Richmond City Cemetery

The Richmond City Cemetery has gotten a little rough around the edges the past few years. A year ago when my Mother passed away the workers damaged the headstone when they moved it to dig the grave. Even as much as 5 or so years ago if that happened I would have received a visit from a representative telling me what had happened and that they would take care of it. Not so now. My brother found the damage when he went to check on the grave before the funeral. The damage was significant so it’s not like we wouldn’t have noticed it. Essentially the entire base needed to be replaced. When I talked to the city initially they tried to put the cost of the repair back on me. I told them they could handle it or I would take them to court. The headstone company replaces the base and gave the city an invoice. Rather than face a tort suit they paid the bill. But it never should have come to this. The city should have done the right thing from the get-go. Last summer and into the early fall they began stacking garbage up by my parents’ grave marker. I had to call them on this as well. Part of the cost paid to the city is for perpetual care. Just because the garbage can is at the opposite end of the cemetery it doesn’t mean some lazy worker can just stack garbage up wherever they want. I called on this and they took care of it, but I’ve felt like it’s been a continual babysitting operation. They should have a little more pride in having a beautiful setting for the cemetery and in honoring the members of the community that have passed on. Richmond is a beautiful and friendly little town. I’ve always felt fortunate to have grown up there. I’ve also felt fortunate that when visitors come to our town and visit a relatives grave site they see a well tended cemetery. Sadly this hasn’t been the fact the past few years. It’s time to make some changes.

I am going to say that my Wife's experience down here was excellent and we found her family. Also we found that it makes a awesome portrait.