He was inducted into the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame:
The URL is : https://oshawasportshalloffame.com/inductees?limit=10&pg=4
Well, he got his wish but wayyyyy too late. Durham College transmogrified into first into University of Ontario Institute of Technology, or UOIT and finally into Ontario Tech University. It was granted its charter on June 27, 2002 and opened for classes on September 4, 2003.
It occupies the old Durham College campus on Simcoe Street North and has other buildings in downtown Oshawa. This is a photo of the library building on Simcoe Street.
(click on images to enlarge)
So I was going through the archives of the Oshawa Times for 1969 and came across this news article of the Ontario County Separate School Board in negotiations to buy "all or part" of Oshawa Catholic High School from the Sisters of Saint Joseph. I was aware that the Sisters of St. Joseph were instrumental in starting the high school, but did not realize that they owned it.Interestingly enough, this was in the days before regional government when we were in Ontario County instead of the Region of Durham. Today the school board is known as Durham Catholic District School Board.
It's no secret that the school board eventually did gain control of the high school from the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
This was another article from the 1969 archives about the acquisition:
Ahh but we were tough in those days. We even had a Winter Carnival to celebrate winter. It seems that the cold, ice snow and winter conditions were mere piffles that didn't occupy much worry space in our brains in those halcyon teen years of ours.
Obituary
On February 18, 2025, our dear Linda was taken from us unexpectedly and far too soon, in her 76th year. She is survived by her sister, Margaret; her brother, Larry (Patricia); her nieces, Alison Varney (Dave) and Jessica Caister (Jeff); her great-nephews, Theo and Malcolm; and her great-niece, Lennon. Linda faced any challenge in life with calm resolve and cool logic. When confronted with a difficult choice, her friends often came to Linda for sound advice. Linda had a distinguished career in education. She was a caring, competent Math teacher (St. Joseph’s College), a respected Vice-Principal and Principal (Loretto Abbey, Our Lady of Victory), and a Student Services Consultant at the Toronto Catholic District School Board. After retirement, she devoted herself tirelessly to her passions: travelling the world, supporting opera, ballet and theatre, and caring for cats. She established a thriving cat-sitting business and still found time to volunteer at cat rescue shelters. She will be sorely missed by her furry friends and their owners.
There will be a private service for the family at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Toronto Cat Rescue and the Toronto Humane Society would be appreciated.
in pace requiescat
But the big news was that the California Cuties were coming to play the boys basketball team at OCHS. I looked them up. They were a comedy, wannabe team emulating the Harlem Globetrotters. They had a midget on their team. I was able to find an online image of some of the players.
Ron Black was an early student at OCHS. Joanne Bond was a classmate of his and sent along this obituary.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ron Black of Thorndale, Ontario, who passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, September 27t, 2026. Ron leaves behind his loving wife, Janet, and his four sons: Chris, Ryan, Steven (Madison), and Jeff (Steph). He is also survived by his 13 grandchildren and his sister, Diana Black. Ron was predeceased by his parents (Robert and Geraldine Black) and his brother David.
Ron grew up in Oshawa, working at Miracle Food Mart in his early years, where he met Janet, and they have enjoyed life together ever since. Ron worked at General Motors Oshawa for over 34 years before retiring to the family cottage at Carnahan Lake in Mountain Grove, Ontario. Ron and Janet spent many winters in Yuma, Arizona, where they met many friends. Ron received a second life in 2014 after receiving a double lung transplant and spent his final years in Thorndale, Ontario, north of London.
When not at work, you would find Ron coaching his children's sports teams, fishing or with family at the cottage, playing Euchre with family and friends, or travelling with Janet. He loved spending time with his family, hosting his grandchildren at the cottage or home and cheering them on through life.
The family thanks all the caregivers and medical teams and staff who have provided care to Ron throughout the years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Memorial Funeral Home (1559 Fanshawe Park Road E., London) on Saturday, October 17th, 2026, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. with refreshments. A time to share memories of Ron will begin at 2:00 p.m.
The family asks that anyone wanting to give a donation please donate to one of the following health care organizations that have provided care and support to Ron. (London - Victoria Hospital, Toronto General Hospital, Canadian Cancer Society).
in pace requiescat
I first met up with Doug Zochodne at Grade 6 in St. Joseph's primary school on Simcoe Street North. Myself along with Tim McKenna and Barb Gannon had skipped Grade 5 and went directly into Grade 6 and Doug was my new classmate. That association lasted right up until Grade 13 and the end of high school. He went on to a storied career in medical research. Here is his bio from the University of Alberta. He was at the Mayo Clinic, as is one of my other classmates, Shawn O'Driscoll. I had a really amazing bunch of classmates who went on to amazing things, as did many alumni from the school in its early days.
Dr. Douglas Zochodne is a Neurologist and Neuroscientist, Divisional Director of Neurology at the University of Alberta and Director of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, UofA. His training included an MD and FRCPC in Neurology at the University of Western Ontario under the supervision of Dr. Charles Bolton and a research fellowship with Drs. Philip Low and Peter J. Dyck at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Zochodne’s career has included faculty positions at Queen’s University, Canada, the University of Calgary and more recently the University of Alberta. He has devoted his career toward understanding the biology and diseases of the peripheral nervous system. Dr. Zochodne’s roles have included Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences (1999-2007), President of the Peripheral Nerve Society (2009-2011) and lead on the Regeneration Unit in Neurobiology, University of Calgary (2009-2014). He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Dr. Zochodne has channeled his research role as an investigator of diabetic polyneuropathy and peripheral neuron regeneration. His most recent work emphasizes intrinsic molecular mechanisms involved in adult sensory neuron plasticity including unexpected roles for tumour suppressor pathways repurposed within neurons. His laboratory has been funded continuously since 1988 and it has published over 280 research papers and chapters including four books. His work currently focuses on identifying new molecular mechanisms of peripheral neuron plasticity, regeneration and resistance to diabetes. His laboratory is currently funded by CIHR,CDA/DC, and ADI.
Clinical Neurology
Neuromuscular disease
Peripheral nerve disease
Diabetic polyneuropathy
Clinical Electrophysiology (EMG)
Peripheral Neurobiology
Neurosciences of Regeneration
Experimental peripheral nerve disease
Neurological complications of Diabetes Mellitus
Clinical Neurology
Neuromuscular disease
Peripheral nerve disease
Clinical Electrophysiology (EMG)
Peripheral neurobiology
The other interesting fact is that initiation was held where the Grade 10's could haze and torture the Grade 9's or Minor Niners. It was pretty rough and no longer allowed. Kids were humiliated and doused with all sorts of stuff like honey and feathers and made to eat horrible stuff.
Mentions in this article include students Adrone Zelvys, Matt Gimpelj, Ken Johnston, Jim Dyl, Bill Van Veghel and Betty Ann Yanch. Also mentioned are Monsignor Paul Dwyer and Oshawa Mayor Ernest Marks whose children attended the high school.
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:
He is not my only classmate with an MD, PhD. The other is Doug Zochodne who does brain research in Alberta.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The article has the scholastic award winners.
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
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.
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).
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.
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
