This collection contains 16 books prepared by members of the Kelowna and District Genealogical Society Cemetery Recording Committee. These books include traditional transcriptions identifying each burial in a particular cemetery up to 2012, as well as names and stories about people buried in small cemeteries or isolated graves; and an index that alphabetically lists all the names in the 15 other books. The photo collection has an index in each cemetery collection that includes burials to June 2021.
The Cemetery Recording Committee project started in February 2008. The legacy of 16 books, with all the local information and history, will be of use to researchers and historians from now on. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to interview many long-time residents of the community and hear their stories. Photos held by families in private collections have been generously shared with us. Because of this, local history has been preserved in this collection of books.
Series 1 of this collection is nine traditional transcription books four-years in the making. The main committee was: Susan Campbell, Bob Hayes, Carolin Robertson, Marlene Crane, and Gwen Neil. Many members also contributed their time to transcribing headstones. In 2012, Okanagan College students under the direction of Gil Green created maps for the cemeteries in Series 1. Photographs of the grave markers were taken and are posted online. See the Burials page.
Series 2 of this collection with six books with burial information also includes biographies, family histories and genealogies, local and natural histories, and various photographs from archives and private collections. Susan Campbell and Bob Hayes researched and wrote these books. Susan Campbell and Gwen Neil developed an extensive index for each book. Carolin Robertson provided many of the photographs. Members of KDGS helped with the editing of these books. In 2012, Okanagan College students under the direction of Gil Green created maps for Glenrosa and Hardy Family cemeteries.
Books are now kept in various archives where they will be retained for the future. These archives are:
- Library and Archives Canada (2 sets)
- BC Archives
- Kelowna Public Archives, KDGS Archives, Lake Country Archives and Westbank Archives
- Red Deer Archives (1 book – Postill Family Cemetery with Postill Family History and Genealogy)
- The Okanagan Regional Library, UBCO, Okanagan College and Vancouver Public Library
- BCGS Walter Draycott Library, Surrey, BC·
- Salt Lake City Family History Library·
- Allen County Public Library
Links
Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery