It’s a subject which, if discussed at all, is generally done in hushed, reverent, almost secretive, voices.
But death, the inevitable conclusion to life, is the subject of an All Souls’ Week event at Ralph Connor Memorial United Church, Oct. 26 through Nov. 2.
Subtitled “In the spirit of learning and dialogue, let’s talk about death,” the event begins Oct. 26 with a two-hour presentation by death doula Sarah Kerr, who helps people and families prepare for life’s end (7-9 p.m. at Ralph Connor).
Following on Oct. 27 will be lawyer Ian Schofield, who will dicuss the legalities surrounding a death (2 p.m., at Ralph Connor).
“Death used to be so regimented and nobody talked about it,” said organizer John Thorburn. “But we get old, death happens.”
“The vocabulary has now changed,” said Jan Tissandier, “it’s really more about a journey. It shouldn’t be a heavy thing, and with all these changing attitudes we thought it would be good to present some information on death to people.”
For Thorburn, the spark of the idea came after he attended a death café, with some trepidation. But it was great; there was no agenda and people were able to speak about whatever they were feeling.
“The planning for this started almost a year ago and we booked Sara last year. And I’m a Rotary member and heard Dr. Peter Nichol speak (Oct. 28, 7 p.m. at the church) at an event. His knowledge and the information he has about medically assisted dying is phenomenal.
“This event is about filling in the blanks for people.”
The events are free (excluding a screening of How to die in Oregon at artsPlace, (Oct. 27 at 7 p.m), but donations will be requested and events will span venues from Ralph Connor Church to a death café at Good Earth Café, to artsPlace.
While cemetery events had been contemplated, as with similar projects, said Tissandier, there wasn’t time to arrange them. “But I want to encourage people to walk through the cemetery. It’s a beautiful place and the whole history of Canmore is there.
“Especially in the old part. When you look at the dates (on headstones), you see infant mortality from long ago, young people, and when there were flu epidemics.”
“There’s been lots of interest in the community,” said Thorburn. “It’s a social event and there will coffee and cookies – we want to make it all hospitable.”
Timing for the event, said Tissandier, revolves around All Hallows’ Eve (Oct.31), All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2). “It’s also about honouring our ancestors and on Nov. 2 (7:15 p.m.) there will be an Evensong Community Service of Remembrance where people can come and light a candle in a loved one’s memory.
The All Souls’ Week event, said Thorburn, is rather in line with an event he saw while travelling in Mexico where he saw a procession that appeared to be a funeral; but with music and a band, turned out to be a celebration of someone’s life – but in a bright, lively fashion.
Other events include: a choir event with the newly-formed Alpine Voices, Oct. 30, 10 a.m. at Ralph Connor; a choir rehearsal, Oct. 31 at the church at 7:30 p.m. and the death café at Good Earth, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a book display at Canmore Library.
For more information, visit http://ralphconnor.ca/all-souls, or email Thorburn at [email protected].
