Smoking in the Boys Room

 Man, times have changed. I was thumbing through the Oshawa Times archives from during the years that I attended OCHS and immediately this cigarette ad popped out at me:

Times were really different, and looking at this makes me feel old. It was hard to believe, but our high school had a smoking area outside the gym on the far side of the school. Here is a photo of it at that time:

As you can see, both boys and girls partook of the nicotine habit. It was beginning to be frowned up, but it still hadn't attained the same stigma as gonnorhea or neglecting hygiene, so the school accepted the fact that it was a personal choice, but one had to "keep it over there".

On school trips, once the main group of teachers were no longer monitoring behaviour, the cigarettes were broken out. Here on a class trip, a gaggle of girls started puffing and chuffing on the cancer sticks:

It was an interesting class trip, because geography teacher Blair Morris chartered a private plane to take our Urban Studies class on flights over Oshawa to see urban sprawl. This photo was shot outside the Oshawa Airport, just up Stevenson Road from the high school.

A few years on, Mötley Crüe did a song: "Smokin' In The Boys Room" which epitomized the smoking area before one was created outdoors. Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oVBvxA0mm0

If this video were to be re-made today, it would be: "Vapin in the gender neutral bathroom."

My Classmate Shawn O'Driscoll

 

Shawn O'Driscoll, and his brother(s) all went to Oshawa Catholic High School. Shawn was in my class from Grade 9 to Grade 12. He didn't finish Grade 13 because I believe that he went off to school in England. He is now an orthopedic surgeon at the world-famous Mayo Clinic, specializing in Sports Medicine. I believe that he does Tommy John Surgery on Major League Baseball players.

He is not my only classmate with an MD, PhD. The other is Doug Zochodne who does brain research in Alberta.

January 23, 1971

 

I remember this vividly. The 1971 Winter Carnival Queen was Anne Stovell. Runners up were Joanne Bond and Veronica (Ronnie) Brady. Both Anne and Ronnie were a year ahead of me in my brother Ed's class. Joanne was the yearbook editor that year. I was part of the yearbook team (wrongly identified in the yearbook as my brother). All of these people pictured were beautiful, vibrant, young women, and caused intense limerence in self and my male cohorts. Ahhh the halcyon days of youth .....

When I found this photo in the Oshawa Times archives, I emailed Joanne and Anne with a portion of the following lyrics:

Once upon a time there was a tavern

Where we used to raise a glass or two

Remember how we laughed away the hours

Dreamed of all the great things we would do?

Those were the days, my friend

We thought they'd never end

We'd sing and dance forever and a day

We'd live the life we choose

We'd fight and never lose

For we were young and sure to have our way

La la la la...

Then the busy years went rushing by us

We lost our starry notions on the way

If by chance I'd see you in the tavern

We'd smile at one another and we'd say

Those were the days, my friend

We thought they'd never end

We'd sing and dance forever and a day

We'd live the life we choose

We'd fight and never lose

Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days

La la la la...

Just tonight I stood before the tavern

Nothing seemed the way it used to be

In the glass, I saw a strange reflection

Was that lonely woman really me?

Those were the days, my friend

We thought they'd never end

We'd sing and dance forever and a day

We'd live the life we choose

We'd fight and never lose

Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days

La la la la...

Through the door there came familiar laughter

I saw your face and heard you call my name

Oh, my friend, we're older but no wiser

For in our hearts, the dreams are still the same

Those were the days, my friend

We thought they'd never end

We'd sing and dance forever and a day

We'd live the life we choose

We'd fight and never lose

Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days

La la la la...

So where were you in '72. Moi, I was having some of the best years of my life and didn't fully realize it. 

Another OCHS Hockey player that I never knew about.

 

click to enlarge

I knew that Rick St. Croix was an NHL goalie for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Larry Hopkins played hockey, I believe for the Winnipeg Jets, but by going through the Oshawa Times archives, I found the name of Luc Bedard who played for the Oshawa Generals and went to Oshawa Catholic High School. I guess that he was never called up to the NHL. His full name is Lucien Bedard, born in Portneuf Quebec (home of the some the best cheese to come out of Quebec) and after the Generals, played with the Prince Edward Islanders and the Charlottetown Islanders of the junior hockey league in the Maritimes.

The School Today

 I got a message from one our far-flung alumnus and they asked how much the school has changed since our daze there. The footprint has expanded considerable. Since I also am far away from Oshawa, these images are from online. I think that the school underwent a massive expansion and is now undergoing a contraction. In my final year there, it got to about 600 students.

OCHS vs Dennis O'Connor High School ~ Early daze of OCHS

 

(click to enlarge)

In this Oshawa Times article, Valerie Gardynik tells of the rivalry between Dennis O'Connor High School from Whitby, and OCHS. This was a regular newspaper high school roundup written by the students. The only OCHS person mentioned was Len McAvoy. There are winners and losers in this article.

School Ring ???

 

I was totally unaware that I could have bought an Oshawa Catholic High School school ring. It is regrettable since I had an income at the time and could have afforded it. If I had one, I would have treasured it, since all of my changes happened there (or at least most of them). The other changes in Life were less pleasant.  I found this ad for OCHS and others school rings in the Oshawa Times archives and at the time, Burns Jewellers were THE jewellery store in Oshawa. Burns doesn't exist anymore. There are Burns Jewellers in the Ottawa area today, but they are not related.

Betty Anne Yanch Scholarship ~ Early Days at OCHS from Oshawa Times

 

In the early days of OCHS (pre-1970), the Oshawa Times reported on The University Women's Club of Oshawa and District gave scholarships to area female highschool students attending university. The Oshawa Catholic High School winner was Betty Anne Yanch taking a Bachelor of Nursing degree at the University of Toronto.

As an aside, her father gave away scholarships for the same purpose when I graduated. As the winner of the J.A. Yanch Scholarship for Academic Excellence because I was the Outstanding Male Graduate that year, I got $400 which was a considerable sum in the day. 

School Days Text Books and Supplies

This brings back memories of Coles at the Oshawa Center. Throughout my years at OCHS, I worked at Eatons in the mall and shopped at Coles for my school supplies. This ad was from the first year that I attended high school. I don't particularly recall buying textbooks, as noted by the ad, but I do recall buying school supplies there, including the 3-ring binder reinforcement stickers when the paper tore.

Do they still use binders in school? I don't think so. I recently attended a university lecture with my daughter and everyone had laptops, and the professor projected the lecture through a special app that let you take notes in the browser with the professors lecture notes as well. These vintage things make me feel old as dirt.
 

Pre-High School Hockey

 

This entry in the Oshawa Times is dated February 27, 1968, a year or two before the people mentioned in this article attended Oshawa Catholic High School. This was the CYO bantam hockey league with CYO standing for Catholic Youth Organization. Among the OCHS alumni mentioned are: Mike O'Halloran, Jim Larkin,Dan O'Neill, Mike Murphy,Marc Adams,Marty Reynen, Marty van Veghel,Jerry Nemish, and Rocco Ambra. Many of these were my classmates.

O.C.H.S. High School Graduation September 20th, 1970

 This clipping is from the September 20th, 1970 edition of the Oshawa Times about the graduation. There were 20 graduates: Thomas Adamcewicz, Sharon Benson, Lorrie Byrne, Mary Cormier, Claude Dallaire, Jacques Dallaire, Ivan Downey, Patricia Fairhart, Paul Gimpelj, Laura Grotenhuis, Michael Gurney, Paul Hastings, Bernard Hurst, James Jileson, Linda Kawecki, Maureen Kirkland, Shelagh Kirkland, Andrew Kowalewski, Anne Marie Kraemer, John Kreisz, Gary Lawless, Helga Marinzel, Frank McCarthy, James McGeown, Brian McLaughlin, Carol Nemeth, Christine Paulocik, Jan Prazmowski, Heather Ravary, Peter Rowe, Beatrice Szkilasi, Edward Szajocher, Alan Taylor, Brian Vitarelli, Frank Zochodne.

The article has the scholastic award winners. 

Carol and Janice Nemeth, RIP

 The above photo is of Janice Nemeth. Both her and her sister Carol were students at Oshawa Catholic High School. I was unaware of Carol's death, back in 2013. Here are their obituaries.

Carol NEMETH Obituary

NEMETH, Carol - Passed away after a short illness on Sunday, October 6, 2013, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. Survived by her mother Annie Nemeth and sister Janice Nemeth. Predeceased by her father Andrew Nemeth. Visitation will be held at the Armstrong Funeral Home, 124 King Street East, Oshawa, on Tuesday, October 8th from 7-9 p.m. Evening prayers will be at 8 p.m. Funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, October 9th in the chapel at 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. 

Janice Nemeth Obituary

Nemeth, Janice Elizabeth  - It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Janice Elizabeth Nemeth in her sleep on July 18, 2026, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. She was in her 73rd year. Janice was the beloved daughter of the late Andrew and Annie Nemeth and the cherished sister of the late Carol Nemeth.

She will be lovingly remembered by her extended family and her circle of friends, especially Gina, Lynn, and Aunt Vivian. Janice treasured everyone’s love and companionship. Janice was a longtime member of St. Mary of the People Parish and an active member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), giving generously of her time in support of many church events.

Janice’s life was defined by selfless service to her family and others. She volunteered for many years with the Ladies’ Auxiliary at Lakeridge Health Oshawa and St. John Ambulance, and quietly supported numerous local charities and community organizations. She placed the needs of others before her own, offering a helping hand, a caring heart, and a warm smile.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional care teams at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, including the Emergency Department, Oncology, Fifth Floor, and Palliative Care, as well as the paramedics whose compassionate, care and kindness meant so much to Janice and her family during her final days.

Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Janice’s life with a Funeral Mass to be held at St. Mary of the People Church, 570 Marion Avenue, Oshawa on Friday July 24th at 11am. Entombment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum.

Memorial donations in Janice’s memory may be made to St. Mary of the People Parish, the Lakeridge Health Oshawa Foundation, or to a charity of your choice, and would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

in pace requiescat

Oshawa Times Archives ~ Ripley's Believe it or Not!

 

Back to perusing the Oshawa Times archives from my high school years. Not only was I a paper boy, but I was an avid daily reader cover-to-cover. One of the features was Ripley's Believe It or Not!. On a class trip to Niagara Falls, we went to the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum in the downtown section of Niagarar Falls. I was hugely disappointed. It was almost a nothing burger. In my opinion, the only notable display, was an Austin Mini car whose surface was covered with pennies. It was highly believable.

Oshawa Times Archives, 1960's

click on photo to see full size

I'm getting really tired of reminders of my own mortality and the obituaries of teachers and classmates on My OCHS. However, that ennui was replaced by me finding the Oshawa Times archives. It was a very happy blast from the past for several reasons. First of all, it took me back to those halcyon salad days in a less complicated, more hopeful world. Secondly, I used to deliver the Oshawa Times as a paper boy. My route was Simcoe Street North, pretty much from Sunset Boulevard to Saint Gregory the Great Church at Adelaide Street. I usually read the paper cover-to-cover every day, including the ads.

So I was idly glancing over the issues and came across this piece on the First Holy Communion at Saint George's Ukrainian Catholic Church. What caught my attention was the name Rev. J.C. Pereyma. There is a Catholic High School now in Oshawa called the Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School named after him. He was at St. George's since 1936. 

And further reading of the list of communicants showed names of people in my class and era at OCHS, long before they were old enough to attend high school. Among those names are Christine Muzyczka, Eva Stanko, Greg Ostafichuk and my neighbour friend from Oshawa, Walter Burnat (who shot out the window of our garage with his BB gun).

More of the archives to come. (I didn't capture the exact data of this photo but it was the early 1960's).

 

The Nicholls Family

 I got a note from Anne Venning (Stovell) asking me to post the obituaries of siblings John and Nancy Nicholls who were alumni of the early days of OCHS. Of course, the other sibling Ruth, taught for many years at OCHS, and her obituary is posted below as well. I was able to dig up this photo of the siblings all together.

Cousin Teri Normoyle is in the back row as well as Wayne Stovell (third from right, back row).

Here are the obituaries:

John Nicholls

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Samuel Nicholls, 72, on Monday, January 29, 2024 with his family by his side. John battled prostate cancer and bladder disease for several years. He is predeceased by his parents, Allan and Elizabeth. John is survived by his wife Margaret of 46 years, his children Andrew and his wife Heather and Alison and her husband Ian, his sisters Ruth and Nancy and his grandchildren Abigail and Henry. He was the brother-in-law of David and Catherine Lewis, Michael and Donna Lewis, Helen and the late Gordon Richardson, Monica Lewis, Stephen Lewis, Dianne Dunham and Phil Vinson. He will be missed by his cousins and many nieces and nephews. 

John was a dedicated and well-respected teacher and principal with the Durham Catholic School Board for 33 years. Physically active all his life, he was a member of the Oshawa Golf Club for 49 years and an avid gym participant, two activities which he greatly missed during his illness. John also had a keen interest in reading, music, especially jazz and travel. He was a devoted Leaf fan, rarely missing a game. John most treasured the time he was able to spend with his beloved grandchildren Abby and Henry. Many were impressed with his unwavering positive spirit and sense of humour during his battle with cancer.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the caring staff at the Lakeridge Cancer Centre and Pharmacy, especially Dr. Azi, Dr. Jadhav, Dr. Koll, Dr. Vieira and Dr. Wang. Thanks also to his Family Physician Dr. Nathoo and Home Care Nurse Alicia Bucknall for their support. We would also like to thank our family and friends who reached out to John during his difficult journey, especially his breakfast and book clubs, former school colleagues and his golf and gym buddies.

Nancy Nicholls

With heavy hearts, we share the sudden passing of Nancy Isobel Nicholls, 76, on Monday, February 23, 2026, at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto. Born in Oshawa, Nancy spent most of her adult life in the city she proudly called home, Toronto. She was predeceased by her parents, Allan and Elizabeth (Normoyle) Nicholls, her sister, Ruth, her brother, John, and her nephew Andrew. She will be deeply missed by her sister-in-law Margaret; her niece Alison and her husband Ian Dunn and their children Abigail and Henry; her niece-in-law Heather; the Normoyle and Nicholls families; and her many dear friends, colleagues, and former students. 

Nancy graduated from York University in 1972 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts and completed her Master of Social Work at the University of British Columbia in 1974. 

Nancy devoted the first 17 years of her career to social work, guiding and supporting individuals navigating complex challenges. In the second half of her professional life, she followed the path shared by her sister and brother and moved into education. For 22 years, she served as a faculty member in the Social Service Worker Program at Centennial College, where her knowledge, insight and support for her students left a lasting influence on many she taught. 

Nancy engaged fully in life. She loved movies, theatre, books, music, and sports – especially her beloved Toronto Blue Jays. She travelled all over the world, exploring new places with family and close friends. She was also a proud and dedicated member on the Board of the Liberal Party for University-Rosedale. Known for her kind-hearted and positive spirit, she met even life’s most difficult challenges with great resilience. Her strong social connections, unending optimism and unwavering faith enabled her to embrace life wholeheartedly. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amnesty International Canada, Doctors Without Borders or a charity of your choice. 

A Funeral Mass followed by a reception will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 520 Sherbourne Street, Toronto. 

A private interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. 

in pace requiescat

William van Veghel RIP

 

Bill van Veghel was in the second class ever at Oshawa Catholic High. His sister Mary was in the third year of the existence of the high school. By the time that I got there, his younger brother Marty was attending also. Here is his obituary:

VEGHEL, William “Bill” van Veghel

August 11, 1949 - March 2, 2026

VEGHEL, William “Bill” van Veghel

Passed away peacefully at home, with family by his side, on Monday, March 2, 2026; he was 76 years old. Bill died as he lived; with strength, courage, dignity, and on his own terms. He was a husband, Father, and Opa, and will be remembered as a moral, just, and most of all, loving man. Beloved son of Aloysius and Anna van Veghel (née Berkers). Dearly beloved husband of 58 years to Linda. Always present and loving Father of William (Jenn), Carrie, Scott, Lee (Tania), and predeceased by Jay. Cherished Opa of Jayla, Tristan, Saoirse, Padraic, and Ella. Dear brother of Mary, Liz, Martin, Anne, Louise, and Cathy. He will be missed by all nieces and nephews, family and friends (especially Barry and Joe). Bill was born in Helmond, Noord Brabant, the Netherlands, and immigrated to Canada as a young boy. He was a graduate of Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, earned his undergraduate degree at York University, and his Master’s Degree in Economics at Queens University. He began his career as an Economist at Bell Canada, while still on teaching faculty at McGill University, and then York University. He moved to Ontario Hydro, where he worked for most of his career as an HR director. He moved to the IMO when Hydro deregulated, and retired from the IESO, determined to spend as much time as possible with his grandchildren. After his cancer diagnosis, Bill and Linda traveled, before settling on the deck to enjoy watching the grandchildren play in the pool. He was a devoted husband, a strong and protective tour de force for his children, and a present and supportive grandfather for his grandchildren, his shining lights. He strove to do the right thing, always.

To paraphrase Robert Frost, the woods are lovely, dark and deep. You kept your promises, and have earned your sleep. Rest in peace, and remember the love that surrounds you. Hug Jay for us.

Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME 847 King Street, West on Monday, March 9, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church (91 Ribblesdale Drive, Whitby) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery (355 Taunton Road, East, Whitby).

In Leiu of flowers donations may be made to Sick Kids and Holland Bloorview Kids rehabilitation Hospital.

in pace requiescat

Oshawa Times Archives - February 21, 1964, OCHS will cost $1,000,000 to build

 I found this article about Oshawa Catholic High School in the Oshawa Times archives from February 21, 1964. The separate school board agreed to build the school at the corner of Rossland & Stevenson Road with the cost of one million dollars. The Oshawa parishes would kick in $500,000 and the Sisters of Saint Joseph kicked in over $500,000 when it was all said and done. Believe it or not, there was some opposition to the building of the school. This was my alma mater and I'm glad that it was built. The education there was second to none.

Frank Zochodne (R.I.P.)

Frank Zochodne Obituary

Passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday January 5, 2026 at the age of 73 years.  Loved and missed by his wife Anne (nee Fraser) and by their children Leah Allen (Neil), Brittany Ruest (Steve), Stefan Zochodne (Mona) and Nathan Zochodne (Amanda).  Cherished grandpa of Gavin Zochodne, Brody and FColby Allen, Niamh and Roisin Ruest and Nora and Hazel Zochodne.  Also remembered by his brothers Doug (Barbe) and Rob (Kristen) and by all of his brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.  

Frank was a passionate teacher and Principal with the Durham Catholic District School Board. Beyond the classroom, Frank found joy in music, sharing his talent as a wonderful guitarist and singer with family, friends and the wider community, where he would influence many people with his love for music. Frank had an unmistakable sense of humor. Known for his dry wit and love of a good joke, he had a gift for making people smile, even in the most ordinary moments. The family home was always filled with music, echoed by the laughter of his children and grandchildren Frank so dearly loved.  

Relatives and friends are invited to call at Low & Low Funeral Home, 1763 Reach Street, Port Perry on Sunday January 11, 2026 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Parish, 1710 Scugog Street Port Perry on Monday January 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM.  Reception will follow at the funeral home.