Greta Cusworth and hubby Jay........
Living in Toronto, married to someone I met after high school while we were both students at Queen's University, we have two daughters ages 21 and 23. Just left Sun Life Financial after 17 years in various management and executive roles, most recently running businesses in Canada, the US and internationally. Trying out retirement, my husband and I are heading south to the Caribbean on our sailboat in Sept.
Living in Toronto, married to someone I met after high school while we were both students at Queen's University, we have two daughters ages 21 and 23. Just left Sun Life Financial after 17 years in various management and executive roles, most recently running businesses in Canada, the US and internationally. Trying out retirement, my husband and I are heading south to the Caribbean on our sailboat in Sept.
Lauren Bijou (Baker)
Nothing exceptional in my life, other than I have lived in the same place for 36 years and have a great husband and family and GRANDCHILD and a busy life! Still skiing, golfing, biking and traveling! What more is there? Looking forward to seeing some old, old friends.
Barbara McKercher (Madsen)
After high school, I went on to the U of C and graduated in 1980 with a BA with Distinction. I have just retired after 31 years of working for the Post Office. I have two children, aged 20 and 22, both attending university.
After high school, I went on to the U of C and graduated in 1980 with a BA with Distinction. I have just retired after 31 years of working for the Post Office. I have two children, aged 20 and 22, both attending university.
Jane Galloway (Demaray)
University of Puget Sound, 1979; University of Montana, 1982.
Special education teacher in Montana and Washington State for 20 years; moved to Helena, MT in 2006 from Whidbey Island, WA. Work for the MT Secretary of State. Married to Kevin Demaray for 32 years; parents of Elyse (31), a nurse and Maria (27), business/marketing. Grandma Jane to Sydney (8) and Rally (3).
University of Puget Sound, 1979; University of Montana, 1982.
Special education teacher in Montana and Washington State for 20 years; moved to Helena, MT in 2006 from Whidbey Island, WA. Work for the MT Secretary of State. Married to Kevin Demaray for 32 years; parents of Elyse (31), a nurse and Maria (27), business/marketing. Grandma Jane to Sydney (8) and Rally (3).
Brad Wolff
If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!
If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!
Debbie Symons
Ok...where did all the years go!! I have been in the Wine Business for almost 30 years... I have had my own importing business for 8 years - Hey still getting paid to drink!!
I still live in Calgary - but also lived in Montreal and Vancouver.
Ok...where did all the years go!! I have been in the Wine Business for almost 30 years... I have had my own importing business for 8 years - Hey still getting paid to drink!!
I still live in Calgary - but also lived in Montreal and Vancouver.
Luanne Podpechan (Lyman)
Thank you so much for including me in the Freedom 55 Reunion. I have the fondest memories of the time I spent in Calgary. I came to Chinook Park in Grade 6 and was embraced by the greatest kids ever – some of my fondest memories are those we spent having dance contests, playing charades, spending endless hours in the photo booth at the mall, and deciding which boy we had a crush on each week. Whenever I hear the songs “Sugar Sugar” by The Archies, or “Crimson & Clover” by Tommy James & the Shondells, or anything by the BeeGees, I am transported back to those times in the basements of Allison Williams, Cathy Little, & Donna Wood. I spent countless hours at their homes as well as those of Nancy Gant, Dale Bonsall, Pam Stroud & Janie Galloway. Donna Wood gave me and Paula Ramsey THE BEST going away party EVER at Happy Valley. I spent my last night in Calgary with Laurene Jones at her house.
I moved to Calgary from West Texas and we had never seen more than a dusting of snow. I learned to ice skate and ski, build huge snowmen and jump off our fence into snow well over our heads. I will treasure those memories always!
Although I only lived in Calgary a short time, I’ve kept friendships from that time well over 40 years. I am so sorry that I won’t be able to attend the reunion. I see so many familiar faces in the pictures you have posted on the website. I am sending a few pictures I have been able to find – one of Mrs. Fleming’s Grade 6 class, & a few from a couple of years after graduation (1977) at a party at Pam Stroud’s house. I also found a page from an old scrapbook with some of those “photo booth” pictures. I know that Nancy Gant and Janie Galloway will be able to tell you who all is in the pictures.
I have lived in Oklahoma since leaving Calgary. I’ve been with Muirfield Resources Company for 25 years and am currently, VP of Finance. I have one son, Geoff Hale, who recently married my beautiful daughter-in-law, Megan. They are both Geologists in Tulsa. I am married to Lorn Lyman and with him, I have three really great step-kids: Amanda, Veronica and Nick. Although Oklahoma isn’t on “The 1000 Places to Visit before you Die”, it’s home and we love it.
I wish you a wonderful and successful reunion & much appreciation for all the hard work in organizing this reunion. Thank you again for including me!
Warmest Regards,
Luanne (Podpechan) Lyman
I moved to Calgary from West Texas and we had never seen more than a dusting of snow. I learned to ice skate and ski, build huge snowmen and jump off our fence into snow well over our heads. I will treasure those memories always!
Although I only lived in Calgary a short time, I’ve kept friendships from that time well over 40 years. I am so sorry that I won’t be able to attend the reunion. I see so many familiar faces in the pictures you have posted on the website. I am sending a few pictures I have been able to find – one of Mrs. Fleming’s Grade 6 class, & a few from a couple of years after graduation (1977) at a party at Pam Stroud’s house. I also found a page from an old scrapbook with some of those “photo booth” pictures. I know that Nancy Gant and Janie Galloway will be able to tell you who all is in the pictures.
I have lived in Oklahoma since leaving Calgary. I’ve been with Muirfield Resources Company for 25 years and am currently, VP of Finance. I have one son, Geoff Hale, who recently married my beautiful daughter-in-law, Megan. They are both Geologists in Tulsa. I am married to Lorn Lyman and with him, I have three really great step-kids: Amanda, Veronica and Nick. Although Oklahoma isn’t on “The 1000 Places to Visit before you Die”, it’s home and we love it.
I wish you a wonderful and successful reunion & much appreciation for all the hard work in organizing this reunion. Thank you again for including me!
Warmest Regards,
Luanne (Podpechan) Lyman
Allison Littlejohn (Hagen)
Confession, I am not an official alumni. I can't even say I skipped that class....I graduated from high school in Ogden, Utah, as my family moved back to the U.S. after the 11th grade. I came back to Calgary after graduating where I lived for many years as well as the Hague, NL, on a ranch in central Alberta and now in Victoria, BC.
My career followed the path of U of Calgary, CGA, MBA, and have worked at various finance/CFO roles over the years.
I have 2 sons - aged 32 and 34 both living and working in W Europe, which provides a great excuse to travel.
At Freedom 55, I am just getting the work - life balance thing figured out and enjoying all of it.
My career followed the path of U of Calgary, CGA, MBA, and have worked at various finance/CFO roles over the years.
I have 2 sons - aged 32 and 34 both living and working in W Europe, which provides a great excuse to travel.
At Freedom 55, I am just getting the work - life balance thing figured out and enjoying all of it.
Linda Whitmer
I am living and working in Calgary. My husband Brian (Pritchard) and I have just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary. We have a daughter, Gillian age 22, and a son, Colben age 21, and 2 black labs. We enjoy camping, gardening and travelling to sunny destinations!
Then: I took every art, drafting, and design course offered at HWW.
Now: I graduated from Interior Design MRC in 1977 and have had a wonderful career. I must have chosen my field well, as I have received several awards over the years. Most recently I received recognition as Canada’s top interior designer for La-z-boy Furniture at a dinner in North Carolina.
Then: I was an avid curler and skipped the school team.
Now: Still curling – I curl twice a week skipping a ladies team and playing third on a mixed team.
Then: I enjoyed volunteer work.
Now: Volunteer work over the years has included community, school, church and Girl Guides. I was recognized for 20 years of service as a youth and adult by the Girl Guides of Canada.
Then: My best friend was Janet Grayston.
Now: Janet (now Nielsen) is still my best friend. We stood up for each other at our weddings and have continued our special friendship. We are delighted to be attending the reunion together!
Then: I took every art, drafting, and design course offered at HWW.
Now: I graduated from Interior Design MRC in 1977 and have had a wonderful career. I must have chosen my field well, as I have received several awards over the years. Most recently I received recognition as Canada’s top interior designer for La-z-boy Furniture at a dinner in North Carolina.
Then: I was an avid curler and skipped the school team.
Now: Still curling – I curl twice a week skipping a ladies team and playing third on a mixed team.
Then: I enjoyed volunteer work.
Now: Volunteer work over the years has included community, school, church and Girl Guides. I was recognized for 20 years of service as a youth and adult by the Girl Guides of Canada.
Then: My best friend was Janet Grayston.
Now: Janet (now Nielsen) is still my best friend. We stood up for each other at our weddings and have continued our special friendship. We are delighted to be attending the reunion together!
Nancy Gant
Dear HWW classmates:
Please take a peek at my daughter, Jodi’s, webpage and info on it in memory of her brother, Justin. I am so very proud of her that I have to share this! FYI, to see the amount she has raised thus far go to her website listed and click on Make A Donation. Of course you are not in any way obliged to do so yourself.
Nancy xxx
A special message for friends and family:
On August 19th and 20th (this coming Sunday and Monday) I will be doing a 200km bike ride as a fund and awareness raiser for the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) in memory of my big brother, Justin.
If you want to check out the details and/or make a donation, you can do so at this webpage: http://www.bikerideforjustin.myevent.com/
Any support is very much appreciated!
Thanks.
Jodi McNeill
Please take a peek at my daughter, Jodi’s, webpage and info on it in memory of her brother, Justin. I am so very proud of her that I have to share this! FYI, to see the amount she has raised thus far go to her website listed and click on Make A Donation. Of course you are not in any way obliged to do so yourself.
Nancy xxx
A special message for friends and family:
On August 19th and 20th (this coming Sunday and Monday) I will be doing a 200km bike ride as a fund and awareness raiser for the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) in memory of my big brother, Justin.
If you want to check out the details and/or make a donation, you can do so at this webpage: http://www.bikerideforjustin.myevent.com/
Any support is very much appreciated!
Thanks.
Jodi McNeill
DOUG GUILD
Bank manager in Golden BC for 3 years, great outdoor playground, except for the fact I lived their before the ski hill and golf course opened. Timing is everything. Moved back to Calgary and I am presently working in oil and gas. Married with 2 kids (19 & 21) both attending University, freedom 85 not too far away, as one has aspirations for med school. (he has already confirmed that I will get a discount on my frontal lobotomy). Playing a lot of badminton to stay in shape and reached the semi finals in doubles at the 2011 Canadian Nationals with Mike (Buddha) Spiers (who I did not know from HWW - nicknamed not for his deep spiritual intellect but for his large outer exterior), which qualified us for the 2011 World Master Badminton Tournament but we were unable to attend. The Buddha had some sort of Zen function to attend which was more important!!!!! Don't have a bucket list as I don't like lists plus Buddha sat and squished my bucket.
Laurene Jones (Willox)
I graduated from medicine at U of A then promptly left the country for 2 years with my husband - the 1st spent working in New Zealand and the 2nd taking the long way home. We settled in Peace River where I have been a rural doc for the past 28 years. Unfortunately, due to health reasons, my husband ( also a doc) has been unable to practice for the last few years but he is an awesome cook! We raised 3 daughters, and having never lost the itch for travel, packed them along on some great adventures while they were growing up. They all live In and around Edmonton. I have recently modified my practice to enjoy more " Freedom 55" but am not sure how much I enjoy the aches and pains that go along with it!
Shelley Walt (Buckingham)
After high school, I got a B.Ed at U of A while rooming with Sylvia Gibson (Mulder) who remains my bff :) I travelled, married, and taught senior high English in Calgary. Unfortunately, my husband passed away in 1997. After a few years of scrambling to get my footing again, I studied in Berkeley (during 9-11: that was interesting:) and got my M.A. I still travel and teach.
Carol Wilson
Live in Richmond, BC
Married, two sons aged 22 and 19
Graduated from the Holy Cross Hospital in 1979.
Moved to Vancouver in the early 1980s to further my education in the specialty of emergency nursing.
Taught in the Emergency Nursing Program.
Worked for Richmond Hospital/Vancouver Coastal Health as a regional educator and advisor for 18 years.
Now working as an educator/project coordinator for Providence Health Care and Fraser Health.
Also work as a consultant (www.carolwilson.ca)
We spend our free time working in our garden, cultivating and harvesting fruits and vegetables.
Married, two sons aged 22 and 19
Graduated from the Holy Cross Hospital in 1979.
Moved to Vancouver in the early 1980s to further my education in the specialty of emergency nursing.
Taught in the Emergency Nursing Program.
Worked for Richmond Hospital/Vancouver Coastal Health as a regional educator and advisor for 18 years.
Now working as an educator/project coordinator for Providence Health Care and Fraser Health.
Also work as a consultant (www.carolwilson.ca)
We spend our free time working in our garden, cultivating and harvesting fruits and vegetables.
Mike Spiers
After spending almost a year of travelling I moved to England permanently in 1980 and started work as a Police Officer (English Bobby) in the Hertfordshire Constabulary in April 1981.
This was easily the most interesting and satisfying job I've ever had.
I met my wife, Judith, in Majorca, Spain, in 1983 and we got married in England in 1984. We have 2 beautiful daughters, Hayley (26) and Helen (21).
Last week Hayley married her High School sweetheart, Kyle McAlister, both of them are HWW graduates, class of 2004.
I still have my original police uniform, which hasn't been used much lately except the odd costume or Halloween party, but I might bring the bobby helmet to the reunion as I understand Doug Guild is the same height he was in Junior High and if he wears the helmet we can find him in the crowd or avoid him whichever you prefer.
This was easily the most interesting and satisfying job I've ever had.
I met my wife, Judith, in Majorca, Spain, in 1983 and we got married in England in 1984. We have 2 beautiful daughters, Hayley (26) and Helen (21).
Last week Hayley married her High School sweetheart, Kyle McAlister, both of them are HWW graduates, class of 2004.
I still have my original police uniform, which hasn't been used much lately except the odd costume or Halloween party, but I might bring the bobby helmet to the reunion as I understand Doug Guild is the same height he was in Junior High and if he wears the helmet we can find him in the crowd or avoid him whichever you prefer.
That Was Then .................................And This is Now
Stuart Davis
When I picked up my thesis for my BA in Economics I saw a sign on the door that said "DULL". Forehead slap, of course. When I reached for the door, it actually said "PULL", so I knew that I had to change course. I started working as a photographer and I continue on these days, working for the Vancouver Sun and The Province making images of whatever is on the agenda. In between I have made three trips around Asia, worked in London, have a 20 year old at UBC, renovated a few homes, built a cabin in Howe Sound and try to enjoy life in Cascadia.
Gord: Since 1975, my life (like most of us) has had its moments of ups and downs. Effort went into getting an education and then applying it. For me, it continues to be about learning something new and applying it.
I began the Britannia Clinic in 1980 and have remained in the same office since then. I introduced the practice of NUCCA upper cervical chiropractic health care to Alberta and since then have spent my time further studying, teaching and now doing clinical research around this area of health care.
This part of my life has brought me in touch with some amazing people. I've been privileged to meet a broad spectrum of people through my practice from different parts of the world. Retirement is not on the horizon for me at this point as there's too many interesting things to work on.
It seems that I got started on my family a little late and have three great children to help keep me challenged and young. My wife, Janet Major, also practices in our clinic part time while navigating our children's world.
Walter is 14, Aidan 12 and Sasha 10....
I feel like the first part of life has been about acquiring people/ things (education, partner, children, business etc.) and now it's about losing people/ things (family, vitality, car keys etc.). I wouldn't mind a little simplicity now and then in what seems to be more complex time. At the end of the day, I'm grateful for my life's journey including the ups and downs. At least it's not dull!
It certainly is interesting looking back and reflecting on 37 years and since I don't get out much, I look forward to catching up at the reunion.
I began the Britannia Clinic in 1980 and have remained in the same office since then. I introduced the practice of NUCCA upper cervical chiropractic health care to Alberta and since then have spent my time further studying, teaching and now doing clinical research around this area of health care.
This part of my life has brought me in touch with some amazing people. I've been privileged to meet a broad spectrum of people through my practice from different parts of the world. Retirement is not on the horizon for me at this point as there's too many interesting things to work on.
It seems that I got started on my family a little late and have three great children to help keep me challenged and young. My wife, Janet Major, also practices in our clinic part time while navigating our children's world.
Walter is 14, Aidan 12 and Sasha 10....
I feel like the first part of life has been about acquiring people/ things (education, partner, children, business etc.) and now it's about losing people/ things (family, vitality, car keys etc.). I wouldn't mind a little simplicity now and then in what seems to be more complex time. At the end of the day, I'm grateful for my life's journey including the ups and downs. At least it's not dull!
It certainly is interesting looking back and reflecting on 37 years and since I don't get out much, I look forward to catching up at the reunion.
Jeff Wood
Phil Beaulieu
Jamie McVicar
Hi gang! Well, I hid in university for several years in Calgary, Edmonton, London (Ontario) and Toronto, even rooming with Bennett, Lehodey, Smith. Then went travelling to Europe to forget everything I learned (Jeff Wood helped out for a couple of months). Came back to Calgary, did the legal thing for a while, met my wife at a stampede rodeo (we won the calf scramble), moved to Canmore and moved into finance, had a couple of kids (Sam 15 Niki 13), and am now in between jobs (can't seem to say the "retire" word). Look forward to catching up.
Dave Dernick
I have been an independent in Oil and Gas Exploration for 32 years with my brother. We have started multiple companies and are still very active. However, most of my travelling now is dog Trial related. We have Jack Russell Terriers and are very active on the national trial circuit. Our oldest female is the National Merit Open Adult Racing Champion and is currently in line to win that for a second year. Our youngest female just won Reserve Champion Best Terrier in show, Champion Adult Open Bitch, and Judges Choice Hunting Suitability Champion. They and our male all ribboned in Racing, Go To Ground, and Super Earth events. That is probably all French to you, but it simply means that they do well in both the show ring and in the performance events. We also hunt them in the field against fox, raccoon, opossum, nutria, ground hog, and badger. I serve on the National Board as well as being President of the Gulf Coast Affiliate Club of the JRTCA. My wife Lisa and I are really into these amusing yet frustrating little white terrors. We travel all over the US to numerous trials. We just finished one outside of Memphis, Tennessee and soon leave for Nationals in Hagerstown, Maryland. We are usually travelling in a 40’ diesel RV with all the dogs and dog shit. That is my dilemma ….this reunion fell right at the worst time possible for me (between Magnolia Trials and Nationals)….and it really bums me out.
Please be sure and say HEY to everyone for me and let them know how much I missed not seeing them. It has been far too long. Thanks Roxanne for all that you have done for this. I hope that we can get together sometime soon.
Dave
Please be sure and say HEY to everyone for me and let them know how much I missed not seeing them. It has been far too long. Thanks Roxanne for all that you have done for this. I hope that we can get together sometime soon.
Dave
Les Petty and family
Glenn, Baylor College of Medicine Carpentry department, videographer
Leslie, Grandmother, Electronic Court Reporter, Videographer
Lindsey, 29, single mom to Lorelei, 10, speech pathologist
Shawna, 25, professional photographer, married
Kara, 23, nursing student, married
Jessie, 20, single mom, Preslee, 6 weeks, student
Leslie, Grandmother, Electronic Court Reporter, Videographer
Lindsey, 29, single mom to Lorelei, 10, speech pathologist
Shawna, 25, professional photographer, married
Kara, 23, nursing student, married
Jessie, 20, single mom, Preslee, 6 weeks, student
Jeff Davis
Graduated in 1979 with a degree in Civil Engineering, worked for a couple of years and decided to switch from engineering to the IT business, passions can be an expensive business. Married in 1983 to Anne Mercer, we now have 3 children aged 24, 22, and 20. We are looking forward to getting them off of the payroll, but why wish your life away? I am now an independent contractor in the IT business. I have sung with Calgary Opera in 6 operas and am now considering getting involved in jazz music as a singer; any musicians out there?