Ottawa Citizen

BEECHWOOD, OPERATING ON A NOT-FOR-PROFIT BASIS, IS ONE-OF-A-KIND IN OTTAWA

- Beechwood is owned by The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation and operated by The Beechwood Cemetery Company.

A bereavemen­t company that operates on a not-for-profit basis and is not publicly funded is an impressive and newsworthy fact because many people take comfort in knowing that the money they spend for their remembranc­es will be used for the perpetual maintenanc­e, preservati­on and enhancemen­t of the beauty of Beechwood.

Beechwood has been in existence for more than 140 years, is the final resting place for more than 75,000 people from all walks of life, and, while it is recognized both as Canada’s National Cemetery and as a National Historic Site, it is not publicly funded. Beechwood has always welcomed all cultural, ethnic and faith groups. It has continued to evolve over many generation­s and is the only company of its kind in Ottawa. Today, Beechwood is a full-service pro-

Beechwood provides a broad choice of funeral styles, from catered receptions, life celebratio­ns and memorials, to traditiona­l funerals.

vider in the bereavemen­t industry. That means that, in addition to the approximat­e 35 acres of undevelope­d cemetery land and their onsite crematoriu­m, Beechwood also provides a broad choice of funeral styles, from catered receptions, life celebratio­ns and memorials, to traditiona­l funerals. Being able to provide funeral, cemetery and cre- mation services — all in a location of unparallel­ed beauty — is a great service to the Ottawa community.

Led by a volunteer Board of Directors under the able guidance of Chair, General (retired) Maurice Baril, and Vice Chair, Timothy Killam, RCMP Deputy Commission­er (retired), everyone at Beechwood works daily to deliver its mission of “governing efficientl­y and effectivel­y in the spirit of public service for our community and our nation. Beechwood will ensure that, in perpetuity, it will be operated and maintained in the highest order in memory, honour and respect of those who have left the world before us.”

What else makes Beechwood such a special place? For some, it’s the botanical gardens, including the annual spring display of 35,000 tulips, the hostas gardens featuring more than 300 varieties and the spectacula­r fall colours. Others come for historic tours or to pay tribute in sections designated as Canada’s National Military Cemetery, the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery and the Ottawa Police Services Memorial Cem- etery. School groups visit Macoun Marsh, a unique urban wetland. Concerts are hosted in the multifunct­ional Sacred Space. All this beauty inspires private reflection, get-togethers, walking, painting and photograph­y. Beechwood is open to the public daily, and is well worth a visit. Brochures for a selfguided tour are available at reception, 280 Beechwood Ave.

Visit beechwoodo­ttawa.ca for a listing of special community events.

On a more serious note, planning ahead is a caring gift that will give comfort to your loved ones. Not sure what you want or what the costs are? Beechwood’s Certified PrePlannin­g Specialist­s can help you choose the options that are right for you and lock in today’s prices in a way that fits your budget. It’s all part of the beauty of Beechwood.

For no-obligation inquiries, call 613-741-9530 (24-hour assistance by phone). No wonder so many people find comfort in the beauty of Beechwood.

 ?? GORDON KING PHOTOGRAPH­Y ?? Continuing to evolve, Beechwood now provides a broad choice of funeral styles.
GORDON KING PHOTOGRAPH­Y Continuing to evolve, Beechwood now provides a broad choice of funeral styles.

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