July 27 – Simpson Cemetery Memorial, Woodgreen beside the Thames River

This year we are remembering our ancestors in Simpson Cemetery.   July 27, 2025

21563 Pratt Siding Road  Woodgreen – Southwest Middlesex

Hosted by the Simpson Descendants and sponsored by the Glencoe & District Historical Society

Family descendants, neighbours, and the general public are invited to the Simpson Cemetery to pay their respects and tell stories about their ancestors buried here.  There is no rain date: in case of rain, check facebook page for adjustments or cancellation.   

11:00 a.m. or earlier.  Bring your family and make a day of it and arrive in the morning and explore the cemetery.  Bring a photo to tape on your ancestors’ stones.  Tell your kids about their ancestors.  There will be a toilet on site for event. 

12 Noon.   Time for an old fashioned picnic.  Spread out your blanket and share a meal with your family and friends.  Water and soft drinks will be provided by the Glencoe & District Historical Society. 

1:00 p.m.   Walk with the Ancestors:  a series of rotating talks and activities

• Spirit walk with Nicolas Bodine.
• Demonstration: How to properly clean and care for a gravestone.  Norm McGill. 
• Demonstration: How to do a gravestone rubbing.  Ken Beecroft, Gerry Cross (to be confirmed)
• The Simpson Ancestors: Wendy Bestward, Dennis Simpson et al
• How to Fix an old broken gravestone – Harold Carruthers, Official Historian, and grave caretaker

2:00 p.m.   Gather to Remember.   Program in progress: 

• Welcoming remarks and land acknowledgement – Brian Huis, Emcee and Simpson Descendant. 
• Remembering our Ancestors – Elected representative, Municipality of Southwest Middlesex
• History of the Simpson Cemetery – Ken Willis, Cemetery Historian.  
• Honour Roll – Reading of the names from the plaque of those who served their country in times of war.  
• Tribute to “Nicholas Bodine” (1788 to 1885), Upper Canada militia veteran, War of 1812 – courtesy of the United Empire Loyalists.  Representative from UEL. 
• Closing prayer – 

Adjourn: 2: 45 p.m. 

Simpson Descendants Circle:  Micheline Champagne-Johnston,  Brian Huis, Wanda Simpson, Wendy Bestward, Jan Simpson, Dennis Simpson, Mary Simpson.

Supported by Ryan Tuer, Scary Gnome Productions & Recording SG Studios, Woodgreen.

“Beyond the gates of the cemetery lives an historical account of our past, a rich heritage populated by friends and relatives.  Loved ones who can no longer be with us, but whose memories live on.”  – Josh Kekosz.  

Link to History of Simpson Cemetery, Woodgreen, Ontario.