KAMSACK, Sask. — A high school reunion held seven years ago has paid for two of the four granite benches recently placed on a cement pad containing two columbariums at Riverview Cemetery in Kamsack.
The 1969 graduating class of the Kamsack Collegiate Institute (KCI) held its 50-year reunion at St. Michael’s Camp at Madge Lake on June 28 to 30 in 2019.
“That was definitely a fantastic weekend,” said information from the organizing committee that was provided by Lynda (nee Kosmenko) Neuman of Regina. “Not even a freak storm and a power outage made a difference.
“It was such a great group and no ice breakers or even music was necessary, as when classmates started arriving, we could not even hear the music,” the information said. “People stepped up to the plate to help when needed and thanks to all 128, including the grads from 1967, ‘68 and ‘70 who were able to attend, those weekend memories will live on.”
“Due to some very frugal spending, a few unexpected donations, and yes, lots of booze,” the committee had a remaining balance in the reunion’s bank account, the information said.
“Several people had expressed an interest in having another reunion in 2024, so we kept the funds to use towards that event,” and for those who would be organizing it, it said. That proposed reunion was not held, so it was decided to close the account.
“We canvassed a few people for ideas on where this money should be spent. We wanted to make the biggest impact from the small amount of funds we had; we wanted our group to be recognized; and we wanted it to be a long-lasting project.”
Suggestions included a bursary for KCI; a donation towards youth sports, and the purchase of equipment for the Assiniboine Valley Health and Wellness Centre, but the funds weren’t significant enough to make a difference to a large number of youth or permanent equipment for the Centre, the information said. “We were informed that any funds for the Kamsack Hospital would be sent to the Yorkton Health Authority, who would decide on where the funds would go.”
The installation of a bench at the Kamsack Cenotaph and a donation towards the Water Tower Restoration project were also considered.
The decision was made to purchase two granite benches for the new columbarium area at Riverview Cemetery in Kamsack and attach a dedication plaque to each bench that will recognize the KCI 50th Reunion 2019.
“We were in frequent communication with Barry Hvidston, town administrator, who was very enthusiastic about our idea, and informed us that town council was also pleased with our decision,” the information said. “Barry was amazing to work with, and since none of the committee live in the Kamsack area, he was our much-appreciated co-ordinator between the Town, Nelson Granite (the Ontario company which produced the benches and columbariums) and us.
“We are very excited to see that two other benches have been added to that area. We know that there are more plans for the Columbarium project, and we hope that everyone who comes to visit, will now have a place to sit comfortably with their memories.”
In addition to the two benches sponsored by the 2019 reunion, the Kamsack Doukhobor Society has donated money for one bench and the fourth was sponsored by Mike Robey.
