Another Uncle Laid To Rest

A sad day yesterday as we laid another one of my Uncles, Francis Edward Doyle, to rest in the Veterans Cemetery in Victoria, B.C. Uncle Frank actually passed away, from a stroke, last Christmas Day(2008) at the age of 77. He was cremated, but the family decided to wait until yesterday to bury his remains as many family members would not have been able to travel over the Christmas holidays.

The Veterans Cemetery in Victoria, established in 1868, is one of the most unique, picturesque and historic cemeteries in all of Canada. It sits right, smack in the middle of an 18 hole golf course – between the 12th and 17th holes. To get to the cemetery, you have to drive across a narrow paved road that dissects the fairway of the 12th hole being very careful to have a good look because the road is right in the landing area for long drives off the tee!

There are currently over 2.500 veterans and family members interred in the Veterans Cemetery. It has become a very special place in the hearts of my entire family as my Father and Mother are buried there as well as my Grandfather and Grandmother, my Uncle Richard and now my Uncle Frank. In fact, the cemetery caretaker told me yesterday that the Doyle's are now the most represented veterans in the cemetery by far with a Father and three sons – their service included WWI, WWII and the Korean War.

This cemetery is a beautiful, quiet place to visit with its many trees and quiet surroundings. It has a nice little chapel that is open to the public and features many pictures and memorabilia of those who served Canada in the military.

It is a perfect, final place for those who have served our country and I'm always thankful that we were lucky enough to find such a wonderful spot for our family members to rest in peace.