The FAQ Blog - COOPERATIVE MEMORIAL SOCIETY

HiSTORY of CMS

3/12/2025

In April 1966, a diverse group of individuals from various co-operatives and the Unitarian Church in Calgary came together with a common purpose: to establish a memorial society that would help families and individuals arrange practical, dignified, and affordable funerals, burials, and cremations. This initiative reflected the broader mission of memorial societies across Canada, promoting informed and pre-planned decisions for end-of-life matters.

The movement was championed by Harold Webber, Alberta’s Supervisor of Co-operative Activities, who advocated for creating a memorial society within a cooperative structure. This led to the formation of the Calgary and District Funeral Co-operative Ltd., registered under the Co-operatives Act. The society was shaped by influential leaders from Alberta’s cooperative landscape, including representatives from the Alberta Dairy Pool, Co-operators, Calgary Co-op, and the Alberta Wheat Pool. At the inaugural annual meeting in September 1966, Gil Jamieson was elected Chairman, and the co-op secured its first contract with Foster’s Funeral Home.

By 2012, CMS had grown significantly, transitioning to an online business model that made membership management and accessibility more seamless. Over 40,000 members from southern Alberta joined, cementing CMS as a major provider of funeral planning services in the region.

In 2020, the organization rebranded as the Cooperative Memorial Society, adopting new strategies such as social media outreach and enhanced end-of-life planning resources to better serve the community. This rebranding allowed CMS to reach a broader audience and meet the modern needs of Albertans seeking affordable and compassionate end-of-life services.

Between 2021 and 2022, CMS expanded its reach further by absorbing memberships from two other Alberta memorial societies, resulting in a unified, province-wide organization under one cooperative umbrella. This expansion brought together all memorial society members, strengthening CMS’s ability to serve its growing community.

In September 2024, CMS took another significant step forward by launching its new domain, coopmemorial.org. This transition symbolizes CMS’s dedication to cooperation, inclusivity, and providing well-informed, cost-effective choices for end-of-life planning. While calgarymemorial.com remains an important part of CMS’s history, the change reflects its broader vision and long-term goals of promoting practical and informed end-of-life decisions across the province.

On November 1, 2024, CMS reached another milestone by appointing its first Executive Director, Terry Geib. A dedicated board member since 2009, Terry was instrumental in leading several key initiatives, such as establishing CMS’s web presence, transitioning from paper records to an online CRM system, and shifting to online commerce. With Terry at the helm, the board is transitioning from an operational model to a policy-focused board, ensuring strategic oversight and continued growth for CMS.

The journey of CMS continues, driven by a commitment to providing accessible and affordable funeral services, adapting to evolving member needs, and upholding the cooperative principles on which it was founded. Together, we move forward with pride, purpose, and an unwavering dedication to serving our community.

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March 12th, 2025

3/12/2025

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CMS - A Legacy of Community, Access, and Belonging

From a grassroots movement that began in Calgary in 1966 to a province-wide leader in compassionate, affordable, and accessible end-of-life planning, the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS) has always been about people first. Rooted in the cooperative spirit, we empower individuals and families across Alberta with choice, dignity, and financial peace of mind.

Our Mission: Making Funeral Planning Easier and More Affordable for Albertans.

We reduce the emotional and financial burden of funeral planning by providing:
✔ Education & resources for informed decision-making.
✔ Access to fair, dignified funeral services at preferred member prices from locally-owned funeral homes.

Our Vision: A Future Where Every Albertan Has Access to Dignified Farewells.

We believe in a world where everyone, regardless of background or means, can plan their final farewell with clarity and respect.

Our Journey: Growing Through Cooperation. Founded in 1966, CMS was built by everyday Albertans who believed in fairness and affordability. From the outset, we challenged industry norms, secured ethical partnerships with funeral homes, and championed member-driven solutions.
✔ 1971: Became the Calgary Co-operative Memorial Society Ltd., reinforcing our cooperative identity.
✔ 1980s: Strengthened governance and launched an educational trust fund.
✔ 2009–2012: Modernized with online memberships and launched digital funeral planning tools.
✔ 2017: Added more information and partnerships to support planning.
✔ 2022–2023: Expanded province-wide by welcoming members from Red Deer and Edmonton.
✔ 2024: Hired our first Executive Director, transitioning to a policy-driven board for sustainability and growth.

A Community That Stands Together
CMS isn’t just about funerals—it’s about ensuring every Albertan feels supported, heard, and prepared. With over 30,000 active members, we continue to grow, guided by the values of access, belonging, and community. 💰 Since we began, CMS has collectively saved Albertans well over $8 million in funeral costs—ensuring affordable, dignified farewells for all.

Join Us & Be Part of the Change
CMS is more than a membership—it’s a movement. Let’s continue to empower Albertans, protect families, and build a future where everyone can plan with confidence.

Compiled by Terry Geib

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Life Well Planned

HiSTORY of CMS

March 12th, 2025

CMS - A Legacy of Community, Access, and Belonging

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Life Well Planned

HiSTORY of CMS

March 12th, 2025

CMS - A Legacy of Community, Access, and Belonging​

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CMS - A Legacy of Community, Access, and Belonging