(Cochrane, AB) – The Town of Cochrane is celebrating an important piece of local history with the unveiling of a commemorative bench and sign honouring the beloved Grandfather Tree.
The Grandfather Tree, an approximately 300-year-old white spruce, stood for generations along the creek in the historic Cochrane Ranche before falling during a windstorm on January 16, 2025. More than a natural landmark, the tree had become a gathering place and a meaningful part of Cochrane’s history and community identity.
Following its fall, portions of the tree were carefully preserved so its story and connection to the community could continue. The newly unveiled bench incorporates wood salvaged from the Grandfather Tree, giving part of the historic tree a new purpose and creating a place for residents and visitors to gather, reflect and connect with Cochrane’s history. Alongside the bench, a new interpretive sign commemorates the Grandfather Tree and shares its story, ensuring its legacy remains as a part of Cochrane.
“The Grandfather Tree was a treasured part of Cochrane’s landscape and our community”, said Mayor Morgan Nagel. “Many of the people who live here have cherished memories of walking by or spending time at the tree over the years, and this bench is how we honour those memories."
Local artist Brian Widhal was commissioned to create the bench, carefully transforming wood preserved from the Grandfather Tree into a functional piece of art that allows part of the tree to remain at the place it stood for centuries.
“This project has always been about more than preserving a piece of a tree. It has been about preserving the connection people had to this place,” said Michelle Ambrose, Director of Parks & Active Living. “The community told us how important the Grandfather Tree was to them, and we wanted the final tribute to feel authentic to that connection. Brian’s work has given part of the tree a new purpose while creating a place where people can continue to stop, reflect and share their own stories.”
The commemorative site is one of several ways the Grandfather Tree’s legacy continues throughout Cochrane. Preserved wood from the tree has also been incorporated into local public art, including Hereafter at The Station and an artistic representation within Cochrane’s Bricolage installation.
The new bench and signage are now open to the public at the Grandfather Tree’s original location in the Cochrane Ranche.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the site, take a moment to reflect and continue adding their stories to the legacy of one of Cochrane’s most treasured natural landmarks.
For more information about the Grandfather Tree and its history, visit cochrane.ca/grandfathertree
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