In 1957, shortly after the Southern Cortes Community Association became a registered society, it took ownership and responsibility of the Manson’s Landing Cemetery. The cemetery has been maintained by a long-serving committee which includes Ann Dewar, Jean Campbell, Sully and Marge Sullivan, Ian Disney and Myrna Kerr.
Every spring these volunteers gather for a work bee, in which anyone can participate, to cut the grass, remove brush and maintain the curbing around graves.
The Manson’s Landing Cemetery is located at the end of Cemetery Road, just off Sutil Point Road, although originally it was only accessible from Beasley Road. It was created in 1920 when Mr. Beasley donated a .40 acre parcel of his land for this use and it has been community-owned ever since. Records show that the first burial took place in 1915, but the first burial after the cemetery creation was 1921. Seaford Development Ltd. donated an additional acre, which still remains wild today. John Manson was the first volunteer to look after the cemetary. Mae Ellingson also looked after the grounds for many, many years.
With approximately 140 graves and cremations to date, the Manson’s Landing Cemetery is still operational, and is the only cemetery on the southern end of the island. This cemetery is one of a few where you can have a “green” burial: no embalming and a homemade coffin made with untreated wood. Only Cortes Islanders may be buried here, and those with close ties to Cortes Island. There is no charge for burial service.
Ann Dewar is the person to contact for information or for assistance in making arrangements. She can be reached at 935-6316.