Gilby Cemetery, originally known as Kalmu Cemetery, was founded in June 1914 by members of the Estonian community. The cemetery was established on land donated by John Turner, and the Kalmu Cemetery Company was formed to manage the site. The name “Kalmu” means “resting place” in Estonian, reflecting the community’s desire for a peaceful final resting place. The cemetery was designed with specific guidelines, including mounded graves, crosses, and a tidy appearance1

As the community around Gilby Cemetery grew, so did the infrastructure. The cemetery became a central hub for the Estonian community, with many pioneers choosing to be buried there. The cemetery was maintained by volunteers, who held annual clean-up events and erected a fence, new gates, and a large sign. The cemetery’s treasurer received a salary and additional compensation for each plot, ensuring the site’s upkeep.

Today, Gilby Cemetery continues to serve as a place of reflection and remembrance for the community. Visitors can explore the well-preserved gravestones, each telling a unique story of the lives that once shaped the region. The cemetery also serves as a gathering place for historical events and genealogical research, attracting visitors from near and far who are interested in uncovering their family histories.

Deaths

Longevity

Address

Range Road 33A S of Highway 12
Nearest Populated Centre: Gilby ,
Province: Alberta

Map Location

Latitude, Longitude
52.46503, -114.39144

Map Location

Search for:
RESET
Surname Given Name Born Died Age Photo(s) Cemetery Obituary Narrative R Code

The 25 most common surnames found in this cemetery.

loader

The 25 most common given names found in this cemetery.

loader

Other Cemeteries

Springbank Cemetery (Rocky View County)

250011 Range Rd 33 , Calgary , Alberta

Jenner Old Cemetery (Special Area No. 2)

Township Road 210 W of Jenner , Jenner , Alberta

Caldwell-Moir Cemetery (Cardston County)

Range Road 280 S of Township Road 25A/B , Mountain View , Alberta

Beazer Cemetery (Cardston County)

Beazer Cemetery Road N of Range Road 272 , Beazer , Alberta

Walker Cemetery (Cypress County)

Township Road 174 and Range Road 23 , Hilda , Alberta

Chedderville Cemetery (Clearwater County)

373002 Highway 22 , Chedderville , Alberta

Zion Lutheran Cemetery Site 1 (Cypress County)

Twp 180 and Rge Rd 24 , Hilda , Alberta

Hutterian Brethren of Roseglen Cemetery (Cypress County)

Twp Rd 180 and Rge Rd 22 , Hilda , Alberta

West Meadows Cemetery (Red Deer County)

4001 - 60 Street , Sylvan Lake , Alberta

Discover Alberta Ancestors