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celebrate Diamond Jubilee
Left to right: Dorothy Haithwaite, Wananesa; Ena Sparrow, Brandon; Audrey Coulson, Oak River; Olive Johnson, Cyprus River; Vera Skayman, Brandon
gladwyn scott
Seventy-two members of the 195051 Manitoba Normal School Class celebrated its Diamond Jubilee Reunion at the Canadian Mennonite University, September 17 and 18, 2011.
A grand total of 102 registered for the “Last Hurrah,” although annual luncheons will continue in Winnipeg on the third Saturday in June and at Brandon in early September.
Some highlights included a tour of Ye Ole Normal School by C.M.U. students: Chapel, Dining Hall, new gymnasium, former residence and classrooms. Everyone could not believe how the Chapel and Dining Hall had diminished in size!!! Plenty of time was allocated for visiting and reminiscing.
The Sunday morning Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving was led by Steve Stasiuk, with a very thoughtful message delivered by Gerry Hildebrand, who was our graduation valedictorian 60 years ago. Pianist, Dr. Carl Braun, accompanied the choir, led by Peggy Lawrence. After Dorothy Haithewaite lit the Memory Candle and read a special poem, Harry Backlin and Roy White, former student body president, read the Memorial List.
Everyone enjoyed two sumptuous meals served by King Cole Cattering in the former Dining Hall. Some programs included: open-mike sessions, piano entertainment by Doreen Stapleton and power point pictures of former reunions by Doug Johnson.
Some Normalites who came long distances were: Jean Tully (Nanaimo), Harry Backlin (Prince George), Leon Stocki (Grassland, AB), Ruth Armson (Whitehorse), Genvieve Majcher (Powell River, BC), Marion Duggon (Toronto), Wilma Treloar (Three Hills, AB), Sarah Muir (Carnduff, SK), Clarice Hobson (Vancouver), Rose McIvor (Moose Jaw), Carl Braun and Harry Rudy (Calgary). These long distance travellers each received a small gift.
Special thanks to the organizing committee co-conveners: Pat Challis and Olive Johnson, Dorothy Haithewaite, Vera Skayman, Dorothy Day, Betty Summer, Steve Stasiuk, Shirley Maurice, Elaine Rex and Gladwyn Scott. Reunion profits of $534 were split between Sun Fund for Kids and Ronald McDonald House.
Class G: left to right, back row: Marguerite Chrustie, Harry Rudy, Dorothy Haithwaite; front: Doris Kristjanson, Gladwyn Scott, Arise Kondziela
Class H: Left to right: Audrey Coulson, Shirley Maurice, Steve Stasuik, Olive Johnson, Leon Stocki
