Ross Apperley has a passion for Carnduff Cemetery

CARNDUFF — Ross Apperley finds great joy in a place that many try to avoid, the cemetery.

Apperley has been officially serving Carnduff since 1994, when he was first elected to council. In 2009, he became Carnduff’s mayor and has continued in that role to this day.

In his council days, he became part of a two-person committee that oversaw the care and maintenance of the local cemetery. He enjoyed being a part of that committee, but the enjoyment turned into passion when his parents became members, residents of the cemetery. That happened in 2007 upon the passing of his father, Rudy, and in 2008, when his mother, Rose, joined her husband in eternal rest.

It was at that time that Apperley became passionate about his cemetery work. He understood, personally, how one’s final resting place ought to show respect for those we’ve lost, as well as to their families.

When he became mayor, he didn’t give up his seat on the cemetery committee. He was just too interested in making the cemetery that place of respect.

Ross spends a lot of time researching and creatively thinking of ways in which that respect can be shown. Under his leadership, the cemetery has taken on a new look. A pavilion has been constructed, allowing for better outdoor services. There are currently 19 benches facing the pavilion. These have been donated by family members in memory of those who have been interred in the cemetery. There is room for an additional 57 benches.

Many, many trees have been planted and are growing around the pavilion area, providing a scenic backdrop for services held at the pavilion.

The water system has been greatly expanded. There are multiple water sources throughout the grounds, allowing for sprinklers to be used to keep the grass green.

An innovative feature was added this past spring. There are a number of signs posted that feature a QR code. By scanning that code, one can access the names of all those who have been laid to rest in the cemetery. Veterans, those who served our country during wartime, are identified in that listing.

Currently, there are over 2,000 individuals who lie in repose at Carnduff’s cemetery. Earlier this year, the headstones and plaques of each person were washed clean, removing the moss and dirt that had accumulated over the years. The result is that the cemetery looks brand new.

Apperley, along with his committee, works very closely with the local legion. Each year, around Remembrance Day, the students and teachers of Carnduff’s Education Complex hold a No Stone Left service at the cemetery. Part of that service includes the students locating the burial spots of veterans and laying a poppy. The poppy is made of metal and has a hole pierced in it, which is then hung from a metal stake that has previously been placed at the site where the veteran rests.

Several informational markers can be found throughout the cemetery, indicating notable figures from Carnduff’s past. The historical contributions of original settlers, past mayors and others can be read.

There’s even a little Church on a base that Apperley built. Open one side of the Church and you’ll find a set of Carnduff’s history books, which contain a lot of information about the people interred on the grounds. Open the other side of the Church and you’ll discover a waterproof book that identifies all those who have been laid to rest in the cemetery – the same information that you’ll find when you scan the QR code.

Apperley’s passion for ensuring that Carnduff Cemetery is a place that shows respect has made a noticeable difference. It is a well-maintained place that is very practical, historical and scenic for all those who visit loved ones.

Drop by and see for yourself, even if you don’t have a loved one there.