirely white, serve both as a tribute to the fallen and as a warning to motorists to share the road and drive safely.1

The first documented ghost bike appeared in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2003. A cyclist named Patrick Van Der Tuin witnessed a car hit a fellow rider and decided to take action. He placed an old bicycle at the crash site with a sign reading, “Cyclist Struck Here.”2

The idea spread quickly, and soon cities around the world began installing their own ghost bikes in memory of lost cyclists.

Beyond their role as memorials, ghost bikes have become global symbols for cycling advocacy. They are often installed by local organizations or loved ones who want to honour victims and raise awareness about road safety.2

Sudbury’s Ghost Bike

Ghost bikes aren’t unusual in Canada—they mark the tragic losses in communities just like mine. In my hometown of Sudbury, in 2017, a white bicycle appeared in memory of Dr. Robert Santo “Bob” D’Aloisio, a local cyclist who was struck and killed in a tragic accident.

His death deeply affected the community, sparking conversations about road safety and the need for better cycling infrastructure.3

It was a bit of a dreary day when my mother and I went to visit the ghost bike. It’s secured to a parking lot railing outside of an apartment complex on a busy street. I’ve driven by it many times but only really noticed it recently. The white bike blends into the white of the railing, so unless you’re looking for it, you might miss it entirely. That in itself feels symbolic—how easy it is to overlook something so significant if you’re not paying attention.

We kept our visit short since I didn’t want to take up anyone’s parking spot, but I made sure to take a moment to pause and reflect. While I was taking photos, I looked up at the tall apartment buildings surrounding us and thought about how someone could’ve easily witnessed the accident from their window.

Even after nine years, the ghost bike remains—a quiet, persistent reminder of the loss that took place there.

Sudbury’s Ghost Bike, in memory of Dr. Robert D’Aloisio. Sudbury ON ©2025

D’Aloisio’s passing was a devastating loss for his family and the cycling community. His loved ones continue to advocate for greater awareness and protection for cyclists. His story is a haunting reminder of the dangers cyclists face and the responsibility of all road users to ensure their safety.4

Park Lawn Cemetery

After visiting the ghost bike, we headed to our second stop—the cemetery.

Robert D’Aloisio is laid to rest at Park Lawn Cemetery. The cemetery itself is peaceful and tucked away, a contrast to the busy road where his memorial stands. The moment we stepped out of the car, it felt quieter, more reflective. I felt like I needed to visit both sites: the place where his life ended, and the place where he now rests.

The sun was beginning to peek out as we arrived, and the birds were singing. We wandered the gently curving paths for a few minutes before we came upon the D’Aloisio family plot. His gravestone is elegantly simple: polished granite with the family name at the top and a Latin cross separating his name from his wife’s, who is still living.

Visiting his stone, after having just stood at the place where his life was cut short, felt as if the threads of his story had tied together—from tragedy to rest.

  • Park Lawn Cemetery, Sudbury ON ©2025

Ghost bikes are powerful symbols, but the ultimate goal is to make them unnecessary.

Their presence speaks to the need for safer infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and a cultural shift toward respecting all road users. In Ontario and beyond, cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers must all coexist with caution and compassion.

With the warmer weather returning, more cyclists are hitting the roads. It’s a timely reminder for all of us—whether we’re behind the wheel, on a bike, or on foot—to slow down and share the road.

D’Aloisio’s story, like that of many others, is a call to action. Let’s honour his memory by advocating for safer roads and ensuring that cyclists can ride without fear.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Ghost Bike FAQ | Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists
  2. Ghost Bike | Wikipedia
  3. Sudbury ‘ghost bike’ a haunting reminder | Sudbury Star
  4. Father’s cycling death haunts Sudbury family | Sudbury Star

Stone Stories: Remembering Cole Howard Through Art

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Last Summer, while I was on my way to visit some cemeteries in Southern Ontario, we made a special stop along Highway 69. Not for a gravestone, but for a different kind of memorial.

The Cole Howard Memorial Sculpture is a roadside landmark that’s both beautiful and deeply moving.

We had started our day early, and the road was relatively quiet when we got close to the sculpture. Taking advantage of the slow traffic, we pulled over, and I was able to hop out and cross the highway to photograph this beautiful and artistic memorial.

Though I didn’t know Howard personally, this is a memorial I always look out for when I’m travelling down Highway 69. It’s my small way of saying ‘hello’ to Cole, a gesture of remembrance for a young life lost too soon.

  • Cole Howard Memorial Sculpture. Highway 69 ©2024
    Cole Howard Memorial Sculpture. Highway 69 ©2024

Cole Howard was only 19 years old when he was killed in a car crash on January 3, 2012.1 He was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed due to icy road conditions.1 The accident also claimed the lives of Jessica Chamberland, Alyssa McKeown, and Torry McIntyre.1

It’s important to also remember the others who tragically lost their lives in the same accident. Howard, Chamberland, McKeown and McIntyre were all taken far too soon. Each of them left a lasting impact on their families, friends, and community. The grief of such a loss has reverberated through the lives of all who knew them, and their legacies are now forever intertwined.

In the wake of this tragic accident, Howards family wanted to create a lasting tribute that would not only honour Cole’s life but also reflect his love of music. The result is a life-sized sculpture, crafted from steel and placed on the side of the highway, at the site of the accident.

Sculptor and welder, Laval Bouchard created the image of Howard with remarkable accuracy.1 He is depicted sitting behind his drums, barefoot, wearing a backward hat—just as he often did in life. Howard had been the drummer for the local metal band Sanctuaries, and his sculpture even features him wearing one of their band shirts.1

  • Cole Howard Memorial Sculpture. Highway 69 ©2024
    Cole Howard Memorial Sculpture. Highway 69 ©2024

The memorial sculpture was installed at the crash site the day after what would have been Howard’s 22nd birthday, in 2014.1 For his family, it must have been a deeply emotional moment—transforming a place of tragedy into one of remembrance. Unlike many who have a traditional grave marker in a cemetery, Howard was cremated, and his ashes were not buried in one place. Some were spread at Abbey Road in London, England—an iconic location for music lovers.2 The rest of his ashes remain in a drum-style urn in his family’s home.2

Without a conventional grave site to visit, this roadside memorial serves as a place where friends, family, and even strangers can stop to pay their respects and remember Cole. In a way, it acts as both his monument and gathering place for those who continue to hold him in their hearts.

When I visited, the sculpture was wearing a pair of sunglasses, and its shoulders were draped with a large stuffed elephant. There were so many grave goods left around the memorial, including stones, beer cans, and even a couple of drumsticks. It was a moving reminder of just how much Howard is still loved.

Cole Howard Memorial Sculpture. Highway 69 ©2024

What I love about roadside memorials like this is that they’re not just a spot for remembrance—they’re a statement. They’re a way for families to make sure their loved one is never forgotten, even as time goes on. For Howard’s family, the sculpture was a way to turn their grief into something positive, something that would last. It’s clear from the visitors and mementos left at the sculpture that the community feels the same way. Even years after the accident, the memorial continues to be a place for people to honour him.2

The Cole Howard Memorial isn’t just a tribute—it invites you to pause and reflect on life, loss, and the power of music. Roadside memorials like this also serve as powerful reminders of the dangers of the road and raise awareness about the importance of road safety.

Have you ever passed by a roadside memorial that made you stop and reflect? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Sudbury family honours beloved son | Sudbury Star
  2. Remembering Cole Howard | Sudbury.com