Class of 1975 Celebrates 50 Years

It just takes a few champions – and a whole lot of hard work and laughter – to rally the troops and organize a class reunion. Thanks to this core team, the Class of 1975 has those champions in spades! Here are a few of them planning a good time for all. Left to Right: Ann Kalonoff Thomson, Charlie Bickford, Brigitte L’Heureux, Michelle Amyotte Smith, Brian Barton.

Friday it was a tour of Vic High led by enthusiastic Vic High Leadership students, followed by a meet & greet that evening. Saturday’s dinner/dance featured 1975 alumni Charlie Bickford and his band playing all those familiar tunes, and leading the gang in the annual singing of ‘Those Were the Days My Friends’…always a hit!

Stories, laughs, hugs galore. Here’s some photos in random order, and some kudos and comments from attendees.

Mary Anne Skill

Thank you to you and everyone on the committee, Brigitte. You all did such a great job and it was all such a great and memorable weekend. Thank You!

Cecelia McArthur Griffiths

I can’t thank you all enough for this weekend. Special shout out to organizers Michelle Amyotte Smith, Brigitte L’Heureux, Mary Anne Skill, Ann Kalonoff Thomson for all you did to make it happen. Apologies to anyone I forgot/didn’t know about. Huge love to Jeff MacKEnzie for much needed hugs and Nicki MacKenzie for her forbearance. Special love to Nina Duffus and Rob Duffus s for their amazing hospitality, and for the brief but powerful educational interlude.I ’ll remember.

Nina Duffus says –

A huge shout out to our 50th reunion organizing committee for three days of connecting, reconnecting, reminiscing and joyful fun. Your special touches such as the monogrammed chocolates, hand poured acrylic centrepieces, and handmade no-two-alike name tags did not go unnoticed. Well done!

Did everyone notice how often we were reminded to return those name tags? And how every committee member mentioned repeatedly how much they enjoyed each other’s company and working together? Soooooo……I’m looking forward to seeing all of you for our 55th reunion in 2030. It will happen!

Brigitte L’Heureux, Reunion Team Chair

A very special thank you to everyone who attended the festivities this weekend. Your joyful camaraderie is what makes these events such a success.

A very special thanks to Greg Bos for the donation of his book to enable the fundraiser to restore our graduation photo at the school. There is one book left if anyone wants to contribute (Minimum $20). This weekend has shown us that we are all threads in a beautiful tapestry as our lives cross and intertwine. You are all part of that beauty and connection.

Jeff MacKenzie

Had a blast just being with EVERYONE! Reading Greg’s book now

wonderful read with lots of pictures.

Wendy Gibbons

Thank you to all on the committee, to all who helped organize such a fun weekend, and to the awesome band members! The slide show was amazing

!! I will buy the last book please, totally meant to get one on Saturday night!! Thanks again from your 76er friend! Looking forward to seeing you all again at 150th celebration and hopefully some of you at the 1976 50th next spring!!

Ann Kalonoff Thomson

The gym looks amazing!

Mike Irwin

Tons of fun seeing and speaking to so many I haven’t had the opportunity for many many years. Shout out to the planning committee, well done!

Rick Griffin

…a well-run tour of the school.

Ann Kalonoff Thomson

A nice chunk of change was donated to the school by those who came for the tour.

Thank you so much to the Gr 11 students who took the time to show us around.

Charlie Bickford

I would like to thank everyone who attended the weekends festivities. It is obvious that the school spirit is still alive and well in these 68 year-old bodies. Being away from live music for quite some time, I forgot my manners and did not introduce the band. (Except for Jennifer Cleough and I pronounced her last name wrong) Bad on me. Keeping us on time and rhythm , on drums and cowbell is John Hull. On bass guitar, bringing out the low end on songs like wild night is Ken Willson. He needs no introduction, lead guitarist extraordinare Eddie Lee. (Thanks to Shenanigans Band for the loan of Eddie

) Jennifer has vocals for days and plays a mean acoustic guitar. And special thanks to Mike Fowler for helping on Saturday with lights and everything non-musical. and I’d like to thank all of the dancers and listeners on Saturday night for allowing us to spread a little music and pretend to be rockstar-ish.

Brian Barton

It was awesome as usual buddy, rock on!!

Shelley Jordan

Great music played. Brought back so many memories. Great pics, Ann. Michelle, your slide show was AMAZING1 The music with THE VIDEO brought tears to my eyes. Charlie’s bands’ music brought lots of memories back. Miss those old songs. Had an amazing night meeting new grads and hanging out with my old COUCH GANG FRIENDS. Best time ever! Sorry to hear it’s the last one. Thank you for the whole committee putting it all together. Great times!