‘These guys have saved us’
Heritage Memorials restores all toppled gravestones in Wolfville cemetery
A business has saved the day at Willowbank Cemetery by donating time and services to restore the gravestones that were toppled in November.
Heritage Memorials contacted the Wolfville cemetery’s manager, Chris Fuller, last week to tell him of their plans to restore the monuments Dec. 1.
He fell speechless as he listened, and felt a huge sense of relief.
“There are no words, and this time in a good way. These guys have saved us, and I’m beyond grateful,” he said.
A renewed sense of optimism
Andrew Benedict, Chip Peterson, Donnie Nelson and Jeff Nelson arrived at the cemetery at 8:30 a.m. and finished restoring every stone by 2:30 p.m. The row of gravestones that were previously all knocked over is now standing once again, with red flags indicating they’re fixed.
A glue made specifically to secure granite stones was applied to the base of each of the toppled headstones’ bases, and a mini excavator with a belt was used to lift the heavier stones and place them back onto their bases.
“It feels great to be here, fixing these. This glue will hold for a very long time,” said Peterson.
Heritage Memorials owner Steve Nelson said one of the reasons his company came forward to donate their services was the response from the community, which rallied to get people together to get the stones standing.
He felt using the company’s equipment and employees would make it a safer process and ensure no one got hurt.
Another reason was because he was struck by how senseless this case of vandalism was. He and his staff feel great now that the stones are all standing once again.
“We understand what monuments mean to people – they’re more than just stone. When they’re down, we understand that emotional response everyone has, and it was important to us to take care of that,” said Nelson.
Still a surreal feeling
When the 21 gravestones stones were found pushed over Nov. 23, Fuller didn’t know how he’d go about finding a solution to getting them repaired.
Now, he no longer has to worry. Fuller bought the men coffee and snacks as a small gesture of thanks while they were working, and continued expressing his thanks for their work.
“I still just can’t believe this is happening,” said Fuller.
The community was quick to rally around the cemetery, with several people from heritage societies and other organizations contacting Fuller with fundraising ideas.
What began as a devastating story has ended quite happily, and Fuller is glad it’s come to a close.
“Now people don’t have to worry about their relatives’ graves anymore. All is well again, and I’m damn happy,” he said.