September 21, 2009 - The Calgary Sun reported today that laughter and tears flowed simultaneously yesterday as thousands of Calgarians reflected upon the lives of lost loved ones at the southeast edge of Fish Creek Park.

Up to 10,000 people gathered at the Lafarge Meadows wetlands, south of Hwy. 22X, and chose one of 2,220 recently planted trees to commemorate the lives of late family members and friends.

"To me, it's very special that we can come here and know this tree had been planted in his name," said Jean Field, whose husband Alfred died in February. The Memorial Forest dedication, hosted by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, also contributes to the Lafarge Meadows wetland conservation project, by adding native trees, including spruce, poplar and shrubs to the land.

"It's a great idea," said Jennifer MacRae who, along with several family members, gathered to celebrate the lives of her late grandparents and cousin. "It's good for the environment and it's meaningful to know their spirits can go on through a tree. It marks their life and is something that will hopefully never die."

The area adds 147 acres to Fish Creek park's existing 3,320 acres. Since the Memorial Tree program began in 1996, McInnis and Holloway has planted more than 29,000 trees in Calgary, including 24,000 in Fish Creek Park.