Marcelin Community Cemetery is maintained by a group of dedicated residents and it is through the loving donations of family and friends, who have loved ones buried there, that funding is achieved.
The descendants of the late Harvey and Armand Dagenais, originally from the Marcelin district, gathered Aug. 10 to 12 for a family reunion in Marcelin. Family members began their trek from various locations in Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Texas to converge on the small community where their ancestral roots were established.
Visiting and reminiscing began Friday evening with a social and continued the following day with a barbecue, a variety of activities and a charity auction. The evening concluded with a banquet, program and dance.
The charity auction was the highlight of the weekend as family members donated many items to be put up for auction. Items consisted of fresh Coho salmon fillets from B.C., a sports jersey, a barbecue, collectible model Caterpillar and family heirlooms. It was a premium opportunity for family to share memories as heirlooms were put on the auction block. An antique treadle sewing machine once owned by Harvey's wife Antoinette, old family photographs, artwork and craft items created by family members including a quilt, a pen and pencil set made of maple and deer antler and several original paintings and charcoal sketches were on offer.
It was an opportunity to own a piece of history that will forever remain as part of the Dagenais family legacy. Lionel Casavant entertained the crowd as he auctioned the items and encouraged the attendees to bid against each other.
Sunday began with a pancake breakfast followed by goodbyes as family members packed up to start their journey home.
Net proceeds from the auction and generous cash donations from the descendants of the late Leonard Rutten family, also formerly of Marcelin district, assisted in raising the total to $7,560. These funds were donated to the Marcelin Cemetery Fund and graciously accepted by committee members Denis Bonin and William Diehl.
The Marcelin Community Cemetery committee consists of Denis Bonin, Donna Brad, Jean Lapiere, William Diehl, Rose Bonin and Joe Lapiere. Improvements and beautification of the cemetery has been an ongoing project with general maintenance of the lawn and trees, installing a perimeter fence, the realignment of the headstones and removal of the grave covers. It has made a significant improvement to regular maintenance duties. A large metal cross replaced the old wooden one in the centre of the cemetery. The cross is equipped with solar lights that highlights the features and outlines the structure during the night giving it an ominous appearance.
Denis Bonin expressed the committee's gratitude for the generous donation, which will be used for continued maintenance and improvements at the cemetery.
The Marcelin Community Cemetery committee and its volunteers continue to pay tribute to those who are laid to rest there by dedicating their time to ensure the cemetery is a presentable landmark within the community.
