Mayor Tom Sidney lays a wreath at the new grave marker of Joseph 'Piper' Hendry. (Glenn Charron photo)
It’s an effort that was a long time coming.
Thanks to the Last Post Fund and the efforts of Kevin Joynt, Joseph ‘Piper’ Hendry, a 78th Regiment of Foot veteran who died 113 years ago, received a military grave marker at his final resting place at Renfrew Public Cemetery (Thomsonville).
A special ceremony was held Oct. 29 to mark the occasion.
Glenn Charron, curator/archivist for the McDougall Mill Museum, organized the event.
It’s a bit of a mystery as to how the grave site of Hendry, who was a key figure in Renfrew’s Scottish culture and is remembered for his service in the armed forces as well as a local shoemaker, came to be unmarked. Hendry’s wife is buried beside him and son’s grave is nearby.
Hendry was born in Stirling, Scotland in 1835.
The ceremony itself included a bio read by Kurt Johnson, music by Renfrew Highland Pipes & Drums, and a wreath laying by Mayor Tom Sidney.
As part of the research project, Charron said that at the museum, they found notes from one of Hendry’s granddaughters that describe his time in Persia and India. The Ontario Historical Society’s Dave Lemkay read a short passage from those notes at the ceremony.
The notes weren’t the only cool artifact unearthed, said Charron. He worked with Doug Fraser of Heritage Renfrew to find a special photograph.
A special display on Joseph ‘Piper’ Hendry, his service, and his lasting contributions to Renfrew, at Town Hall.
Charron was pleased to see the project come to fruition, crediting Joynt and the Last Post Fund, along with all those who contributed.
For more information on the Last Post Fund, visit the website.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
Glenn Charron, curator/archivist for the McDougall Mill Museum, with the display at Town Hall. (Sherry Haaima photo)
