Vic High Alumni Treasurer – Harry Felsing, VHS 1964
Harry has lived in Victoria since 1952, and graduated from the Vic High university entrance program. He attended General Business School for a year, taking accounting and general business courses. In 1972 he graduated from the Certified General Accountant’s program, got married, and he and his wife have three children. Harry articled as a student with a CGA firm during his CGA courses, and later became a partner in the firm. After five years, he left the partnership and began his career in the BC government with the Auditor General’s office. His next position was with the Superannuation Commission (now the Pension Corporation), then with the Ministry of Government Services and then the Ministry of Human Resources.
In 2011 he left the provincial government and worked for the Anglican Diocese of BC for three years as the Diocesan Finance Officer. In October 2023 he was installed as a member of the Order of the Dioceses of British Columbia in recognition of his years of service at the parish and the diocese.
Harry has been a dedicated supporter of the Vic High Alumni and Vic High, and his experience and knowledge will help guide the Alumni in its evolution.
You might not know his name, but you know his voice
By King Lee, VHS 1958
Many Vic High voices have been heard in the hallways of the school and on Victoria radio airwaves. Some are familiar: Hugh Curtis at CJVI and C-FAX, Alan Perry at C-FAX, Ray Orchard, former Vic High principal Keith McCallion at C-FAX, Gordie Tupper at CKDA and CHEK-TV, Brian Dance at CBC Radio, John McKeachie at CKDA, Gerald Pash at CKDA, and myself King Lee at CKDA. But none will have a less recognizable name and more recognizable voice than John Ashbridge from the Vic High Class of 1964.
If you’ve attended a Vancouver Canucks NHL game or listened to a Canucks television or radio broadcast, John’s distinctive and booming voice was heard over the arena public-address system for more than three decades before his death due to cancer on June 5, 2018 in New Westminster, BC, three days short of his 72nd birthday.
John was born June 8, 1946 in Hastings, Sussex, England, but immigrated to Victoria at age five with his family. Believe it or not, his career in broadcasting began as he started attending Central Junior High School. He’d become interested in radio, and began hanging around AM radio station CJVI on Fort Street as a bit of a ‘gofer’, doing whatever he could to help and to learn, and actually worked there 1960-1961. The station, which operated from April 1, 1923 until 5:05 p.m., Sept. 2, 2000, was eventually sold to Canadian broadcasting giant Rogers Communications Inc. It became CHTT, or better known as JACK-FM (103.1).
Eventually his persistence and willingness to help and learn landed him an ‘on air’ gig at C-FAX while still attending Vic High. He was allowed to announce the time and weather during breaks in the elevator-music format of the day. Meanwhile, back at Vic High, his grad write-up said: John is a member of the grad choir, as well as one of Mr. P’s “labourers” in the equipment room. He also served as manager of the Totems this year. Outside of school, John works for C-Fax radio, and his future lies in the field of radio and TV production.”
Helen Edwards, chair of the Victoria High School Alumni Association and a Grade 12 classmate of John, admits she did not know him at Vic High, but got to know him when she was writing a book about Victoria’s hockey history. “He helped me quite a bit,” Helen said.
Sandra Barge Lauder, who lives in Alberta, remembered John as a great biology lab partner in Grade 12 because he loved cutting up specimens. “He had a great sense of humour and he always had me laughing,” Sandra said. She also recalled his amazing ‘radio voice.’ Sandra lost touch with John until around 1989. She was on a ladder painting the interior of their new house and listening to the Canucks playing her beloved Montreal Canadiens, when she heard a familiar voice, got down off the ladder, and walked towards the TV. It was John Ashbridge, introduced as the Voice of the Canucks. “I couldn’t believe it!”, said Sandra. They reconnected until his passing in 2018.
Dan Soberg, VHS 1964, also remembered John from Vic High. They both lived on Moss Street in Fairfield, and Dan often gave John a ride to Vic High in his $75, 1951 Austin, which occasionally needed a push. And Gerald Pash, VHS 1962, remembers John as a fellow student interested in radio. “I worked at CKDA 1962-64,” he says, “and would visit John occasionally on the week-ends when he was operating the control board at C-FAX.”
John worked at C-FAX until he graduated from Vic High, and from there his career took off. At 17, he started reading the news at Vancouver radio station CJOR (600 AM), and spent a year there before moving on to CKNW (980 AM). His long career there was interrupted several times: three years in Prince George, a year in Australia, and three months as news director at the ill-fated C-FUN Radio, which had adopted an all-news format after its rock-music glory days. In 1997 and 1998, John flew to Japan with the Canucks to perform announcing duties in Tokyo.
John had become the Canucks’ in-house announcer in 1987 at the Pacific Coliseum, and also did announcing stints with the Vancouver Giants junior Western Hockey League franchise as well as the occasional Vancouver Canadians’ baseball game. His two favourite broadcasting memories were announcing the late Queen Elizabeth’s ceremonial puck-drop at a game against the San Jose Sharks in 2002, and announcing the gold-medal hockey game between Canada and the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Photo courtesy of NHL website. www.nhl.com
In his later years, John returned to Victoria as a guest at some of the annual Association of Former MLAs of British Columbia dinners held at Government House. He must have had some great stories to share there. And he was kind enough some years back to speak at the memorial service of a woman who had worked in radio for many years. We’re told the woman’s grandson was blown away when the ‘Voice of the Canucks’ gave a wonderful testimonial to his grandmother at the service. He’ll have that memory all his life.
In Tom Hawthorn’s Globe and Mail obituary on John, Tom recalled an interview with the Nanaimo Daily News in which John was asked what he liked about the being the Canucks’ announcer. “I have a front-row seat, I have an unobstructed view, I’ve had a pre-game meal, they’ve provided me with parking. Does it get any better than this?”
Courtesy Gord Lansdell’s Vancouver Broadcasters website, here is John’s radio itinerary:
John Ashbridge – Operator at age 13 CJVI Victoria 1960-61; on air C-FAX Victoria 1962-64; CJOR Vancouver 1964; general announcer CKNW New Westminster 1965-67; C-FUN Vancouver 1967; CKNW 1967-70; News Director CJCI Prince George 1970-73; CKNW 1973-80; television news Australia 1980-81; news then senior newsman and Manager Network Operations CKNW 1981-2005; retired from radio; public address announcer Vancouver Canucks 1987-current; PA announcer Vancouver Giants 2004-current. RTNDA Lifetime Achievement Award 2005.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/John-Ashbridge-Image.png270226Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-09-13 09:55:402023-09-30 12:30:11John Ashbridge, VHS 1964 The Voice of the Canucks
May 13, 2023 at the 4th Black & Gold Dinner, we celebrate each of these extraordinary Vic High alumni. They will join sixteen current members of the Black & Gold Honour Roll, from Emily Carr, VHS 1888 to Sam Dunn, VHS 1992. A video about each past inductee is linked from the full list here.
Lawrie Wallace, VHS 1930 (1913 – 2006)
Lawrie Wallace, 1913-2006, was a student at Vic High (VHS 1930), returning as a teacher for several years before joining the BC Public Service. His influence as Deputy Provincial Secretary and Deputy Premier was legendary. He was a key figure in Vic High’s 1976 Centennial Celebration, along with Sylvia Hosie and popular teacher and drama coach Tommy Mayne, a 2018 Black and Gold Honouree. Wallace was the driving force behind the 1948-49 fundraising for the Memorial Stadium, and was instrumental in helping create the Victoria High School Alumni Association. In recent years the beautiful Vic High Auditorium was renamed in his honour.
Jill Wallace, VHS 1966 (1948 – 2011)
Jill Wallace, 1948-2011, was the school’s top student in 1966, and also spent her life championing Vic High. She followed in her father’s footsteps in public service, eventually becoming BC’s Deputy Attorney General. She was a tireless and valued member of the Alumni Association, and spent countless hours helping organize and promote the school’s valuable archives and museum collections until her untimely death in 2011.
Sylvia Hosie, VHS 1961
Sylvia Hosie, VHS 1961, is one half of “The Hosies”, Victoria’s legendary entertainment couple whose love story began on the Vic High auditorium stage about 60 years ago. Sylvia has carved a name for herself as an actor, choreographer, director and writer while husband Bill, VHS 1960, had CBC starring roles as a singer and comedic and serious actor. Sylvia went on to a teaching career at George Jay Elementary and was instrumental in developing the performing arts department at Claremont Senior Secondary school.
Timothy Vernon, VHS 1963
Victoria High School’s musical gift to Canada, Maestro Timothy Vernon, a grad of 1963, wraps up a 43-year gig with Pacific Opera Victoria next June. But he’s not leaving POV empty. The founding director of POV in 1980, Timothy has programmed the company’s next two season, adding “I’ve got 10 years of energy and ideas and plans left.” His many awards include the Order of Canada, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Award and Opera Canada’s Ruby Award. Timothy has been the guest conductor at every Canadian professional opera company: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Nova Scotia. In recognition of his highly acclaimed work, the maestro has received honourary degrees from the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University.
Mohammed Elewonibi, VHS 1983
The Super Bowl ring belongs to Mohammed “Mo” Elewonibi, a member of the Washington Redskins when they won the 1992 NFL championship. Nigerian-born Elewonibi, VHS 1983, played rugby, soccer and basketball at Vic High and began playing football seriously in Utah. In 1989 he won the prestigious Outland Trophy, awarded to the best lineman in U.S. football. 1997-2005 he played for the BC Lions, then the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Pamela Madoff, VHS 1972
Pamela Madoff is her name and Victoria’s heritage is her passion. A 1972 Victoria High School graduate, Pam served a quarter of a century on Victoria City Council. One of her biggest, most successful projects was working to keep Victoria’s Old Town district intact. Her passion for heritage preservation also included advocating to keep Vic High’s 1914 Grant Street building, currently under major renovation and seismic upgrading. Vic High was founded in 1876 on the grounds of what is now Central Middle School, and 2026 will mark its sesquicentennial. The Grant Street building was finished and occupied in 1914, added on to in 1956 and 2011, and will re-open January 2024, 110 years ‘new’. Pam’s work has gained her many honours, including Heritage B.C.’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her tireless efforts to keep historic sites from disappearing. She chaired the Victoria Heritage Advisory Committee, was a B.C. governor of the Heritage Canada Foundation and served on the Advisory Design Board and Civic Trust.
Ian McDougall, VHS 1956
The Grammy belongs to Ian McDougall of the Canadian group The Boss Brass, which won the 1983 Grammy Award for best jazz instrumental album. McDougall, VHS 1956, grew up in Victoria where at age 11, he joined the Victoria Boys Band hoping to play drums. But there wasn’t a full drum kit there, so he looked at the trumpet. “Play the trombone, son,” his father said. “Because a good trombone player is never out of work.” And play the trombone he did. At age 13, he began playing venues around Victoria and became so good that by 1960, he was touring Great Britain with the John Dankworth band. He returned to B.C. two years later and played with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra before earning Bachelors and Masters degrees in music at UBC. He then taught music at UVic from 1988 until he retired as Professor Emeritus in 2003.
Ann Kipling, VHS 1951
Ann Kipling, VHS 1951, is an impressionistic artist who has received national recognition for her work. She attended the Vancouver School of Arts in the 1950s, long before it changed its name in 1978 to Emily Carr University of Art and Design, after another former Vic High student and worldrenowned artist. In 2004 she was awarded the inaugural Audain Prize for Lifetime Achievement in the Visual Arts, one of Canada’s most prestigious honours. She’s also received an honorary doctorate from Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and the Canada Council Victor Martyn LynchStaunton Award.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/VHSLogo..png28372380Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-02-10 09:06:212023-02-10 09:07:482023 Black & Gold Inductees
Paul Curtis is a communications guy, the perfect volunteer to lead the ongoing evolution of our Alumni website, because a website is, of course, a key communications vehicle.
Paul spent 14 years in radio broadcasting, including on-air and behind-the-scenes roles. He then moved into marketing, communications and media relations, ultimately landing in the Digital Marketing space. For nearly 30 years Paul managed teams responsible for website, e-commerce and digital signage design and sustainment for a major marine transportation company.
Having recently retired, and though busy with that retirement To-Do list, he is ready to refocus his energies on a number of personal projects, spend more time with family and friends, and contribute to great volunteer organizations like the Vic High Alumni Association.
Paul also served a term (2022-24) as a Director of the Vic High Alumni.
Craig Strickland, VHS 1966 Motorcycle – and Other – Memories
As for that motorcycle-riding, ‘urban legend’ myth in our story about Art Warren (click here), alumnus Craig Strickland, VHS 1966, was the first to share a Vic High motorcycle story, an email that prompted our discovery of Art and his yellow 80cc trailbike. Were they both remembering the same event? Or has there been more than one infamous motorcycle ride around the halls of Vic High? Craig writes:
It was early June or late May in 1966. I was in Mr. Kay’s Math 91 class on the second floor beside the stairwell. It was a very warm afternoon, all of those big windows were open and class had only been in session for 15 or 20 minutes. We could plainly hear the distinctive sounds of a two-stroke, off-road motorcycle, very close.
It was revved several times before it was clear that it was moving under load. Suddenly it was in the stairwell moving fast. The sound echoed wildly as it sprinted upward toward the fourth floor! We could hear it still echoing as it raced towards the opposite stairwell and careened down to the second floor and then down and out the doors to sidewalk next to the stadium and out to the street and was gone. Shortly, there was an angry voice over the PA system, a bit incoherent but something about seeing things or hearing noise or something.
We kept our heads down while we tried to get glimpses of each other. Mr. Kay didn’t acknowledge anything. At the end of the period we gathered our things and looked for tire marks on the stairs. Outside there wasn’t a clue. We laughed and marvelled at the exciting prank.
The math class I was in was all male. Most were on the Academic Technical Programme as I recall, and spent much of their time in the Fairey Tech building. They were prank masters, although I don’t think they were involved with the Moto moment that convulsed the school. Rather they would do things like come into math class chanting in unison, then cross the classroom and go out the window into the fir tree outside. Then there was the mickey-drinking contest in class with Mr. Kay in the room. If he smelled the strong aroma he never interrupted the equation at hand.
Craig sent us a very special 1966 Camosun
Here’s the note he sent with it, both will reside in the Vic High Archives and Museum.
At one point in the development of the 1966 version of the Camosun, we were running low on pictures. I volunteered my dad Irving Strickland to shoot some pictures in addition to the ones he already had of the Champion Totems team.
As I remember them, he shot the exteriors of the school, the section cover pictures for Grads, Tech and Literary.
The Camosun staff executive came around to our home on Linden Ave to present (him) with his copy of the annual.
Camosun staff signed their photos to thank Irving: Seeth Miko, Robin Allan, Ron Tucker, Bill Polz, Sue Price, Dave Day, Drew Schroeder, Jill Wallace, Maurice Racine, Helen De Havilland, Bob Hammer, Linda Kolodinsky, Craig Strickland.
Dad worked for The Victoria Daily Times for 56 years. He was Victoria’s first full-time newspaper photographer.
Thanks so much for accepting this volume. I am very grateful.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-06-05 11:45:462022-06-09 14:58:53Craig Strickland, VHS 1966 Motorcycle – and Other – Memories
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00Helen Edwardshttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngHelen Edwards2021-03-09 17:45:552021-03-09 17:46:12Music Documentary Producer, Sam Dunn
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00Helen Edwardshttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngHelen Edwards2021-02-01 11:28:192021-02-01 11:30:28Class of 2011 – Do You Believe?
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00Helen Edwardshttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngHelen Edwards2021-02-01 10:58:192021-02-01 10:58:23She Still Stands, Tall and Proud
When the carver places the roast beef on your Black and Gold Dinner plate May 2020, , say hello to Keith Campbell, VHS 1987, owner of Fifteen Fifty’s Pub Style Restaurant catering the event.
Victoria-born Campbell grew up in the Broadmead area and his parents operated the Lantern House pizza restaurant, currently Il Greco Pizzeria on Tillicum Road and about to be redeveloped. Campbell attended Tillicum Elementary and Colquitz and Shoreline Junior High schools before enrolling at Vic High in Grade 11 to take part in the auto-body program, still the only one available in the District.
His motivation to succeed must have been instilled early, because he had to come all the way from Sidney to attend Vic High. Housed at the time in the old now-demolished Fairey Tech building, Campbell excelled in the auto-body program, and was awarded a post-secondary scholarship to Camosun College in the trade. By the end of his first year however, he left the program. A few of his classmates’ friends had died from exposure to spray-paint chemicals, and he decided the risk was not one he’d take.
Campbell had experience as a food server and eventually found work as a bartender at Squid Row in Sidney, where he eventually became manager and then general manager. He was unsuccessful in his attempts to join the ownership at Squid Row, so began looking around for business opportunities.
In 1994 with his parents’ help he opened Fifteen Fifty’s, taking over what was Natasha’s Pacific Grill, formerly the Hungarian Village Restaurant. 25 years later, though he remembers well the struggle to build clientele, his business is still growing.
“I’ve been very, very lucky in my life,” said Campbell, looking back at his days at Vic High until now. He also spoke glowingly of his two daughters and two grandchildren and credited his parents and some influential Vic High teachers for contributing to his success.
Ed Wignall, Auto Body, Bud Brice, Metalwork, Bruce Malczeski, Social Studies, and Linda Shevloff, English were among his favourite teachers. Campbell also remembered some of his high-school buddies, Andy Corbett, Brent McKnight, Bill McClung and Neil Meija. In fact, Meija is currently his kitchen manager at 1550s.
He recalled one day at Vic High when an announcement came over the PA asking for the owner of a red Honda Civic to report the school office because his or her car was on fire. One of Campbell’s friends had accidently started the blaze in Campbell’s vehicle. “I loved Vic High. It was a great school.” Perhaps it was that school experience that still inspires him to support the community by contributing to school projects.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00ideazonehttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngideazone2020-11-06 00:57:152020-11-17 19:49:56Black and Gold Dinner Caterer Former Vic High Student – Keith Campbell
Good news: more people want to attend our AGM than ever before. So in order to respect covid pandemic regulations, it will now be held via Zoom.
AGM – June 15, 2020 4 PM – 5:30 PM Pacific Standard Time
You must RSVP anew to donnalomas23@gmail.com in order to receive the Zoom invite and meeting reports.
We’re excited so many want to participate and look forward to seeing everyone at our first Zoom AGM. Please download the app and familiarize yourself with the protocols.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00ideazonehttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngideazone2020-05-18 00:16:202020-11-02 14:25:422020 Annual General Meeting
Please join Vic High Class of 1968 and the Vic High R&B Band on April 4th for a fundraising evening of fun and entertainment. As well, the ’68 crew are celebrating their collective 70th birthdays that night.
Proceeds from the event will go to support the Vic High ’68 Spirit Scholarship which was awarded for the 1st time in 2019. To learn more go to https://vichigh68.wordpress.com/
WHAT: VHS ’68 celebrates their 70th BDs featuring Vic High R&B Band
WHY: VHS ’68 Spirit Scholarship Fundraiser
COST: $25 minimum per person
WHERE: Trafalgar/Pro Patria Legion – 411 Gorge Rd E
WHEN: Saturday April 4th – 7:00PM
WHO: Vic High ’68 grads, VHS Alumni, guests, family and friends
Get Your Tickets
Admission to the party is by a minimum donation of $25 per person. Donations of $25 or more will receive (at a later date) a receipt for income tax purposes if requested.
To reserve your spot at the Fundraiser/Birthday Party you can:
Mail a cheque made out to the VHS Alumni Associationinclude ’68 Spirit Award on the memo line to Sandi Duncan
202 – 978 Heywood Ave.
Victoria BC V8V 2Y4
Please include a note listing the number and names of guests attending and if a donation is included or if the cheque is only for a donation.
Click on the alumni’s name to view their obituary.
If you’d rather search for someone by grad year, go to this page and click on the year you want. It will bring up the list of alumni who have registered with us and show their Status in the right column.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00ideazonehttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngideazone2019-12-16 01:55:352025-02-23 14:31:28In Memoriam R – S
Click on the alumni’s name to view their obituary.
If you’d rather search for someone by grad year, go to this page and click on the year you want. It will bring up the list of alumni who have registered with us and show their Status in the right column.
Click on the alumni’s name to view their obituary.
If you’d rather search for someone by grad year, go to this page and click on the year you want. It will bring up the list of alumni who have registered with us and show their Status in the right column.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00ideazonehttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngideazone2019-12-16 01:29:082025-03-16 17:46:00In Memoriam M – N
Click on the alumni’s name to view their obituary.
If you’d rather search for someone by grad year, go to this page and click on the year you want. It will bring up the list of alumni who have registered with us and show their Status in the right column.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00ideazonehttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngideazone2019-12-15 05:35:572025-03-16 17:44:09In Memoriam D – H
Black and Gold Dinner – June 2, 2018 Five Illustrious Alumni Honoured
Once again, it was a wonderful celebration! Click on each inductee’s name below for a video about them, produced again by Anne McKeachie (VHS 1968) and Alan Perry (VHS 1974), along with a beautiful video tribute to today’s Vic High from the 2018 staff and students. Thank you to all who attended and we look forward to the next Black and Gold Dinner in 2020!
Our five Illustrious Alumni honoured at this year’s event were:
Dr. Wallace Chung (VHS 1945), highly respected former Director of Surgery and medical researcher at UBC, best known for the introduction of innovative techniques in stroke surgery and the advancement of vascular surgery as a recognized specialty.
David Anderson(VHS 1955), Member of Parliament under Pierre Trudeau and Jean Chretien and cabinet minister under Chretien, serving as Minister of Fisheries and five years as Minister of Environment. David also found success as part of the Canadian 8-member rowing team that won a silver medal at the 1959 Pan Am Games and at the 1960 Olympics. He is a member of the Order of Canada.
Carole Sabiston (VHS 1957), a world-renowned fabric artist and Order of BC member. She creates magnificent painted murals, hangings, aerial sculptures and tapestries using multiple layers of netting and fabrics to create translucent passages of shifting lights and shimmering movements of water and air. Her work has been exhibited across Canada and in Europe.
David Day (VHS 1966), internationally acclaimed author. He has written many books on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, beginning with The Tolkien Bestiary in 1978, and an amazing book on the Lewis Carroll classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Decoded.
Sam Dunn (VHS 1992), documentary filmmaker. He won a Gemini Award for best writing in a documentary film for Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. His films have been nominated for a Grammy award, and won a Peabody Award and he co-directed and hosted the Metal Evolution TV series that reached #1 on VH1 Classic and MuchMoreMusic.
Dr. Wallace Chung David Anderson
Carole SabistonDavid Day Sam Dunn
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Click on the alumni’s name to view their obituary.
If you’d rather search for someone by grad year, go to this page and click on the year you want. It will bring up the list of alumni who have registered with us and show their Status in the right column.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00ideazonehttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngideazone2016-08-29 23:54:502025-02-23 14:32:58In Memoriam T – Z
Thomas W. Mayne (VHS 1935) was a beloved Vic High teacher forover 30 years, but might be best remembered as the force behind the school’s Calamity Players skits at assemblies.
Dr. Norma Mickelson (VHS 1944) became the first woman Chancellor at the University of Victoria (1997-2002) after a distinguished career that included serving as UVic’s Dean of Education. She is a member of the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada.
Dr. A.J. Stewart Smith (VHS 1955) is a renowned particle physicist based at Princeton University in New Jersey, and will make the trip back to accept the award from the school for which he has a deep fondness (see his memoir on our Alumni website: go to vichigh.com, click on Archives, then Tales from the Attic, then “April 2015: Victoria High School in the 1950s”).
Hans de Goede (VHS 1971) played rugby for Vic High and went on to represent Canada 24 times in international competition. He was twice named to the All-World XV, and is a member of both the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame and the BC Sports Hall of Fame.
The 2014 inductees were Jim Taylor (VHS 1955, sports columnist/humourist), Dr. Maria Tippett (VHS 1962, cultural historian), Richard Hunt (VHS 1971, native artist/carver) and Jessica Monroe-Gonin (VHS 1984, Olympic gold/silver medallist in rowing).
Tommy Mayne Norma Mickelson Stewart Smith Hans deGoede
Emily Carr The Peden Brothers
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The warm, late afternoon May sunshine provided the ‘icing on the cake’ for a wonderful gathering of alumni at the home of Jim and Cathy (Pearson) Crawford on Sunday, May 18 when approximately 50 guests gathered to catch up with each other in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Beginning at 4pm guests sipped their drinks, mingled, and soaked up the ambience while trading stories with each other in the house, out in the garden, and on the patios – all the while enjoying delicious appies brought along by generous folks.
Later the party was treated to the rock musical stylings of 2 different bands from their era in the Crawford’s’ ‘Party Garage’!
Dancers and appreciative listeners, along with the band, only took a short break to enjoy delicious Oregano’s pizza as the warm weather offered the rare Victoria opportunity to continue to dine outside, sans bugs, rain, or the usual high winds!
A further treat followed as the golden afternoon sun faded to a lovely lavender twilight at which point the guests moved into the ‘dance garage’ and were treated to an amazingly talented R & B trio.
Led by the fabulous vocals of the featured soloist and highly talented musician (from the dance the evening before at the Crystal Gardens!) the trio offered tasty dance tunes for the remaining die hard partiers!
It can be honestly said that The Class of ’68 know how to party yet the next day, thanks to the continued enthusiastic and team attitude of this amazing group, one would not have known such a fabulous gathering had even occurred…..well, aside from the beautiful bouquets, balloons, and a very neat and tidy recycling centre!
Thanks to all for a wonderful time!
See you again next time!
Click on the photos below to enlarge them.
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For the past year the Alumni Association has been compiling a list of illustrious alumni. While this is still a “work in progress,” we took advantage of the centenary of the current Vic High building to showcase the outstanding accomplishments of four of our amazing grads.
On Thursday May 15, 2014, we held a dinner at the Wardroom at CFB Esquimalt to recognize (L-R): Richard Hunt, class of 1971; Dr. Maria Tippett, class of 1962; Jessica Monroe-Gonin, class of 1984; and Jim Taylor, class of 1955. (See details below.)
140 people enjoyed an amazing celebration on a beautiful evening at the Wardroom with spectacular views overlooking the ocean! The Vic High Pop Choir was in typically fine form, entertaining during the cocktail hour. Keith McCallion masterfully emceed the event. The Minister of Education attended and in his remarks congratulated the honoured guests, while saluting our great school and Alumni Association in this centenary of our current building. The School District and Board of Trustees were well represented, with the Board Chair, Peg Orcherton, Class of ’73, also offering words of congratulations to the honourees and acknowledging the school and Alumni Association. Five past Principals were in attendance along with many former staff, alumni from the ’40s to ’90s, current students and staff, and friends and family of the honourees. Current students Eric Buhne, Saali-aa Edgar, Krysteena White and Tristan Pakosh joined Alumni Association directors Roger Skillings, Fred Packford, Denis Johnston and King Lee to present video tributes and introduce each honouree. The responses from those who attended have been full of accolades for a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening – and we are already looking forward to the next one!
Click on each inductee’s name to link to a video about them.
Jim Taylor (VHS 1955)
A nationally acclaimed humourist and sports writer, Jim is the author of over 15 books including Dirty 30 (1974) and two biographies of Wayne Gretzky (1984 and 1994). He began at the Daily Colonist, went on to write for both Vancouver dailies, and was syndicated across Canada. He has won numerous awards, and is a member of five sports halls of fame
Dr. Maria Tippett (VHS 1962)
Maria is a leading Canadian cultural historian and the author of more than a dozen books including Art at the Service of War (1984) and biographies of Canadian artists Emily Carr, F.H. Varley, and Yousuf Karsh. Her many honours include the Governor General’s book award for non-fiction. After several years teaching in England, she now resides on Pender Island.
Richard Hunt (VHS 1971)
Richard is an acclaimed artist whose works grace galleries and private collections across the country and beyond. He was the artist behind all the design work created for Vic High’s 125th celebrations in 2001. He is a member of the Order of British Columbia (1991), the Order of Canada (1994) and the Royal Academy of the Arts (2004). In 2009 he received the BC Creative Achievement Award for Aboriginal Art.
Jessica Monroe-Gonin (VHS 1984)
Jessica was on the national rowing team and won Olympic gold and silver medals at the summer games in Barcelona (1992) and Atlanta (1996). She is a member of the British Columbia, Victoria, and Canadian sports halls of fame.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00ideazonehttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngideazone2014-05-28 01:32:362020-11-26 10:27:18Black and Gold Dinner – 2014
Click on the alumni’s name to view their obituary.
If you’d rather search for someone by grad year, go to this page and click on the year you want. It will bring up the list of alumni who have registered with us and show their Status in the right column.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00ideazonehttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngideazone2013-09-07 02:58:482025-03-16 17:37:49In Memoriam I – L
Click on the alumni’s name to view their obituary.
If you’d rather search for someone by grad year, go to this page and click on the year you want. It will bring up the list of alumni who have registered with us and show their Status in the right column.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00ideazonehttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngideazone2013-09-07 02:55:512025-03-16 17:50:34In Memoriam A – C
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00ideazonehttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngideazone2011-03-12 23:54:182020-11-12 23:55:39The Story of Fairey Tech and Col. F.T. Fairey
We meet every couple of months for lunch. If anyone is interested in seeing photos of the lunches, or being added to the e-mail lunch list or the grad list, please email vichighclass72@shaw.ca and check our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/srch.php#!/groups/211596495559710/
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00ideazonehttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngideazone2010-12-06 10:05:222020-11-17 19:18:20Class of 1972
Jim Taylor, 1937-2019 Recruited from a journalism class at Vic High, Jim Taylor (VHS 1955) went on to become an award-winning sportswriter, humourist, and author of some 19 books. Click here for an appreciation by Jack Knox in the Times Colonist. Click here for an appreciation by Tom Hawthorn; a shorter version appeared in the Globe and Mail. Click here for an obituary from the Vancouver Sun. Click here for a memoir from his friend and fellow journalist King Lee (VHS 1958). Click here to view a video honouring him as one of Vic High’s “Illustrious Alumni” (2014).
Tommy Mayne, 1918-2018 No one personifies the special qualities of Vic High better than Thomas W. Mayne (grad 1935, teacher 1945-78). He was revered as a social studies teacher, drama director, and sponsor of the madcap skit group Calamity Players. Following his retirement in 1978, he developed a second career as a community leader and philanthropist. Click here for an Alumni Association feature that traces his teaching career (2009). Click here for a Times Colonist feature on his contributions to the wider community (2011). Click here for an obituary published in the Times Colonist (2018). Click here to view a video honouring him as one of Vic High’s “Illustrious Alumni” (2016).
Reg Reid, 1924-2017 Reginald H. Reid was a Vic High grad (valedictorian 1943) and teacher (1957-63) before serving as one of the school’s most popular and effective vice principals (1967-77). A celebration of his life was held on June 3, 2017, in the Lawrie Wallace Auditorium. Click here for an obituary published in the Times Colonist. Click here for a tribute written by King Lee (VHS 1958). Click here for a Times Colonist feature written by Cleve Dheenshaw (VHS 1974).
Jill Wallace, 1948-2011 The top academic grad of Vic High’s class of 1966, Gillian P. Wallace rose to become a Queen’s Counsel and British Columbia’s Deputy Attorney General. She was also a longtime stalwart of the Alumni Board, and a cheerful helper in the VHS Archives for several years. Here as elsewhere, she was admired for her thoughtfulness, dedication, good humour, and attention to detail. A celebration of her life was held in the Lawrie Wallace Auditorium on March 10, 2011, with more than 600 friends and family in attendance. Click here to read a feature on Jill in the Times Colonist. Click here to read a tribute to Jill written by her family. Click here to read a memoir by Heather MacAndrew, Jill’s lifelong friend, who spoke at the celebration.
Lawrie Wallace, 1913-2006 Lawrence J. Wallace was a Vic High grad (1930) and teacher (1946-53) before embarking on his celebrated career as perhaps the most accomplished civil servant that British Columbia has ever known. Committed to Vic High and its future, no matter what his other responsibilities were, Lawrie Wallace always had time for his school. He was the chairman of the Vic High Centennial Committee and helped to create the Alumni Association. Lawrie has been recognized by the school through naming the auditorium in his honour. Click here for an obituary published in the Times Colonist Click here for a tribute written by King Lee (VHS 1958) and Barrie Moen (VHS 1968) and published in the Times Colonist.
Duncan Lorimer, 1919-2005
Vic High and the Alumni Association lost a good friend with the passing of J. Duncan Lorimer, the last of Vic High’s long-serving principals. He spent a quarter century, almost his whole educational career, at Vic High. He remained a stalwart friend of the school, actively involved in alumni affairs, and will be remembered as embodying the school’s spirit by the thousands of students who knew him. Click here for an obituary published in the Times Colonist.
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Vic High Alumni Treasurer – Harry Felsing, VHS 1964
Vic High Alumni Treasurer – Harry Felsing, VHS 1964
Eventually his persistence and willingness to help and learn landed him an ‘on air’ gig at C-FAX while still attending Vic High. He was allowed to announce the time and weather during breaks in the elevator-music format of the day. Meanwhile, back at Vic High, his grad write-up said: John is a member of the grad choir, as well as one of Mr. P’s “labourers” in the equipment room. He also served as manager of the Totems this year. Outside of school, John works for C-Fax radio, and his future lies in the field of radio and TV production.”
Dan Soberg, VHS 1964, also remembered John from Vic High. They both lived on Moss Street in Fairfield, and Dan often gave John a ride to Vic High in his $75, 1951 Austin, which occasionally needed a push. And Gerald Pash, VHS 1962, remembers John as a fellow student interested in radio. “I worked at CKDA 1962-64,” he says, “and would visit John occasionally on the week-ends when he was operating the control board at C-FAX.”
Lawrie Wallace, VHS 1930 (1913 – 2006) 
Jill Wallace, VHS 1966 (1948 – 2011)
Sylvia Hosie, VHS 1961
Timothy Vernon, VHS 1963
Mohammed Elewonibi, VHS 1983
Pamela Madoff, VHS 1972
Ian McDougall, VHS 1956
Ann Kipling, VHS 1951
As for that motorcycle-riding, ‘urban legend’ myth in our story about Art Warren (
