Sister Conrad Lauber, RIP

 

OBITUARY

Sister Conrad Lauber, CSJ

18 MARCH, 1931 – 11 APRIL, 2023

Sister Conrad Lauber, CSJ died peacefully at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence, 2 O’Connor Drive, Toronto, Ontario on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 in the 73rd year of her religious life.

She was predeceased by her parents, Richard Conrad and Elizabeth (née Robertson) Lauber and her brother Conrad. She is survived by her brother Michael and his wife, Donna, who will sadly miss her, as well as her nieces and nephews and her friends, former colleagues and her Sisters in community.

Patricia Lauber was born and raised in Toronto. Following her first year at the University of St. Michael’s College, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto in September 1950. After first profession, Sister Conrad began a 50-year teaching profession that included the roles of teacher, principal and vice-principal at St. Joseph’s High School, St. Joseph’s College School, St. Patrick’s High School, Vancouver, Paul Dwyer High School, Oshawa and Michael Power/St. Joseph’s High School, Etobicoke. A former student once said, “In my estimation, Sister Conrad left large footprints as a principal and as a nun.”

Sister Conrad followed her esteemed teaching career with a ten-year tenure as administrator for St. Joseph’s College Residence at the University of St. Michael’s College. In 2007, Sister Conrad was appointed as a founding director of Village Mosaic, a new program under Fontbonne Ministries. Her active involvement ended in 2019 with a new role as ministry counsellor for the Village Mosaic staff.

In 2021, she moved to the Sisters of St. Joseph residence at 2 O’Connor Drive. She died peacefully at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence where she had been receiving excellent nursing care and attention.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on April 14, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anselm’s Church 1 MacNaughton Drive, Toronto, Ontario.

Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill, Ontario

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fontbonne Ministries, 791 Queen Street East, Toronto ON M4M 1H6

in pace requiescat

Oliver Pace R.I.P.

 Oliver Pace was one of the more popular teachers at Oshawa Catholic High School / Paul Dwyer High School.

OLIVER PACE OBITUARY

PACE, OLIVER   February 1, 1940 - January 12, 2023 

Oliver lived life well and with his beloved wife, Lorraine O'Donnell (died 2006), he lived life to the fullest. They hosted gourmet meals, wine tastings, cooking classes and celebrations in their Victorian home lasting into the wee hours. Their warm spirits, Lorraine's exquisite table treatments and Oliver's eclectic music choices are memorable. Their passion for food and wine motivated them to travel widely and discover delights gleaned from the Michelin Guide. Oliver lived for the moment and attracted like-minded people. He and an intimate group of friends, 'Les Mangeurs,' annually celebrated Epiphany and other events with extraordinary feasts. 

Born in Italy's Abruzzo region, Oliver and his family came to Canada in 1952. He overcame language barriers and excelled academically at Central Tech, and later Central Commerce. At 19, he interrupted his schooling to work for the Ontario Provincial Police. After meeting his future wife, Lorraine, Oliver completed the requirements to go to university. He earned his BA in History and Spanish at York University, and completed a year of graduate studies at University of Toronto before deciding to share his knowledge and passion for history and art as an educator. After completing his Bachelor of Education, Oliver taught history and religion at Paul Dwyer Secondary School (formerly Oshawa Catholic High School). 

During Oliver's 28-year tenure at Paul Dwyer, he became a much loved teacher. Students admired his dynamic teaching style and passion. Oliver organized student trips to Rome, Greece and Egypt during March breaks. Students stayed in touch with him even after his retirement. Oliver and Lorraine ended their careers teaching abroad in Lahore, Hanoi and Cairo. Ever-willing to explore new cultures, they accumulated fascinating collectibles. The work overseas helped finance the purchase of a derelict farmhouse in Tuscany, which became a treasured retreat for Oliver. 

The death of his beloved Lorraine in 2006 was devastating. In 2008, Oliver was diagnosed with Parkinson's; a disease he endured with courage, determination and defiance. He participated in dancing and singing programs for people with Parkinson's. With the help of family and friends, he accomplished the renovation of his Tuscany home. Oliver was determined to age at home. Helped by his devoted sister, Mary, and a team of attendants, Oliver fulfilled that dream. 

After surviving COVID and other setbacks, Oliver's decline became more rapid. Palliative care ensured Oliver's end of life was comfortable, peaceful and dignified. He took his last breath with his caregiver and loving sister by his side, as the music of Ludovico Einaudi played softly. Oliver's ashes will be dispersed in Lough Erne, Ireland, to join Lorraine's, and in Monte Mitra, Italy.

 Oliver will be missed by his family, sisters, Nancy Cooke (Stephen), Mary, and Joanne Kerr (Randy); his nephew, Jason Kerr; his niece, Olivia Cooke (James), and their two darling girls, Emily and Mia; his in-laws, Brian O'Donnell (Sharon) and their daughters, Lori and Kerri; Blanche Drahun (John) and their sons, Darryl and Todd O'Donnell and Justin Drahun, and their children, Connor and Hailey, Ryan, and Cole; Patricia O'Dell (Alasdair Maclean); and by his devoted attendants and the many students, colleagues and friends whose lives he enriched. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Oliver's dedicated attendants, the medical team at The Movement Disorder Centre at UHN and the palliative team at the Tammy Latner Centre. Funeral ceremonies will take place at the Cardinal Funeral Home, Bathurst/Dundas location, Toronto. Visitation on Friday, January 20, 2023, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., and on Saturday, from 12-1 p.m. The Celebration of Oliver's Life will be held in the Cardinal Chapel on Saturday, 21, 2023, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada. The service will be livestreamed.

Published by Toronto Star on Jan. 16, 2023

Requiescat in pace

Paul de Souza RIP

 Note from Ellen Thomas:

Hi Ken/OCHS blogger

I thought I would send you my father’s obituary from 2021 for the OCHS blog.

Mr. Paul de Souza was an English teacher and Department Head at OCHS from 1975 to 1982. He loved the “young persons” and teachers he met at the school. Four of his five children all attended Paul Dwyer: Ellen, Kevin, Kelley and Dan.

Thank you for the blog updates over the years!

Ellen Thomas

Paul Anthony de Souza passed in his 93rd year at Emmanuel House in Hamilton after living
a life dedicated to his wife of 66 years, Suzanne (nee Kelley) and his five children, Paul
(Cathy MacDonald), Ellen Marie (Pat Thomas), Kevin (Crystal Sutherland), Kelley (Colleen
McIntrye) and Dan (Christine Johnston).

“Health and Happiness” Paul would say, raising his glass to you and yours; a toast passed
on from his father Manuel de Souza and his mother Marie (Geddes) and shared with his
brother Frank (Irma Colosimo) and nephews, Michael, Wayne, Brian, Daryll.

A graduate of University of Toronto (SMC 50) Paul’s career in education took him from Sault
Ste. Marie to Toronto to Pembroke to Peterborough and Oshawa. Whether in the classroom
or in administration, his dedication to young people and his love of learning made him a
teacher fondly remembered by students everywhere.

His grandchildren, Joel, Michael, Davis, Danielle, Dane, Ryan, Alexandria, Marisa, Andrew,
Kevin and Claire, great niece and nephew Alison and Patrick Archer, his sister in-law Ellen
(Kelley) Gillespie and his nieces Mary Ellen (Cavan Young), Sandra (Michael Wolk) and the
Archers, Farley (Kelley) brother in-law Tony Archer and nieces and nephews Kathleen,
Stella, Susan, Tom and Jennifer (Steel), Bill and John will have lasting memories of Grandpa
crying at thoughts of veterans who sacrificed all for their country and for his ridiculous bird
story he told at every family gathering but most of all they will remember a man of quiet faith,
integrity, intelligence and kindness.

Thank you to the health care workers, caregivers, servers and workers who provided care at
Meadowlands Retirement Residence, St. Joseph Health Centre and Emmanuel House
Hospice at a time of heightened risk to themselves and their families.

Donations in memory of Paul to Good Shepherd Emmanuel House Hospice of Hamilton
would be greatly appreciated.

Raise a toast with your family and friends this evening. Wish them “health and happiness”
and remember Paul as you look at each other over your raised glasses. Remember him as
the very best of us.

Peace to his soul.

In pace requiescat

Ted Vanderlaan R.I.P.

Ted Vanderlaan was in my class for the five years of high school at OCHS.

 

Here is his obituary:

VANDERLAAN, Theodore (Ted) Sebastian passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 1 at the age of 67, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Ruth for nearly 40 years. He was exceptionally proud of his children, Joseph (Laree) and Anna (Luke), who will miss him deeply. He will be lovingly remembered by his brother Rob (Vera) and his many nieces and nephews.

Ted was born in Oshawa, Ontario and learned the value of hard work from an early age from his parents Sebastian and Anna. He was a proud alumnus of Queen’s University where he earned an MBA before embarking on a successful 37-year career in the banking industry. Throughout his career, Ted earned the deep respect of colleagues and clients.

Of the many places where Ted travelled in his life, his cottage on Pencil Lake was his favourite. He will be remembered there in each sunset over the water.

Ted had a gift for keeping in touch with relatives and friends overseas. His loss will be keenly felt by his family and the great many friends around the world who will miss his bear hugs.

Visitation will take place at the Oshawa Funeral Home, 847 King St. W. Oshawa (905-721-1234) on Thursday, November 10 from 5 - 8 PM. A funeral will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 91 Ribblesdale Dr, Whitby on Friday, November 11 at 10:30 AM, followed by a reception. 

This is Ted during our high school daze:

In pace requiescat

Ginette St. Pierre R.I.P.

 Sigh .. another obituary from my days at OCHS. Ginette St. Pierre was in my brother's class a year ahead of me. Her brother Roger was in my class. Here is her obituary:

St. PIERRE, Ginette Marie St. Pierre   -  It is with heavy hearts we announce that Ginette passed away unexpectedly on Monday August 8, 2022 at Belleville General Hospital at the age of 68. 

Beloved wife of Paul LaChapelle for 40 years who was with her by her side. 

Dear sister of Jean-Guy, Gilles, and Roger and sister-in-law of Dale (Jean-Guy) and Georgette (Gilles).

Predeceased by her parents Lucien and Yvette, her siblings Monique, Robert, Jean-Marc, Jacques, and Maurice and her brother-in-law Eugene. 

Beloved Aunt to Lori and Keith, Brent and Serena and to Ron, Anna Marie, Allan and Theresa, Bob, and Ryan, Dustin, Colin, Cori and their families.

Loved by sister-in-law Barbara and Jack Martel and their children Lisa and Summer. 

Predeceased by Brother-in-law Gene LaChapelle and remembered by his wife Gwen and their children Christine & Andrea. Dearest Aunt Jeannie to all of her great nieces and nephews. 

All who knew Ginette loved her.  She was a lifelong caregiver to her best friend and confident, her mother, and to all of her siblings. 

Ginette was dedicated to her church, work and volunteer service in healthcare and in the community. 

She was an extremely thoughtful, outgoing, funny and generous person and an avid cat lover.  She loved being outdoors with the wind on her face. 

Ginette will be remembered as a truly gracious, loving, compassionate woman – beautiful inside and out.  We will miss her so much. 

Visitation will take place at ARMSTRONG FUNERAL HOME , (124 King St. E. Oshawa) on Wednesday August 17, 2022 from 10am-11am, followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the People Catholic Church.

Urn interment Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.  

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the CNIB. 

in pace requiescat 

Tony Pallone - RIP

 Tony Pallone was a year behind me at OCHS, part of the large, vibrant Italian community at the high school. This is his obituary:

Anthony "Tony" Pallone

SEPTEMBER 14, 1955 – MARCH 30, 2022

PALLONE, Antonio (Anthony) (Tony) Peacefully with his family by his side at Scarborough Centenary Hospital on Wednesday, March 30th, 2022 at 66 years of age. Tony is now reunited with his beloved wife Nora. Loving father of Joseph (Andrea) and Joanna (Jhomar). Devoted son of the late Giuseppe and Maria Pallone. Dear brother of Ralph (Doris), Marisa (Frank) and Laura (Ron). Tony will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Monday, April 4th from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Masks are required. Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARY OF THE PEOPLE PARISH, 570 Marion Avenue, Oshawa on Tuesday, April 5th at 10:30 a.m. Masks are required. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hearth Place or Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.oshawafuneralhome.com

in pace requiescat

Joe Pender's Old Emails -- About Mark P. Fusco SJ

 

(click to enlarge)

So I was going through my old emails from Joe Pender (RIP) and I came across one where he had attended a funeral of an acquaintance of his, a Mrs. Fusco, and was amazed to discover her son, Mark Fusco, a Dwyer grad celebrating the Mass. Joe was surprised to learn that Mark had been ordained a Jesuit priest ... at age 46, I might add.

Of course, this was no surprise to me, as Mark was a boyhood, lifelong friend of my brother George. So Joe sent along these pics from the 1984 year book. 

I was amazed to see that boys football team had a female manager named Bridgette Griggs. I bet it was enjoyable for both her and team. This would never had happened ten years earlier.

If you are wondering what happened to Mark Fusco, SJ, he looks something like the pic below and he teaches religious studies at a California university.

Merry Christmas 2021 to all the alumnus and friends of OCHS and Paul Dwyer

 

Like the title says: Merry Christmas to all of the alumnus and friends of OCHS and Paul Dwyer. As the years march on, there are less and less of us who can say that they went to Oshawa Catholic High School as it was known then.

I hope that you have the merriest of Christmas, the best of 2022 and live a long and happy life.  Live Long and Prosper.  Merry Christmas. Happy New Year.

Ken

Chris Montgomery - RIP

 

Chris Montgomery was in my class at OCHS. He married Christine Roach, also from OCHS. Here is his obituary:

Early On October 12th, Christopher Robert David Montgomery passed away in his Oshawa home; just eight weeks after receiving a devastating diagnosis of Glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer. Chris was Born on February 15, 1956 at St Michael's hospital in Toronto.

A loving husband of 43 years to Christine, son of Bruce and the late Roberta Montgomery. Devoted father to Colleen, Patrick, Emily, Michael. Much loved grandfather to Connor, Keira, Owen, Victoria, Olivia, and Oscar. Brother to Susan, Brian, Michael and Cathy. Brother-in-law to Daniel, Heather, Patti and Michael. Will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews.

Chris retired from Durham Catholic District School Board in 2019 after 31 years of service. He taught English at Dennis O'Connor and retired as the President OECTA Secondary. He was a lifelong coach, a passionate educator and confidante; a deeply cherished friend.

It was a privilege and honour to be able to offer a sanctuary of love and comfort to Chris during his last weeks. The family expresses gratitude for the prayers and extraordinary support from neighbors and friends. A special thank you for the compassionate care provided by Dr. Kevin Workentin and nurses (Elaine, Jane, Mary).

Visitation was held on Monday, October 18th at DeStefano Funeral Home 1289 Keith Ross Drive in Oshawa from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. with the funeral mass afterwards (1 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, Simcoe Street in Oshawa). Burial followed at Resurrection Cemetery.

Due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions, the funeral mass is limited to registration, however visitation is open.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Glioblastoma Foundation (glioblastoomafoundation.org)

Brain Cancer Canada (braincancercanada.ca/) Canadian Association for Parish Nursing, Ministry Faith Community Nursing Interest Group, Holy Cross Oshawa Parish Renovation Fund.

I know not all that may be coming, but be it what it will, I'll go to it laughing. Herman Melville / Moby-Dick

In pace requiescat

Finally, New Photos That Aren't Obituaries - Anne Stovell's Album7 - Len McAvoy and ?

 

It's just ironic and sad that Len McAvoy's obituary is eight posts down from this one. Here he is in the 1970's with Anne Stovell. 

Finally, New Photos That Aren't Obituaries - Anne Stovell's Album6 - Marilyn McAvoy, Gary O'Connell

 

This is Father Paul Woodcroft roaming the halls of OCHS. (Paul Woodcroft left the priesthood later.) He was one of the hockey coaches of the OCHS Saints. The person on the right is Anne herself.

Finally, New Photos That Aren't Obituaries - Anne Stovell's Album5 - Miss Horrigan

 I am not sure, but am waiting for Anne to confirm that this is teacher Regina Horrigan on the left. Her tenure at OCHS wasn't very long. The person on the right is vaguely familiar, but a name won't come to me. Drop me a comment if you can positively identify either one.

Finally, New Photos That Aren't Obituaries - Anne Stovell's Album4 - Marilyn McAvoy, Gary O'Connell

 There is a series of pics from Anne Stovell's (Venning) albums that are portraits in front of a garish, 1970's drape or curtain backdrop and this is one of them. I am fairly certain that this is Marilyn McAvoy and Gary O'Connell who is starting to look bored with the photo shoot.

Finally, New Photos That Aren't Obituaries - Anne Stovell's Album3 - Anne and Len McAvoy

Anne Venning (Stovell) series of pics from her albums continues. This is Anne herself and Len McAvoy. Don't know who the partial face is on the right.

Finally, New Photos That Aren't Obituaries - Anne Stovell's Album2 - Hockey

 Another photo from Anne Venning's album -- The OCHS Saints Hockey Team in action. The coaches visible are Father Paul Woodcroft and Mr. Lehman. I think that the washed out face belongs to Dan O'Neill. From left to right on the bench are Wayne Stovell, unidentified and Jim Nemish.

Finally, New Photos That Aren't Obituaries - Anne Stovell's Album1 - Larry Hopkins, Gary O'Connell

 

As the title says, finally some new (new to this blog) photos of my era at OCHS. Anne Venning (Stovell) sent along some scans from her album. Here we have Larry Hopkins and Gary O'Connell posing for this. I will update when Anne tells me the occasion.

Len McAvoy - RIP

 This blog is slowly becoming an obituary page. Len McAvoy was a couple of years ahead of me at OCHS, but he was a presence, as was his sister Marilyn.

Leonard Brian McAvoy

Passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at the age of 69 in Chatham, Ontario. He is survived by his wife, Sandra (nee Hill), and children Kelly Ann McAvoy (Michael Hall) and John McAvoy (Diana). Leonard will be missed by his grandchildren Erica, Brian and Megan. He is also survived by siblings Lawrence McAvoy (Jeanette), Marylin McAvoy (Ted Fulcher), Anne VanHoof (Andy), Mary McAvoy (Andy Austin) and is predeceased by his parents, Edna and Dorian McAvoy. Born in Oshawa, Ontario, Leonard learned to love the game of hockey and found success on the ice. One of Leonard's proudest achievements was becoming a loving husband and father. Leonard was a plumber by trade and enjoyed many years working in his field at the Chrysler plant in Windsor, Ontario. He was an active member of the union and KBD club. Sports were particularly important to Leonard throughout his life. He was an avid tennis player, a golf enthusiast and was recently conquering the pickleball courts. Leonard was loved by many and we will all miss his sense of fun and playfulness. Rest in peace Leonard, and play on. A celebration of life will follow at a later date. Donations are welcome, in lieu of flowers, to the Jumpstart Sports Program. Arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc.

in pace requiescat 

Ernie Kaleny ~ R.I.P.

 

Ernie in high school

Kevin Duignan left me a comment on this blog, telling me that Ernie Kaleny died. That was a bit of a shocker. Ernie & I went back to the time that he was in Grade 8 at Holy Cross School, and my uncle was principal there. He brought the graduating class to camp on a property that my grandfather used to own. We had a total blast. I was a counselor as were several students from OCHS. Teacher Teresa Horrigan also camped with us. Ernie was a good guy, collegial and genial and it is a shock to me that he is gone -- passed away two years ago.

 Ernest John "Ernie" Kaleny

1958 - 2019

Passed away suddenly at his home in Keswick on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at the age of 61 years. Dearly loved husband of Annis Dupont. Beloved son of Stella Kaleny of Keswick and the late John Kaleny (1980). Much loved brother of Elsie (Trevor Bertrand) of Brampton and Iris (Andrew Warenycia) of Whitby. Loving Uncle of Kira and Kylee Bertrand of Brampton and Nicholas and John Warenycia of Whitby. Ernie will be missed by his extended family and friends. Funeral Mass will take place at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church, 597 Albert St. Oshawa on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m.  Cremation to follow. In memory of Ernie, Donations made to the War Amps of Canada would be appreciated.

In pace requiescat

Obituary - Sister Anne Schenck, CSJ

 

Sister Anne Schenck, CSJ (formerly Catherine Anne [Kay] Schenck) died peacefully at St. Joseph’s Residence, 2 O’Connor Drive, Toronto Ontario on February 17, 2021 in the 68th year of her religious life.

Sister Anne was predeceased by her parents, Louis M. Schenck and  Anne B. (Flynn) Schenck, her brothers Louis J. and John T. and her sister Mary (Schenck) Brennan.

Sister Anne is survived by her sisters Gretchen (Walsh), Joanne (Diamond), and Margaret (Sawchuck). 

She will be sadly missed by her family, friends and Sisters in community.

Sister Anne grew up in St. Catharines of Alexandria Parish, in St. Catharines. She attended St. Joseph’s Convent School, St. Catharines School and St. Catharines Collegiate. She obtained her B.A. in 1952 at St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto. Sister Anne spent many years in the field of education both as a teacher and a principal. She brought energy and a love for sports to St. Joseph’s High School in Barrie, St. Joseph’s College School and St. Joseph’s Morrow Park in Toronto, St. Patrick’s High School in Vancouver and Paul Dwyer Catholic High School in Oshawa. 

After her years in education, Sister Anne turned her many skills and passion to assisting refugees and immigrants. She was administrator at Herron Place Refugee Centre. She founded the Toronto Furniture Bank, which was formally incorporated in 1998, and until her recent illness was a devoted volunteer in Becoming Neighbours where she accompanied immigrants and refugees. Whatever Sister Anne did, whether with students, staff in schools, or her work with refugees, she did it with energy, compassion and joy.

Due to the pandemic, there will a Mass of Christian Burial at a later date.

There will be a private Interment on Saturday, February 20, 2021

at Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill.

"In pace requiescat"

Another Classmate of Mine

 

Sigh ... another classmate of mine has passed away. Barb Lambourne was in my class at Oshawa Catholic High School. Here is her obituary:

Barb passed away at Etobicoke General Hospital on December 20, 2020 due to surgery complications. She was predeceased by her loving parents Joan and Mark (aka the Grinch) Lambourne. Best friend and loving wife of Christopher Chapman, loving and doting mother to Samantha Chapman, devoted daughter-in-law to Dawn (Prof. Terence-deceased) Chapman, younger sister (and Buttercup Baby) to Cathy (Bob) Gordon, Mark Lambourne, and Teresa (Jim) MacDonell, aunt to her favourite nephews James Gordon and Chris (Joanne) Gordon, delighted great aunt to Jamie, Alex, Grace and Gavin Gordon. She was blessed with many wonderful cousins and aunts and uncles who were dear to her. She was generous with a huge heart, dearly loved and will be missed. Thank you to all her friends and family who brought joy to her life. Special thanks to Father Bollo for performing her final blessing. Arrangements entrusted to Armstrong Funeral Home, Oshawa.

In pace requiescat.

Some More Memorabilia from the Salad Days in OCHS Times

I'm getting tired of posting obituaries of OCHS alumnus and teachers, so I thought that I would add a blog posting of those wonderful days in the 1970's

Remember Becker;s?

There was a Becker;s milk and convenience store a block down from my primary school, St. Joseph's on Simcoe Street North in a plaza near Beatrice Street that is no longer there. Becker's was ubiquitous in Oshawa.

And of course these were the jugs that the milk came in at Becker's:

A typical Becker's store during the 1970's.:

And then there was a young Wayne Gretzky selling GWG jeans:

Long before WalMart, there was Woolco, and Woolworths:

And finally you had Eddie Shack, the Toronto Maple Leafs star selling pop for the Pop Shoppe:

Those were the days!

Another Obituary ~ Terry Hughes R.I.P.

This is getting to be a much too regular occurence -- posting obituaries of my high school classmates. Terry Hughes was in my class. The photo is from my class yearbook in 1971.  Here is his obituary:

Passed away on March 26, 2020 peacefully at home in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Beloved husband to the late Bonnie (Kimble) Hughes. Devoted father to Preston Hughes and Michael Hughes (Jayme). Loving grandfather to Hudson and Briar. Predeceased by his parents Faye and Louis Hughes and sister Wendy Hughes. Deeply missed by his sister and brother. Terry will be missed by his many nieces, cousins, aunts and friends.

Terry had a personality that you couldn't miss.

in pace requiescat 

Ivor Boyagoda's Email

The above is how I remember Ivor Boyagoda and the last that I saw of him when he signed my Grade 13 yearbook. Ivor was one of my favourite teachers (I had a list of cool and respected and he was on that list).  He taught what I thought was a cool subject, chemistry, and it was my pleasure to have him teach me for more than one year. I also got fabulous marks in his class.

Ivor sent me an email a couple of days ago. In that email, he sent notice of his son Randy's promotion at the University of Toronto (the notice is in the post below this one). The thought struck me that Ivor as a young man, looks more hip than his son.  Here is his email to me:

Hi Ken

Thank  you so much for  on line Dwyer alumni news/ history etc

Your work brings back fond memories of 60's 70' 80's , OCHS ,  ... the way we were.

One of the most memorable events at Oshawa Catholic High school  ( there are  many of them ) was going fishing during grade 13 last period  Chem class  to Wilmont creek with , Italo Labignan, John Crease , Marg Fitzpatrick, Serge Dupont ( ? )etc.  I phoned Shirley Smegal,  at the front office and said we are going  fishing and  that was it , no red tape etc

You mentioned University of Ottawa( i was not a student there  ) , It reminds me of my work as a chemistry lab instructor in 1967 ( Dr Conway's class ).

i know that you were a university  student there in the 80 's  ( year ?  )

My son Randy Boyagoda , former Dwyer student just got a promotion at U of T ,  asst : dean ( please see  attachment ) 

I thought i would  share this with you in case you consider this is an outstanding achievement of  a former Dwyer  student........ to include in Dwyer alumni news letter 

Thank You 

Ivor

You are welcome Ivor. I thanked you privately for your influence on my career, and I thank you publicly.

Noted Dwyer Alumnus Randy Boyagoda Now Vice Dean U of T

Ivor Boyagoda was an icon at OCHS and Dwyer. He sends along this news of his son Randy's recent achievement. Randy is a graduate of Dwyer. Randy is married,  lives in Toronto with his wife Anna , and has  4 kids  ages 4 to 14 years. Ivor's email is in the post preceding this one:

From:

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Faculty of Arts & Science

Council of Chairs, Principals and Academic Directors
Coalition of Arts & Science Directors

Melanie Woodin, Dean

Re:

Appointment of Professor Randy Boyagoda as Vice-Dean, Undergraduate


I am pleased to announce that Professor Randy Boyagoda has been appointed to a five-year term as Vice-Dean, Undergraduate effective July 1, 2020. I would like to thank Professor Nicholas Rule who is serving as Interim Vice-Dean, Undergraduate from January 1 to June 30, 2020.

Professor Boyagoda completed his PhD at Boston University in 2005 and took up a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Notre Dame. In 2006, Professor Boyagoda joined the English Department at Ryerson University, where he was promoted to the rank of Professor and also served as Chair. He was the founding Director of Zone Learning at Ryerson from 2013-16. In 2016, Professor Boyagoda joined the University of Toronto as a Professor in the Department of English, the Basilian Chair in Christianity, Arts and Letters at the University of St. Michael’s College, and as Principal and Vice-President of the University of St. Michael’s College. Under his leadership, the College has renewed its sponsored programs and first-year seminars, and also pursued broader initiatives focused on student wellness, undergraduate research opportunities, and international and experiential learning. 

Throughout his work as a professor and university leader, Professor Boyagoda has pursued a career as a novelist, critic, and essayist. He is the author of an academic monograph and a critical biography, and of three novels, including most recently Original Prin, the first in a trilogy. His work has been supported by SSHRC and the Canada Council for the Arts, and has been nominated for the Scotiabank Giller Prize and IMPAC Dublin Literary Prize, in addition to being named a New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice (2012 and 2019) and Globe and Mail Best Book of the Year (2018). Professor Boyagoda regularly writes essays and reviews on subjects ranging from race and family life to faith and fiction, literary politics, religion and modernity, and the ethics of technology. More broadly, across his teaching and writing, he explores the stakes, possibilities, and perils of human dignity and flourishing in an age of conflict and confusion. Professor Boyagoda has written for publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times (UK), Globe and Mail, Guardian, Harper’s, New Statesman, Chronicle of Higher Education, First Things, the Paris Review, The Walrus, and The Atlantic, and is a regular presence on CBC Radio, where he is a columnist for The Next Chapter. He also co-produces, writes, and presents the Toronto Public Library podcast Writers Off the Page. Professor Boyagoda’s next novel, Dante’s Indiana, will be published in 2021. It began as a research project with the Scholars-in-Residence program at the Jackman Humanities Institute.

From 2015 to 2017, Professor Boyagoda was President of PEN Canada, a non-governmental organization committed to celebrating literature, defending freedom of expression, and aiding writers in peril. He currently chairs the PEN Canada Advisory Board.

Please join me in welcoming Professor Boyagoda to his new position.

Sister Marie Howorth

SISTER MARIE HOWORTH, CSJ (formerly Sister Eulalie Marie) Died peacefully at the Sisters of St. Joseph's Residence, 2 O'Connor Drive on Thursday, January 16, 2020, in the 68th year of her religious life.

Sister Marie was predeceased by her parents, Francis James Howorth and Eulalie Margaret (McGuire) Howorth, her sisters, Angela Howorth, and Bette Guentner, and her brothers Richard, Frank, and John Howorth. She will be missed by her family, cousins, friends and Sisters in community.

Sister Marie was born and raised in Toronto where she taught elementary school prior to entering the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto in 1952. Following her profession of vows, Sister Marie taught and was principal in elementary schools in St. Catharines, Thorold and Toronto. As well, she was on staff at Oshawa Catholic High School (now Paul Dwyer Catholic High School), St. Joseph's College School, where she was vice principal and Michael Power - St. Joseph's High School, where she was a teacher and a chaplain.

 Sister Marie was an excellent teacher who was well-loved by her students. As a woman of high energy and compassion, she was a wonderful role model as she raised consciousness with her students with regard to the needs of the world. She taught students how they could make a difference by reaching out in compassion to those in need in Canada as well as in Haiti and other parts of the world. Her great love of sports, especially tennis and skiing as well as her love of bridge were always a wonderful part of her life.

In her later years as her health declined, Sister Marie resided at the Sisters of St. Joseph's Residence. Visitation will take place at the Sisters of St. Joseph's Residence, 2 O'Connor Drive, Toronto Ontario, on Friday, January 24, 2020, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. with a Prayer Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel, 2 O'Connor Drive, Toronto, Ontario. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fontbonne Ministries, 101 Thorncliffe Park Drive, Toronto ON M4H 1M2.

Sister Marie Howarth was my Latin teacher in Grade 9.  KB

in pace requiescat