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 

Merry Christmas 2019 and Happy New Year 2020

(click to enlarge)

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!