July 2023 ~ Don and Diane Hardie make the journey from BC to Carberry a couple of times a year. A “must visit” on every trip is always the Carberry Plains Cemetery, where they go to pay respects to so many folks that Don either delivered papers to, mowed their lawn, or delivered groceries to when he was growing up in Carberry. The town and its residents hold a special meaning because of the great life Don and his family had growing up in this community. So many folks resting at the cemetery had such a positive impact on Don in his formative years - from his hockey & baseball coaches, teachers, and boy cub & scout leaders.

Don and Diane wanted to make a lasting gift to the Carberry Plains Cemetery. They realized that the perpetual care fees from years ago were too low to sustain the flowers and upkeep of the cemetery today. Don’s parents and brother are buried here, as well as hundreds of folks from the area who Don used to know from the years growing up in Carberry.

The Hardies were looking for a way to help support the ongoing planting of flowers and to maintain the beauty of the cemetery, in perpetuity.

“We had been making donations to the cemetery through the municipality, but realized we could make a larger contribution with a gift of securities to the cemetery through the Community Foundation. Our family friend, Muriel McPhail, told us about the Foundation a few years ago,” said Don.

And so, the Carberry and Area Community Foundation - Mabel, Alex & Perry Hardie Memorial Cemetery Fund was born. This fund will support general maintenance, upkeep and/or repairs, beautification, additional structures, and any other needs of the Carberry Plains Cemetery.

Don and Diane’s generosity will give the Carberry Plains Cemetery a vital helping hand for years to come, while honouring the memory of Don’s parents, Alex and Mabel, and Don’s brother, Perry.

Mabel & Alex Hardie

Don & Diane Hardie

Perry Hardie with mother Mabel