RVRHS Alumni Aug 02 Newsletter

It has been half a decade since creating this site and in that time I have had the good fortune of reconnecting with a great many former RVR students. Recently I had lunch with a former classmate and it was really quite enjoyable to meet and talk with someone who shared similar recollections and an understanding of where I was coming from. It was a similar situation a year ago when a friend from elementary school days, who also went to RVR, was in Ottawa visiting from his home in B.C. The immediate connection despite it being two decades since we had last been seen each other was surprising and powerful. Those sentiments can be overwhelming a fact which was brought to light in a letter from the soon to be former wife of an RVR grad.

In January of this year a former grad found the site and like many of us connected up with old friends. At the time his marriage was going through a bit of a rocky patch and he just happened to connect with his old flame from high school. Old flames, like new ones, burn hot - though there is little use telling the moth this. To make a long story short his soon to be ex-wife dropped me a line, not to complain, but to give a heads up to others who may be thinking about connecting up with the past without weighing the potential impact of such a connection. If you don't play with fire you won't get burned.

Jo Ann Da Silva has informed me that the Class of 92 reunion has been cancelled due to a general lack of interest.

If anyone out there has access to the grad list for the Class of 02 I would appreciate hearing from them. Should you have the ability to send me the list please do so - in any format (spreadsheet, word processor document, text document etc).

Sue Rivington (Ryan) Class of 71 is trying to reach Heather Muir if anyone can pass along info to her Sue can be reached at susan.ryan AT rbc.com.

Karalyn Dunlop (Dunlop AT primus.ca) is looking to catch up with Terry Leighty who was part of the RVRHS support staff once upon a time. Anyone with information that may help them find each other please drop Karalyn a line.

Now onto the updates:

Michael Averill (Class of 61) michael AT averill.qc.ca
Looking for people who graduated in that first William McMaster grade 11 class, 1961.

Joyce Anne Ormerod Caldwell (Class of 67) joyce.peter.caldwell AT sympatico.ca

Hi there all you grads and friends from WMHS!

I am presently living in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, halfway between Montreal and Quebec City on the St. Lawrence River. I have lived here for the past 22 years after spending 6 years in La Tuque.

My husband, Peter, and I are both teachers. I teach grade 4 and he teaches grade 6. For those who knew my mom, I am teaching the same level she taught way back when.

We have one 25-year-old daughter, Faye Anne, who works for IBM in Montreal. My mom taught me in grade 4, and I likewise taught my daughter. What goes around, comes around!

I teach halftime which gives me the chance to participate in lots of sports. I swim, bike long distance, play badminton, take step courses, downhill ski, and roller blade. Not bad for an old lady, I think! I coached mini basketball for almost 20 years and do volunteer work for Alzheimer's, the disease my dad died of. My husband and I also do a lot of travelling, seeing different parts of the world.

I have kept in contact with several grads - Ainslie Thompson, Ian Gilchrist(who left earlier), Bonnie Askew, Janice McIntosh, Cynthia Koomas, Janet Miller, Pat Halbert, and Judy Allan. I met Kristine Logan in Trois-Rivières and actually taught one of her sons! What a coincidence! Most of us write at Christmas and keep tabs on each other.

I'd like to hear from any of you. Just drop me a line!

Bill Pennell bill.pennell AT bellactimedia.com (Updated Aug 16, 02)

Karen Parker (Davies) (Class of 72) MikeCDavies AT cs.com
I married to Michael Davies (RVR Class of 72) and have two great sons, Steven and Christopher, and one granddaughter. I work at Concordia University in Human Resources but live for vacation. We enjoy the Caribbean (as often as possible) and spend a lot of time in the Adirondacks during the summer months.

Wendy Moffat (Class of 73) operalover2001 AT rogers.com
Love the page and seeing all the old familiar names. Married now divorced and have a wonderful 21 old daughter who is studying music at University. Now living in London, Ontario where I work for a large US ISP in tech support. Just love it. Would love to hear from anyone who may remember me!

Ann Alcorn (Class of 73) annd925 AT netscape.net
Living in BC, married with 6 children (4 step), working part-time for the provincial government. Would love to hear from old friends! annd925 AT netscape.net

Brenda Cleland (Class of 73) brendacleland AT hotmail.com

Richard Jones (Class of 73) rick.d.jones AT shaw.ca
Hired by the RCMP (Computers)in 1981 and located to Edmonton.
Been here ever since. You can't beat the skiing!! Hope to hear from anyone who remembers me!

Greg Bryant (Class of 73) gkbryant AT attbi.com
After graduating from RVR, I attended Dawson College and University of Texas. I also completed Graduate studies at Loyola College in Baltimore. I have lived in the States since 1979 and after 10 years in Dallas, moved back north to New Hampshire. I am a SVP of EMG, a national real estate consulting company. I travel extensively throughout North America for my job (not always a good thing). My wife Maria and I have 2 children, a 15-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter. Would love to hear from my old friends, you can reach me by email gkbryant AT attbi.com

John Robertson (Class of 73) Skippy78 AT polarnet.ca
Live in Montreal with wife and two daughters. Run my own business, which now has me on current assignment above the Arctic Circle in a place call Cambridge Bay on the North West Passage.

Wendy Scharf (Class of 74) gwgerow AT telusplanet.net
Married 24 years have 1 daughter 11 years old and 1 son 16 years old. Live in northern Alberta. I am a school administrative assistant for the past 17 years.

Kerry Gemmell (Class of 75) KARRYGEMMELL AT HOTMAIL.COM

Marcel Labelle (Class of 75) marclab AT aol.com
Hi! Classmates married 3 times have 5 children. Still live in Montreal President of my Corporation Global Safety Inc. Would like to here from some just e-mail me.

Barb Keddie (Class of 76) bkeddie AT jonespackaging.com
Moved in Jan. of graduation year to South Western Ontario where I finished school. Worked for a few years, then moved out to Calgary and lived there for 14 years. Enjoyed Calgary- skiing the Rocky Mountains, the '88 Winter Olympics, the big city life but got tired of the bitter cold winters and the non-existent summers and moved back to London in 1994 There I met a wonderful man and believe it or not is name is Ken. Needless to say there are many jokes about "Barbie & Ken"! He has 2 kids (I was never blessed with them) Mehrie,(Mary)who is 15 and Cody who is 10. We have the kids every other weekend and spend our free time riding our 1200 Harley Davidson Sportster.

Deborah Grimshaw (Class of 76) dgrimshawtrumpa AT aol.com
This is an update. Derrick and I now live in Acton, Ontario, as Derrick had changed jobs back in November. He is still with Volkswagen but works for Queensway Volkswagen as the Assistant Parts Manager. We finally got a small version of our dream house. But the bigger it gets the more cleaning you have to do, so this is great. Acton is a small town just North West of Toronto. I love it here. The people are great and being a small town everyone is friendly. Anyway that's all for now.

Antonia Sloan (Class of 76) awon AT shaw.ca
I am living in North Vancouver with my two children, Kezia (89), and Isaac (91). After a career as a theme park planner, I am now at theology school - what next?! I've enjoyed the contacts that have happened through this site, and look forward to more of the same. If you live in BC, I'd love to hear from you - and even if you don't. Cheers to you all!

Diane Barclay (Class of 77) dianebstlaurent AT hotmail.com
Living in Ottawa for past 9 years. Two beautiful daughters Stephanie 15 and Andrea 14. Married to Norm for past 19 years. Love it in Ottawa - only 2 hours back to Montreal. Would love to hear from some of my old friends. dianebstlaurent AT hotmail.com

Robert (Bobby) Begin (Class of 77) rbegin77 AT rogers.com
Married with 3 sons, still visit St. Bruno once in a while. Would love to hear from all my old friends.

Bill Darville (Class of 79) bdarville AT clarkelogistics.com

Allison Gunston (now Walker)(Class of 81) ajnwalker AT yahoo.ca
Hello everyone can't believe it has been 21 years since we graduated. After graduation from High School I moved to Toronto to live with my mom. I graduated from Humber College with my ECE degree. I was married in 1987, but lost my husband in car accident the following year. From there I moved to Barrie to start over and was remarried in 1994. We had our first child in November 2000. My husband and I are in the process of building a new house in Wyevale, Ontario (it will have an in-law suite, so my mom will live with us). I work part-time as a Resource Coordinator with the Ontario Early Years Centre - Simcoe North in Midland. I still keep in contact with Kathy Roy and Neil Blinco. I would love to hear from some of my classmates.

Johanne Aspell (Class of 82) ferl_johanne AT hotmail.com
Hi class of 82! How wonderful to have a site that reunites everyone. After high school, I didn't waste any time. Got married in 1983 to a wonderful prince charming (yes they still exist)!! In 1985 got pregnant with my first and only son named Dominic. He is now 17 years old, graduated this year from RVRHS. We are extremely proud of him. I was self-employed for a cleaning company. In 1991, decided to change job, became a school bus driver, still am and also working as a part time secretary for my husband's firm.(Financial Security Advisor)
Been living in Otterburn Park for the past 14 years. Proud owner of a beautiful home that we built. Had the opportunity to travel all over the world, Martinique, Caymen Island, Jamaica, Mexico, just to name a few. I am the most spoil wife in the world, especially being married with the same husband for almost 20 years. I hope life was just as good as it was for me. (Hope to hear from some of you soon)!!

Bill Crawford (Class of 82) bill.crawford AT lechateau.ca

Guy Lemieux (Class of 82) lemieux123 AT sprint.ca
Guy has been married to Shelly Sorensen since 1985, has 3 beautiful daughters and still lives in Otterburn Park Qc.
Guy has worked for Deschamps Pontiac for 19 years and looking pretty much the same.

Pamela Easun (Class of 82) cmpamela AT rogers.com
I did not graduate from RVR, but did go to Mountainview and RVR for grade 7 before moving to Africa for 4 years. I spent my childhood with people like Cheri Duboy and Sheryl Ewart. We moved to Ontario in the 80's and I graduated from University of Guelph in 1988. I worked as a counselor in a women's shelter for 9 years. I was married and had 2 beautiful children, Ashlynn who is 9 and Chase who is 7. I am now remarried to an amazing man and we have a 1 year old to complete our family. We are living in Mount Albert, Ontario and I am currently working from home as a Creative Memories consultant and having fun with work for a change!

Jackie Blanchet (Class of 84) jackiemjj AT hotmail.com
I am now living in Mississauga, ON and have been here for four yrs now. I have three children. Two girls and a boy. We also have a dog who is now 5 yrs old. Fredy and I are now separated. I work in Weston, On. I do bilingual customer service and like it very much.

Rob Toporowski (Class of 84) bob.rowski AT sympatico.ca
I've been having a lot of fun looking through the postings this evening. RVR seems a lifetime ago! After high-school, I headed down the 10 to Lennoxville where I studied pure and applied sciences in Champlain and then Accounting at Bishop's where I received a BBA. The next step was working in auditing for a few years and completing my CGA. I was regional sales rep for Airwalk for 2 years selling shoes and snowboard boots. I am now a professional equity trader with National Bank Financial in Montreal. I married Jo-Ann Gill in 1997. We have a little boy named Matthew (2 years), and a newborn daughter named Megan. The four of us, along with Ginger, our Yellow Lab, can be found in Kirkland. Life is Good!!!!

Patrick-Joseph O'Connor (Class of 85) pjoconnor9 AT hotmail.com
Graduated from McGill, left Quebec, worked as a musician, traveled and wandered around for a couple of years, got a little lost. Ended up in Toronto, driving a night-shift cab. Still not sure how it happened. Met a waitress in a cafe. Didn't have enough money for a tip but she married me anyway. Recently moved back to Quebec after 10-year absence. Very happily married with 2 terrific boys, Ethan and Callum. Send me an email sometime.

Eric Jackson (Class of 86) ericemj AT cs.com
I currently live in Sacramento California "Go Kings - Lakers Suck!". I'm a financial consultant for Washington Mutual. I am not married and I have no children. I am a black belt and love to work out. I still Kayak but never was good enough to compete. The Otterburn crowd can verify that. I visit St. Bruno every couple of years to visit friends and remember old times. I would love to hear from old friends. A lot of names ring bells but visuals are fading fast.

Sophie Desmarais (Class of 86) sdesmarais AT cossette.com

Eva Akow (Class of 87) eva_taylor AT telus.net

Jeff Mackintosh (Class of 88)whisper_jeff AT yahoo.com
Well, RVR seems like a lifetime ago and, in many ways, it was. I was only there for my graduating year but I had a lot of fun there. After RVR, I went to Dawson College in Graphic Design and, after some educational chaos, graduated and have been working as a graphic designer ever since. I'm now the art director and line developer for a game company called Guardians Of Order. Along with designing all sorts of cool stuff, I've done some writing for several game books as well as game design on an award winning card game.
All in all, I can't complain - my job is to help people have fun. Basically, I've been living life by my philosophy - If you find something you enjoy doing and do it you'll never work a day in your life. So far, I've been fortunate enough to work very few days in my life. How rough can that be? ;)
Anyhow, feel free to drop me a line at whisper_jeff AT yahoo.com.

Kara-Ann Rogers (Class of 88) kmiel AT nygh.on.ca
After RVR, I went to Champlain College and then moved to Toronto in 1994 to study Public Relations at Humber College. Since graduating from Humber in 1997, I have been working at North York General Hospital in Toronto as a Media/Public Relations Officer. On September 15, 2001, I got married to Marciano Miel in Toronto, and we are now looking to buy our first home. I still keep in touch with RVRers Allison Browning, Marissa Kletnieks, Gail Prosser and Shannon Blue ('89), and visit Montreal a few times a year.
Anyone who would like to get in touch with me can e-mail me at kmiel AT nygh.on.ca.

Paul Thibaudeau (Class of 88) intermesh AT storm.ca
Finally got that PhD out of the way! With much relief, I'm now working for Indian Affairs Residential Schools Resolution and teaching at Carleton University. Life got a whole lot busier, but it is fun nonetheless.

James Jefferson Crook (Class of 88) percussioniste2002 AT yahoo.ca
Hi everyone. Groan, it's ugh Jimmy Crook. Well isnt that pleasant how you remember me. :) Just to inform you, I've been born different all my life, things just now for the past 9 months have been reversed for me. I'm no longer Obsessive Compulsive. 32 years of panic attacks and severe anxiety is no pleasant life, and thanks to many, made life a little more upsetting. Fortunately those forgiving lots, who accepted me for the way I was have my sincere gratitude and love for showing compassion. I can name of the names of those who I admire for that. Karen Henderson, Karilyn Knight, Yves Cloutier, and the others who had the courage to face the puts downs of having talked to me. Those who titled me ass, well the guilt is yours for not out growing your cruelty. I am a writer, and a percussionist still, and am planning on pursuing studies in theology. Yes, I want to be a reverend. I'm currently in the process of organizing a club for the brain-disordered sufferers of Chambly, (as a ministry, or charitable organization) as I have already made an application to an unorthodox church in Barre Ontario, "Abba ministries" to become such a reverend. There is too much prejudice out there for the mentally sick, and too many people single them out for a laugh or walk away out of the inability to understand them. I am an advocate for these people. I have suffered a great deal of hurt from rejection, which I plan on not doing to anyone who suffers with anything. Character counts more than appearances and there is much I could say about certain people. But alas, your all forgiven in the end because I do not wish to hold a vengeful heart against you. Forgiving is a divine thing to do. You're lucky. Because usually what comes around, goes around. Everyone has a friend in me regardless of who you are, and I will not turn you away for your mental disorder. Guaranteed. Drop me a line if you want, my mailbox is open. And if you still feel like sending a cruel vibe to me go right ahead, I'm practically numb to it now anyway. I'm still here for a little spiritual counseling, or debate and discussion on spirituality and religion if you want it, and I can be very convincing. I'm neither protestant nor catholic since there is too much arguing over who is right and wrong. I am neutral, and a believer solely of the bible itself. And I know plenty about mental disorders if you need some guidance. If you know anyone who lives in the nearest regions of Chambly who want to join a club exclusively formed to be a society for mental disorders and provide services for the improvement of their lives email me, and I will be glad to hear from you. And this is no cult designed to be a profit organization, and to brainwash. I don't counsel people to drink poison or give me all of their money for a spot in heaven. That is for the socially irresponsible and evil characters out there.

Simon Desmarais (Class of 89) sdesmarais276 AT hotmail.com
I was really surprised and glad to hear that everybody is doing pretty well. I thought that I had missed out on our reunion or that I wasn't invited or forgotten but, from the looks of it, there is still one to be organized.
As for me, after graduating from RVR, I took a year off and started my Police Tech. at John Abbott. I was Phil Frechette's room-mate for 2 years while living on campuses. Straight out of Nicolet, I started working in St-Jean and switched to Greenfield Park in '94. I was recently promoted to sgt detective and with the fusion of the south shore, I am presently working out of the Brossard police station.
Now, for the important part....I got married on Sept 2, 2000 and our son, Lucas, was born on July 16, 2001 . We are waiting for the second child which is due around March 10, 2003. My wife wants for it to be a surprise but I want to know now if it's a boy or girl! I can't go on for 7 months without knowing!!
We built our house last year in Lachenaie. Annie was working out of Mirabel as a flight attendant and with a string of bad luck, Canada 3000 went under while she was on maternity leave. She turned around and finished her real estate coarse and is now working for La Capitale Rive Nord.
As for old classmates, I've kept in touch with Phil over the past years (he's living in Quebec, married to Janique, has a boy -Olivier and a girl- Sarah). I see Dave Castonguay once in a while since we now work for the same town, Longueuil.
Keep in touch and don't hesitate to give me a shout.

P.S. Count me in for our class reunion...I can't wait to see you guys in person!!

Philippe Frechette (Class of 89) japhio AT hotmail.com
Hi all!!! Wow can't believe it's been already 13 years. I'm glad to see all of you are doing well. But I can't believe Sheryl Ciszewski is single! anyways... After high school I went to John Abbott college and then to Ottawa U.(B.Admin) I am now living in Quebec city with my wife(Janique) and my two children(Olivier 6 and Sarah 3). I am currently working as a sales rep for a national material handling company. (in short I sell lift trucks). Life has been good to me as well. And I do hope I didn't miss out on a class reunion...I have kept in touch with Simon Desmarais...and that's pretty much it. Take Care !!!(June 30th 2002)

Stephanie Harris (Class of 90) ruelfamily AT videotron.ca
I've been married for 5 years and have 2 beautiful children. I run a day care service from my home in Otterburn Park (I just can't leave!)

Julia Cyr (Class of 92) jveary AT rogers.com

Kelly Price (Class of 92) mickmcmac AT hotmail.com

Dustin Gareau (Class 0f 93) dustingareau AT hotmail.com
Greetings to all... Where to begin. Graduated McGill in 1999, and returned for grad work in e-Commerce on a part-time basis. Still woking on that. Have been working for RBC Royal bank for a little under two years now in various positions, and wil be starting training for financial planning in fall 2002. Been with my current gf for 5 years in July 2002, marriage will follow suite in due time, just give me time to save up for that ring! Oh, and by the way, I shaved my head right to the skin.

Christopher Marz (Class of 93) marz09 AT iolfree.ie
Hello guys. After messing about in CEGEP for a few years I realized my real calling in life and went to Germany for three years to train as a chef. Bet not many of you would have ever pictured me in the white jacket of a chef. Anyhow, after an interesting time in Germany I moved on to Cork, Ireland. I choose Ireland because I had already met several nice people from there that I now call my friends, and I had no intention of rushing back to Canada (not that Canada sucks or anything...I really appreciate home more now that I've been away so long). I work in a large hotel here and if any of you are ever down here in the land of rain and wind give me a shout. Love to hear from you guys. All the best and catch me on my holidays back home.

Marie-Joele Rodrigue (Class of 94) mjrdesign AT hotmail.com
After RVR I did studies in social sciences, then 3 years in Jewelry school, worked and left for Banff(Alb.)for a year of amazing skiing. Then came back on earth and studied in multimedia I'm currently a Web Designer for a small European Company. Well that is short for a description but hey not a lot of space to take;-)!!!

Mary Kotsiaftis (Class of 94) marykotsiaftis AT hotmail.com

Liane Deleseleuc (Class of 95) backtalker AT hotmail.com
Hi, everyone! I'm doing very well. I've been married for five years and have a beautiful 2-year-old baby boy named Tristan. I'm presently living in Verdun, and working in Montreal as an Office Manager at the Deutsche Bank.

Eric Seguin (Class of 95) eric.seguin AT cognicase.com

Mel Loiselle (Class of 96) loisellemelanie AT hotmail.com
Living in Toronto since 1999....yes, my parents still live at home in St-Hilaire. Graduating in Winter2003, doing my Masters in Fall2003 in NY. Email me, let me know what's going on.

Holly Linda Mackenzie (Class of 96) clicchic2001 AT hotmail.com
Jean-Francois Beaulieu are still together! We have a beautiful 4 years old daughter and we were just married on the 13th of July. After RVR I did my DEP in hair dressing and opened my own hair salon.

Kristopher Viel (Class of 96) kristopher_viel AT hotmail.com
Hi everyone, well I just graduated from Concordia in Finance, I work for the Bank of Montreal for the time being as an accounts officer. I live in Montreal still but I expect to live in St-Bruno next year. I live with my girlfriend/wife to be for the last 3 years. If you want to email me I'd love to hear from you, or we will see each other at the reunion, whenever that will be.

Sophie Bergeron (Class of 96) snow_field AT hotmail.com
Hey! This spring I graduated from the University of Ottawa with an honours biology degree and a degree in education. I look forward to teaching high school science in the fall. I'm still in Ottawa with my boyfriend of 5 years. I'm also running a junior karate class for the military community here... busy, busy, busy as always!

Dominique Naud (Class of 98) denis.naud AT videotron.ca

Mike Ranger (Class of 98) mike_ranger AT msn.com

Sanjay Patel (Class of 98) i_am_rugby_sojo AT yahoo.ca
RVR Number ONE! hehe, how's it going guys? I hope all of you are doing well in what ever endeavors your lives have taken you.. As for myself i am doing very well. Currently living and going to school in Boston... Miss you all and hope to hear from those of you I've lost touch with.. Good luck and be Civil! HA!

Ryan LaPointe (Class of 98) yosemite18 AT hotmail.com

Chris Mackenzie (Class of 99) steinbeckgow AT hotmail.com
Went to RVRHS but left for Toronto some time ago...REALLY LIKE TO SEE FRIENDS AGAIN!

Aaron Sayers (Class of 00) rottenbanana26 AT hotmail.com
I live in the ghetto in NDG! I'm a mechanic... umm I think it's going swell so I'll leave you with that. But if anything good happens I'll make sure to write.

Jennifer Hillier (Class of 01) TickleMeOrange_Twice AT hotmail.com
Hey everyone, hopefully some of you will remember me! I moved to Ontario after Sec 2. Hope everyone is doing good and I'd love to hear from people I used to talk to, I miss you guys! Contact me, I'd love to catch up!