The La Ronge Cemetery sign in Air Ronge is set to be restored. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

community initiative

Historic Air Ronge cemetery sign set for restoration

Jul 27, 2020 | 5:00 PM

“If we did not as brothers live, let us here as brothers lie.”

Those are likely the words that will soon return to the La Ronge Cemetery in Air Ronge thanks to recent inquires by village resident Karen Robertson. The cemetery, which hasn’t been used in decades, is located along Highway 2 and a Facebook posting on the Lac La Ronge History page recently renewed Robertson’s interest of the site.

The post included a photograph by Lillian Demmans that showed the phrase, which is no longer present at the cemetery. Robertson’s idea is not to create a new sign, but to replace what’s missing.

“That part of the sign disappeared at some point in La Ronge’s history, maybe around 40 years ago or so or maybe longer,” she said. “I didn’t really want to take the lead in this or anything, but quite often what happens in these sorts of things, people will say ‘Yeah, if only someone would do something.’ So, I thought I’ll do something. I’ll call around and see if there is anyone interested in doing a sign.”

Robertson has already contacted Air Ronge council, which discussed the idea at a regular council meeting last week. Mayor Gordon Stomp explained councillors decided to support it and he agrees a sign should mark the cemetery. He noted administration will be reaching out to Robertson to find out how the village could assist or what monetary donation would be appropriate.

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“I’m not even sure who is responsible or whose property it is,” Stomp said. “We may as well have a sign that sort of commemorates the La Ronge Cemetery as it is there.”

An undated photo showing the original signage. (Lac La Ronge History/Lillian Demmans)

Robertson has also spoken with Mosquito Workshop Owner Greg Lobb, who expressed a willingness to be part of the project. She plans on contacting those who showed interested on the Facebook posting as well, to see if they are still interested in donating. Robertson mentioned she’s waiting to hear back from Air Ronge administration before she proceeds.

“If they are happy to let someone else do it, I’ll certainly take charge on it,” she said. “I’ll try to figure out some way to gather money from folks who want to pitch in, or like I said, if I have to, I’ll pay for the whole thing myself.”

Robertson is hopeful the sign can be restored by the end of this year.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno