Tree of Memories

For 26 years, the "Brockie Donovan Tree of Memories" Candlelight Memorial Service has been a special evening that allows people in our community to join together in remembering our loved ones who are no longer with us to celebrate the holidays. Hundreds of members of our community have attended the service each year. It has become a tradition for many families as it provides an opportunity to take a moment during this normally busy holiday season to truly reflect and appreciate all that their loved one brought to their lives.

We recognize that the Holidays can be a challenging time for those who’ve experienced the death of a loved one, and they can trigger intense emotions of loss. The feelings of grief can be just as painful as when they were first felt. It is our hope that by honouring the memory of those we have lost will provide some peace as we face the Holidays without them.

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Our 26th Annual Tree of Memories Community Candlelight Memorial Service took place on December 7, 2023 where our community came together to honour and remember their loved ones. For those who are facing the holiday season for the first time without their loved one, and for those who lost their loved one many years ago, it was a special evening of reflection, unity, and comfort. We are grateful for all of those who participated in this special evening.

 A very sincere thank you to Rev. Craig Miller and Kim Lewarne for their heartfelt words of comfort and hope. Thank you to Nicole McLenehan, our pianist and James Comrie, our soloist, for sharing their amazing gift of music which was so warm and comforting.

Special thanks to WCG TV for recording the service which will be available for viewing over the holidays. A special thank you to Pastor Jamie Freeman and Bonnie Irvine for assisting us with all of the audio and visual requirements for the evening. To McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church and all staff for being such gracious hosts and going above and beyond to accommodate our requests.

We would also like to thank all of our very faithful volunteers who come together every year to help make the evening memorable, as well as our sponsors: Guild Insurance Group, IG Private Wealth Management – Dennis Hunt & Associates, Leech Group, MNP, The BloomBox and The Green Spot. We are grateful for your support and generosity.

For those who have ordered a Memorial Ornament, you are welcome to pick them up from our office at 332-8th Street.

We sincerely thank you for joining us and we wish you a peaceful Christmas, surrounded and comforted by those most important in your life.




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There is often pressure on grieving individuals (either internally, or from others) to put aside their sadness and hurt and be full of joy and thanksgiving. However, memories of their loved one resurface during events where their loved one would have been. It is our hope this article written by leading grief psychologist, Dr. Alan Wolfelt, will help you understand how to help yourself heal during the holiday season, or how to support someone you know who is grieving over the holidays.



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“Holidays are time spent with loved ones” was imprinted on our psyche from a young age. They are part of the milestones we share with each other and they generally represent time spent with family. But since holidays are for being with those we love the most, how on earth can anyone be expected to cope with them when a loved one has died? For many people, this is the hardest part of grieving, when we miss our loved ones even more than usual. The need for support may be the greatest during the holidays. There are a number of ways to incorporate your loved one and your loss into the holidays. It is our hope this video will give you guidance as you face the holidays without your loved one.​​