CLASS NOTES 1970’s
belongs to several other aviationrelated organizations and gets to work with many fantastic people who share his quest for knowledge about the rich history of Canadian aviation along with aviation in general. Both of his daughters received a quality education at Luther College High School, which was the foundation for them both to go on to earn graduate degrees. Luther was a great part of that.
BARRY MONSON Barry Monson (U’74) is retired after 36+ years teaching mathematics at the University of New Brunswick. He says he is “still researching, another word for mental torture.” Barry has been married to Milda Markauskas (of Montreal) for 41+ years. They still live in Fredericton. Their two daughters are academics (in Quebec and England), and they have a two-year-old grandson who is extraordinarily busy.
Special Memory: “Living in residence, playing bridge into the wee hours of the night. Spending time and getting to know Rein Sommerfeld. My parents had moved to Toronto for work and Rein became like a father figure to me. Both of our daughters went to Luther High School and when our youngest was in grade 11 I volunteered to help Gail Fry with the musical. Ten musicals later, with both daughters now graduated from the U of R, I looked back and truly appreciated every moment I spent with those students and teachers.”
Special Memory: “Having my own room in residence. It was 106, I think; and I suppose I was the first student to use it!” A Message to Former Classmates/Teachers: “I think Tom Strutt taught a summer course (1973, I guess) on a modern English novel. It was marvellous.” Gary Williams (U’74) is retired after 34 years working for SGI. He is now following his passion in aviation, serving as the national president of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society (as well as that of the Regina Chapter). He also
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LUTHER STORY SPRING 2022
GARY WILLIAMS What Made Luther College Meaningful: “The people, the staff, professors, and the other students. Relationships are everything and I have nothing but positive
memories of all those people.” A Message to Former Classmates/Teachers: “Thank you for the times we spent together and PLEASE don’t look for my photo of our graduation class hidden in the hall on the second floor of the classroom wing. It was the 70’s back then!”
MERLIN THOMPSON Merlin Thompson (U’75) is still going strong with music. His book More than Music Lessons: A Studio Teacher’s Guide to Parents, Practicing, Projects, and Character was published by Rowman & Littlefield in March 2022. He says all through the pandemic, technology has made it possible for music lessons to continue and he’s enjoyed extraordinary connections with colleagues across Canada, USA, New Zealand, and Australia. Special Memory: Luther was “a great place that felt like home.” What Made Luther College Meaningful: “I really appreciated living in the on-campus residence. There was always someone ready to talk at the end of the day. Amazing.”
