The Andrean - Spring 2025

ANDREAN THE

O Captain! My Captain!

An in-depth Q&A with our First Team Captains PLUS: Treasures from the Past OLD BOYS PROFILES Lawren Harris up close and more...

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The ANDREAN

Published by St. Andrew’s College for Old Boys, parents, and friends of the school

Editor

Julie Caspersen

Director of Communications

Nicolette Fleming

Art Direction, Design, and Photography

Paul Mosey, Creative Lead

Contributors

Natasha Daley

Joseph Farrugia ’99

Gabby Jackowski

John Sandham ’13

Matt Wyatt

Telephone 905-727-3178, ext. 333

Email admission@sac.on.ca oldboys@sac.on.ca theandrean@sac.on.ca

Website www.sac.on.ca

Wraparound Cover

First Team Captains, back row: Paolo Frasca ’25, Gabriel Cabelli ’25, Zimo Yang ’25, Nixon Ball ’25, Hank Heider ’25, Aidan Johnson ’25, Felix Auger ’25, Ottokar Kueper ’25, Nathan Villamere ’25, Clarke Preston ’25

Sitting, front row: Brandon Yi ’25, Ben Fitzpatrick ’25, Nantus Baard ’26, Aidan Lane ’25, Arthur Xiao ’27, Maddox Keon ’28

Our Prefects are ambassadors, senior students who foster inclusivity and model integrity and responsibility. Through their leadership, Prefects promote teamwork, accountability, and school spirit, helping younger students feel supported and inspired.

Our sports captains also play a vital role for their teams and their peers, both on and off the field, the courts, and the ice. As First Football Captain, Dylan Kress ’25, puts it, “It’s about showing up every day, doing the right thing, and setting the tone.”

Julie Caspersen, Editor

The Andrean magazine supports the St. Andrew’s College mission: “developing the complete man, the well-rounded citizen,” connects Old Boys and parents to the school, and reflects St. Andrew’s College’s enduring value to the constituents it serves.

This past year has offered us the rare opportunity to pause and reflect on 125 remarkable years of life at St. Andrew’s College. Milestones like this don’t come around often, and as we draw this celebratory chapter to a close, I find myself more grateful than ever for the deep roots, shared values, and enduring spirit that continue to define our school.

One hundred and twenty-five years is more than a number; it’s a testament to the strength of a community built on tradition, trust, and timeless values. It’s remarkable to think about how many young men have walked these same paths, looked out from these same classrooms, and experienced profound and lasting moments that have shaped their lives. Each generation leaves its mark, inheriting a legacy of character, scholarship, and brotherhood. That inheritance is SAC’s greatest strength and its most sacred responsibility.

What makes SAC truly special isn’t just its history. It’s the way that history lives on in each of you. It’s in the friendships that begin in the boarding rooms and still span decades. It’s in the leadership passed from one generation of students to the next. And it’s in the stories, laughter, and traditions that fill our classrooms, playing fields, and hallways year after year.

I continue to be amazed by the way Andrean friendships endure. I’ve heard from Old Boys who still connect with their housemates after 30 or 40 years, attend each other’s weddings, serve as godparents, and even build businesses together. These are not ordinary school connections; they are lifelong bonds forged through challenge, strengthened by loyalty, and grounded in shared experience. SAC doesn’t just prepare

THE HEAD’S UP

students for university or career – it prepares them for life, with friendships that outlast their school years by decades.

As Head of School, I often have the privilege of seeing these connections come to life: Old Boys returning to campus with sons or grandsons, parents sharing memories of their time at SAC events, and former classmates reconnecting over shared values that intensify with time. These are the moments that remind me just how strong and far-reaching the Andrean bond truly is.

Of course, while we honour our past, we are also a school that evolves. Each era has brought new challenges and opportunities, from the early years of boarding and chapel life to today’s dynamic classrooms and cutting-edge programs. And yet, what hasn’t changed is our commitment to nurturing good men: men of character, compassion, and conviction. That continuity through change is what makes SAC so exceptional. It’s a place where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand.

As you turn these pages, I hope you feel a sense of pride in what has been accomplished and in the vibrant, evolving story of St. Andrew’s that you will always be a part of. Thank you for carrying the Andrean spirit with you, wherever life takes you.

Kevin R. McHenry, Head of School

X

Since 1900, the student leaders at St. Andrew’s have set the standard for how Andreans should conduct themselves in character, behaviour, and deportment.

By Matt Wyatt

It’s been an amazing year of celebration and reflection, marking 125 years of St. Andrew’s College. Many other milestones have been achieved this year, including the 120th annual Cadet Inspection, a decade since we performed An Andrean Christmas at Roy Thomson Hall for the first time, and, believe it or not, the 10th year of our student news show, SAC TODAY. To commemorate the decade, I’d like to share my Top 10 list for the Broadcast Journalism program. Let’s get into it!

Visual Arts and Broadcast Journalism teacher

1. INCEPTION

When I was hired 11 years ago, I didn’t know that Head of School, Kevin McHenry, and Deputy Head of School, Michael Paluch, had clandestine plans for me. Halfway through my first year, Michael pulled English teacher, Matthew Trevisan, and me aside to tell us we would be partnering to create a Broadcast Journalism program, including a split Grade 11/12 class and a regular student news show product.

Matthew had legitimate experience as a journalist, having worked for the Toronto Star and the CTV Olympic consortium. On the other hand, I came from a background in visual arts and mockumentary filmmaking.

Matthew created the initial course designs and emphasized journalistic research and writing while I handled the technical instruction and episode production. It was a learning experience for both of us, but many of the systems and approaches we figured out with the initial group of students continue today. We’re still using most of the production gear we invested in back then, too.

For our first episode, we chose two Grade 11 students, Ayo Ogunremi ’17 and Tarun Sethi ’17, to be the anchors. They were excellent writers and presenters from the very start and jumped at every opportunity to learn and contribute, including jumping over the Grade 12s to the anchor desk!

The night before we were scheduled to show that inaugural episode of SAC TODAY at assembly, the computer we had inherited kept crashing as I tried to export the final cut. I had to switch everything over to my laptop and finally finished encoding, warts and all, at about 3 a.m. This only added to my nerves the next morning, wondering how it would go over with the audience. Still, I’ll never forget the overwhelmingly positive reaction from the student body seeing their peers report on their day-to-day lives at SAC in this brand-new program.

Shortly after that first year, Matthew was appointed Head of the English Department and gave me full responsibility for the program. I strive to impart his passion for literacy and ethical news reporting that helped push our first students toward meaningful and accurate reporting.

2. SPECIAL GUESTS

Being a part of the Andrean community means we have some privileged connections across a spectrum of industries. Likewise, in the realm of broadcasting, we are blessed to have friends, alumni, and parents to help expose our students to professionals. I convinced Rod Black, sports broadcaster extraordinaire and father of one of my Grade 9 art students at the time, Tyler Black ’18, to run workshops with us in the first year. Since then, we’ve hosted the likes of NBA Raptors commentator, Paul Jones, Lindsay Hamilton and Bryan Mudryck from TSN, and my sister, Jayashri Wyatt, Chief of Education Outreach at the United Nations, among others.

3. BEYOND THE GATES

Getting off campus and into professional broadcasting environments has been a great way to inspire and enrich the student experience. Toronto destinations include CBC studios, CTV-TSN studios, a guided visit with Donnovan Bennett ’02 at the Sportsnet Studios, and the Toronto Metropolitan University Creative School. In November 2023, we took a trip to Boston to join our first National High School Journalism Convention, a massive event offering the chance to network with thousands of other high school student journalists, teachers, and professionals from North America and beyond. That being said, the highlight for many students was probably the Leafs-Bruins game we saw at Boston’s TD Garden. While there, we connected with Tinaye Ngorima ’23, a frequent interview subject for us when he was Head Prefect. The current students and I hope to return to the convention in Nashville next year.

4. LIVE SPORTS

We’ve always covered highlights of key SAC games but started broadcasting games live via YouTube a few years into the program, including Homecoming games and First Hockey home games. David Manning, Director of Coaching & Athletic Development and First Hockey Head Coach, got us involved in calling the hockey games with the great Norm Pfenning. Norm is a retired teacher and principal who has coached, refereed, or broadcasted almost every sport imaginable and has been calling First Hockey home games for a while as a volunteer. Over the years, he has patiently mentored many broadcast students in the art of play-by-play and colour commentary in the La Brier Family Arena broadcast booth.

Students who regularly signed up to call over the years include Jack Oomen’20, Jack Thomson ’24, and a couple of prodigies in Lochlan McTeague ’21 and Ty White ’21. Lochlan and Ty were so dedicated to learning and improved so quickly that Norm offered to let them call broadcasts without him. This dynamic duo also created the Sports Desk segment for SAC TODAY, a tradition that has been carried on by students in subsequent years.

Lochlan and Ty are both currently studying sports media at universities in Arizona and Toronto, respectively and are already making inroads into professional sports broadcasting. They connected last year to call the Tri-Colour Classic game at Queen’s University on CBC Sports. Our First Hockey broadcasts may not quite be professionallevel, but we’ve added between-period content like episodes of SAC TODAY, athlete profiles, and live interviews on the bench. We’ve added extra cameras for the MacPherson Hockey Tournament broadcasts, including a “ghost cam” operator on skates, dressed head-to-toe in white, capturing the action on the ice between whistles. A shout-out to Cody Kumm ’23 for piloting this initiative.

5. TRUTH AND JUSTICE

With a regular outlet to showcase student stories, it’s been a priority to include diverse student voices and stories, even if they challenge the status quo. In Season 2, Ayo Ogunremi ’17 covered initiatives by the Social Justice Council for Black History Month. The next year, we had an interview withfuture Head Prefect, Bryce Neil ’20, on the topic. In Season 4, Shayan Naqvi ’20 did a sit-down interview with Bryce, and in the process, we figured out Bryce was SAC’s first Black Head Prefect. He spoke eloquently about the importance of representation, emphasizing that students need to see themselves reflected in both the staff and student leadership.

Benjamin Goring ’21 and Kyle Murphy ’22 picked up the baton from Ayo and Bryce in subsequent years, forging a new tradition to craft our February episodes of SAC TODAY around Black History and Excellence at SAC. Sydney Wambua ’23 followed up with his own February installment and then doubled down, arranging to bring his fellow graduating broadcast students to Toronto to help host the Black History Month luncheon at the University of Toronto, where his mother was one of the organizers.

Neebeesh Elliott ’20 reported on important stories from his Saugeen Ojibway Nation, inspiring younger Indigenous students to eventually share their culture and

experiences on SAC TODAY for our episodes covering Truth and Reconciliation. Basil Al Balushi ’23 created a segment where he learned about our international students’ culture and food, and punctuated each story by dancing with his guests to their favourite traditional music. He also covered some of the special connections formed among his fellow Muslim students during Ramadan. Back in our first season, Gary Wang ’16 presented an early segment in Mandarin with Wayne Ji ’13. We had fun figuring out the subtitles for that! Daniel Park ’19, Daniel Soetikno ’19, and Michael Wu ’19 carried on bringing cultural and personal stories from our broader Asian community.

Another powerful SAC TODAY interview came in Season 7 as part of the kick-off for SAC’s first Pride Week. Fynn McNolty ’22 sat down with Conner Rowntree ’13 to hear about his experience as a gay student at SAC and his journey from being in the closet to out and proud. As a former First Team captain and a self-proclaimed sports junkie working in professional sports media, he helped students see through stereotypes and assumptions about masculine identities.

6. AN ANDREAN CHRISTMAS

Perhaps the biggest full-school celebration of the year, An Andrean Christmas, represents an opportunity for all students, their families, and staff to come together and celebrate the SAC experience through the arts in spectacle and style. In Season 3, four students, John Hopkinson ’18, Patrick McLaughlin ’18, Sacha Murphy Ives ’19, and Chris Poropat ’18, asked if we could take a field trip to Toronto to record intro segments for the stories we were producing on the student groups contributing to the event: visual arts, drama, bands, Pipes & Drums, and the full-school choir.

Somehow, we convinced William Scoular, Head of Drama & Film, to screen our special An Andrean Christmas episode during the intermission. As the years progressed, this has become a much-anticipated rite of passage for graduating students, with on-location hits at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Graffiti Alley, Nathan Phillips Square, the Eaton Centre, the Distillery District, and advance access to the event venue itself, Roy Thomson Hall. And who knows? Maybe one day, William will let us be part of the actual show!

7. AUTEURS

I always want to support and promote student products first, but I usually need to do the final episode assembly and fine-tune edits to get our episodes broadcast-ready. Thankfully, it seems that every few years, a student comes along who can do that as well as and perhaps better than I can. I’ve been happy to learn a few tricks and even turn over episode production to a select few.

Danny Link ’18 brought his drone filming, innate sense for cinematography, and slick editing skills to elevate our early seasons. He also showed us how to break up video frames in Photoshop and hand-draw over them for unique animated effects.

Graham Stanley-Paul ’19 produced an impressive range of stories you didn’t know you wanted to see, including a Remembrance Day piece on Andrean soldiers from the First World War. Part of the segment included a reenactment of the soldiers in the field and even in battle. He managed convincing, period-appropriate costumes and props through the SAC Archives. He even dug trenches at the back of campus and filmed in muddy conditions, adding bomb and bullet flashes for dramatic effect.

Sydney Wambua ’23 is now a successful content creator and actor, although he was already working on that as a student. His fast-paced editing and infectious, comedic energy made a huge impact on the show stylistically, and he continues to support our program.

Kira Kowaltschuk ’24 directed and edited episodes, including an important focus on Pride Week, and created a suite of motion graphics, titles, and transitions that we are using this year and will continue to use in the foreseeable future.

8. SAC SHORTS

Although our mandate in the Broadcast Journalism program is to produce a student news magazine show, I’ve adjusted the parameters for the course’s major assignments to be wide open: A five-minute or less original short film that could be documentary, fiction, art/animation, or even music-/sound-based. Some excellent short films have been produced over the years, with growing interest from students outside the program.

This led me to reintroduce a short film competition open to all Upper School students and a showcase of the best shorts during the 2024 Focus Festival of the Arts. The SAC SHORTS Short Film Showcase was a hit, especially the kung-fu action piece that won the “Shorty” trophy (our version of an Oscar) by Jerry Chen ’24.

9. FOR REELS

Although we have the opportunity to air most of our full episodes at student assemblies, the increasing demand for shorter, more frequent content has led to some fun offshoots of SAC TODAY. Several years back, there were five or six Prefects in the Grade 12 Broadcast class, and COVID-19 protocols limited gatherings at the school.

Deputy Head Prefect and Broadcast Journalism student, Braeden Donnelly ’21, spearheaded SAC TODAY: Quick Bits, where Prefects shared weekly announcements via Instagram reel. Another Prefect and class member, and a great promoter of the arts, Nolan Rush ’21, organized a small vocal chorus to sing in multi-part harmony to accompany the Quick Bits intro graphic.

This year’s Prefects have picked up the mantle and are producing regular installments of Quick Bits. It’s great to see, but we can’t be outdone by those coat-tail riders! So, students in Broadcast Journalism are now regularly producing Instagram reels and short stand-alone videos for YouTube under the SAC TODAY banner.

10. THE WHY

With legitimate journalism at risk of being supplanted by paid influencers, conspiracy theorists, and blatantly biased or partisan reporting, it’s reasonable to question why we still turn out monthly long-form episodes of SAC TODAY on YouTube. We feature one or two anchors sitting at a desk introducing profiles, highlights, and feature stories in a traditional TV news format.

We’ve definitely gone down the Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy rabbit hole to play with this brand of pre-internet news storytelling, with Owen Laffey ’19 offering his own version of Anchorman through most of Season 4.

However, when we present our episodes to the students and staff at assemblies, the anticipatory buzz and the celebratory reaction to these timely, sometimes timeless, and retrospectively precious slices of Andrean life make every challenge, frustration, and technical difficulty worth it. At a school that delicately balances innovation and tradition, we’re hitting that sweet spot with social media-based and old-school storytelling.

I’m profoundly grateful to all those who have contributed to this growing archive of student voices and stories over the last 10 years. I hope it will continue for many decades to come. For SAC TODAY, I’m Matt Wyatt. X

Black and white header, previous page: Kyle Murphy ’22

Photo strips previous pages: 1. Ayo Ogunremi ’17 2. Tarun Sethi ’17 3. Rod Black 4. Eduardo Alcantara ’17 5. Cody Kumm ’23 6. Syarique Syahrizal ’23 interviewing Tommy Kalogiannis ’25

Photo strips this page: 7. Saajan Sethi ’18 8. Quinton Cochran ’17 9. Graham Stanley-Paul ’19 10. Harry Wang ’26 and Parker Bifolchi ’26 11. Neebeesh Elliott ’20 12. Sydney Wambua ’23 13. Matt Wyatt instructing Jack Kensit ’19

ON TUESDAY, NOV. 19, OUR CAMPUS REACHED A MONUMENTAL MILESTONE IN OUR 125TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: THE PLANTING OF 1,250 TREES, A GIFT TO BOTH THE ENVIRONMENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.

The final tree, a majestic white pine, was planted in the backyard of Head of School, Kevin McHenry, who couldn’t be more excited to add a new sapling to his view. “This was a meaningful moment in our 125 celebrations,” Kevin stated. “It embodies our commitment to sustainability and stewardship.”

The tree-planting initiative, launched four years ago by Outdoor Education Coordinator, Angus Murray, brought together students from Grades 5 through 12, as well as St. Anne’s School, to create a greener campus. Many of the trees were planted during Homecoming festivities and through the dedication of student volunteers who have been working to introduce native species to Willow Farm.

“We have worked closely with the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority (LSRCA) to choose the best native trees and bushes to plant,” Angus explained. “The LSRCA monitors and supports rehabilitation efforts along all bodies of water flowing into Lake Simcoe. They have supported us with trees and expertise over the last four years, at times even lending us shovels and staff.”

The pledge to plant an incredible 1,250 trees was certainly an ambitious goal, but the more they planted, the more it felt like the right thing to do – for the animals, the birds, the school, and the environment.

“Planting a tree is such a hopeful thing to do,” Angus said. “It is a concrete action that will make the world a better place. As the trees grew, so did our commitment to the environment.”

As the initiative gained momentum, Justin Carter, Grounds Manager, and Matthew Jaekel, Environmental Committee Head, became key players in this community effort. They were on hand to help plant the final tree, a lasting tribute to the collective effort and dedication of our community.

“This effort truly reflects the spirit of our community and our shared dedication to leaving a legacy for future generations,” Kevin said.

The 1,250 trees represent not just a birthday celebration but a commitment to sustainability and a green legacy that will continue to grow for decades to come. X

TREE PLANTER HARRY WANG ’26

Background image: Head of School, Kevin McHenry, with shovel in hand, and Outdoor Education Co-ordinator, Angus Murray, planting the final tree.

ANDREAN

TREE PLANTER ETHAN CHENG ’31

TREE PLANTER SAFEER AHMAD ’27

TREE PLANTER

LOLA MONTGOMERY SAS ’26

TREE PLANTER IRELAND FLEMING SAS ’29

ANDREAN

FULL MEDAL JACKET

As the sun rises, the early morning forest becomes an ever-increasing circus of sounds. Lying in your sleeping bag, you hear the scurry of the squirrels foraging for food, the rhythmic drumming of the woodpecker, the Canadian geese squawking overhead, flying in perfect formation, and the iconic call of the loon across the foggy lake. As you unzip the tent flap, releasing pearls of morning dew, the crisp morning air fills your lungs, and the day’s adventure begins.

– Major Brian McCue

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program has been a vibrant part of the St. Andrew’s College Leadership program for more than three decades. This global youth achievement program challenges people aged 14 to 24 to develop skills, overcome obstacles, and build confidence through volunteering, physical recreation, skills development, and an adventurous journey.

Achievement levels escalate in challenge and depth from the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Our Corps Commanding Officer, Major Brian McCue, is at the helm of the Award program at St. Andrew’s. Brian has been a team leader and award centre coordinator for more than 30 years, leading and mentoring young people through a multitude of local expeditions and international journeys.

“It’s incredible to see young people take ownership of their own programs and push themselves to achieve their goals. For some, camping is a new experience. For others, they are keen to explore their full potential with demanding terrains and fresh experiences,” he said.

“Expeditions have included hiking, paddling, mountain biking, scuba diving, and mountain climbing. In addition, young people are challenged to try new skills, give back to their community, and maintain their fitness. Never a dull moment with the Duke!”

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program sets out a general criterion for achievement. However, individual participants craft their journeys. The team leader helps the students to stay on track and work toward their award medals and certificates. Brian reports that the award program has remained popular with the boys over the past two decades and has over 75 active participants. This year, the Duke of Edinburgh program was included as part of the Arts/Cocurricular Plus after-school program, and 35 new students joined the initiative, including eight students from St. Anne’s School.

In November, Brian received an unexpected call from the chief executive officer of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Canada, Stephen De-Wint, notifying him that his nomination for the King’s Coronation Medal had been approved.

The King’s Coronation Medal commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada. Recipients of the medal have made an outstanding contribution to their community and country. With the support of St. Andrew’s College, the submission was forwarded to Ottawa for approval. In addition to his long service to the award program at St. Andrew’s College, Brian’s 36 years of service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Cadet program made him worthy of this prestigious honour. On Dec. 6, in front of the students and staff in Ketchum Auditorium, Duke of Edinburgh council member, Hans Bathija, presented the King’s Coronation Medal to a very proud SAC team leader. X

THE KING’S CORONATION MEDAL

A circular medal, silver in colour and 32 mm in diameter bearing:

On the obverse, a crowned and robed effigy of His Majesty The King of Canada, facing right, circumscribed with the inscriptions “CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX ” and “CANADA .”

On the reverse, a ring of frosted triangular shapes appears on the background, evoking the image of a string of pennants displayed for a celebration. These 13 shapes allude to Canada’s provinces and territories, and their circular arrangement conveys the idea of inclusion for all Canadians. The circle is also an important concept for many Indigenous Peoples, symbolizing equity and the cycles of the natural world. Over this background appears the Canadian Royal Cypher in the centre, the date of the Coronation, 6.V.2023, on the left and the words “ VIVAT REX ,” meaning Long Live The King, on the right.

CANADA DECORATION WITH TWO BARS, REPRESENTING 36 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CANADIAN FORCES

Three images below, left to right: Major McCue engaged in tent setup with Duke of Edinburgh students during this spring’s Arts/Co-curricular Plus program, Major McCue receiving The King’s Coronation Medal from Duke of Edinburgh council member, Hans Bathija.

QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE MEDAL

THE KING’S CORONATION MEDAL

AS ST. ANDREW’S COLLEGE CELEBRATES 125 YEARS OF TRADITION, EXCELLENCE, AND BROTHERHOOD, WE’RE SPOTLIGHTING THE STUDENT-ATHLETES WHO LED THEIR TEAMS WITH HEART AND HUSTLE THIS SCHOOL YEAR. THROUGH THEIR REFLECTIONS ON LEADERSHIP, TEAMWORK, AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS, OUR 2024-2025 CAPTAINS GIVE US A GLIMPSE INTO WHAT IT MEANS TO REPRESENT SAC.

MEET

THE

CAPTAINS

, Grade12, First FootballCaptain

, Grade12, First LacrosseCaptai

(gold star indicates the captain is featured on the wraparound cover)

,

IN THREE WORDS: LEADERSHIP, DEFINED

We asked each captain to capture their leadership style in just three words, a challenge they took seriously.

“Energetic. Committed. Driven.” – Ben Fitzpatrick

“Empathetic. Uplifting. Drive.” – Ottokar Kueper

“Supportive. Motivating. Focused.” – Evan Pahanich

“Uplifting. Confident. Resilient.” – Sebastian Madeiros

“Committed. Supportive. Exemplary.” – Michael Sim

“Encouraging. Collaborative. Hard-working.” – Arthur Xiao

“Exemplary. Loyal. Dedicated.” – Felix Auger

“Honest. Focused. Energetic.” – Nathan Villamere

THE RITUALS BEFORE THE ROAR

From quiet reflection to quirky routines, game day prep is personal and often a little superstitious. Some fuel up with rituals. Others get lost in the music or the silence. But no matter the routine, they all step into the moment with focus and fire.

–Ben Fitzpatrick

“We jump and hit the door frame as we exit the locker room.”

“Share the excitement and tension of the upcoming race with my teammates.” – Ottokar Kueper

– Felix Auger

“Always put my equipment on starting from the right side.”

“Only Nike socks with the swoosh. A 30-minute stretch the night before. Five to 15 minutes of quiet before every game, eliminating all noise and not thinking. Double knot both laces.” – Michael Sim

“Tape my stick the same way every time.” – Evan Pahanich

“Warm-up stretches with music.” – Arthur Xiao

“Tim’s bagel and a Red Bull. Two knee-to-chest jumps before the whistle.” – Sebastian Madeiros

– Nathan Villamere

“Sit quietly with my eyes closed for a minute, not thinking.”

VOICES OF VICTORY:

The 2024-2025 Sports Captains

MOMENTS THAT MATTER MOST

From championship victories to unforgettable team moments, SAC sports memories are forever etched in our hearts and history.

“Homecoming 2024. My family was there, and it was the only game they ever saw me play at SAC. That made it super special. And winning CISAA my first year.” – Dylan Kress

“Winning the MacPherson Tournament back-to-back. The energy in the arena, knowing how much the MacPherson weekend means to the school, is something so special.” – Paolo Frasca

“My favourite was probably this year at OFSAA. We had a lot of swimmers with significant time improvements, particularly Leo McConnell ’26 and Jerry Xiao ’27, who swam faster than ever before. On the last day, it all came down to one race, where Charlie Williams ’25 had to win to score us the necessary points to win the championship.” – Nixon Ball

“Winning the CAIS championship on home turf and having everyone there to support us.” – Thierry Johnston

“Winning our first football game in the U.S. On a personal note, walking behind the Pipes & Drums, running through the student tunnel, and the energy of my first Homecoming, is the best feeling I’ve ever had.” – Nantus Baard

“Beating UCC at their Winterfest in a tight basketball game.” – Brandon Yi

“Playing against the development squad in a friendly match and playing a runback to score 1, which is a pretty hard shot, and I nailed it and played it off cool, even though I was ecstatic on the inside. Everyone was going crazy.” – Maddox Keon

MORE THAN A TITLE

Captains weren’t chosen because of their stats. They were chosen for their heart, the example they set, and the trust their teammates had in them, and they never took that trust for granted.

“A lot of people think being a captain is all about flipping the coin before a game and having the title, but it’s way more than that. It’s about showing up every day, doing the right thing, and setting the tone. I love leading the guys and knowing they can count on me.” – Dylan Kress

“It’s a compliment as it means others see you as a leader. But it grants an important responsibility within any team to fill the role properly. You have to lead the team by example and lead others to make the team the best it can be.” – Paolo Frasca

“I’ve helped a lot of younger students familiarize themselves with the sport, improve their technique in the water, and get them pumped up before their race. I loved seeing students whom I helped in the past do the same thing for new students and make the program stronger.” – Nixon Ball

“The confidence that my teammates had in me means everything to me. Throughout my time as captain, my team supported and trusted me through everything. In every good decision, I felt their support behind me, and in all my shortcomings, I felt their trust lift me up.” – Thierry

Johnston

“Being a captain is being someone my teammates can trust and know that I’ll always have their backs no matter the situation.” – Nantus Baard

“Knowing how many eyes are on you and what an impact you can have on the younger guys. I’ve been the little kid looking up to the captains, and I know how much of an impact they had, so to be able to pass it on is a dream.” – Clarke Preston

WHAT SPORT TAUGHT THEM

The lessons aren’t always in the wins. They’re in the pressure, the setbacks, the discipline, and the resilience. These captains share what they’ve taken with them beyond the game.

“You don’t have to feel ready to dive! The buzzer doesn’t care if you feel nervous, unprepared, or scared. Life is the same. I’ve just had to leap and trust my training.” – Zimo Yang

“If you put your team’s mind toward a collective achievement, that’s good and all, but nothing will happen if the work isn’t being done.”

– Aidan Johnson

“Bounce back fast. Tough shifts happen; move on and reset.”

– Michael Dec

“Sports have taught me discipline and self-control. Having the discipline to do the right thing, even if it is hard, is something that I try to do every day.” – Aidan Lane

“Sometimes in life, you need to calm down. If you work hard but don’t get the results you want, just let it go. Use the accumulated experience to find your weak links and become better in the next year.” – Rockson Xu

FUELINGTHEFIRE

comesEveryteamneedsaspark.Forthesestudent-athletes,motivation fromunity,effort,andthequietpowerofexample.

“Nothing lights a fire like a little doubt, and suddenly people are flying to trigger that ‘watch me’ energy.” – Zimo Yang “I motivate my team by getting us all on the same page, working toward the same goal.” – Hank Heider “Create bonds and connections between players, and then take advantage of those connections to get people to perform. A team is most functional when players play toward a collective goal, rather than for themselves.” – Aidan Lane

“Lead by example and give it your all.” – Gabriel Cabelli “Let them focus on the current training rather than fantasizing about future results. It is more reasonable to ensure that the current training is completed in an organized and high-quality manner than to brag to the athletes about unrealistic future results.” – Rockson Xu

“Always remind the team of our common goal: win games and win a championship. I’d remind the team that every hour we put in during practice will be worth it in the end.” – Aidan Johnson

“Lead with effort and by example. If one guy is working his tail off, all of us are.” – Michael Dec

WORDS TO LEAD BY What shaped them as leaders? These are the lessons that stuck – and stayed.

“Beyourself.Justberealwithpeople,andthey’llrespectyou.Noonewantstofollowsomeonewho’sfake.”–

“Failurecanonlybeacceptedasafailureifyoudon’tlearnfromyourmistakes.”–

“Trueleadersmakethelivesofothersaroundthembetter.Compassionandempathyforothersiswhatthebestleaderspossess.”–

NantusBaard“Beyourself.Peoplefollowyouwhenyou’reauthentic,notwhenyou’retryingtoimpress.”–

“Leadershipisnothingaboutbeinginchargebutinsteadtheresponsibilitytoputothersaboveyourself.”–

BrandonYi “Treatothersasyouwanttobetreated.”–

“Tobeagoodleader,youshouldalwayslistentothosearoundyou.Whenyouhaveanideaorbelievethereisabestwaytodosomething,itis andimportanttoalwaysrecognizethatotherindividualsintheroommayhaveadifferent,orevenbetter,perspective.Sometimesyou’llagreeentirely, voicesometimesyouwon’t.Butinthosemoments,youhavetorecognizethatyoushouldactasavoicethatrepresentstheroom,nottheloudest init.”– NixonBall

MaddoxKeon

DylanKress

“Betheinspirationyouwanttobecome.Somuchofbeingaleaderisn’taboutforcingitonothers;it’slettingthemseeitforthemselves.Sobybeing authentic,otherpeoplecanseethat,anditwearsoff.”–

CAPTAINS’ PICKS: THE PROS THEY’D RECRUIT

If they could bring one professional athlete into the locker room?

The following choices range from humble leaders to flashy gamechangers, but every one of them reflects something admired in these captains’ leadership journeys.

Nikola Jokić , Denver Nuggets centre Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr FC forward and Portugal national football team Sidney Crosby (chosen three times!), Pittsburgh Penguins centre Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles running back Max Verstappen, Dutch-Belgian Formula 1 driver Marc-André Fleury, Minnesota Wild goaltender Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs power forward, centre

“We already have something better – Nick Tsioros ’88 (three-time winner of Cross-Country Run during his student years at SAC).” – Rockson Xu

CAPTAINS’ PLAYLIST: TOP PUMP-UP SONGS

These are the tracks that got our captains hyped before the big moments:

Till I Collapse by Eminem Dark Thoughts by

Starry

Give Me Everything

DNA.

Who Let the Dogs Out by

Mr. Brightside

Ain’t it Fun by Paramore Firestarter by The

Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey We Will Rock You by Queen

Whether electronic beats or classic anthems, these songs are part of SAC’s soundtrack to success. We turned it into a playlist – download it on Spotify.

PaoloFrasca

ThierryJohnston

ClarkePreston

Lil Tecca Badman by Skillibeng

Night by Peggy Gou

by Pitbull

by Kendrick Lamar

Run This Town by Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Rihanna Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd Domino by Jessie J Pump it Up by Endor

Baha Men

by The Killers

Prodigy

First Lacrosse players hoist the CISAA championship trophy after their victory over Upper Canada College

Xavier Santone ’27 throws to first base during a CISAA First Baseball game

First Rugby flanker, Noah Aitoro ’25, concentrates in a lineout against Upper Canada College

FROM CLASSMATES TO COLLABORATORS

By John Sandham ’13

It all started in the backyard of Michael La Brier’s home in July 2017. Saad Siddiqui ’15 arrived with a vision, a pitch, and a quiet determination. He was there not just to catch up but to invite Michael to become the first investor in a venture that would soon become a game-changer: Bonsai, a mobile shopping app tailored to men’s fashion.

The idea was deceptively simple but ambitious in scope: bring shopping directly to the point of discovery. “We wanted to shorten the time from when you realized you wanted something to when you could actually buy it,” Saad explains. That frictionless fusion of content and commerce became the guiding principle of the company, now known as Inspiration Commerce Group (ICG).

Six months in, a classmate came on board. Saad had kept a close eye on Andrew Ladouceur ’15 – then a computer science and business student at UBC – and extended an invitation. “And he just said, ‘OK, sounds good,’” Saad laughs. Andrew paused his studies and went all in, not for the promise of immediate success, but because he believed in Saad and in the dream.

“Saad is one of those people who is willing to set crazy expectations but also willing to do the work and commit for long enough to see it through,” Andrew says.

Jacob La Brier ’15, Michael’s son, then pursuing a co-op year at Newcastle University, soon joined the company. Post-graduation, he dove in full-time, spearheading business development and sales.

Standing left to right: JACOB LA BRIER ’15, LUCAS LA BRIER ’18, ANDREW LADOUCEUR ’15. Sitting left to right: SAAD SIDDIQUI ’15, MICHAEL LA BRIER, LAIQ SIDDIQUI.

“I was talking to merchants, trying to onboard as many as I could,” Jacob recalls.

The business began to grow, and with it, the need for more capital. Michael was ready to reinvest, especially when Saad’s father, Laiq Siddiqui, stepped in to match the contribution. What began as a simple investment became a powerful family partnership as the two fathers continued backing the enterprise.

“We want them to leverage our strengths and take it to the next level,” Laiq says.

Their partnership is even more compelling because they weren’t exactly close at SAC. “We weren’t the tightest of friends back then. But now we’re basically inseparable. We probably see each other too often,” Jacob laughs.

“These are two guys I really like surrounding myself with,” he adds. “There was some missed time while we were at SAC, but we’ve more than made up for it.”

Years later, the business evolved, pivoting from a consumer-focused app to a powerhouse B2B platform. With Andrew at the helm as CEO and Saad as board chair, the company embraced a bold mergers and acquisitions strategy, including the recent acquisition of Italist, an online retailer that surfaces exclusive deals from iconic brands such as Burberry, Balenciaga, Prada, and Saint Laurent. Revenues grew from under $5 million to over $75 million, driven by a relentless pursuit of market consolidation and technology integration.

“The thesis became: how can we use our tech to acquire others, streamline the space, and accelerate the adoption of our systems?” Saad says.

The early days of family funding gave them the freedom to experiment, iterate, and grow on their own terms. “We raised money from individuals who earned their own wealth and from institutions that managed other people’s wealth. And there were many times when we were being fed different advice or principles from those two groups,” Andrew recalls.

“People who have built their own businesses have an appreciation for the journey. When things get tough, you learn who’s in your corner.”

Their collaborative ethos has since expanded beyond commerce. Today, the “family office” has expanded to other ventures, such as green technologies and entertainment. One standout project is Northbound, a feature film by Head of Drama & Film, William Scoular. Saad, as producer, led negotiations with talent, while Lucas La Brier ’18 took on a role in the film. “I felt really proud to help bring William’s vision to life,” Saad says, hopeful for a strong reception at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Looking back, Andrew views the SAC experience as instrumental in bringing them together.

From casual classmates to committed co-founders, their journey is a masterclass in vision, resilience, and the quiet power of connection.

“With these connections alone, it shows you why the investment in a St. Andrew’s education is worth it,” says Andrew. X

This edition’s PROFILES:

BOB RICHARDS ’66

PROFILES & NEWS

RUSSELL PAYTON ’74

CHRIS KERR ’81

KENNETH McKENZIE CLASS OF 1909

PROFILE FROM THE PAST

Bob Richards ’66, holding a photo of his younger self

BOB RICHARDS ’66 A BERMUDIAN BEAUTY

By John Sandham ’13

Therelationship between St. Andrew’s College and Bob Richards ’66 has deepened since his arrival on campus in 1965.

Hailing from Bermuda, Bob grew up in a family that valued education. His father, Sir Edward Trenton Richards, a teacher and lawyer, the first Black Bermudian to head the government of Bermuda, and the first Premier of Bermuda, envisioned Bob attending university in the U.K.

However, Bob had other plans. “Whatever he wanted, I wanted to do something different,” he recalls. “We decided Canada was the least objectionable place.”

In 1965, despite applying to several schools, the Richards family was met with silence until a telegram arrived informing them that someone wanted to meet them in Bermuda. That someone was Bob Coulter, fourth Headmaster at St. Andrew’s College, who happened to be passing through Bermuda on his way to the West Indies. The family had dinner with Mr. Coulter, and a couple of weeks later, Bob was accepted into St. Andrew’s.

Bob’s first days at SAC were a mix of excitement and unease. As he walked down the hallways lined with photos of past sports teams, he immediately noticed something: “I realized I didn’t see anyone that looked

like me in any of those pictures,” says Bob, the first Black student enrolled at St. Andrew’s.

“The first three months were difficult. There was a lot of pressure on me,” he admits. But as Bob persevered, life as a SAC boarder in Flavelle House got easier. He took comfort in playing sports, joining the First Soccer and First Cricket teams, and making several good friends, including housemate Gibb McEachren ’66. Gibb invited Bob to join his family for Thanksgiving that fall, a gesture that Bob fondly remembers: “I had a fantastic experience because people welcomed me into their homes.”

His one year at the Aurora campus was followed by a decade in Ontario, pursuing his education and starting his career. Bob’s academic journey took him through several institutions. He initially enrolled in engineering at McMaster University before switching to economics at Waterloo Lutheran University (now Wilfrid Laurier University). Even after earning an MBA from the University of Windsor, Bob’s career path was still unfolding.

The long and winding road to finding his niche led Bob to Toronto, where he worked for CIBC and Scotiabank before returning to Bermuda. He found employment at the Bermuda Monetary Authority, where Bob’s calling as a portfolio manager became

Right: Bob Bedard, left, Headmaster from 1981 to 1997, presented Bob with a token of appreciation for encouraging Bermudian families to enrol at St. Andrew’s.

clear. “You have to be an analyst and a psychologist all in one to be a good investment manager,” he explains.

In 1987, while managing a pension plan worth around $1 billion, Bob was “bitten by the entrepreneur’s bug” and decided to start his own investment business. Within 18 months, Bermuda Asset Management was generating revenue, and within seven years, it was profitable. Eventually, the company aligned with Invesco, a larger organization that allowed Bob’s team to break through barriers with potential clients.

Despite swearing he would “never get involved with politics,” in 1997, Bob was appointed to the Bermuda Senate, where he served as Government Leader and Minister of Telecommunications until 1998. During this time, he dismantled monopolies on internet and telecom services, encouraging competition, a bold move that led to a $100 million lawsuit (which was later dropped).

After a brief hiatus, Bob was reappointed to the Senate in 2004. In 2007, he was elected a Member of Parliament and served as the Shadow Minister of Finance. In December 2012, he became the Minister of Finance, and in June 2014 became Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance.

In the wake of Bermuda’s financial crisis in the late 2000s, Bob worked

tirelessly to reverse the island’s economic decline, attracting foreign capital and securing the bid to host the America’s Cup. He brokered a deal with a Canadian company to build a new airport terminal, a controversial project that was a factor in the loss of his party’s re-election bid. Yet, by 2017, his final year in office, Bermuda saw positive GDP growth.

Bob has since become an accomplished author. His first book, Bermuda Back from the Brink, published in 2018, recounts his time as Minister of Finance.

“Somebody had to tell that story, and if not told by me, it would be slanted to someone’s political advantage,” he reflects.

He followed up with historical fiction, including Triangle of Treason, set in Bermuda during the Second World War, which is available for boys to borrow from Towers Library. His second novel, Triangle of Blood, was released in July 2024. Today, Bob is focused on his next book, Triangle of Fire

Though his busy career kept him far from SAC, his connection to the school strengthened. His one year at St. Andrew’s was enough to convince him to enrol his three sons, Christopher ’94, Victor ’97, and Kevin ’00

“They had great times at St. Andrew’s,” Bob says proudly. He visited campus many times when his sons were here

and was even a guest speaker at the 1997 Prize Day ceremony.

In his speech, Bob referred to his former Headmaster, Bob Coulter, as “courageous and forward-thinking and said his acceptance to SAC was “part of the dawn of a new era of radial and cultural diversity in the Canadian independent school system.”

Victor followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and is working as a lawyer. Kevin serves as Managing Director of the company his father founded. Sadly, Christopher fell ill and passed away shortly after graduation in 1994.

Bob served on the SAC Board of Governors during Kevin’s three years as a student and was on campus for his 50th reunion in 2016. His last time on campus was in 2021 when he donated Triangle of Treason to Towers Library.

Alongside his wife, Pauline, Bob cherishes his role as a grandfather to a granddaughter and three grandsons whom he hopes will experience the same enriching SAC experience that he and his sons did.

Bob Richards’ remarkable journey – from SAC to successful careers in finance, politics, and literature – reflects a life well-lived. Through all the twists and turns, one thing remains constant: his deep-rooted connection to St. Andrew’s College and the enduring spirit of an Andrean for life. X

Head of School, Kevin McHenry, and former Executive Director of Advancement, Scott Hayter, with Bob at his 50th reunion in 2016. The cover of Bob’s first book of historical fiction, Triangle of Treason

RUSSELL PAYTON ’74

EYES ON THE PRIZE

By John Sandham ’13

Russell Payton ’74 has a message for current SAC students: Don’t take St. Andrew’s for granted. It is far from ordinary, and it’s the crucible you’ll need.

It’s a lesson Russell understood as time passed, long after graduating from Grade 13.

Growing up in Toronto’s Forest Hill neighbourhood, Russell rubbed elbows with some pretty influential neighbours and relatives, including the Eatons, Rogers, and Flavelles. His uncle, Col. Frank Flavelle McEachren ’37, served as Honorary Colonel of the 48th Highlanders, SAC’s affiliated regiment. Frank’s son was fellow Andrean, Gibb McEachren ’66

Joining St. Andrew’s College for his Grade 10 year after attending another independent school, Russell says the discipline required as a student was “nothing new” to him. Even still, he admits, “It was quite a shock going from being at home to a regimented 24/7 boarding situation.”

Russell forged many friendships during his four years in Aurora, including with his Flavelle House roommate and classmate, Geza von Diergardt; Russell later served as the best man at Geza’s wedding. Russell also counts classmates, Tom Birkett and Peter Williams, among his closest Andrean brothers. After university, he and Peter rented a home together in Toronto’s Rosedale neighbourhood.

Thanks to a partial scholarship, Russell pursued his studies at the University of Toronto’s Victoria College. He also joined the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, where, as luck would have it, Jamie McTavish ’74, Andy Kilpatrick ’75, and Doug Plaxton ’73 also joined. “SAC pushed me to do the best work I could. I was lucky but also insulated, although I didn’t know it then.”

The end of the innocence was just over the horizon.

Everything changed three days after his 21st birthday when his father passed away. “With him went the houses, clubs, cottage (Westwinds, Lake Rosseau), and any financial security. I had my friends and education, but that was all,” recalls Russell. “When that safety net disappears, you find out who you really are and what you can really do.”

Russell at Beaumaris in Muskoka – “I love boats more than cars!”

Russell ran a few businesses in the following years, some of which he describes as “mildly successful.” But it wasn’t until his late 30s that he found his calling. While visiting a small industrial plaza in Toronto, he had an “Aha!” moment while watching workers make what he calls “very average” manual wallets for Lexus owners to fit their car documents.

Russell, already involved in the automotive business, envisioned creating beautiful, high-end designs for millions of vehicles. He took the leap, launching his company, Pro Dist Inc., and designing products for several big brands.

“That was my crucible, and I went all in, with no safety net or back-up,” he says. “Twenty-seven years later, with many products, we’re in tens of millions of vehicles, and it never gets old.”

Toyota and Lexus are among the company’s recurring clients, and Russell attributes his success to a combination of timing, preparation, and a little bit of luck. “It really does come down to being in the right place at the right time,

with the right product and the right customer.”

Reflecting on his SAC experience, Russell says he feels incredibly fortunate to have attended. “The view from this far out looking back is that it’s a fantastic place.” He attended his 50-year class reunion with friends, Geza, Tom, and Peter, last spring.

Russell has a few key pieces of advice for current students:

Get focused, disciplined, and driven. Look at what you can do based on your determination and vision. As he says, “I’m no different than you –don’t tell me it can’t be done.”

Remember the 5 Ps: Precise preparation prevents poor performance.

If you do achieve your dream, give back for all the good fortune bestowed on you.

As for his future, Russell has no plans to retire anytime soon. But he is looking forward to completing construction on a cottage in the Beaumaris area of

Muskoka and devoting more time to animal rescue, a passion he shares with his wife, Lori. Russell has served on the boards of several wildlife and humane societies, fueling his passion for giving back.

It’s clear that Russell is deeply appreciative of his journey, with all the setbacks and successes and all the lessons he has learned.

“The guys that are the happiest in the bunch are the ones who have created their own situation,” he says. “That is a real feeling of freedom.”

To those attending St. Andrew’s, Russell says, “Appreciate your luck every day – never take it for granted!

“SAC is the aircraft carrier in your life; it forges and moulds you and your spirit with determination and ambition, which direct the intersection of dreaming and doing. And that will always be with you on whatever roads you take.” X

Left to right: Russell with Geza von Diergardt ’74 (best lumberjack ever!) on a canoe trip at Sandbanks, Ont.; with his wife, Lori, at the top of Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid, New York; at home with Reggie and BoBo (named after a well-known Scottish teacher at SAC).

CHRIS KERR ’81 THE COMEBACK KID

By Julie Caspersen

Fate– and a few burly Olympic athletes – led Chris Kerr ’81 to St. Andrew’s College.

Chris was dragged kicking and screaming through the Yonge Street gates on his first day of Grade 9. So opposed to attending, his mother, Shirley, a track & field Olympic athlete, enlisted friends to pick him up from their West Toronto home and drive him to campus. “I was physically kidnapped and taken there,” Chris recalls.

His St. Andrew’s experience altered his destiny, shaping his career as a fifthgeneration doctor and leading end-oflife researcher. Chris holds degrees in psychology, medicine, and neurobiology and serves as the CEO and chief medical officer at Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo. His focus is patient advocacy and the belief that patients should have access to palliative care throughout the continuum of illness. His research interests have evolved from bench science toward the human experience of illness as witnessed from the bedside, specifically the subjective experiences at end-of-life. This work has been featured in several documentaries (on PBS and Netflix) as well as in a TEDx talk, I See Dead People: Dreams and Visions of the Dying, which has over 5.4 million views.

Chris’s connection to his work is deeply rooted in his past. At age 12, he lost his father. “How we see somebody die absolutely influences how we remember them. Whether we have reverence for that process or not, it redefines death as something empty and meaningless or something that can be full of connectivity or love,” he says.

Unimpressed by the idea of boarding school, Chris resisted in every way possible – so much so that weekly gatings became routine from September through Christmas 1976. But as the months passed, he embraced the opportunity before him. By his graduating year, he was a Prefect, CoCaptain of First Football, played First Rugby, earned the position of Drum Major, and was named Best Cadet – a remarkable comeback!

In a poignant parallel, his grandfather, Hugh Kerr, Class of 1918, lost his mother at 12, struggled in school, failing Grade 8, enrolled at SAC in 1913, and became a physician. Hugh’s sister was also a doctor, as were two of his sons, Hugh (a dentist) and William, who was Christopher’s dad.

William’s death profoundly impacted Chris, who is also the author of Death is But a Dream. In the book, he writes: “My whole life’s work can be traced back to this powerful event from childhood.” His anger and subsequently failing Grade 8 set him on a path that led to St. Andrew’s. During the summer break, a

family friend, an orthopedic surgeon, took Chris under his wing and offered him work at his farm throughout his high school summers. In 1980, during Chris’s final year at SAC, this surgeon was recruited to work in Ohio, so Chris followed after graduation and earned his PhD and MD from the Medical College of Ohio.

“I did my residency at the University of Rochester, which is a great place, but I needed to get closer to the Canadian border. That’s how I moved to Buffalo,” he says, mentioning his mother still lived in Toronto.

He followed this residency with a fellowship in cardiology and, to help provide for his family of two young children, took on a weekend job at Hospice Buffalo that quickly transitioned into a career move. He currently holds the titles of chief medical officer and chief executive officer. Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo serves 1,200 patients daily.

In essence, his path brought him faceto-face with the childhood trauma of his father’s death that he’d tried to forget. Time spent with thousands of patients in hospice care allowed him to rewrite the story of his dad’s passing and, through the eyes of a trained medical professional and the objectiveness of an end-of-life researcher, he confirms the dying process is an opportunity

to “celebrate our humanity in all its complexity and dignity rather than just as an ending.”

Death is But a Dream is available in 10 languages and details the research and personal stories highlighting the end-oflife experiences – dreams and visions – that often accompany the process of dying. This exploration, Chris asserts, helps bring dignity and relief to patients and their caregivers. Comforting dreams tend to be more frequent as the end of life nears; dreams commonly feature deceased loved ones, travel, living loved ones, and pets. Caregivers are more accepting of loss if their loved one experiences a comforting end-oflife journey.

Beyond medicine, Chris is committed to philanthropy. He lives on a working horse farm along with his two daughters. One manages a horse boarding and training facility, and the other runs a cat rescue. Other residents include three dogs and some pigs and goats, all rescues. It’s also home to multiple non-profits, including an occupational therapy barn and an inner-city program that grows produce for food markets – and they all happily coexist on the 60-acre property in a town fittingly called East Aurora.

The farm was also the launching site for the Providence Farm Collective, established by Chris in 2019, offering

“grassroots farm programs aimed at meeting the expressed needs of and empowering refugee, immigrant, BIPOC, and low-income communities.” Community organizations receive plots of prepared farmland, access to agricultural resources, and educational opportunities. This organization now has its own farm and serves several hundred refugee families.

Chris’s journey from reluctant Andrean to a prominent and respected figure in palliative care is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and purpose. His story is one of resilience, compassion, advocacy, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others, both in life and in death. X

Chris’s brother is also an Old Boy. Dr. Thomas Kerr ’87 attended only for his Grade 7 year, leaving in June 1981. Chris reports that Thomas and his roommate, Kiefer Sutherland ’86, left SAC around the same time, both finding success.

Thomas is the director of research at the BC Centre on Substance Use in British Columbia. He is a professor and head of the Division of Social Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the University of British Columbia and an associate faculty member in the School of Population and Public Health at UBC.

Kiefer is an actor with too many films to list, as well as an accomplished musician.

Dr. Thomas Kerr ’87

Kiefer Sutherland ’86

Left: Chris caring for one of his palliative care patients. Above: Several women enjoying the horses at the Providence Farm Collective.

KENNETH McKENZIE CLASS OF 1909

FROM THE PAST

By Julie Caspersen

Kenneth McKenzie, Class of 1909, was a medical trailblazer, his name synonymous with the founding of neurosurgery in Canada. His contributions to patients, medical students, and the training of neurosurgeons were vast.

Born in Toronto in 1892, Kenneth graduated from elementary school in Monkton, Ont., west of Waterloo, and in 1905 was accepted into St. Andrew’s College, which was in Toronto at that time.

As an athlete, he shone, capturing titles in both rugby and cricket, and he was a wrestling champion during the school’s heyday in the sport. His athleticism carried into post-secondary life at the University of Toronto, where he became captain of the senior medical rugby team and claimed the intercollegiate bantamweight wrestling championship in his second year.

Despite not being particularly distinguished academically at St. Andrew’s, as noted in the 2004 biography, Kenneth George McKenzie and the Founding of Neurosurgery in Canada, Kenneth flourished at U of T. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine in 1914, just before the First World War began. Enlisting with the Royal Army Medical Corps that summer, Kenneth served as a regimental medical officer in France. In 1917, he transferred to the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps and joined the staff at Davisville Military Hospital in Toronto. After the war, he opened a general medical practice to support his growing family, all while helping veterans at the Christie Street Hospital.

In 1922, Harvey Cushing, an American brain surgery pioneer and pathologist, was awarded the Charles Mickle Fellowship from the University of Toronto. He offered to train a Canadian in neurosurgery, and Kenneth was accepted for the position. He journeyed to Boston for a year of intensive training. The world of neurosurgery at that time was still in its infancy, with high mortality rates and long surgeries, but Kenneth returned to Toronto with the expertise that would set the stage for a groundbreaking career.

Upon his return to Toronto, he completed his surgical training and, in 1924, was appointed to the surgical staff of Toronto General Hospital, subspecializing in neurosurgery. The first generation of Canadian neurosurgeons learned from him. He led the unit until 1952; it earned a reputation for excellence in patient care and education.

“He became, by general consent of those who had worked with him, the most dexterous of all brain

PROFILE

surgeons. A magician, economical of movement, sure of the next step, unfaltering and unflappable,” wrote Dr. Thomas P. Morley, former head of Neurosurgery at Toronto General Hospital and chair of the Neurological Committee and the University of Toronto, in a 1988 Andrean article honouring Kenneth. Sixteen years later, he would publish a biography, Kenneth George McKenzie and the Founding of Neurosurgery in Canada

Kenneth’s contributions to neurosurgery were many. He pioneered techniques for training general surgeons to treat head injuries. He developed new methods of treating torticollis, chronic subdural hematoma, and acoustic neuroma. His work with skull tongs for spinal fractures, the vestibular nerve division technique for Ménière’s disease, and his long-term analysis of frontal lobotomies transformed how neurosurgeons approached complex surgeries. But his greatest influence was as an exemplary teacher, shaping the careers of countless surgeons.

He remained deeply connected to St. Andrew’s, sending his son, Fred ’46, to the school in 1937. Fred went on to become a psychiatrist with a family practice in London, Ont., and later the director of adolescence for the Child and Parent Resource Institute. During Fred’s years at SAC, Kenneth was the president of the Old Boys Association (1939-1940) and, in 1939, was appointed to the Board of Governors (1939-1959).

After his retirement in 1952, Kenneth pursued another passion: golf. He became a member of the Canadian Seniors team and, as reported in a class note in the fall 1960 Andrean, “topped class C with a 79” in the Canadian Seniors Golf Championship in Montreal that year.

Kenneth passed away in his Toronto home on Feb. 11, 1964. X

The cover image of Kenneth used for the book, Kenneth George McKenzie and the Founding of Neurosurgery in Canada, was painted by Group of Seven member, Frederick Varley, a contemporary of Lawren Harris , Class of 1906 It was commissioned by his former residents and associates and unveiled in 1952, the year he retired. Depicted in the lower left corner of the portrait is a “pathological specimen of the brain base and acoustic neuroma.”

Toronto General Hospital opened in 1913 on College Street. The chair of the first board was Sir Joseph Flavelle, a great friend and benefactor of St.

College and the namesake of

Andrew’s

Flavelle House.

OLD BOYS NEWS

AND NOW FOR THE

1957

Jim Wyse

“At 86 years of age, I am still chasing the puck around a hockey rink in Penticton, B.C., twice a week with a wonderful bunch of like-minded old-timers. The next oldest player is not yet 80, and the youngest in our group is 62; he also has a St. Andrew’s connection in that his father, Tony Rutherford ’56, was one year ahead of me, and we had played on several teams together. However, most group members are in their 70s, and we are very careful to avoid injuries. It’s quite funny because if anyone falls, everything stops instantly until we are quite sure that all is well. That is the background for this tale.

On March 21, when we arrived at the rink for our appointed 90 minutes, we were advised that we had been bumped 45 minutes while two young fellows from the Penticton Vees, our local junior hockey team, and who had been injured, were getting some extra ice time to get them back in shape. So, we all patiently watched this intense workout their coach put them through, which was very impressive.

One of the boys was Anselmo Rego ’23, whom I had met two years ago when Head of School, Kevin McHenry, and the crew came through in the fall of 2023. The other player was Nate McIsaac. I got chatting with Anselmo during one of their rest periods, and we invited them to stick around and join our group for our 90 minutes to fill some of our vacancies. To our surprise and delight, Anselmo and Nate were eager to get as much ice time as possible, so they stayed on, and it was great fun to have them participate.

It was also convenient that they were already wearing blue and white shirts, the same colours that we use.

wonderful trip and great fun reminiscing about times at St. Andrew’s and how it influenced the rest of their lives in a very positive way.

1978

John Stewart was awarded the King Charles lll Coronation Medal on March 20, presented to citizens of Canada who have made a significant contribution to Canada or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada. John was nominated by Brigadier General Ernest B. Beno, former Commander of the Special Service Force, Canadian Army and Former Colonel Commandant, Royal Canadian Artillery. The nomination states, “John Stewart’s praiseworthy commitment to military service began over 50 years ago as a cadet, rising in rank to Cadet Lieutenant-Colonel commanding over 400 members. He subsequently joined the 48th Highlanders of Canada as a private where, over 14 years, including time with the Gordon Highlanders of the British Army, he commissioned and grew to become a Captain and Rifle Company Second-in-Command. He joined the 7th Toronto Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery in 1990 and has since faithfully served for 34 years.”

Class of ’80 Oct. 3, 2025

1980

1970

Mac Yule met up with Tom Hickey ’60 on St. Andrews Bay in Antarctica in early 2025, along with 150,000 king penguins. Tom quickly became known as the “Beach Master.” Mac reports that it was a

Douglas Nicholls visited campus with his wife, Rosanne, on Aug. 26, 2024. Douglas had his photo taken in the squash courts, as he was a member of the First Squash team during his time at SAC; he also played First Cricket and First Volleyball. The couple made the trip from their home in Barbados to visit a son who lives in Newmarket.

Mac Yule ’70, left, and Tom Hickey ’60

Anselmo Rego ’23, left, and Jim Wyse ’57

Douglas and Rosanne have eight grandchildren, including the youngest, a boy born last October.

1981

Martin Scott reports that 2025 marks the 70th year in business for Scott’s Decorating Centre in Lindsay, Ont., started by his father in 1955. Now in its third location, Martin says 3,500 square feet is not a big store by comparison, but big for their little town. Martin points out that running a “generational” business means their customers are the children and grandchildren of the people his father did business with: “They haven’t just become friends, but almost family.”

1983

there is nothing like a sweet hug from his twoyear-old granddaughter, which was the big prize for moving back home.

REUNION REMINDER

Class of ’85 Oct. 3, 2025 40 YEAR

1986

Drew Eide

and classmates, Todd Dow and Brent Kelly, and Paul Keating ’84, organized a reunion of SAC friends in Arizona in November 2024. The group played three rounds of golf at top courses in Arizona, with six people chosen for each team after a pre-tournament draft. Drew says he had not seen a few of the Andreans in attendance since leaving Canada in 1998 and notes the last hole of their last round at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale is called St. Andrews: “A fitting end to an awesome Andrean reunion!” The event has been named the “Cactus Classic,” and the group hopes to continue the new tradition annually. Drew lives in Brisbane, Australia.

From left: Gary Drysdale (friend), Bill Gaskey ’85, David Campbell ’85, Paul Keating ’84, Tom Hussey ’85, Todd Dow ’86, Brent Kelly ’86, Frank Avsenik (friend), Shawn Omstead ’85, Jason Leggett ’88, Drew Eide ’86, and Stephen Keating ’87

rendezvous at a café on a sunny afternoon. Jim’s family was in the French capital to cheer on his daughter, Maeve, who competed for Australia in track cycling for the second straight Olympics. Tim’s family enjoyed taking in some of the events, including witnessing a silver medal win for Canada’s Women’s Eight Rowing Team.

REUNION REMINDER

Class of ’90 Oct. 3, 2025 35 YEAR

1990

Don Price

and his stepdaughter, Stephanie-Lynn Harper, published a children’s book, Happiness Comes in Waves: The Summer Adventures of Ripple, which is available through Amazon and Indigo in Canada, as well as Barnes & Noble in the U.S. The book is set in Ontario’s Muskoka region, where Don maintains a residence. He and his wife, Marlene, live in Fort Mill, S.C.

1992

Jon Ginou is president of Art Printing Co. and reports that printing predominantly for restaurants was challenging during the pandemic and continues to be. He credits SAC with providing the skills to handle challenges and adversity. Jon says he is fortunate to have the support of many friends he met at SAC and still hangs out with, including classmates, Mark Etherington, Carl Milroy, Darcy Montgomery, Dan Nelles, Brent Riopelle, Mark Shillum, Stuart Smith, and Mike DeAngelis, as well as Paul Etherington ’95 When not at work, Jon can be found playing guitar, cottaging (boating and snowmobiling), and spending time with his wife, Athena, and daughters, Alexandra and Nikki.

Andrew Lane-Smith has returned to his country of birth, England, to live near his son and family after living in Canada for nearly 57 years. He also lived for a brief stint in the United States. Andrew says

1987

Jim Plouffe

and classmate, Tim Callaghan, connected in Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics. Along with their wives, they enjoyed an afternoon

Jim Plouffe ’87 and classmate, Tim Callaghan

1993

Robert Leckey

was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec, District of Montreal, in January. A scholar of family law and constitutional law, Robert was a professor at McGill University from 2006 until his judicial appointment. As dean from 2016, Robert strengthened the Faculty of Law’s program in business law and supported the growing role of Indigenous legal traditions in the curriculum. He was delighted to speak with students during SAC’s Pride Week in October 2024.

Andrew Lane-Smith ’83, left, and his brother, Mark ’81, during a visit in May 2024.

1994

Sean Etherington and his brothers, Mark ’92 and Paul ’95, along with their father, Brian, were honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing their contributions to improving the lives of Special Olympics athletes and all Canadians with intellectual disabilities. They accepted their award on March 27 at a ceremony at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. The brothers founded motionball in 2002 with the objective of introducing young Canadian professionals and university students to the Special Olympics movement through integrated social and sporting events while also providing meaningful leadership opportunities within the community. To date, motionball is running more than 50 events a year in 20 cities and on 30 university campuses throughout Canada. Since its inception, it has donated just over $20,000,000 to the Special Olympics Canada Foundation. The Etheringtons are proud to have accepted this award “on behalf of so many other passionate motionball volunteers who together have helped grow the organization and movement across this great country of ours.”

REUNION REMINDER

Class of ’95 Oct. 3, 2025 30 YEAR

1999

Joseph Farrugia

has become a distinguished educator known for his dedication and innovation. After returning to teach at SAC, he went on to help establish the HTS Online media arts department at Holy Trinity School. Currently, he teaches visual arts at the Dr. Bette Stephenson Centre for Learning in Richmond Hill, inspiring students in a unique educational environment. Joseph also continues his artistic pursuits with a series of paintingsof Lawren Harris and Vincent Massey, Class of 1906, and Graham Towers, Class of 1913

Jason George-John and his wife, Annette, have two sons, Theodore and Benjamin, born in 2020 and 2023, respectively. Annette is from Bishop Strachan School’s Class of ’00, and Jason says they were high school sweethearts. The couple got married in 2017 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. Jean-Paul Tuzi ’99 was best man and Daniel Melville ’99 was a groomsman. The GeorgeJohn family lives in Jason’s home country, the beautiful island of Antigua and Barbuda, where he owns and operates casinos and real estate developments. Jason is also a country diplomat with responsibilities as an economic envoy attracting foreign investment. During their Homecoming 25-year SAC reunion last year, Jason reconnected with many Old Boys in Toronto. Following the reunion, Jason headed to Asia where he reconnected with Andreans in Hong Kong and Korea. Justin Lin ’99 flew to Hong Kong from Taiwan to meet the group. Jason reported that after 25 years, the SAC bond seemed as strong as before. Peter Chmiel ’99 visited Jason in Antigua and Barbuda in November.

2001

Jackson Lau and his family visited campus on Aug. 12, 2024, and stopped by Ketchum Auditorium to see the theatre seat bearing Jackson’s name. The family was in the middle of a five-week trip, which included stops in Tokyo and Seoul. Jackson and his family live in Hong Kong.

REUNION REMINDER

Class of ’00 Oct. 3, 2025

2000

YEAR

Kevin Richards had the pleasure of reconnecting with Tom Takada ’98 over lunch at the United Nations University Building on March 18. Kevin had just finished a 10-day trip to Tokyo to promote the work being done in Bermuda to attract impact capital to stimulate the island’s economy. Kevin says it was special catching up with Tom, reminiscing about their time on the First Basketball team and sharing stories about mutual friends from school. Tom reported on the strong and active alumni network in Tokyo, and Kevin says he hopes to make the trip to Japan an annual tradition.

2002

Michael Faulds won the OUA Coach of the Year Award for the second straight season, guiding the Laurier Golden Hawks football team to an undefeated regular season, the Yates Cup championship, and a Vanier Cup appearance. Michael has led

From left, Mark Etherington ’92, his brother, Sean ’94, father, Brian, and brother, Paul ’95

Kevin Richards ’00, left, and Tom Takada ’98

Head of School, Kevin McHenry, left, and Michael Faulds ’02

In front of Royce Lo’s Hotel in Hong Kong: In front, from left, Kenneth King ’01, Terence Liu ’98, and Justin Lin ’99. Second row, from left, Royce Lo ’98, Alan Lau ’99, Jason George-John ’99, Hiu Ming Tsui ’99, and Herbert Leung ’99. Back row, from left, Hans Sham’99 and Howard Chun ’98

Check out Joseph’s essay about SAC’s hidden hand in the Group of Seven on Page 12.

the program since 2013 and also won the award in 2016. He was the guest speaker at the SAC First Football Banquet on Nov. 25, 2024, at the Aurora Armoury.

Giancarlo Trimarchi

visited with classmates David Wang, Luis Leong, and Christopher Chang, as well as Roger Chau ’01, in November 2024 at Ramen Yutaka in Aurora, where Luis is the owner and chef. Giancarlo is president of Vince’s Market, an independent grocer with locations across Ontario. He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in March, an honour recognizing individuals who’ve made a significant contribution to Canada and their communities. As former Chair of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, he has played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards. His work on the Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct has helped ensure fairness and sustainability in the sector.

At left: Giancarlo with his wife, Kristen, holding the King Charles III Coronation Medal he was awarded in March.

his own real estate brokerage, development, and advisory firm with an associate. The company, Maiso Sàrl, is active mainly in the Frenchspeaking part of Switzerland. Over the winter, Tyron gave a few lessons as a ski instructor in Les Portes du Soleil in the Swiss Alps. His wife, Selina, completed the Saint-Moritz Cross-Country Skiing Marathon in March. The couple has two children, Gianluca, 12, who plays soccer and just started swimming (placing second in his first race!) and Lily-Grace, 7, who is an avid skier and also making her way in horseback riding.

REUNION

REMINDER

Class of ’05 Oct. 3, 2025

2005

20 YEAR

Clinton McCullough and his wife, Samantha, welcomed their second child, Cole, born on Oct. 27, 2024, the same month his big sister, Elle, turned 3.

2006

2003

Tyron Vogt

started a job as head of real estate management, industrial and commercial at the Marly Innovation Center in Fribourg, Switzerland, on March 1. In the role, Tyron manages a portfolio of more than 370,000 square metres of industrial and commercial real estate. He is also starting

Robert Martini travelled to Harbin, China, in February for the Asia Winter Games. Robert has been the head ice hockey coach of the Singapore National Team since early 2017. Singapore went 2-2 during the Games, recording wins against India and Bahrain. Aside from the competition, Robert says a highlight was getting to visit the Harbin Ice Festival – the world’s largest. This was Robert’s second Asia Winter Games with Team Singapore. He reports they are looking forward to the

Division 3B IIHF World Hockey Championships in Queretaro, Mexico, and the Southeast Asia Games in Bangkok, Thailand, at the end of the year. He hopes to be still coaching the team at the next Asia Winter Games in 2029 in Neom, Saudi Arabia, a city that is not yet built!

Meher Sandhu is thrilled to announce the arrival of Zeke River, born on Jan. 1. Proud parents Meher and Aileen Schultz are overjoyed with their new addition. Meher is leading the Microsoft Dynamics implementation space at MNP Digital.

2007

Alex Sung and Louise Wei were married on Nov. 23, 2024, at The Manor in King City. Alex’s classmate, Adrian Wu, and his wife, Christina, attended the ceremony.

Standing at back: David Wang ’02, left, and Luis Leong ’02. Seated, from left, Christopher Chang ’02, Roger Chau ’01, and Giancarlo Trimarchi ’02. The Old Boys enjoyed a visit at Ramen Yutaka.

2009

Jason Durst competed in the Wilderness Traverse in September 2024, a 150-kilometre endurance race consisting of a 35-km trek, a 30-km paddle, and an 85-km mountain bike journey in Muskoka, Ont. Jason’s team of four completed the course in 27 hours and 13 minutes.

REUNION REMINDER

Class of ’10

Oct. 3, 2025

2010

YEAR

James Mildon and his partner, Lyndsay, welcomed their second daughter, Olyvia Ruth, on Sept. 28, 2024, a sister for Charlie, 3, and older brother Austin. James is vice president at Cushman & Wakefield, concentrating on industrial, office, land, and capital markets applications. The family lives in Burlington, Ont.

CAREER DAYS AT SAC

The University Counselling Department hosts weekly Career Days every February, inviting guest speakers, many of them Old Boys, from a wide variety of professions to speak to Grade 11 students about their professions, their journeys, and the challenges they experienced along the way. This year, we hosted three Old Boys:

Mike Young ’95, top right, the director of IT Operations at the University of Toronto, Scarborough, and a professor at Centennial College, teaching business analysis, gave an insightful talk on how technology is transforming higher education.

Christian Julien ’10, below right, spoke about his experience during and after his time as a student at SAC and his path to becoming an immigration and refugee lawyer. He also caught up with his former teacher, Steve Rush, during the visit. Christian works with Kingwell Immigration Law in Toronto.

Andrew Keenleyside ’13, below, a senior manager in the nuclear energy sector, shared his journey from SAC to leading major projects at Ontario Power Generation. His insights on engineering, leadership, and innovation offered a firsthand look at the future of nuclear energy.

Brad Wood and his wife, Kat, welcomed their first child, Liliane Elizabeth, on Feb. 25. The family lives in Toronto, Ont.

Michael Zhang visited SAC on Oct. 28, 2024, and located his chair in Cole Hall. Michael and his wife, Rachel, welcomed their third child, a daughter named Lu, on Sept. 9, 2024. The family lives in Greenwich, Conn.

2011

Dennis Buschmann and his partner, Inga, recently welcomed their second child, Robin, a brother for Victoria, 5, who is preparing for primary school and excited about all kinds of creative activities like drawing and singing. Dennis previously worked for the German Federal Government as a policy advisor and lawyer combatting financial crimes and

Jason Durst ’09 is standing to the far left.

terrorist financing, as well as an intelligence specialist with the Federal Ministry of Finance. He has moved on to another exciting opportunity: working as a licensed lawyer in foreign trade and sanctions. Dennis will be responsible for a small team of professionals, giving him an opportunity to take on a leadership role. Dennis is also trying to put more time into his voluntary work as a firefighter and paramedic. Dennis and his family live in Berlin, Germany, where he met up with SAC’s Associate Director of Admission, Bruce Keyes, in November 2024.

2012

Konstantin Bogdanow and Katrina Myhal were married on a beautifully sunny day on Aug. 10, 2024, at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club in Mississauga. In attendance were his friends and family from Germany and Canada, including classmates, Alan Daniels, Spencer Feeley, and Sapheer Somani

Chris Porter

married Taylor Misley on Nov. 2, 2024, in Portland, Ore. Chris joined Nike as product line manager for men’s golf and tennis apparel in January. The couple lives in Beaverton, Ore.

2013

John Sandham and Olivia Stukator were married on Feb. 14 in Las Vegas. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony at the famous Little White Wedding Chapel, followed days later by a visit to the Grand Canyon. The couple lives in Aurora. John works in the Advancement Office at SAC and was promoted to Alumni Relations and Major Gifts Officer in December. In this new role, John will continue to promote lifelong engagement with Old Boys while managing a portfolio of potential major gift donors.

2014

Chris Egi was a guest speaker at the U.S. College Expo in Toronto on April 12. He is a JD/MBA student at Harvard University and was elected as the Harvard Law School student government copresident in early April. Chris was valedictorian of Harvard’s class of 2018 and captain of the university’s men’s varsity basketball team as well as the Canadian Junior Men’s National team. He is the founder of No More Names, an initiative created to address racial injustice and criminal justice reform in the aftermath of the 2020 murder of George Floyd during an arrest in Minnesota.

Seth Norris and Vanessa Williams were married on Aug. 10, 2024, at Pioneer Valley Barn in Spruce Grove, Alta. His classmate, Adrian Austin, was a groomsman. Also in attendance were classmates, Ian Chappell, Jeremy Chow, Austin Hammer, Cam McArthur, Braden Noxon, Arthur Parakovits, Zachary Petrachek, Christian Philbert, and David Zulian. Seth says the couple enjoyed a wonderful night surrounded by lots of friends and family.

Dennis Buschmann ’11, left, with Bruce Keyes, SAC’s Associate Director of Admission.

From left, Class of 2014 friends, David Zulian, Cam McArthur, Zachary Petrachek, Jeremy Chow, Braden Noxon, Christian Philbert, Seth Norris, Arthur Parakovits, Adrian Austin, Austin Hammer, and Ian Chappell - with Vanessa Williams front and centre.

Luke Simpson and Kristen Thompson were married on Sept. 28, 2024, at the barn 1906 in Bradford, Ont. The best man was classmate, Bobby Cave. Also in attendance were Luke’s dad, Andrew ’83, his godfather, Robert Harvey-Read ’83, Bobby’s dad, Roger ’85, and Jeff Tiemens ’83. Luke is a firefighter with the City of Toronto, and Kristen is a teacher with the Durham District School Board.

REUNION REMINDER

Class of ’15 Oct. 3, 2025

2015

Donald Kwok returned to campus on Sept. 15, 2024, while on the way to Halifax for the wedding of Jonathan Harvey ’16. Donald has remained connected with St. Andrew’s since graduating, attending an Old Boy reception in Hong Kong in April 2024. He caught up with several faculty and staff members during the visit to campus, including Dave Stewart, Associate Director, Upper School, Student Affairs; Amanda Thorne, Assistant Head of Upper School, Academics; and Heather Tugnett, Head Athletic Therapist.

In attendance: George Hutchings ’17, Adam Boston ’19, Riley Fischer’15, Daniel Iwai ’22, Fraser Sopik ’15, Cole Sopik ’13, Spencer Harris ’13, Griffin James ’15, Justin McNamara ’15, Matt Thom ’16, DevonWalters’15, Connor Iwai ’18, Kody Clark ’17, Krisztian Fockter ’15, Saad Siddiqui ’15, Matt Iezzi ’15, Adam Sinclair ’15, Daniel Panzures ’17, Lucas La Brier’18, Quest Rodin ’18, Darren Iwai ’15, Matt Iwai ’15, Jacob La Brier ’15, Head of School, Kevin McHenry, Jake Iwai ’20, and Ben Thompson ’15

Jacob La Brier

and Sabrina Basta were married in Memorial Chapel on April 19. The couple held their reception in the La Brier Family Arena on campus, which was transformed into a gorgeous setting for the elegant evening.

Ben Thompson is leading all sales initiatives at Teamleap, a Toronto-based staffing and recruiting firm. Teamleap helps North American software startups scale efficiently by connecting them with experienced overseas developers and engineers. Teamleap’s approach enables businesses to save millions while growing, allowing them to reinvest and expand their local teams as they scale.

2016

Matt Thom married Ali Iwai at the Chileno Bay in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on Nov. 8, 2024. Ali’s brothers were actively involved in the wedding party: Connor ’18 was the officiant; Darren ’15, Jake ’20, and Daniel’22 were groomsmen; and Christian ’24 and Tyler, in Grade 11 at SAC, were ushers who walked proud mom, Kelly, down the aisle. Old Boys in attendance were Ali’s cousin, Matt Iwai ’15, Griffin James ’15, Jacob La Brier ’15, Justin McNamara ’15, Adam Sinclair ’15, Jonathan Malowney ’17, and Lucas La Brier ’18. Also in attendance was Head of School, Kevin McHenry, and his wife, Karan. Ali and Matt met at the La Brier Family Arena on campus. “Matt was on the hockey team with my brother, Darren, and I, of course, was the supportive sister who never missed a game. Fast forward five years, and we started dating,” Ali reported after their honeymoon in South Africa. “Luckily for Matt, my brothers already knew he was a great guy, so they gave him an easier time at his first family dinner.”

Matt and Ali are centre, flanked by Iwai parents, Dean and Kelly, along with maid of honour, Kaitlin Brown (a cousin). Iwai brothers, from left, Christian, Daniel, Darren, Connor, Jake, and Tyler.

Jonathan Harvey and Emily Rossong were married on Sept. 28, 2024, at the Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax. His classmate, Donald Kwok, was in attendance. Jonathan works at KPMG in Halifax within the deal advisory space and has been with the firm for nearly five years.

Cameron Valardo

visited campus on Nov. 25, 2024. He is a financial advisor with Atlantic Wealth Management and was in the area for a conference. Cameron caught up with several faculty and staff, including Michael Carroll, Head of Science; Jeff LaForge, social studies teacher and Head of Perrier House; Dave Stewart, Associate Director, Upper School; and Michael Roy ’85, Executive Director, Enrolment. Management. Cameron lives in Fall River, N.S., and attended the Halifax pub night last October.

2017

Morgan Barron

met up with Head of School, Kevin McHenry, and Deputy Head of School, Michael Paluch, in Nashville, Tenn., on Feb. 27 as his Winnipeg Jets were in the city for a matchup against the Predators. The former Saints First Hockey Captain is in his third full season with the Jets following

a trade from the New York Rangers during the 2021-2022 NHL season.

2019

Graham Stanley-Paul and Tom Luxemburger ’93 connected over dinner with SAC’s Major Gifts & Stewardship Officer, Jeremy Slessor ’06, at Whiskey Jacks Pub & Grill in Whitehorse, Yukon, on July 22, 2024, when Jeremy was in town on vacation. Graham and Tom both live in Whitehorse.

Caidan Ubell

was called to the bar at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto on March 10. He begins his law career after articling in Barrie, Ont., with Progressive Legal Solutions. Caidan studied at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Sussex.

2018

Scott Rumble

joined the SAC Business Office as an Accounts Payable Specialist in June 2024. Scott recently graduated from the Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies program at Huron University.

REUNION REMINDER

Class of ’20 Oct. 3, 2025 5 YEAR

2020

Jesse Liu

visited campus with classmate, Justin Liu, on Nov. 19, 2024. Jesse attended King’s College London, U.K., and now lives in New York City. The two had a chance to tour the renovated McLaughlin Hall science wing and see St. Anne’s School for the first time.

From left, Kevin McHenry, Head of School, Morgan Barron ’17, and Michael Paluch, Deputy Head of School.

From left, Tom Luxemburger ’93, Jeremy Slessor ’06, and Graham Stanley-Paul ’19

Justin Liu, left, and Jesse Liu, from the Class of 2020.

Gordie McDonell

and Kade Hennessy ’22 led the U18 AAA Hockey Saints on a tour of the University of Notre Dame during the team’s visit to Indiana for a tournament in February. Gordie is returning to Notre Dame this fall for one more year to take the Masters of Science Management program. Kade has one year to go in the Bachelor of Business Administration program.

2022

Callum Buckley appeared on American Idol earlier this year, a singing competition television series. Callum made it through the March 30 auditions round in New York City, earning a golden ticket to Hollywood. One judge, Luke Bryan, referred to him

as the “Canadian Elvis.” Another judge, Carrie Underwood, said her husband also hails from Ontario and gave Callum a yes vote. However, Callum was knocked out in the next round. During his four years at St. Andrew’s, Callum was a lead actor in the SAC Dramatic Society; he played Tony in the November 2021 production of West Side Story, was a member of the Arts Council, participated in the Focus Festival of the Arts, and was a member of the Celtic Choir.

year at Cornell, where he is a member of the university’s ice hockey program alongside Jonathan Castagna ’23

Aydar Suniev

signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames this spring. He played the 2024-2025 season with the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass), where he posted 20 goals and 18 assists in 35 games. Prior to joining UMass, Aydar played two seasons with the Penticton Vees in the BCHL, winning back-to-back league championships and leading the league in goals in his final year. He was selected by Calgary in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Michael Zack

hosted the SAC First Football team for a visit to the University of Pennsylvania in September 2024. Michael is studying finance and strategic management at the university’s Wharton Business School and is an offensive lineman for the Penn Quakers football team. He will be working as a business consulting intern for Grant Thornton in Philadelphia during the summer. X

Luke Devlin visited with Upper School teachers, Chris Papalia and Marcello Lio, at Cornell University in November 2024. Luke is entering his junior

Chris Papalia, left, Luke Devlin ’22, and Marcello Lio.

Michael Zack ’22 is standing to the far left.

Gordie McDonell ’21 is on the far left and Kade Hennessy ’22 is far right.

OBITUARIES

1944

George Robert (Bob) Jackson of Leamington, Ont., passed away on Nov. 4, 2023. He attended St. Andrew’s College from 1942 to 1943 and played First Basketball and Third Rugby. After leaving SAC, Bob enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving for two years before attending the University of Western Ontario (now Western University) to attain his business administration degree. Bob took over the family business, Jackson’s China and Furniture, in 1949. He grew the store, adding an exclusive furniture department and catering to bridal registries for china and crystal. Bob is survived by his children, Lynn and David. He was predeceased by his wife, Virginia, and son, Paul.

1948

Alan Boothe passed away on Dec. 30, 2024, in Collingwood, Ont. He attended St. Andrew’s College from 1946 to 1948. He was a Prefect, Captain of Second Football, played First Hockey and First Cricket, and was a Corporal in the Cadet Corps. After graduation, Alan went to the University of Toronto to pursue a degree in civil engineering. He worked as a group salesmerchandise manager at T. Eaton Company before taking on the role of executive vicepresident at Warren K. Cook Ltd., an apparel store for men, before being elected president of the company. As a retirement venture, he purchased Dominion Regalia Limited, Canada’s oldest flag manufacturing company. Alan is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Margaret Ann, Geoffrey, and Sarah; eight grandchildren; and one greatgrandson. He was predeceased by his father, Charles, Class of 1913, and brother, Douglas’42.

1950

Thomas (Tom) Gass passed away on Jan. 25, 2025, in Toronto. He attended St. Andrew’s College from 1946 to 1949. He was on the Midget “B” Hockey team and played Third Football. Tom joined the army in 1951 as an officer cadet before joining the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. In 1965, he worked for the Toronto brokerage firm, Bongard & Company, before joining Nesbitt Burns as an investment advisor, retiring in 1996. Tom is survived by his wife, Joan, and children, Wendy and Michael. He was predeceased by his daughter, Heather, and grandson, Peter.

David Wright passed away on Sept. 24, 2020, in Wakefield, Que. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1945 to 1949. He played First Football and Jr. North York Hockey. In 1963, he opened the Snow Goose Gallery, an Inuit and First Nations art gallery, in Ottawa. David is survived by his children, Phil, Heather, James, Ian, and Susan; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Moiya, and his second wife, Lee.

1952

Robert Dingman passed away in May 2024 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1946 to 1951. He played First Football and Second Basketball. Robert is survived by his partner, Marnie Collins; his children, Chris, Eric, and Mark; three grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father, Robert , Class of 1919, and his brother, Matthew.

1954

John Cathers passed away on Dec. 11, 2024. He lived in Tiny, Ont. John attended St. Andrew’s College from 1942 to 1954. He was a Prefect and Second-in-Command of the Cadet Corps. He played First Soccer, First Basketball, First Cricket and was on the tennis team. After graduation, John attended the University of Toronto, followed by a 47-year career in the investment business, starting as a broker with McLeod, Young Weir, which was purchased by the Bank of Scotia, becoming Scotia McLeod before merging into the Tucker Wilson Group at Scotia Wealth Management. He retired in 2005. John is survived by his partner, Delia; children, Bill ’79, Peter’78, Margaret, and Jane; stepchildren, Hugo, Sascha, and Fiona; 12 grandchildren, including Ryan Cathers ’09; one great-granddaughter; and great-nephews, Jack ’15 and Mikey ’19 Bahen. He was predeceased by his brother, Dave ’66; sisters, Sue and Elizabeth; and brother-in-law, Michael Burns ’56

1955

Alan (Al) Cruickshank passed away on April 24, 2024, in Orillia, Ont. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1950 to 1952 and played Third Hockey. He was one of the lucky students to go on the 1951 two-month European tour with faculty members, Dick Gibb, Assistant Headmaster and Memorial Housemaster, and Stan Macfarlane, Flavelle Housemaster. Al worked at his family’s business, Cruickshank Motors, as the secretary-treasurer, becoming the third generation in his family to be a part of the business. Al is survived by his wife, Angela; children, Andrew ’83 and Heather; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

1959

Walter (Wally) Hardie passed away on Feb. 17, 2025. He lived in Hamilton, Ont. He attended St. Andrew’s College from 1955 to 1959 and was a Prefect, a member of the Literary Society and the Athletic Society, Advertising Manager of The Review, and President of the Dance Committee. He played First Football (Vice-Captain) and was on the curling team. After attending McMaster University, Wally started a career in financial planning, initially with Canada Life, until 1968, when he founded Hardie Financial and Insurance Services, retiring in 2020. He was the founding member of the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM, a member of the Big Brothers Association, and President of the Hamilton Life Underwriters’ Association. Wally is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Timothy; and three grandchildren.

John (Jack) Hubbel passed away on Jan. 9, 2024, in Grimsby, Ont. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1957 to 1958 and played Second Football. He earned a Bachelor of Arts at Wilfred Laurier University. He worked as a chemist before taking over the family sawmill business, Hubbel & Son, in Algonquin Park. Outside of work, Jack volunteered at Compass Point Bible Church in Burlington, Ont., and Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre (Barton Jail) in Hamilton, Ont. He is survived by his wife, Dianne; sons, Dennis and Patrick; seven grandchildren; and 14 greatgrandchildren.

1960

Martin Brooks passed away on Nov. 30, 2024, in Victoria, B.C. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1957 to 1959 and played on the championshipwinning Clan Football team. He attended Dalhousie University. Over the years, Martin was self-employed in the wood energy, gas fitting, and renovation industries. Martin is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughters, Kelly and Shannon; and four grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Sarah.

1961

Charles (Chuck) Mitchell passed away on Nov. 13, 2023, in Ottawa, Ont. He attended SAC from 1956 to 1957 and played Second Basketball. Chuck is survived by his children, Melanie, Ryan, and Stephanie; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his brother, Terry. He was predeceased by the mother of his children, Connie.

1963

Frederick (Rick) Walker passed away on Dec. 29, 2024, in Newmarket, Ont. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1958 to 1961 and played First Hockey and Third Football. Rick is survived by his children, John, Lori, and Brad; and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Lynn.

1965

Gordon (Gord) Ross passed away on Oct. 28, 2024, in Kitchener, Ont. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1961 to 1963. He was on the Second Football, Second Basketball, Second Rifle, and Second Cricket teams. Gord was a well-respected member of the legal and real estate community, serving as a lawyer for many decades in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region. Gord is survived by his children, Jolene, Andrea, and Toni; and four grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Gordon Ross, Class of 1909

1966

Richard Grand passed away on Sept. 26, 2024, in Ottawa, Ont. He attended SAC from 1960 to 1962. He played Third Football and Third Hockey and was on the Track & Field and Second Rifle teams. A talented drummer, Richard played in numerous bands, most notably the Mynah Birds, which featured musicians, Rick James and Neil Young. In the 1970s, Richard moved to Ottawa for a position with his family’s business, Grand & Toy. Richard is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Aaron, Sarah, Alexandra, and Stephanie; five grandchildren; and siblings, John ’60, Robert ’63, Rosemary, and Martin. He was predeceased by his brother, James.

1967

Murray Shields passed away in December 2024. He lived in Toronto. Murray attended St. Andrew’s from 1963 to 1967, played First Football for three years, was Captain and MVP of the Swim team, and won the Cross-Country Run in 1967. He was Second in Command of the Cadet Corps in his graduating year. Murray was awarded the Laidlaw Trophy for accumulating the most Clan points in his final two years at St. Andrew’s. Murray attended York University and was in the hospitality business for more than 40 years, establishing and managing two successful conference and incentive travel management companies, including GamePlan Management, established in 2000. Murray is survived by his wife, Lisa; and sons, Charlie and Jack.

Garfield (Garf) Waller passed away on Sept. 2, 2023, in Toronto. He attended SAC from 1963 to 1965. He was on the Third Football and Third Hockey teams, as well as the First Rifle team, winning the Special Rifle Awards alongside his teammates. Garf attended Wilfred Laurier University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts. He was a highly respected business owner, restaurateur, and food industry expert. He became president of Dalmar Foods, the family food service business, and opened two successful restaurants in midtown Toronto, Earl’s Tin Palace and The Puffin Restaurant. Garf is survived by his wife, Carolyn; daughters, Christine and Katherine; two grandchildren; and brothers, Grant ’65 and Andrew.

1969

Kenneth (Ken) Hopper passed away on March 21, 2024, in Ottawa, Ont. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1964 to 1965. He played U15 Football and Rugger. After leaving St. Andrew’s, Ken worked as an analyst for the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in Hamilton, Ont., before moving to Ottawa in the late 1980s to take on the senior officer role of the broadcast division of CUPE. Ken is survived by his wife, Debbie; children, Ashleigh and Ryan; and two grandchildren.

1978

Gregory Cleare passed away on Oct. 23, 2024. He lived in the Bahamas. He attended SAC from 1977 to 1978, then attended Emory University to attain his bachelor’s degree in business administration (accounting). He started his career with KPMG Atlanta in 1982 before being elected to the partnership of KPMG Bahamas in 1990. He was elected senior partner of the firm before moving from KPMG to Holowesko Partners Ltd., where he spent the remainder of his career. He also held roles as a director and chair of the Audit Committee of First Trust Bank and director and co-chair of Lyford Cay International School. He was a founding member and director of the Bahamas International Securities Exchange from 1999 to 2022 and the Bahamas Financial Services Board from 1998 to 2002.

FORMER STUDENT

Tyler Dunlap passed away on Nov. 4, 2024, in Vancouver, B.C. He was a member of the Class of 2026 and attended St. Andrew’s for his Grade 9 year, starting in September 2022. Tyler was a boarder in Macdonald House and played U16 Hockey. He was an avid athlete and enjoyed playing baseball and skiing at Whistler. Tyler’s extended family included many members of the Andrean community. He is survived by his parents, Greg ’86 and Karen; uncles and aunts, Nigel ’88, Holly, David ’96, and Liya; grandparents, David ’56 and Pamela Brickenden and Paul and Doreen Watson; and his newly found biological grandmother, Marlene. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Margriet, and great-grandfather, David Dunlap, Class of 1927

STAFF

Gary West passed away on Dec. 22, 2024, in Aurora, Ont. Gary taught general science, biology, and physical education while serving as Athletic Director from 1963 to 1996. Gary’s compassionate, gentle, and professional demeanour on campus brought a warm and welcoming feeling to students and colleagues. Gary and his wife, Wilma, were a popular couple on campus as they would never hesitate to lend a helping hand to ensure everyone at SAC felt at home. He was also an incredible athlete, equally at home on the hockey rink, football field, and basketball court. In honour of his impact on the SAC community, the Gary West Hockey Tournament was established in 2017. It was renamed the Gary West Memorial Tournament in March 2025. This tournament is to help build a robust U18 AAA Hockey program. Gary is survived by his wife, Wilma; children, Bruce ’84, Lynda, and Rachel; and eight grandchildren. X

The Andrean staff and all those who work at St. Andrew’s College extend our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those mentioned in our obituary section. Please email us at theandrean@sac.on.ca if you wish to share news of an Old Boy who has passed away for inclusion in the next Andrean