SHAUNAVON — Deep in the heart of the southwest corner lies a cemetery, an oasis of peace in the barren landscape. Located just 15 minutes southeast of the hamlet of Simmie, Klara Cemetery has been a fixture in the area for over 100 years.
What's remarkable about Klara Cemetery is that it has been in use since 1914, just nine years after Saskatchewan became a province. Despite being situated in a remote area, the cemetery remains active, with burials still taking place as recently as 2021.
It's essential to understand the distinction between a cemetery and a graveyard. A cemetery is a standalone burial ground, whereas a graveyard is typically attached to a church. Although the original Klara Church no longer exists, the cemetery has been preserved.
During the early days of Saskatchewan's development, settlers arrived in the area, just as they did across the province. These pioneers established settlements and cemeteries, which were often situated close to where people lived. This was necessary due to the limited transportation options available at the time.
As the settlers established themselves in the area, they needed a place to bury their loved ones. Cemeteries were established to meet this need, providing a convenient location for families to pay their respects.
The Klara Cemetery was established in 1912 when the land was purchased from P.D. Paulson. The cemetery's name is derived from the Scandinavian church of a similar name, reflecting the heritage of the early settlers.
Today, a committee of volunteers comprised of Dwayne Larson, Calvin Bymoen, and Brian Olsen, with assistance from others including Sandy Modien, Jean Garthus and Susan Larson (Secretary/Treasurer) - work to maintain the site. These volunteers are crucial to preserving the cemetery's history and ensuring its continued upkeep, and family members with a connection to the cemetery are often willing to assist in the effort.
"Everyone who has family in the cemetery helps make decisions on everything," explained Dwayne. "We're all here to carry on our history for generations to come."
Dwayne has been involved in the cemetery's maintenance for years. He can remember helping his parents with clean-up efforts when he was younger, while his siblings played in nearby pastures.
The committee has access to historical records, including books dating back to the 1940s and the Simmie history book, which chronicles the area's history.
There are 108 gravesites at the cemetery.
So, why do we still care about cemeteries? Perhaps it's because we recognize the sacrifices made by our ancestors, who came to this land seeking a better life. Those who stayed behind left behind a lasting legacy, which we strive to preserve. By caring for cemeteries, we honour their memories and keep their stories alive.
In the end, it's not the headstones that define our legacy, but the people who continue to care for one another. By preserving our history, we can learn from the past and build a better future.
"The cemetery is important for all of us," offered Dwayne. "It's our history."
We shall pass this way on earth but once. If there is any kindness we can show or good act we can do let us do it now, for we will never pass this way again” - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
