Beginning of The School Year 1969

 

The Oshawa Times printed this article in 1969 after the opening of the new school year in September of 1969. Several interesting facts jump out. First, OCHS had an enrolment of 320 students. It would more than double by the time that I graduated, and now, there is less than 1,000 (now called Monsignor Paul Dwyer High School) after ballooning to over 2000 a couple of decades ago. 

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.

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