BECKETT-GLAVES MEMORIAL FOREST

Memorial Forest

The Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forests were established in recognition of the severe depletion of our natural forests. Every tree that is planted in the forest is in memory of a loved one.

 (The last day to order a tree for our 2011 dedication is Aug.26th, 2011)

The Memorial Forest Program is a partnership project of the Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre and the Grand River Foundation in recognition of the severe depletion of our natural forests. In the Grand River watershed, only six percent of the trees remain. A tree symbolizes strength, shelter, and durability. When one life ends, another begins. It is our hope that this program will provide a source of comfort and meaning to those of us who have suffered a loss.


The beauty of the trees,
the softness of the air,
the fragrance of the grass,
speaks to me.
The summit of the mountain,
the thunder of the sky,
speaks to me.
The faintness of the stars,
the trail of the sun,
the strength of fire,
and the life that never goes away,
they speak to me.
And my heart soars.

Chief Dan George

History -- A Tradition Takes Root

The forests were started in the Fall of 1985 by the late Gordon C. Glaves to commemorate the lives of Richard B. Beckett and G. Fred Glaves who died within five weeks of each other in 1983. Since that time thousands of trees have been planted in memory of loved ones.

An Annual Service For All To Attend

Every year on the Sunday preceding Thanksgiving, a service is held to dedicate the trees planted within that year. Everyone is welcome to attend this meaningful service and the reception which follows. Several hundred people attend the tribute held at the original Brant Park site on the hill in front of the Grand Pavillion. A beautiful outdoor setting with musical accompaniment, provides the atmosphere for this informal service in which people are invited to bring their own lawn chairs or pull up a picnic table to view the proceedings.

Loved Ones Remembered

The current cost of participation in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest
Program is $60.

$30 goes directly to the Grand River Foundation which includes:

  • a tree planted in the Grand River Watershed as part of their reforestation project.
  • a donation receipt for $30 issued by the Grand River Foundation to be used for tax purposes.

$30 is used by the funeral home to help fund the program which includes:

  • a gold embossed memorial card of remembrance, an information folder, and an invitation to our dedication service is provided to the next of kin, by Beckett-Glaves, on behalf of the purchaser.
  • a plaque of remembrance is engraved and placed on our Memorial Wall located in the chapel of the Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre.
  • an open invitation for everyone, family and friends, to attend the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest Dedication Service, which includes a catered luncheon following the service.
  • recognition in the Brantford Expositor of all those in whose memory a tree is planted, and a keepsake memorial folder distributed at our dedication service.

    • Everyone is welcome to attend our Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest Annual Dedication Service on Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 at 3:00 p.m., at Brant Park Conservation Area, Brantford, Ontario.

    Order a Tree