Merry Christmas 2019 and Happy New Year 2020

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I wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of my friends, former classmates, former teachers and friends of this blog. Health, Happiness and Prosperity in the New Year.

Best
Ken

Oshawa Memories: 1960's & 1970's

So I got a little tired of printing OCHS alumnus obituaries, so I did another webscrape of Oshawa memories during those halcyon salad days when we were in high school there. Without further ado:

Steve Thompson
Do you remember the arcade at the O.C.?

Derek Snelgrove
I spent some time in Oshawa some 40 years ago . We met some real cool people there. Harrys Hideaway Bar was, the bees kneez! As was the Carousel bar.

Lori McKendrick
The Villa, across from Central Collegiate. The Genosh, My Sisters Place. Corkys. Main Street. Mothers Pizza. Flying Squirrel. Woodys. The Tartan.

Sharon McIlhargey
Mickey Finn's. Jubilee Pavilion wedding receptions. Kmart Plaza car shows.

Mike Lee
The Rosebowl had the best shoestring French fries... and how about the outdoor skating rink in North Oshawa...the best of the shoeshine guys on Simcoe street just up from the 4 corners.

Sandy Cuffy
Jury and Lovell Drugstore
Woolworths
Dairy Queen on Simcoe Street across from Central Collegiate
GM Picnics with rides at Lakeview Park
Drive-in theatre on Thorton Road
The Oshawa Times Building Fire
I even remember when The Oshawa Centre was one level and had an opening where the roof was and you had to wear your winter coats while shopping. My mom had a picture of us there once. I was about 4 or 5.

Wendy Mchappy
The Shops up top had a great record store. Kresges, Lil' Bo Peep, Tats Tavern, The Red Baron restaurants in the OC.. also Sears and Eatons had their own restaurants. All of them made the Centre Burger.. would love that recipe as you cannot get it anymore.

Kresge's on Simcoe near the four corners, Laura Secords on the southeast corner, Woolworths up the street, the Metropolitan, Young Moderns, Henderson's Book Store, The Globe on King St.

Janice Wilson-Fontaine
I grew up in Oshawa. Childhood ,I remember it for being ,such a lovely city. The older downtown stores,were wonderful to me to shop at.There was nothing dirty, or armpit,shwa, about it, as you say.Thats ignorant people being degrading,it's all on them.Like any growing city it has it share of problems.Then help the underprivileged, quit complaining. I'm proud of living in Oshawa,I do my part to help. Try it ,it's very rewarding.

Michele Buller
Rose bowl best fish &chips, cherry coke.

Wendy Mchappy
I remember the downtown hotels that were really rooming houses... The Queen's Hotel, and Genosh. Although the Genosh had a great restaurant at one time with a Sunday buffet. Also Magic Car and roller skating halls...Caesar's Palace and the one on Athol that used to be the Loblaws. You had to walk down 2 flights of stairs, pay, get your skates, then walk up 2 flights of stairs to the rink!

Brad Alexander
I remember when the OC was a totally outdoor mall. Mom would take me shopping for clothes at St Michael’s there and the ventilation was so bad I would fall asleep. LOL

Debbie Woods
I remember the OC when Dominion grocery store was still there by the theatre and you could get a piece of apple pie with a scoop of ice cream and a small coke for 25 cents. My parents took us to the Bo Peep restraunt for dinner once in a while - it was a BIG treat to dress up and go out for dinner then.

(pic stolen from John Barker's blog: https://soundingsjohnbarker.wordpress.com/)

Pat Poirier
Do any of you remember The Red Barn or The South End Tavern? Spent a lot of fun times at both these places... lol

Barry Oso Mosko
We use to own the North Golf Oshawa Driving Range north Simcoe Street !

Tony Woodcock
I remember when the OC was a strip mall and to walk to school you had to go across the parking lot that was filled in by the Sears store, about 1967

"Our High School days may have been short and temporary in our lives, but the memories are forever."

School Board Archives

While trolling through the school board archives, I came across this pic of the trustees including Stanley Karwowski in the lower bottom right.

Stanley was a year behind me and his brother was a year ahead of me in my brother's class. I actually met Stanley again at the pub night for the 50th Anniversary of the School a few years back.

History of the Feeder Schools for OCHS

I found this history of the feeder schools for Oshawa Catholic Highschool on some old documents from the Durham Region Roman Catholic School Board:

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Catholic schools in Ontario experienced serious economic challenges. Given the fragile nature of provincial funding and given the economic depression of the 1930s it is not surprising that only two Catholic schools built in the inter-war years, namely St. Bernard (Whitby) 1923 and Holy Cross (Oshawa) in 1938. There were no Catholic high schools built in Durham Region at all.

In the Toronto Archdiocese during World War II, a major fundraiser was required to keep existing Catholic high schools open. If it wasn’t for the dedicated religious orders such as the Basilian Fathers, the Christian Brothers, the St. Joseph Sisters and the Loretto Sisters who essentially ran the Catholic high schools at their own expense, the system might have disappeared. Wealthy Toronto Catholic businessmen, such as Senator Frank O’Connor (founder of Laura Secord Chocolates) were known to
contribute generously from their own funds to support Catholic education during this time. However, in Durham Region, which lacked a wealthy Catholic business community, Catholic high schools were not established until the 1960s.

Renewed immigration from Europe after World War II, and the natural increase in Ontario’s baby boom, placed increased demands on Ontario’s Catholic schools. A decline in religious orders and the increase of lay teachers placed additional financial burdens on Catholic school boards that were already desperately trying to finance their school facilities and programs.

This Ontario post-war boom occurred across Durham Region too. In the 1950s, there was an unprecedented building boom as new schools were established in Pickering at St. Mary (1952); in Uxbridge at St. John Training School (1957) and St. Joseph (1958); in Ajax at St. Francis de Sales (1953) and St. Bernadette (1951); in Whitby at the present St. John the Evangelist (1955), St. Theresa (1957),and St. Paul, (1959); and in  Oshawa at St. Christopher (1956), Msgr. Coffey (1959), St. Gertrude (1954) and St. Joseph (1958).

This boom in school construction in Durham was even more pronounced in the 1960s.This growth was also assisted in 1964 when provincial school grants were issued to Catholic school boards to provide similar educational funding as public schools in their community. However, it should be pointed out that this unprecedented growth was not coordinated on a regional basis. There was not a regional Catholic board of education at the time and the responsibility for this growth fell upon individual Catholic school boards located in the municipalities of Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Uxbridge, Mara and Oshawa.

In the early 1960s two new high schools were established St. Joseph Catholic School (run by the Sisters of St. Joseph) and Archbishop Denis O’Connor (run by the Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception). Credit is also due to the Felician Sisters who worked in the region at this time teaching in Durham’s elementary schools. The funding of these high schools counted on generosity from the community (such as the annual student D’OC walk-a-thon) or surprising acts of generosity, such as a $10,000 cheque given by Col.R.S. McLaughlin to the St. Joseph Sisters to purchase musical instruments for St. Joseph High School.

In the 1960s, growth was particularly focused in Oshawa with a new school opening almost every year namely, Fr. Francis Mahoney (1963), John F. Kennedy (1964), Sir Albert Love (1965),  St.Thomas Aquinas (1965), St. Michael (1966), St. Philip the Apostle (1968), and John XXIII (1969). Elsewhere, schools were built in Pickering at Holy Redeemer (1962) and Our Lady of the Bay (1969) and in Brooklin at St. Leo’s (1964).

In 1969, all Ontario boards of education were permitted to amalgamate into larger boards that would have more access to funding and be more efficient. In 1969, the Ontario County Roman Catholic Separate School Board was created, amalgamating Catholic school boards in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Uxbridge, Mara and Oshawa. In addition, some provincial funding was extended to Catholic schools for Grades 9 and 10 in 1970, making Durham’s Catholic high schools more financially viable. This post war boom in Catholic schools did not repeat itself in the 1970s. In that decade only two schools were built – Father Joseph Venini (1970) and Canadian Martyrs (1973)—and both were in Oshawa. That decade, the board was renamed Durham Region Roman Catholic Separate School Board (1974).

Obituaries, Linda Paulocik, Jim Dickey and Mike Slierings

Some obituaries to post. I have a feeling that this is going to be a more common occurrence on this blog.

Jim Dickey was a fellow altar boy. He was in my brother Ed's class and I saw a lot of him. His dad Bernie was my scout master and active in the church, so I saw a lot of him too. And finally his sister Susan Dickey was in my class.

Linda Paulocik was way ahead of me at OCHS, but she was known by friends of this blog. She was an early student when the highschool was formed.  Her sister Shelley was in my era when I attended OCHS.

Mike Slierings was a year behind me. I remember him as a tall basketball player in high school.

One another note: If you have pics from the 1970's, send them to me ochsblogger@rocketmail.com


JIM DICKEY

JIM DICKEY
06-May-1954 - 05-Aug-2019
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jim on Monday, August 5th, 2019 at the young age of 65.  Beloved husband of Sandra Patricia.  Proud father of Evelio (Carolina) and Mauricio (Hailey).  Dear brother of Sharon (Fred) and Susan. Jim will be fondly remembered by his many friends and extended family in Mexico.



LINDA PAULOCIK

PAULOCIK, Linda Passed away peacefully, with family by her side on May 16, 2019 at the Lakeridge Health Oshawa, at the age of 69. Beloved daughter of Anne and the late Mike Paulocik. Cherished sister of Susan Fagnani (the late Franco), Chris Paulocik, and Shelly Paulocik. Proud Aunt to Matthew, Ethan and Elias. Linda’s family would like to extend their warm thanks to the 5C stroke unit at Lakeridge Health, especially to Doris and Doctor Colapinto for the compassionate care they provided. Friends may call at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) for a Celebration of Linda’s life on Saturday, June 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Hive Centre (289) 928-2998 (text or call) will be hosting a gathering of friends and family to honour Linda on October 12 Contact@TheHiveCentre.ca In lieu of flowers memorial donations to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Humane Society of Durham Region are greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.oshawafuneralhome.com


MIKE SLIERINGS

SLIERINGS, Michael Peter - After a brief but valiant battle, Michael passed away on September 10, 2018 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. Adored husband and "the love of her life" of Jennifer. Beloved father of Nicole, Yvonne (Nick), Erik, Rebecca (Jim), Paul and Hannah. Michael is predeceased by his parents Catherina and Carolus. He will also be missed by four-legged friends Loki and Poopy. Michael leaves behind siblings Audrey (Roy) and Dianne (Shawn), mother-in-law Els Vant Hof, brother-in-law Harry (Karen), sister-in-law Winnifred (Gord) and many extended family, friends and GM workmates. Michael will be forever remembered for his great sense of humour, love of storytelling and willingness to help anyone in need. The family wish to extend their gratitude to the caring and compassionate nursing staff of Lakeridge Health for professionalism shown to the family - words cannot express. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted for Durham Region Cancer Centre. Friends may call at THORNTON CEMETERY & FUNERAL CENTRE , 1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa, (South of Taunton Road and off of Dryden Blvd, 905-579-6787) on Thursday, September 13, 2018 from 1 - 3 pm & 6 - 8 pm and on Friday September 14 from 10 am until time of Funeral in the Great Hall at 11 am.


in pace requiescat

My Friend Danny Clancy -Lighthouse - Tower Of Song

I was really pleased to find this on Youtube. This is my friend from OCHS, Danny Clancy. We first met when Danny was in Grade 8 and I was already at OCHS. He attended Holy Cross and the graduation trip was a class camping trip at my uncle's streamside property near Hampton Ontario. My uncle was the principal of Holy Cross. Bob O'Donnell was a fellow counselor at the camp. Danny was into music then, and he and others, notably Rita Grotenhuis serenaded us by the camp fire every night.



Danny followed his dreams and went into the music business. His crowning achievement was when he was selected to be the lead singer for one of the most iconic bands in Canada - Lighthouse.



In this Youtube video, he is singing Leonard Cohen's "Tower of Song" for Leonard Cohen! This is a highlight in Canadian music history.



Glad you made it Danny.



This is a powerful rendition of "Tower of Song"! Enjoy the golden voice of Danny Clancy.

From my pic collection of that camping trip, here's what he looked like in those halcyon days of our high school era:

Jerry Nemish RIP

Jim Nemish was in my class at OCHS. Jim went on to be a successful baseball coach in Oshawa. Jerry (Gerald) was his younger brother and a couple of years behind Jim and I.  This is his obituary.

NEMISH, Gerald 'Jerry' - (March 23, 1957 – June 7, 2019)

(CPGA Golf Professional over 40 years)

Peacefully at Lakeridge Health Port Perry on Friday, June 7th, 2019, at the age of 62.

Beloved son of James Nemish and the late Kay.

Loving father of Julie (Andrew) and Mark. Will be sadly missed by his brother Jim and his niece Jacquelyn.

Visitation will be held at Oshawa Funeral Home, 847 King Street West on Tuesday, June 11th from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARY OF THE PEOPLE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 570 Marion Avenue, Oshawa on Wednesday, June 12th at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

in pace requiescat

More Oshawa Memories From The OCHS Era

Today is Easter Sunday, 2019.  I'm getting tired of posting obituaries, so I thought that I would post some happier photographic memories from Oshawa, "The City That Moto-vates Canada". Here are some pics from the late 1960's and 1970's. Click on any pic to enlarge.

This was the Oshawa bus motif that I rode on going to high school. However the earlier branding during grade school was just blue and white and not as colourful.

And this is the style of bus that they transitioned too while I was in high school. Building the GO train and the terminus at Pickering was a big deal.

I don't recall listening to the music of the band pictured below. But if their album was available, it would surely be at Wilson & Lee music store downtown. I visited Wilson & Lee a couple of years ago, and the Wilsons were still there, still wearing suits like they did in my high school era. The Oshawa Times clipping is a blast from the past. I read it from cover to cover.

A view of downtown. Note the car styles. With the retail Armageddon caused by Walmart and big box stores, all of the stores depicted are dead.

The black & white pic below is of a band called The Things, playing at St. Gertrude's in 1967. A bit before my time, but it was the Renaissance of Rock 'n Roll and some of the best music of all time was created in my era.

The assembly line at General Motors in Oshawa. Most of my friends dads worked at GM, as did mine.

The GO train to Toronto was a big deal and big news when it debuted.

It was an interesting time in many respects during my OCHS era and the automobile scene was undergoing a transition as well. It was a move from the big boats and "Detroit Iron" to the smaller compact cars and the pic below reflects that. I am still of a fan of 1970's muscle cars.

I used to drive in through the General Motor campus from Park Road and see all of the new cars lined up ready for shipping. The automotive era at Oshawa, a history of over a hundred years, will soon be over.

 And this pic of a cop with a radar is almost comical. I shudder to think of the radiation from the electromagnetic spectrum emanating from the device that was so close to his head and body.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Paul Pulla - RIP

News that Paul Pulla has passed away from heart and kidney disease. Paul was a Catholic school board trustee, recently resigned due to health reasons. He was a student, staff member and administrator for the last 50 years, retiring from the role of Director of Education for the Durham Catholic District School Board.
He was a year ahead of me, in my older brother's class.

Obituary
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of a great zenith, Paul (Paolo) Pulla at the age of 65. After years of battling many health challenges, he was taken to heaven surrounded by prayer, family and friends on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. He is predeceased by his father, Arturo Pulla, and will be dearly missed by his wife and best friend Lena (Pizzardi) Pulla and his mother Carolina (Assunta) Pulla. Paul will also be missed by his older brother Tony Pulla (Jan), his niece, Nikki Langfield (Geordie) and their son Hugo, his niece, Danielle Pulla and her children Emma and Jack and Paul’s nephew, Dr. Siommon Pulla (Melanie) and sons, Tavio, Fabien, and Alfeo.

A private funeral was held for Paul on Monday, April 15, 2019 and he was entombed at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Whitby.

Paul was born in Campobasso, Italy in 1953, and lived a short time in Montreal, Quebec. He then spent the rest of his life in Oshawa, Ontario. Paul dedicated 55 years of his life to Catholic Education as a student, Teacher, Consultant, Elementary and Secondary Vice Principal and Principal, Superintendent of Education, Director of Education and most recently, Catholic School Trustee. Paul’s commitment to his faith and passion for Catholic Education will never be forgotten by the many lives he touched.

The Pulla family wishes to thank the medical staff of the Nephrology, Cardiac and Critical Care Units at Lakeridge Health, Oshawa, as well as the medical staff of the Critical Cardiac Unit at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto. A special thanks to Father Keith Callaghan of Holy Cross Parish, Oshawa.

A memorial mass will be held at 4:30 on May 21 at Holy Cross Parish, 373 Simcoe Street South. All are welcome and any donations in memory of Paul Pulla can be made to Holy Cross Parish.

requiescat in pace

John Marinzel ~ January 28, 1955 - December 21, 2018

As time goes on, this is becoming more and more like an obituary column. This time it is John Marinzel who passed away from cancer four days before Christmas in 2018. He was in the same photo club as I was at OCHS and was photo editor of the yearbook. He owned some serious photography equipment back in the day. Helga his sister was in the senior years when I first came to OCHS.

Here is his elegant obituary:

In memory of
John Marinzel
January 28, 1955 -  December 21, 2018

Every exit is an entry somewhere else 
- Tom Stoppard 

On Friday, December 21, 2018, John Joseph Marinzel, age 63, passed away peacefully at the Lakeridge Hospital from cancer. He was the beloved son of the late Theresa and Joseph Marinzel. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 41 years, Sylvie, as well as his sister, Helga, his niece, Mara, and all family and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Thornton Funeral Centre (1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa 905-579-6787) on Thursday January 3, 2019 at 10 am, followed by a service at 11 am.

Donations can be made to The Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.

I can’t go on 
You must go on 
I’ll go on 
- Samuel Beckett


in pace requiescat 

Joanne Bond was editor of the 1972 yearbook and she sends this along:

The text on the page reads (in an ee cummings fashion with little capitalization and punctuation):

remember the guy that always see at dances, at basketball, football, soccer, track and field, and volleyball games? who is always burdened down with a black camera case that houses a fantastic camera? and pops out of nowhere to snap candid pictures of students and staff so that your yearbook can be packed with photos to help us keep our memories of all those games and events and who is therefore, left out of the picture all of the time because he is on the wrong side of the camera? well, we do and on your behalf and ours we would like to dedicate this page to that guy, as our tribute of thanks.

Thanks Joanne.