Good evening. I am pleased to welcome the grad class of 1967. As well, I would like to extend a special welcome to their spouses, companions, and friends.
     First thing, I would like you to know that the rumor Barb Esdale started last night that there would be a refund to anyone who didn’t like my speech!
     If you are wondering how it came about that I was one of the people starting the idea of a reunion, you are not alone – so am I! If you remember that personality page from our yearbook, I am sure that I would have been the most unlikely grad to start a reunion!
     Some of you may remember the very social Shirley Dobing, who could not be here tonight, but she and I met three years ago, after losing touch for 37 years) and decided a 40th reunion sounded great so as a result the search to locate as many classmates as possible began.
     One of the first positive replies came from Jim Matheson who has sat on the reunion committee, doing so many things including the web page and most important, keeping us fiscally responsible!
     The next person who shared my passion for this reunion was Andy Hermansen. Without Andy’s tremendous enthusiasm and many contacts, this reunion may not have happened. Andy renewed my energy level when I was ready to toss in the towel so the search for grads continued. Some of you may know that Andy and his wife were fatally injured in a car accident last October. I had only just come to know Andy and what a wonderful person he was. He was filled with many ideas for this reunion. Andy and I decided on a little competition, that being, who could talk to the most grads. In Andy’s memory, I hope that I have the opportunity to speak to as many of you as possible!
     Andy was responsible for getting our next two committee members that pushed the reunion on to a new level. Renee McDougall, working on getting contacts, the PowerPoint presentation, the school tour, and the registration, just as hard working today as she was in high school!
     Andy also played telephone tag to finally locate our Master of Ceremonies, Rod Proudfoot, whose expertise in the hospitality industry was invaluable. His wealth of experience and ideas kept us on track for the past year. Back in grade twelve, Rod was on the personality page for Mr. Sportsmanship, but 40 years later he plans on ripping the microphone out of my hand if I go one second over ten minutes! With Rod’s background in wrestling, believe me, this is less than ten minutes long!
     No committee would be complete without the presence of a lawyer. Gordon Plewes has acted as co-treasurer with Jim Matheson. His imput has been so helpful to our committee. So far, we haven’t seen any billable hours from Gord!
     Also, a great talent and hard working musician, Torben Holm-Pederson has been responsible for the bands and songs. I know you will be taking a trip down memory lane as you listen and dance to the music Torben has chosen.
     A man who seems to know where just about every grad might be found or knew someone who knew someone, Jim Hill, worked hard right to the last minute finding more classmates.
     Last but certainly not least, we had Miss Jan Simmonds attend a committee meeting to give us feedback on the whereabouts of some teachers. She called all of them for us. Miss Simmonds could not be here tonight but we certainly appreciate her efforts. A few of you may know that Miss Simmonds turned in her Latin and French books to turn her attention to her love of horses. It is a commitment to a dressage event that prevents her from being here this weekend. Miss Simmonds is sure that she is long forgotten by her students but I would like you to smile and wave your hands if you remember this exceptional and caring teacher.
       At this time, it is with heartfelt sadness and sorrow we commemorate those classmates who are no longer with us. These wonderful individuals left a lasting impression on our lives, and they are missed tremendously. While these classmates are gone from us, let us always keep them alive in our memories and cherish their presence in our lives. Please stand and observe one minute of silence in their honor. Thank you. Any money left over from this reunion will be given to the school in memory of these classmates.
     Before closing, I would like to share with you a poem that I found just fits this occasion!
     It was my class reunion, and all through the house,
      I checked each mirror and begged my poor spouse
        To say I looked great, that my chin was not double,
      And he lied through false teeth just to stay out of trouble.
      Said that neath my thick glasses, my eyes hadn’t changed.
      And I had the same figure, it was just a mite rearranged,
      He said my skin was still silky, although looser in drape.
      I swallowed his words hook, and line
      And entered the banquet feeling just fine,
      Somehow I’d expected my classmates to stay 
        As young as they were on that long ago day
      We’d hugged farewell hugs, but like me, through the years,
      They’d added gray to their hair, or pounds to their rears.
       But as we shared a few memories in spirit, though we looked like our own folks, we turned up hearing aid volumes and dimmed down the light, rolled back the years, and were young for the night!  MMM that sounds familiar.
      I would like to say that working with this reunion has given me the opportunity talk with classmates all across Canada and the United States. The past three years has been a journey of discovering that my classmates who left high school 40 years ago have become remarkable citizens with outstanding contributions in every way you could possibly imagine. 1967 was a special year, Canada’s Centennial, and it is truly fitting that this class is a special class. I am honored to have graduated with those present as well as though who could not be here tonight. Reunions are about remembering and what spectacular memories we as a class have to share and bond us together.
     For those of you who attended last night’s reception and today’s school tour, I hope that you have enjoyed the events.  I know tonight’s banquet and dance will be equally enjoyable. Roll back the years and enjoy!  Thank you!

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