First Newsletter for NTCI Class of 1968
50th Anniversary Reunion
Friday May 4th & Saturday May 5th, 2018
EVENTS SCHEDULE
We could only just recently set the date and finalize the activities for our class reunion next year. The format will be almost identical to our successful reunion three years ago. We will have the main event at the school on Friday May 4th from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. We might again ask classmates to bring food but will order pizza and soft drinks. Instead of a draw we will likely charge $15 a person. No speeches other than a welcome and Thank You’s as it will be time to mingle and catch up on the lives of our fellow classmates.
Those who want to attend Maytime Melodies may make their own arrangements with the school music department to obtain tickets, or they can head over to Bill and Cathy Humber’s house at 30 Maxwell Avenue a short 10 minute walk away to keep the party going. Bill and Cathy will graciously supply more food but it is B.Y.O.B. just like university days. That party will go long into the night. There will be a lot of tales from the good old days and many of the world’s problems will be solved.
For those who can make it up in the morning Doug Campbell will again give a guided walking tour Saturday morning of historical North Toronto.
This time on Saturday afternoon if you still have not had enough of each other we are renting the Safari Room at the Safari Bar and Grill, 174 9 Avenue Road, which is just a few blocks north of Lawrence Avenue. This get together will run from 2:00pm until 5:00pm. We will munch on appetizers and keep the conversations going until supper time, at which time if you still have not had enough we can, as at the last reunion, go in groups to local restaurants or make your own plans. The cost of the Safari room is just $20 a person which will get you a lot of appetizers.
CONFIRMATIONS
To be able to order the food we will need to know what our numbers are for Friday evening (both for the school event and Bill and Cathy Humber’s party). Numbers need to be confirmed a week before though the sooner the better. For the Safari Room they need a month’s notice. Just a simple email right now to me lauriepascoe@gmail.com saying which events you and/or your spouse will attend is good enough. We will get back to you later about paying.
BIOGRAPHIES/NEWS
Our blog/web site is still maintained in England by Bill Schabas and can be found at http://ntci68.blogspot.ca/?zx=bbbb5ceb75851e64 It continues to hold the biographies classmates wrote for our last reunion, and new ones will be added. New ones will also be published in my newsletters as I receive them. Those who want to update their last biography if they won the Nobel prize since 2014 may do so. Also I’ll print any small announcements people would like to make of significant achievements, like the fact David Coombs published a novel “The Beckoning Land”. Information about purchasing and good reviews can be found at http://www.lulu.com/ca/en/shop/david-coombs/the-beckoning-land/paperback/product-22195518.html I am enjoying it! There will be an English test on it at the reunion so better buy it and read it now. Mike Guinness had the honour of being inducted into the University of Toronto Sports Hall of Fame. Read more about that at http://varsityblues.ca/hof.as px?hof=286&path=&kiosk. Those are just two noteworthy achievements I know of. Please advise me of others. Unfortunately as well as biographies I am also publishing obituaries. As you will read, sadly a few attendees at our last reunion that I know of have passed away.
FINDING CLASSMATES
The biggest challenge of holding a 50th anniversary reunion is finding people. Here I could REALLY use everyone’s help PLEASE. We did not find over ½ the graduating class to tell them about the 2014 reunion. For this reunion l have added to the attached data base anyone who was ever in our class whether they graduated in 1968 or not. Last time though we made it clear the reunion was open to anyone who was in our class for any one year at the school, we only really looked for those that graduated. Several people who did not graduate with us heard about the event and attended. I am told by the NTCI Alumni Association that many active alumni did not graduate but still belong to the Alumni Association.
So please if you recognize a name on the attached database that does NOT have an email address associated with it, and you know their email address, firstly please send them this newsletter, and secondly please send me their email address. Then thirdly spend time on Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Classmates and Canad411 looking for that old flame, friend, person you had a crush on, hated or even a stranger. They are out there wanting to be found. The more people attending the better the reunion will be.
The database shows what years people attended, whether we found them, whether there is bio and has places to state which events they will be going to, which I hope will be filled in as we progress.
TESTIMONIALS
After the last reunion members of the organizing committee and I received several positive feedback letters about the reunion. A main theme was how people approached the reunion with some trepidation but had a great time and there have been renewals of old friendships.
I will republish articles we had about why you should attend your high school reunion in a later newsletter (on the web site but for now can you send me your brief thoughts why one should come to the reunion – one sentence is enough. We want to persuade many who knew about the first reunion but chose not to attend to do so this time, and also persuade first timers it is a great life-changing-bucket-list-must-do event not to be missed or they will regret it for the rest of their lives (ok may have oversold it a little J)
BLOG/ WEBSITE
As stated above Bill Schabas is still maintaining a great blog/website which has everyone’s bio received so far, with many pictures and articles and all my old newsletters great for falling asleep at night.
It can be found at http://ntci68.blogspot.ca/?zx=bbbb5ceb75851e64
OBITUARIES
Unfortunately these classmates and teacher have passed away.
Margaret Ann Lowenberg (Galbraith)
Margaret Ann Lowenberg February 22, 1950 - January 15, 2016 We lost our beloved Margaret Ann Lowenberg (Galbraith) to cancer on Friday, January 15th at the age of 65. Ann is survived by her loving husband, Dave, children Brent and Lauralea Lowenberg, sister Marilyn (Joe) Murphy, sister-in-law Wendy Galbraith, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and a legion of colleagues and friends who will miss her always. Ann is predeceased by her parents Mildred and Clarence Galbraith, her brother Ian Galbraith, and her nephew Jason Wilson. Formerly of Toronto, Ontario. Ann finished her schooling in Calgary, Alberta and has lived there ever since. A dedicated employee, she worked for Parlee McLaws for 35.5 years as a paralegal.
Though we grieve at her death we rejoice in her strong spirit, infectious optimism and brilliant mind. Though our hearts break at her passing, we will always smile in happy remembrance of her. We will carry the joy of her kindness, love and friendship, and her irresistible smile and laughter. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/calgaryherald/obituary.aspx?pid=177418206#sthash.LleKIJyb.dpuf
Though we grieve at her death we rejoice in her strong spirit, infectious optimism and brilliant mind. Though our hearts break at her passing, we will always smile in happy remembrance of her. We will carry the joy of her kindness, love and friendship, and her irresistible smile and laughter. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/calgaryherald/obituary.aspx?pid=177418206#sthash.LleKIJyb.dpuf
Michael Dragomir Pasic
March 20, 2015 by morleybedford
It is with immense sadness that we announce Michael’s sudden passing at Toronto General Hospital on March 17th 2015, in his 65th year, with his family by his side. Devoted husband of Sandi, loving father of Nik (Ryan) and Katie (Jocelyn), cherished brother to Catherine (Bill), uncle to Lisa (Phil) and David (Jack), son of the late Nikola Pasic, great-grandson of Nikola Pachitch and survived by his mother Choupie. Michael was born in London, England and moved to Canada at age five. He lived and attended school in North Toronto and relocated to Oakville to raise his family. He was widely respected by colleagues and clients at Sharp Electronics for his tireless work ethic and dedication. Michael loved photography, live theatre and tinkering with any and all electronics. He was always just a phone call away for family and friends, and happily spent hours helping us with problems. He will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank the doctors at OTMH, Trillium Hospital and TGH for their valiant efforts and compassion. Friends may call at the Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Avenue West (two stop lights west of Yonge Street) on Sunday March 22nd, from 4-7 pm. Service will be held in the chapel on Monday March 23rd at 11 am. Cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations to the UHN – Peter Munk Cardiac Centre are greatly appreciated.
DAVID ROLFE McCULLOUGH
Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, December 29, 2014 at North York General Hospital. David was a man who spent a lifetime dedicated to his family and his many friends. He was compassionate, competitive, funny, bright and in all ways a man of integrity. He was also a man who met every challenge with a positive attitude, dignity and grace. His legacy lives on through his beloved and devoted wife Paula, loving daughter Robyn and adored grandchildren Alexandra and William, his son-in-law Steven, his dear sister Diane, his thoughtful nieces Mary and Sarah and his wide circle of wonderful friends. David was born and raised in Toronto to Stan and Helen McCullough. He was a graduate of Victoria College at the University of Toronto, where he studied Geography, played Football for the Varsity Blues and was a proud member of the Theta Delta Chi Fraternity, Toronto Chapter. He began his professional career at North Toronto Collegiate and worked in many roles for the school board, the majority of his career spent as Principal of several secondary schools in Toronto. He was known by many as an exemplary leader who was deeply dedicated to his staff and students. In addition to family and friends, David was committed and passionate about two things: golf and bridge. He was a fixture at the 7 a.m. tee slot and was the convener of Tuesday Night Mixed Duplicate Bridge at Rosedale Golf Club, his home away from home. Upon reflection, David's greatest joys came from the people he encountered throughout his 73 great years of life. The sentiments of love, admiration and respect from all the lives he touched gave him full knowledge that his life had been truly meaningful. His optimistic outlook on life became an example for us all. His love will continue on in our hearts and his memory will guide and inspire us forever; he will be profoundly missed. The family would like to thank David's general practitioner, Dr. Wintemute, his urologist, Dr. Noakes and his oncologist, Dr. Robson; your professionalism and compassion were immeasurably helpful. To Margarita who cared for us all and the entire Palliative Care Team at North York General Hospital, our immense gratitude for your stellar work. Thank you as well to all of the family and friends who visited, called, wrote and shared such kind words over these challenging months and to the members and staff at Rosedale that honoured and memorialized David by naming a trophy in his honour. A private cremation has taken place and as per David's wishes, there will be no funeral. A Celebration of Life is being planned for Spring 2015. David's memory is best honoured by giving a hug to someone who needs one or to a charity of your choice. Thank you my darling husband for the last 35 years of love and laughter. Your grandchildren can see you in the sky; Shine on bright star.
Published in the Toronto Star on Jan. 3, 2015
BIOGRAPHIES
Fred Evans
Following graduation from NTCI I worked for one year at the TD Bank at Yonge and Teddington Park and at the little branch in the Eglinton subway station. Then I was off to the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph where I became one of the “Bloor Street Aggies”. I graduated with a degree in Agricultural Economics and Business and joined Cargill Grain Company Ltd. in Winnipeg. While in Winnipeg I became a grain merchant and held a seat on the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange. This was a wonderful introduction to the fast-paced world of international grain trading. One and one half years later I was off to Moose Jaw to get some primary purchasing experience at the grass roots level. It was my responsibility to market the grain sourced by the 27 country elevators in southern Saskatchewan owned by Cargill. Fortunately, I had bought a horse while in Winnipeg so I was able to keep occupied in my spare time training him for Moose Jaw is not the most exciting place to be a single 25 year old man. The following year I was transferred to Talbotville Ontario to become the Asst. Manager of the Urlin Grain Co., which Cargill had just purchased. Of course, I brought my horse with me who was becoming an accomplished jumper.
At the same time that I was working in Talbotville, Merrill Lynch opened an office in London and was seeking to hire Commodity Futures brokers. I had enjoyed my time on the Winnipeg Grain Exchange and I viewed this as an excellent opportunity to continue to participate in the markets. I specialized in agricultural hedging / risk management and began, what turned out to be, an 18 year career. I spent six years with Merrill before moving to McLeod Young Weir, later to become ScotiaMcLeod. I built my client book up to 150 individuals and corporations, the most notable being Labatts. All my clients were trading corn, soybeans, wheat and hedging their Canadian Dollar exposure. I should note that during this time I had the opportunity to attend an Investment Dealers Association meeting in London with the guest speaker our classmate Tim Miller. Tim, by then, was the top Account Executive (stock broker) for Wood Gundy in Toronto and may very well have been the number one broker in all of Canada. What a shame he passed at such a young age.
In 1995 one of my clients, Hensall District Co-Operative, was seeking a manager for their grain trading department and I considered that it was time to make the switch. Futures trading is exciting but also very exhausting and I was ready to slow down, somewhat. The next phase of my career saw me trading and hedging the grain that the farmers delivered to the Co-Op. As well, I was acting as an advisor for the farmer customers, developing personalized marketing plans, writing articles for the farm press and speaking on a weekly farm radio program.
By this time, my first horse was retired from competition but I had purchased some others so I stayed active in the sport. My wife Anne, who is a high school teacher, and I were living on a 50 acre farm at Denfield, northwest of London. We have since moved to another 50 acre farm north of Kerwood, about half way between London and Sarnia.
In 2005 the ethanol boom was underway and I was approached by Greenfield Ethanol to develop a corn procurement program for them and co-ordinate the company’s hedging program. The company was in an aggressive expansion mode when the ethanol bubble burst in 2008. The plans for the new plants were shelved and the decision was made to close the London office and co-ordinate the corn buying and hedging from downtown Toronto. I was made redundant. That same month my wife was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgson’s Lymphoma so it was actually a blessing that I could be home to care for her and take her to the cancer clinic for her chemo treatments. I am thrilled to report that this August Anne will be five years clear of cancer. I am back at Hensall Co-Op in the grain marketing department talking with and providing marketing advice to farmers.
My passion for horses continues though I no longer compete in competitions myself. I made the decision to get into the breeding end of the business and bought a lovely Thoroughbred broodmare, who produced a very nice filly, just months before Dalton McGuinty ruined the racehorse industry in Ontario. Not sure what I will do with her at this time. Last year I re-bred the mare to a Hanovarian stallion who has produced animals that have represented Canada in international competitions. Just last Saturday, May 31, she gave birth to a beautiful filly.
Finally, Mr. Hill would be pleased to know that I have continued with my vocal music as I sing in my church choir. The highlight with my singing was a trip my choir made to England in 2005 where we sang at four different cathedrals in the East Anglia region of the country. It was a wonderful experience and I was in awe of the architecture of the cathedrals.
I want to thank Laurie Pascoe and the others who helped to make the reunion a truly successful event. It was a great time seeing everyone and reliving old memories.
