The members of our board are a diverse group who are all actively involved in the Haliburton County community. Here is what drew them to become more involved in the Haliburton Green Burial Society Board.
Terry Moore, President
I’m intensely interested in finding ways for humans to live in harmony with the non-human natural world. But my interest in “Green Burial Movement” only began after my son, Kyle, died at the age of 36, in February of 2019.
My family and I were unable to secure the green burial we wanted for Kyle, in honour of his life-long commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, we discovered that burial of any kind within Haliburton is not available due to the county-wide prohibition on winter burial from when the frost sets in November through to when it leaves the ground in May.
I helped form the the Haliburton Highlands Green Burial Society (HHBGS) as one way to help other individuals and families avoid the barriers we faced in making environmentally responsible end-of-life choices.
Jenny Rieger, Vice-president
My parents preplanned their funerals and discussed their options and preferences with me when I was a teenager. I love the idea that my family would be able to ride their bikes and have a picnic in a beautiful green burial cemetery where I happen to be buried.
Beth Johns, Treasurer
I joined the Haliburton Green Burial Society because I am a gardener and I want my body to be useful compost when I die. I knew little about green burial until I heard Terry and Shirley Moore speak of their struggle to find a local green burial option for their son, Kyle. I am committed to learning more and to promoting green burial options in Haliburton County.
Shirley Moore, Secretary
I am a retired elementary school vice principal. In 2019, our son, Kyle, died at age 36 from brain cancer which was first diagnosed when he was 5. Kyle was a gardener with a deep connection to the earth. Upon his death, I was confronted with no local options for a green burial of Kyle. I am deeply committed to ensuring that my remains will help heal, not hinder the health of our earth.
Margaret Milne
I am a retired Anglican priest, mother of four children, retired teacher, music performer and music teacher. I really was impressed by a presentation about green burial at an Environment Haliburton meeting. I offered to help. And here I am.
Carolyn Langdon
Growing up in Haliburton,I have canoed and widely roamed the county. I am a member of the Haliburton County Master Gardeners, a director of Wild Edibles Haliburton with a keen interest in re-wilding public and private spaces. Green burial is a logical extension of my passion for the environment and if our departed bodies will help preserve and nurture an ecosystem that supports all life then we may dare hope for a future for all.
Adele Espina
My interest in green burial practices is sparked by my passion for genealogy and local history. As a taphophile, I have become interested in the rites of death and the symbolism of funeral and burial practices. The honouring and remembrance of our dead should include options that do as little environmental harm as possible to the natural world they leave behind.