Martine Family Newsletter 24 by oliverambassadors

Martine Christmas Newsletter

Special events

• Thierry graduates from UBCO with his Data Science degree

• Lori retires after 37 years in education (33 at Oliver Elementary School)

• Gabriella & Chris get engaged

Bernie and Lori celebrate Lori’s 60th in Maui!

Lori & Bernie

Bernie and Lori enjoyed a few little jaunts in the trailer again this year, heading out to Twin Lakes, Christina Lake and Kekuli Bay. Kayaking, golfing and bike riding were the best outdoor entertainment! Spring Break this year, they spent a snowy week in Calgary, visiting with Cheryce and Florian and Bernie’s brother, Richard. A quick trip to the prairies in the fall provided the chance to see family (Claudette and Claude and their kiddos, Uncle Butch, Bev and Wayne, Lorna and Gordie) and Brandon friends, and say a ‘too-soon’ farewell to a dear friend, Dean Jago

They also had a short visit to Maui to celebrate Lori’s 60th birthday! Lori took a week-long excursion to Bandai, Japan with some local youth to visit our town’s sister city. The history, food and culture were amazing! The humidity was something else! Lori was also able to do a quick surprise trip to Ottawa to celebrate her brother Les’ 75 birthday in September!

A travel-filled year!

Bernie is still working for Spirit Ridge in Osoyoos and enjoys golf and hockey in his free time. Lori took the plunge and retired from teaching in June. After 33 years at Oliver Elementary School and 4 more years in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, when September rolled around walking, golfing, gardening and biking took over for a few weeks, then when the callouts started, she settled in as a substitute teacher for a few days a week. She really enjoys the ‘no planning, no meetings, no reporting’ part, but most she loves working with all of the kids!

Christina Lake 24

THIERRY graduated from UBCO this Spring with his degree in Data Science. In the spring he took a race driver training course at Mission Raceway. He did some practice sessions with KSW – Martin Racing and was ready for his first endurance race with his buddy Riley, when mechanical difficulties took them out of the race.

Thierry moved back to Oliver to take a position with Fairview Mountain Golf Course, enjoying the outdoors and some time on the links. In the fall, he worked for a time with Penticton Honda in Penticton. He is currently looking for the best fit and an opportunity to use the skills learned in school. He did some video coaching with the Osoyoos Coyotes in his free time.

GABRIELLA & CHRIS had big news in 2024! In July, after a quick trip to Oliver, Chris orchestrated a hike up Mount Assiniboine and caught a few quick snaps of his proposal! They are very excited to continue this life journey together, September 2025! Other memorable hikes include: Jasper/Robson, Banff, Vancouver Island and many day hikes around Prince George. Gabie is a locum doctor doing mainly labor and delivery. Chris is a data analyst for Telus. Oscar, their little yellow wolf, is living his best life as a back country hiking buddy!

Engagement, July 2024, Mount Assiniboine

Oscar

Beautiful Prince George Auroras

CHERYCE & FLORIAN

Are living in Calgary and enjoying the urban outdoors. They enjoyed a camping trip to Vancouver Island and the Okanagan and a few day hikes around Calgary this year. Cheryce is a personal trainer and boxing fitness coach at Rumble Boxing Studio in downtown Calgary. Florian is a sales associate with a Calgary building manufacturing company.

JULIANA & PHIL

Amid wedding plans for June 2025, Juliana and Phil enjoyed travels to New York City and a Caribbean Cruise! After a 7year term with FleishmanHillard Highroad where she began her career, Juliana accepted a new position as a Senior Account Manager this fall with another public relations agency, tartanbond, in their Vancouver office focusing on travel and hospitality clients. She is thrilled to be starting this new direction in her career. Phil continues to build his career as a chemist doing research and development with Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Juliana and Phil enjoy relaxing at home with their cat Wanda.