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Group wants to keep veteran’s story alive

Honourable Guard raising funds to buy a headstone for First World War veteran buried at Fraser Cemetery

For veterans buried at Fraser Cemetery without a gravestone, being forgotten could very well happen.

But the New Westminster-based Society of the Officers of the Honourable Guard wants to make sure that never happens.

The group is raising money to buy a headstone for one of the at least six veterans buried at Fraser Cemetery without a headstone.

The idea came about thanks to the society’s work with children for its grave-cleaning program. The kids often ask about the unmarked graves, not understanding why the men wouldn’t have headstones, said Rob Rathbun, a member of the Society of the Officers of the Honourable Guard.

So Rathbun decided to do something about that.

The goal is to raise $1,200 to pay for a headstone for William Stevenson.

Stevenson, originally from Manitoba, fought in the First World War. After the war, he moved to New Westminster to a home at 315 East Columbia St. (His home would have been right across from the Royal Columbian Hospital at Hospital Street.)

He died of a stroke on April 14, 1939.

Stevenson had no family in the area and wasn’t married, according to his death records, so there was no one nearby to pay for a headstone.

Rathburn hopes by righting what he sees as a wrong made many years ago, Stevenson’s story will finally be told.

“The one thing that’s really sad is it’s been like 80 years and no one’s known who he is,” he said.

Once they reach their fundraising goal, the society will buy Stevenson the headstone and then hold a dedication ceremony to celebrate, Rathbun said.

To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/foom3o.