Summer 2012

Grove NewsSummer 2012

Calendar of Events 2012/13 For details please refer to our school calendar at www.lcs.on.ca

SEptEmbEr FEbrUArY

28 Grade 11 & 12 parents’ reception 1 Kingston, ON Alumni reception

29 Grade 8, 9 & 10 parents’ reception Fall Fair/Home to the Grove reunion

9 mardi Gras Dinner, peterborough

15 peterborough Alumni reception

OCtObEr mArCH

4 London, UK Alumni reception 1 London, ON Alumni reception

5 UK Friends of LCS Dinner (London) AprIL

20 Admissions Open House 4 toronto Alumni reception

27 trustees’ meeting/Dinner 20 1960s Old boys’ reunion

NOvEmbEr 22 Grove Society Speaker Event

2 Halifax Alumni reception 25 LCS parents’ reception (toronto)

7 Grove Society Alumni Dinner mAY

16 Guelph/Waterloo Alumni reception 11 trustees’ meeting

29 Ottawa Alumni reception 24 volunteer recognition Event

DECEmbEr 25 regatta Day

7 Grove Society Christmas Gathering 27 Going Grove Advancement Dinner (Graduating Class)

JANUArY JUNE

18 montreal Alumni reception 12 Grade 8 Graduation Dinner

15 Closing Grade 12 Graduation Dinner

(Front Cover) Joanna Potts ’12 and her classmates at candlelight Chapel—an annual ceremony held at the Opening and Closing of each year to honour and celebrate the graduating class as they complete their final year at The Grove.

Lakefield College trustees 2011/12SchoolBoard Chair Paul Hickey

Past Chair John Ryder ’77

Cindy Atkinson- barnetttim bell ’00 David bignell Walter blackwell ’56marilynn booth Carlo bos ’94 Andrew Clarke ’85Stephen Coates ’90peter Dunn ’62Signy Eaton-ShierStephanie Edwards bishop George Elliott

Amanda Ethier ’98 Ann Farlow Jock Fleming ’74romina Fontana ’94bill Gastle ’68Janice Green rick Green Nicole Groves ’93Jennifer Gruer terry Guest*Neil Hamilton tim Heeney ’83brent Hurley Alan Ingram brett Jackman ’03Warren Jones ’88Zack Kembar ’87 Jennifer Kotzeff Janet Lafortune Kathleen Leonard

Nick Lewis ’77Kim Little ’53ross Little ’81 Hugh macdonnell ’85Kevin malone ’77patrick marshall ’90 James matthews ’58Andrea mcConnellJim mcGowanSarah mcmahon John mcrae ’70Val McRae David miller ’77tracy morley ’93bill morris ’70margaret Nelligan Anil patel ’93Sierra peddie ’12 tony pullen ’63vicki pullen

Sean Quinn ’82Kathleen Ramsay Doug rishor ’57Noah rosen ’12 Gretchen ross John SchumacherMurray Sinclair ’79Nancy Smith Scott Smith ’87John Stelzer ’00Losel Tethong ’89Stuart Thompson ’91Richard Tucker ’77Christine vogel tim Ward ’62Jane Waterous Chris White ’90terry Windrem HrH the Duke of York ’78

FoundationBoard Chair Bill Morris ’70

Honorary Chair Paul Desmarais Jr. ’73

Secretary James matthews ’58

Emilio Azcarraga Jean ’87marilynn boothbruce boren ’87Jonathan Carroll ’87Brian Carter*michael CooperStan DunfordJock Fleming ’74John K. Hepburn ’68Suzanne Legge OrrAngus macNaughton ’48

Jeffrey Marshall*Scott mcCainAndrea mcConnellrobert mcEwenrosemary phelanKathleen RamsayDonald ross ’48thomas ryder ’53Géza von DiergardtWilliam Wells ’78richard WernhamHrH the Duke of York ’78

Directors in Bold * Honorary Alumni

Cameron Ainsworth-vincze ’96

You would be hard pressed to find

a more idyllic place to live, study

and work than The Grove. With its

315-acre campus set in a wooded

paradise on a lake that is also home

to state-of-the-art facilities, those

passing through the gates for the

first time might mistakenly think

they had stumbled onto a resort—

or a slice of heaven.

When I first arrived at The Grove

as a scrawny, hyperactive 12-year-

old in 1989, the campus was the

best playground imaginable. From

canoeing and swimming on Lake

Katchewanooka, to playing soccer

and baseball on Lefevre Field,

to biking on the various paths

that weave around the campus,

every afternoon and weekend was

filled with endless activities and

possibilities.

As I got older, especially in my

senior year, I started to notice

some of the more serene places on

campus that I had rarely visited

or had simply taken for granted.

Places like the porch of the Gate

House in the fall when the leaves

are changing colour, the view of

the lake from atop the field that

tumbles down from Matthews

House or the stairs that lead up to

the dining hall when the flowers

are in full bloom.

In this issue of the Grove News

we explore those “sacred spaces”

(p.17) on campus. Inspired by a

chapel speech delivered by Garret

Hart (Head of Cooper House and

an OE instructor) earlier this year,

members of the Grove community

were asked to talk about those

special spaces on campus that

students, staff and alumni have

enjoyed during the school’s 133-

year history.

For many it is the Chapel, which

Mike Arsenault knew was sacred

“the first time I stepped into it,

31 years ago.” For others it’s the

waterfront, and for some there are

places few know about, like Richard

Hagg’s view from the top of the

Nordic skiing trail.

Such sacred parts of The Grove

are what make it a magical place,

a place to be cherished and taken

care of by those of us who have

been fortunate enough to call it

home.

Cameron Ainsworth-Vincze ’96 is a Toronto-based journalist and writer who has worked for The Globe and Mail and Maclean’s. He is currently a Communication Specialist with the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.

Editorial

Jeffrey Marshall*Scott mcCainAndrea mcConnellrobert mcEwenrosemary phelanKathleen RamsayDonald ross ’48thomas ryder ’53Géza von DiergardtWilliam Wells ’78richard WernhamHrH the Duke of York ’78

Directors in Bold * Honorary Alumni

Grove News Summer 2012 | i

A from the Head of School NoteStruan robertson, Closing Address, June 16, 2012

Members of the LCS community, especially the Class of 2012:

It is hard for me to believe how quickly time has passed and we are

now here on June 16th. Time clearly flies when you are having fun.

As I look back on the past 90 days, I need to start off with some words

of appreciation. Coming in as the new head in the middle of the year

could have been a big challenge, or worse, a disaster, but I can honestly

say that it has been amazing. Thank you to the students, to the staff,

to the board and trustees and to the community. Thank you for

embracing me right from day one, for the amazing welcome my family

received this week and for pointing me in the right direction when I

wandered. Lakefield College School is truly “like no other”!

This is a very special group of grads—for many reasons, but for me

personally because this is my first group of grads from The Grove. I

will always remember this group—the spirit, the leadership, the final

jump in the lake on Wednesday afternoon, your welcome packages for

my kids, the rugby championship, visits to the residences, hanging

out in the Canadiana Room in the library during spares, your chapel

speeches, learning all about the game of Ultimate, Mr. Aben’s

Calculus class, Ms. Brown’s AP English and Mr. McMahon’s Classical

Civilizations class, and your total support of the new head. I have

loved getting to know you and will love even more welcoming you back

to The Grove when you return for Fall Fairs, Regatta Days and your

reunions. This group has a big presence and has even bigger potential.

As many of you know, we have spent the past three months refining

the new strategic plan for LCS. It will be a bold plan, focused on

learning and preparing students best for life in the 21st century. As

part of this process, we have been collecting feedback from many LCS

constituents, past and present—students, staff, alumni and parents.

Some of their encouragement has included the following advice:

N Aim high. Whatever LCS does, it must be world class.

N be top ten. be distinctly Canadian.

N You are uniquely positioned to change lives through relationships.

ii | Grove News Summer 2012

When you start thinking about these words, you

imagine the true impact of the Lakefield Difference.

This difference, which many of our grads have

articulated so clearly over the past three months, is

unique. How does Lakefield instill this difference? Can

we measure it?

So my question for you today, Grads of 2012, is this:

if, during your time here, you have experienced the

Lakefield Difference, what will you give in return? A big

question for sure. But one that I think warrants further

thinking.

We know that our graduates are readily accepted into

university. We know that many go on to do honours

and masters degrees. We know, from our alumni and

constituent relations activities, that many go on to lead

wonderfully fulfilling lives with successful jobs, raising

families and, in many cases, sending their children to

LCS.

So—we have established what our grads DO with their

Lakefield Difference. But do we know HOW our grads

give back the Lakefield Difference after they leave?

Do they continue to do community service as we have

taught them to do during their time at The Grove? Do

they reach out in their communities, coach sports

teams, work with under-privileged youth? Do they

stand up to challenges, to the hard knocks of life, to

adversity? Are they resilient?

I ask these questions because, after living in Thailand

for the past 13 years, I have seen suffering, loss,

challenge and humility. I have seen the devastation

of the tsunami and the Red Shirt uprising, the look on

young children’s faces as they beg for money on the

streets of Bangkok, the determination of the people of

Thailand during the terrible flooding last October and

the wonder of a simple smile. I have experienced the

power of helping another human build their home and

how fulfilling this can be.

Class of 2012, you have shown us your true colours, that

you are passionate about learning, about life, about

each other and about Lakefield. You have completed

your hours of community service, you have been role

models for our younger students and ambassadors

for our school. You have shown determination in the

face of adversity. You have won and lost in the arena

and on the playing field with humility and good

sportsmanship.

How will you continue this behaviour after today? How

will you give back to your community, both locally and

globally? How will you continue to learn from your

mistakes and failures?

That is my challenge to you, Grads of 2012. Make a

difference. Give back. Volunteer. Lend a hand. Get

involved. Pay forward the Lakefield Difference. I want

our graduates to have long, successful, fulfilling lives. I

want to hear stories of how you changed the world, how

you invented a new medicine, how you stopped and

assisted a stranger, or how you made a difference in

someone else’s life. I know you will.

I can’t wait to hear all about you and I will be your #1

cheerleader. Go get ‘em! Congratulations to you all

and my very best wishes for a fulfilling and rewarding

future.

Grove News Summer 2012 | iii

paul Hickey, Chair of the boardFrom his Closing Speech, June 16, 2012

Don’t think of me as the Chair, think of me as the

person I really am: a proud parent of a daughter who is

graduating today, and a passionate Lakefield College

School volunteer who has the same simple reason

for getting involved in this great place as hundreds

of other volunteers do, because we all believe in the

exceptional academic and life learning that happens

here, and we want to do whatever we can to ensure that

this school is as meaningful and special ten, twenty

years from now as it is today.

In the last couple of years I’ve had the chance to reach

out beyond this campus and participate in conferences

and meetings where all Canadian or North American

independent schools are represented. I’ve met lots of

other heads, other chairs. You learn how other schools

operate, how they fundraise, how they organize

volunteers, what kinds of programs they offer their

students. The most striking thing you learn about is

how different Lakefield College School is in its ability

to engage its entire community in its pursuit of its

mission. On more than one occasion, a colleague

from another school or someone from the Canadian

Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) has said to

me, “I just don’t understand how Lakefield College

School does it. How can you have so many people

involved in so many different parts of LCS, all making

huge commitments of time, energy and resources

to advance the interests of the school? You have two

groups of trustees totaling 100 people who meet twice

a year! Who does that?! Everyone wants to know, ‘How

do you do it, LCS?’”

German philosopher Albert Schweitzer said, “I don’t

know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know:

the only ones among you who will be really happy are

those who have sought and found how to serve.” Well, I

have an ‘ask’ of you today. Stay involved in your school.

Your school needs you. In an increasingly competitive

and complex world, where truly nothing is a guarantee,

please stay involved in Lakefield College School.

Parents of graduates, and grandparents of graduates—

who today may mark the end of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or more

years of being connected to the school through your

children being here—you need to know that the

potential power of your continuing involvement in

LCS is immense. It is this school’s secret weapon. In

fact, it may just be one of the most defining parts of

the Lakefield Difference. We are blessed with a legion

of volunteers who help make up for the fact that, in

many ways, we are a natural ‘underdog’ on the world

stage of private schools due to our location off the

beaten path in rural east central Ontario, and to our

small size—which we know has huge benefits but also

poses challenges in the areas of overhead and cost

efficiencies. I just wanted you to know that your work

as volunteers, both ‘official’ and unofficial—Grove

Society; parent representatives; hosting students in

your home here in Lakefield, Peterborough, Toronto,

the Bahamas; working at Fall Fair; or cheering on

teams even when you no longer have a child on the

team—makes a huge difference and helps set this place

apart from the rest. So please, find something you love

about this place that you want to protect or improve,

stay connected to it, and I think you’ll find that that

connection continues to be one of the most satisfying

and rewarding parts of your life.

It was almost two years ago that, during a difficult,

challenging time, one amazing woman stepped

forward and agreed to lead our school for at first one,

then two years as we went to work to search for the

next Head of LCS, and then waited patiently for him to

the School’s Secret Weapon Is You

iv | Grove News Spring/Summer 2008

“We all believe in the exceptional academic and life learning that happens

here...and we want to do whatever we can to ensure that this school is as

meaningful and special ten, twenty years from now as it is today.”

iv | Grove News Summer 2012

arrive! I know that her official title was Interim Head,

but somehow I never really liked that term—because

it always said to me that she was something less than a

real head—and she wasn’t. She was an amazing Head

of School from day one.

Sarah McMahon brought the community together

just like a mother steps in and brings a family together

during difficult times. She provided incredible

leadership during this time. I know I will always

remember the two Sarah-Paul years as two of the most

challenging, rewarding and fulfilling volunteering

times of my life. But more important, Sarah made the

past two years great years for the students here today.

I feel like this year’s graduates, who had just finished

Grade 10 when Sarah agreed to take on the interim

headship, had two of the most amazing years any

student at LCS could have. Her love and concern for

them is never-ending. Sarah is one in a million. And

from this point forward, in every book and on every

wall and in our hearts, Sarah McMahon will be the

ninth Head of School at Lakefield College School. No “i”

before the word. No “interim.” She was our Head and

she did a fantastic job. Thank you so much.

Struan, I think I speak on behalf of everyone under

this tent, and the thousands of alumni, past parents,

volunteers, donors and friends of The Grove out

there, when I say that we are very excited about the

future of our great school. We can’t wait to stand with

you and behind you as you take LCS to new heights.

We’re off to a great start. Thank you for how you have

embraced your first three months here. I know it

wasn’t easy being separated from your family. But they

are here now. And the Head’s Bachelor Pad is being

transformed, as we speak, into the Robertson Family

Home.

Jennifer, Jack, Molly and Aidan, it is so great to finally

have you here with us. I hope you find life at Lakefield

College School to be everything you hoped it would be

and more.

Grove News Summer 2012 | v

vi | Grove News Summer 2012

Head Students’ Closing Address 2

Closing Awards—June 16, 2012 4

Start Living Your Dreams today: Keynote Address by Erin Freeland-ballantyne ’99, Closing 2012 6

School Highlights 9

Welcome to the robertsons 12

Ken Sunderland retires After 32 Years at LCS 14

Finding the Sacred 16

Leaving a Legacy at Lakefield College School 22

All in a Day’s Work: Sand Sculpting World Champion Andy briggs ’83 27

Grove Spirit Alive and Well! 28

Class News (Weddings, births) 30

In Our memories 37

In memory of Florence Gill mackenzie ryder 38

the Graduating Class of 2012 39

Editor: tracey blodgett; Layout & Design and Copy Editor: Christine vogel; Contributing Editor: Cameron Ainsworth-vincze

‘96; Editorial Committee: Heather Avery, Joe bettencourt, theresa butler-porter, richard Johnston, Sarah mcmahon, tom

milburn, Struan robertson, John runza and Stephanie Wilcox ‘03. Contributing photographer: Simon Spivey. please address

correspondence to the Communications and Constituent relations Office: Lakefield College School, Lakefield, ON, K0L 2H0

705.652.3324 [email protected]

Grove News Spring/Summer 2012 | 1

Today marks a day of change for many of us. It is the

end of a new beginning for those who have just started

at The Grove. It is the debut of a new senior class; it is

the transition of a new head; and it is the final memory

of Lakefield College School for the Class of 2012. But

with change comes opportunity, and, as one of the

largest changes to be faced is among the grads now, the

possibilities are endless.

We are leaving a world of comforts behind when we

make our final departure today, as most of us have

found a reason to call this place home. But, as difficult

as it is to leave the familiar behind, our adventures have

only just begun.

What is different about today is that it is finally our day.

We have patiently waited for our turn in years past: our

turn to come together as the senior class; our turn to

plan the school events and lead the school spirit; our

turn to jump in that cold, muddy lake; our turn to have

our names called one by one to receive our diplomas;

our turn to leave Lakefield College School for the final

time, ready to embark on something new.

LCS has provided us with so much more than just an

education. Each day brings new valuable lessons to be

learned, and challenges to overcome, be they in the

classroom, in the residences, or on the sports fields.

This school seamlessly manages to shape us into

characters who can do nothing other than thrive. We

have grown so close over the last several years, always

supporting one another through our highs and our

lows, and it is because of this support that we feel safe.

We feel at home.

But what we must keep in mind while we begin to go

our separate ways is that the support and security we

feel from our friends is everlasting. We have become a

family of sorts, and although our open house hours will

be a little different, and our neighbouring residences

may not be just down the road next year (unless

Head Students’ Closing Address—June 2012 Noah rosen and Sierra peddie, Class of 2012

2 | Grove News Summer 2012

you’re going to Queen’s), we are confident that our

relationships will remain as strong as they are today.

Although we rely heavily on one another, there are

many people outside of the graduating class who have

helped us along the way and are in need of recognition.

Mrs. McMahon, you are nothing short of incredible and

have been a helping hand to not only our class but to

every student, be it in your subtle gestures or grandiose

actions. We could not have had a year such as ours

without your endless support and contributions.

Thank you for all that you have done.

Mr. Robertson, although this has been a transitional

year, your frequent visits and infectious enthusiasm

have been warmly welcomed by all members of

The Grove. We could not be happier to finish off our

graduating year with you as the new Head of School,

and we know that in years to come you and your family

will keep The Grove thriving. Mrs. Robertson, Jack,

Molly and Aidan, we are so glad we were able to spend

these last few days with you on campus. Thank you.

We also want to acknowledge the Class of 2013. We

know you are in good hands with Millie and Andrew,

and your passion will be a force to reckon with next

year. We know you will all be great leaders, and we wish

you the best.

As we look back, reminiscing about moments past, we

can’t help but smile, for there is an intangible sense of

warmth and unity that greets our every thought.

The volleyball games at the waterfront; Coffee Houses

in the dining hall; bonfires by the beach; the dining

hall cookies; dressing head to toe in blue, green, red

or white and losing your voice from cheering so loud;

Opening Night in the theatre; Haunted Halls; Ryan

Lee’s videos; Algonquin; Spirit Week; Chapel Speeches;

winning the staff vs students slo-pitch game; pizza

delivery bills; Ted Pope Day; Airbands—and the list

goes on.

And then, finally, you come up for your first breath

after leaping off that dock, with no inhibitions or

regrets; running with all your might; no looking back,

no hesitation, just pure joy. We ask that you continue

to do this. Don’t be afraid to venture away from the

familiar, never feeling as though you can’t. Move

forward with no regrets and cherish every moment.

We have been through it all; the next time we see

each other, no matter how far down the road, these

memories will remain and our stories will only

continue.

Congratulations, Class of 2012!

Grove News Summer 2012 | 3

top of Form Grade 7 Sophie Welch

Grade 8 Samantha mauro

Grade 9 vanessa Smith, Adrien vilcini

Grade 10 Devon Cole

Grade 11 Joshua Walker

Grade 12 max Fondyga (Governor General’s medal)

Closing Awards—June 16, 2012

Academic proficiency Standing

Curriculum Area prizes

Grade 7 and 8the Grade 8 Humanities prize: Samantha mauro

the Grade 8 mathematics, Science & technology prize: Asheesh momi

the Grade 8 Social Sciences prize: Delaney Stedman

the James Fullerton prize: Laura Lamont

Englishthe Senior English prize: Sophia Walter

English

the I. Norman Smith prize for

Studies in English Literature: teraleigh Stevenson

the English Writers’ Craft prize: Nikki Gosselin

Fine Artsthe David bierk visual Arts prize: maya Sibbald

the Senior music prize: Zoe Knowles

the Senior Drama prize: Samira Abed

(Above) The 2012 Grade 8 Graduating Class (Back Row) L-R: Cole Dennis, Hunter Krete, Jeffrey Williams, Christian Gill, Asheesh Momi, Joel McGarrity, Elliott Bork, Luke Berg. (Front Row) L-R: Marc Gulyas-Doy, Delaney Stedman, Esme Munoz, Samantha Mauro, Alex Westcott, Laura Lamont, Mark Walter.


modern Languages

the Core French prize: Johannes prinz zu Waldeck

the Advanced placement Extended French prize: Zoe Knowles

HrH prince of Asturias Spanish prize: Samira Abed

mathematics

the mathematics of Data management prize: Cecilia Yang

the Advanced Functions prize: Fanbo Zhou

professor m. mackenzie prize for Calculus: Karan Chawla

the Larry Griffiths prize for Advanced placement Calculus: ryan Lee

the Advanced placement Computer Science price: Kayden Kaller

Science

the biology prize: Sarah macKinnon

the mrs. A.W. mackenzie prize for biology Advanced placement biology: max Fondyga

the Chemistry prize: Samira Abed

Science the Advanced placement Chemistry prize: max Fondyga

the physics prize: rob thompson

the mcLimont Scholarship for Engineering: max Fondyga

Social Sciences the Classical Civilizations prize: Zoe Knowles

the Economics prize: teraleigh Stevenson

the World History prize: madelaine Fortier

the European History Advanced placement prize: Chloe rees-Spear

the Canadian and International Law prize: Sophia Gabbani

the Canada & World Issues prize: Sophia Walter

the politics Advanced placement prize: teraleigh Stevenson

Outdoor Education

the Susan Guest Outdoor Education prize: Joshua Walker

Curriculum Area prizes

Character and Achievement Awards

the Harman Award: Asheesh momi

the Gaby Award: Cole Dennis

the Junior Grove Society prize: monica Scrocchi

the Fred page Higgins Award: Alexa Armstrong

Junior Edson pease prize: Jake Fell

the Jean Ketchum prize: Devon Cole

the Stephen thompson prize: millie Yates

the Senior Grove Society prize: miles robertson

the milligan Awards: Anissa Sridhar, matt Stevens

the Grove Award: Nayna maini, Christina Chan

the Crombie Award: Cody mcmahon

Senior Edson pease prize: ryan Lee

H.m. Silver Jubilee Award: Colleen macKenzie

the Nelles prize: Noah rosen

the J.r. Anderson Award: rhiannon Gilbart

John pearman martyn Sibbald prize: Abby Allen

the Ondaatje Foundation Award: teraleigh Stevenson

the monty bull Award: tess mcCutcheon

the Jack matthews Humanitarian Award: Sierra peddie

the Whitney prize: Nora Hickey

Jean and Winder Smith Award: Christopher Chan

the trustees’ prize: Samier Kamar

british Alumni travelling Scholarship: Kylie Clark, Olivia Essen


Ladies and Gentlemen, Faculty, Families, Class of 2012:

It is an honour to be here with you today to celebrate, to bid adieu

and to dream big. Today, I want to share some small things that

I’ve learned in the 13 years that have passed since I sat where

you are. I was 17 years old. I had come to LCS from Yellowknife,

Northwest Territories, two years before. I cried when my mom

drove away from Lower Colebrook, heading home thousands of

miles away. But then I didn’t call home for a week, I was having so

much fun. I came into Grade 12 a high-achieving student, only to

find that I was at a Grade 9 math level. I come from a place where

only 40% of First Nations students graduate from high school, and

60% of non-native students do. At LCS, my world shifted with Mr.

Boyko’s World Issues class, Mr. Mason’s English and Drama and

Mr. Sunderland’s Science in Society. I found rugby and learned

the tactical response to skirt measuring—it’s called the “roll.” At

LCS, I learned how to think about the world as a community, as

connected. I also learned to cherish the place that I come from,

as I discovered caribou hunting and winter camping at -40ºC

were not common Canadian activities. In your time here, you

might have fallen in love, had your heart broken, been in front of

the Standards Committee, done things that you couldn’t wait to

tell your parents about and done things you hope they never find

out about. You carry these lessons forward, they are shaping who

you are, not by the fact that they happened, but by how you acted

when they happened, what you learned and how you then use

them as tools in your life. While today Lakefield College School

feels like the centre of your world, in a few years it will be a critical

seed in your garden—but you will be weaving a much bigger web.

When I graduated from The Grove, my goal was to make

groundbreaking documentaries around the world. A gift my

parents gave me after graduation was that they encouraged me to

explore—I was told to go for it. I took a year off after high school,

worked three jobs for a number of months, often wearing my

Number Ones, which were the closest thing I had to office wear. I

traveled in South America, surfed, hiked and worked in women’s

shelters. I came back to Canada and studied International

Development at McGill because I had seen a world that was very

unequal, and that there was unbelievable suffering—I could show

this with my video camera, but I could not understand why it was

this way.

Reflecting with fellow classmates from LCS about the competitive

rush to head directly into university—I say this: go to university

Start Living Your Dreams todayKeynote Address by Erin Freeland-ballantyne ’99, Closing 2012


this fall if you love something, you passionately want to

pursue it and you love to study. Don’t go to university

right away because you think you should or someone

is telling you that you should and please don’t waste

your parents’ money going to a university just because

all your friends are going there. Explore. Take risks.

Whatever you are dreaming of, please, please do it.

If you are not sure, volunteer, travel, be of service

to others and you will build a strong foundation in

yourself. If you can find something that sets a fire under

you, there is nothing that can stop you, nothing that can

put it out.

Through undergrad I took time off, I studied and

travelled in India and Africa, I spent a year between

McGill and Oxford in Brazil spinning fire in a traveling

circus and living on a communal farm. I sold banana

bread, learned Portuguese and watched my brain take

four and a half years of university theory and apply it in

the real world. After Brazil, I went to Oxford on a Rhodes

Scholarship—I lived on a narrow canal boat off-grid,

did a master’s degree and was the first women ever to

have a baby while on stipend, and started my PhD and

delivered my daughter Uma the same week. I loved the

endless libraries and focused my research on the rapid

climate change and oil and gas boom in the Arctic. I

lived in a remote community on the Arctic Circle for

two and a half years, learning from elders on mountain

hunting trips about ecology and politics. They taught

me as much as my professors at Oxford, if not more.

During this time, my stepfather passed away after

dramatic years of illness. My brother Nick

[Ballantyne ’06], who was in his early 20s, enjoyed

the great support of many of his LCS friends. I learned

that in your big adventures you must always make

time for your family, and that if anyone ever tells you

that something is not possible, then you should really

really do it. This was the case when my PhD research

showed that the education system, still struggling after

residential schools did not serve northern students, and

that southern students have nowhere to learn about the

north. I gathered mentors and elders and for three years

now, we have been delivering land-based university

semesters in the Northwest Territories, covering

everything from history, politics and renewable

energy to journalism, film-making and sustainable

development. We are the first program of our kind in

Canada, which is the only circumpolar country that

does not have a university. All the way along, we were

told that it was impossible, and with every cohort of

students that returns to their community as a change

maker, we are changing minds. I don’t get paid much

or often, but I love my job because I know that I am

making a difference in my country with experiential

education. I stand here looking at all of you and imagine

the incredible journeys you will go on in the next 13

years, what amazing stories you will have, that you can

one day stand here and share with my children. Your

future is so bright—so full of possibility.

Our world and our country is at a critical juncture. More

than ever we need innovation, creative thinking and

for people to live in the recognition that our lives are

totally interconnected in ways we cannot yet fathom or

imagine. Our future needs your talent, your music, your

energy to live in awareness through all of your actions,

from how you build your house, to where you get your

food, to what you do for a job—impact others through

your choices and you can make this connection

harmful or beautiful.

The Grove gives you roots and it gives you wings.

Be brave. Do no harm. Seek out good mentors. Commit

yourself to a future where every child has the same

opportunities in education you have had. Service

is one of the great values LCS students bring to the

world. Share this gift. Imagine what kind of world we

would live in then. Today, I want to honour the parents,

families and supporters who have made it possible for

us all to be here today. To the Graduating Class of 2012,

this is your time. Start living your dream today. We will

all be here, cheering for you.



to view LCS news stories visit our website at lcs.on.ca (search by date and/or keyword)


Slo-pitch ShowdownLCS graduating students of 2012 finished the year off

with the annual grads vs. staff slo-pitch softball game.

This is the first year in over a decade that the students

have won this traditional match with a 12-11 win!

Grease is the Word!In May, LCS theatre and music students entertained

students, parents and the community with the

highly anticipated show Grease. Directed by Greg

MacPherson, with music direction by John Kraus,

and supported by a large student cast, crew and live

pit-band, the students made theatre magic—including

fitting a 1950s-ready automobile into the theatre, and

executing complex musical numbers, and stage and

scene changes.

A Hand Up—Habitat for HumanityOn June 6, LCS joined other schools at Lakefield

District Secondary School to launch the Habitat for

Humanity Lakefield Project. LCS Co-Head Students

Sierra Peddie ’12 and Noah Rosen ’12 presented $827.35

(proceeds from May’s Clean Casuals Day). Eight LCS

students, Head of School Mr. Robertson and three staff

raised their hands with 1500 other students in support

of this project for a single mother and her family.

Athletics ActionRegatta Day was busy with three championship games.

Congratulations to the 1st Boys’ Rugby Team who

earned a second straight Rugby CISAA Championship;

the Jr. Girls’ Soccer Team who won the 2012 CISAA Jr.

Girls’ Soccer Championship at Pickering College; and

the 1st Girls’ Soccer Team who celebrate their Silver

CISAA medal. Great work!

School Highlights

OPPOSITE (Top to Bottom) L-R: Grad versus staff annual slo-pitch match; students and staff representing LCS at Habitat for Humanity Lakefield Project Launch; Cast and Crew of Grease. ABOVE: 1st Boys’ 2012 Rugby CISAA Champions BELOW: Jr. Girls’ Soccer CISAA Champions.


Fulford at LCSOn Saturday, May 12, 2012, Lakefield College School

hosted delegates from 16 Ontario independent schools

for the Spring Fulford Debate Tournament. The

tournament brought 64 debaters, 16 coaches, and

50 judges to Lakefield. Forty LCS students helped to

organize the tournament. The theme of the conference

was First Nations. Maurice Switzer ’63, of the Alderville

First Nation in southern Ontario and Director of

Communications for the Union of Ontario Indians, was

the guest speaker at the close of the day.

Lorelei In World premiere performanceThe Lorelei Consort participated in the world premiere

performance of Mother Earth, Father Sky, composed by

Mark Sirett, in Toronto this spring. The performance,

which was a part of the year-end concert of the Bell’Arte

Singers from Toronto, included the Riverdale Collegiate

Choral Ensemble, KoKoro Choir from Guelph, the

ROTM Childrens’ Choir and our own Lorelei Consort.

Going Grove Advancement DinnerOn May 15, the Advancement Department hosted the

graduating class at the Going Grove Advancement

Dinner to celebrate the transition to their new roles

as LCS alumni. The grads joined visiting alumni and

staff in Hadden Hall courtyard to mingle and hear

about their LCS world after graduation. Grove Society

President Brett Jackman ’03, Sarah McMahon and

Struan Robertson spoke about how their bonds as a

class, with other alumni and with the Advancement

Department, will grow and strengthen. Although The

Grove may change physically in upcoming years, the

atmosphere and the connections will still remain.

LCS Hosts Young round Square ConferenceLCS hosted the 2012 YRSA conference—Find Your

Passion, Take Action!—in April. One hundred delegates

from 22 schools and four countries, representing

diverse cultures, took part. Delegates were involved

in experiential activities such as high ropes, wetland

surveys, sustainable building, organic farming, poster-

School Highlights


making for schools in rural Tanzania, team-building

activities, social justice discussions, Aboriginal song

and dance, and action planning at both the local

and global levels. The keynote speaker was author,

philanthropist, UN child ambassador and Lakefield

College School student Bilaal Rajan ’13.

middle School Arts NightMs. Webb’s Middle School integrated arts class

hosted their annual Arts Night in May. Parents and

members of the LCS community were entertained by

the Muppets, Canadian Idol and a spectacular dance

interpretation of the history of rock and roll. As shown

throughout this year’s Arts Night, the Grade 7 and 8

program is full of talented artists.

Never miss A Chance—Dance ShowcaseThe LCS Dance Showcase this winter had over 20

different pieces, choreographed by our 22 dancers

(from Grades 9 to 12) under the theme, Never Miss A

Chance To Dance. With the assistance of teacher Amy

Moore and guest instructor Susie Clarke, pieces ranged

from solo performances to group numbers in jazz, hip

hop, and contemporary to more unique styles such as a

Chicago piece and a Bollywood number.

Why Leadership matters—retreatThe Grade 12 class had their third Leadership Retreat

of the year in February; the topic was Why Leadership

Matters. Keynote speaker Anil Patel ’93 from The

Framework Foundation shared his experiences and

words of wisdom and provided concrete examples of

why leadership and learning about being leaders are

absolutely necessary beyond LCS. The presentation

included opportunities for students to ask questions.

OPPOSITE (Top to Bottom) L-R: 1st Girls’ Soccer 2012 CISAA silver medal winners (see p.9); Manal Stamboulie introduces guest speaker Maurice Switzer ’63 at the Spring Fulford Debate Tournament; Going Grove Advancement Dinner, May 2012.

ABOVE L-R: LCS Dancers, Never miss a Chance Dance Showcase; Co-Head students Sierra Peddie ’12 and Noah Rosen ’12 thank keynote speaker Anil Patel ’93 at the Why Leadership matters retreat. BELOW: 2012 Young Round Square of the Americas Conference Find Your passion, take Action! hosted by LCS in April.

Ten years ago, Struan Robertson sat in a meeting with

the Headmaster of International School Bangkok and

told him that his career goal was to be the Head of

School at Lakefield College School. Recalling this

moment, Struan remembers, “I fell in love with the

school fifteen years ago when I was a Residential Don

here and every career move since led to this point.”

Struan received every issue of the Grove News during

his 10 years in Bangkok, reading them to keep in

touch and up-to-date with the happenings at The

Grove. Struan’s path back to Lakefield College School

led him first to London, England to teach before going

with Jennifer to Bangkok. Struan began in the

elementary school, and then moved to the high school

to teach history. When the opportunity presented,

Struan moved into the role of Vice Principal of the

Elementary School and then three years later became

the Principal.

His memories of Bangkok are filled with remarkable

travel and the birth of his three children, Jack, Molly

and Aidan. Struan kept in touch with Canada and LCS

through recruiting trips, professional development

and their summers at the cottage (1.5 hours from

Lakefield). While in Bangkok, the Robertsons experi-

enced some of the most challenging events in the

country’s recent history. The tsunami, a political

coup, the airport seizure, the Red Shirt riots and the

most recent flooding were just a few of the things they

witnessed during their time in Thailand. Gazing out

the window of the Head’s Office into the grove, Struan

smiles and says that he is looking forward to “quieter

times.”

Upon arriving at the school this academic year, Struan

says that his first impression was that the “spirit of the

school was alive and well through transition, chal-

lenge and change. It still has the Grovey feeling it did

15 years ago.” This spring, Struan loved listening to

the Chapel Talks and was amazed by the Grads’ “artic-

ulation of the Lakefield difference.” He is in awe of

the “complete dedication” of the staff, parents and

volunteers. Struan is thankful for the wonderful

welcome he received in March and the one his family

received in June. “It feels like the community has

given us a big bear hug welcome.”

Sitting at the dining room table in the Head’s

Residence, breakfast with the Robertsons is a special

time. Each member of the family talked excitedly

about their new home. Aidan thinks that LCS is

“awesome,” Molly described it as “big” and Jack excit-

edly exclaimed, “The campus is huge, and everyone’s

so friendly.” When asked if there were things in

Bangkok that they would miss, the children said that

they would miss the hot weather, but they would not

miss the traffic or the poisonous snakes.

For Jennifer Robertson, the move to Lakefield has

been filled with excitement and wonder. She is

thankful for how “incredibly welcoming” the LCS

community has been, from flowers on the table to

meals in the freezer. “People have really gone out of

their way to welcome us.”

The Robertsons look forward to so much in this

coming year. From the changing of the seasons to the

first snowfall, this will be a year of firsts for Aidan,

Molly and Jack Robertson. Lucky LCS—we get to

experience all of these firsts with them!

KErrIE HANSLEr

Welcome to the robertsons!


Welcome to the robertsons!


LCS 32 - TCS 0. This is not the result of a rugby game, but rather

refers to the fact that in April 1980 Ken Sunderland went for

an interview first at Trinity College School and a week later

at Lakefield College School. Ken recalls vividly the warm and

friendly welcome that he and Linda received from Doc McCubbin

and John and Bid Milligan when they arrived at The Grove for

the interview. It was after this interview that Ken and Linda

chose The Grove as their future home and LCS emerged as the

clear winner! Four months later they arrived on campus with

their car and trailer and, as they pulled up in front of Memorial

House, a smiling Ted Ingram was there to meet them. Ted began

immediately to help them unload their furniture and to carry

it upstairs to their apartment. It was these two events at the

beginning of their career at The Grove that impressed Ken and

Linda so deeply, and they knew then that they were joining a very

special community.

The generosity, kindness and compassion that Ken experienced

among his fellow teachers in his first years are the values that he

feels sum up and define the spirit of The Grove. He fondly recalls

working with “The Greats”—Bryan Jones, Andy Harris, Bubs

MacRae, Richard Hayman and Bob Armstrong—who mentored

him in his early years and who inculcated in him the values of the

school. One need only spend a short while in conversation with

Ken to see that he feels passionately that these values are what

make LCS such a special place. It is these values that have served

to guide him in every situation he has encountered in his career as

a teacher, Head of House and coach.

Ken has worn many hats during his time at LCS. He has taught

math and all of the sciences except biology. In his own words

he feels that he has “coached everything”—cricket, alpine

skiing, sailing, running, boys’ and girls’ soccer. He was Athletic

Director in the early nineties and was instrumental in setting

Ken Sunderland retires After 32 Years at LCS

“When you needed someone to talk with, he was always

there to listen, as good friends do, and provide a dose of

reality or wisdom…he quietly and caringly encouraged

each of us to feel life, to enjoy it, and to grow from our

successes and failures.”


up the athletic program for girls. Ken served as Day

Boy Housemaster until 1984 when he became Head of

House in Fort Smith. In 1991, he and Linda, along with

their four children Mary ’97, Mark ’00, Laura ’01 and

Katherine ’03, were the first occupants of Rashleigh

House, where they lived until 2005. In the 25 years

that they lived on campus, Ken and Linda have been

“parents” to over 300 boys!

As a Head of House, Ken had the reputation of being

in the right place at the right time when students

were doing the wrong thing. According to Cameron

Ainsworth-Vincze ’96, who lived in Rashleigh House

and served as student Head of House, Ken was also very

approachable. “When you needed someone to talk with,

he was always there to listen, as good friends do, and

provide a dose of reality or wisdom…he quietly and

caringly encouraged each of us to feel life, to enjoy it,

and to grow from our successes and failures.”

In talking about his experiences as a Head of House,

Ken always emphasizes the huge role that his wife

Linda played in helping him with his responsibilities. In

Ken’s absence she would often talk with the parents of

boarders on the phone or lend an ear to a student who

needed someone to talk to. Ken cannot imagine having

done his job in the residence without Linda’s support

and her willingness to become involved in the care of

the students.

Is Ken Sunderland really the seventh smartest man

in Canada? If so, how did he come to receive this

distinction? Spoiler alert! Ken has finally revealed how

he earned this honour. Cameron Ainsworth-Vincze

had a role to play in this story as student Head of House

for Ken in Rashleigh House. As part of the orientation

for new boarders Cameron and his roommate Earl

Dancel ’96 were talking to the new boys about life in

residence. When asked to describe what kind of person

Ken Sunderland was, they concluded by saying, “Mr.

Sunderland is the seventh smartest man in Canada.”

Later that day Cameron began to feel that maybe they

shouldn’t have made that remark, so he went to Ken

and told him what he had said. Ken laughed it off and

reassured Cameron, who had heard rumours of Ken’s

amazing intellect over the course of his time at The

Grove, that it was a harmless joke that no one would

remember for long. Little did they know that this joke

would take on a life of its own and become an urban

legend!

For the first time in 53 years, Ken will not be going to

school in September! So what will he do with his free

time? Ken is emphatic when he says that he is “leaving

the slate clear.” He enjoys bird-watching, woodworking,

beekeeping and, more recently, ballroom dancing with

Linda. He brings to these activities all the intensity and

desire to grow and learn that have characterized his

career as a teacher. Of course, he may also be spotted

cruising the roads on his Yamaha Road Star 1600

motorcycle. All of this he will do when he wants to!

Anyone who knows Ken well can be sure that he will not

be bored, and we wish him well as he begins a whole

new adventure.

DAvID WALSH

OPPOSITE: Ken and Linda Sunderland with their children (L-R): Jeff Cooper (son-in-law), Laura ’01, Katherine ’03 and Mark ’00 at Closing 2012. BELOW: Ken participating in the annual Prince Andrew Run during Lakefield College School’s Fall Fair, 2011.


Finding the SacredFinding the SacredGrowing up in the Peterborough

area, I always marvelled at the

beauty of Lakefield College School

and its sprawling campus. Once

I became a faculty member, I

quickly fell in love with all of the

unique and special places within

the campus. Now I have the

unique privilege of living here in

Memorial House and raising my

family. I feel that my boys and

all campus kids are the luckiest

children in the world to call this

remarkable 315 acre campus,

with 3,899 feet of shoreline along

Lake Katchewanooka, their

home. The spaces that make up

the campus hold a special place

in the hearts and minds of staff,

students, parents and alumni.

When asked, each member of the

Grove community responds with

a distinct place on campus that

is sacred to them. Whether it is a

place where the whole community

gathers or a setting for silent

reflection, the environment we find

peace and power in is different for

each of us.

Earlier this year, Head of Cooper

House Garret Hart gave a Chapel

Speech about his sacred space,

the Chapel. The motivation for his

speech was to help our student

population understand more about

the Chapel and its revered place

in our school. In his talk he said,

“This place is the heart and soul

of our community. Beyond the

physical building, artifacts and


“my sacred space has always been the school’s front

entrance courtyard. the space is a natural envelope,

the red door is inviting, if not a little mysterious, and

the combination of sacred, residential and business

uses gives that location a panorama of some of the

most important elements of LCS.

“When the wind is howling there is an immediate

calming when you enter that space. Standing just

outside the Chapel doors during the many school

events has given me ample opportunity to look around

and become familiar with plants, stone and struc-

ture. the cycling of the seasons in this space brings

changes that mirror life at the Grove. A glance into

that one location can tell you so much about the

rhythm of the school at that moment in time. the

hidden doorway to the stairwell in the Chapel that

is neatly tucked around the corner, just out of sight,

reminds me of imagination games played with [my

son] Cody when I was a stay-at-home-dad in Utah.

the many pictures of the courtyard from the school

archives that I use in class remind us that great change

is sometimes cosmetic. the stone-faced hockey

players from the 1920s standing just in front of the

main entrance are no different from the young men

and women who occupy the very same location today

for their athletic photos.

“the courtyard is a time capsule that allows me to feel

a connection with all those who came before me. I

imagine that for generations, folks just like me have

stood in that space and wondered what came before.”

brUCE mCmAHON

Finding the SacredFinding the Sacred


symbols that give the Chapel its

shape, is an understanding of what

Chapel offers us in terms of learning

and growing in this community. It

is more than just a place to meet

in the morning. This is the place

where we develop and explore our

values and standards. Chapel is a

place that requires the best in each

of us.” Reflecting on the Chapel

more recently, Hart said, “There

is a sanctity of this place that we

need to respect and learn in order

to appreciate what the Chapel is

to us at The Grove.” The Reverend

Glenn Empey remarks that, “the

Chapel at The Grove is a place that is

special because it is a sacred place.

It symbolizes the presence of the

sacred at the heart of community.”

Veteran faculty member Mike

Arsenault agrees; the Chapel is also

his sacred place stating, “it has been

sacred to me since the first time I

stepped into it, 31 years ago.”

The call of a loon, the sound of ice

cracking under the weight of winter

snow, the waves lapping against the

dock—these sounds evoke strong

emotions for the Grove community.

For current student Miles

Robertson ’13, the waterfront is a

place to “relax in my busy day, and

think of how grateful I am to be

living such a privileged life and go to

an amazing school like LCS.”

“the waterfront at the Grove

makes this school unique and

different from any other school

I know, have been to, or have

heard of. When I’m there, I

feel like I’m on vacation and

not on a school campus.”

SAmIEr KAmAr


“my sacred space is out on

the lake in a kayak or canoe.

Early in the morning is my

favourite time; sometimes

I safety boat for swimmers

(usually Amy Hollingsworth

preparing for a triathlon, or

students getting ready for the

Ondaatje Challenge swim

or canoe race). being out

in my kayak alone is also a

treat—it is not uncommon

to see deer and rabbits as I

set up my boat at the shore.

On the water, gray and blue

heron, bald eagles, mallard

ducks, Canadian geese

and loons often keep me

company. the occasional

jumping fish can give me

a good startle and then a

chuckle, as I am sure the

animals are laughing at me

too. Floating or drifting on

the lake is calming. the

mornings when the water is

smooth as glass are always

magical.”

SUSAN ArmStrONG



sacred space is the basketball court

in McEwen Gym. He says:

“I love walking into the gym with

the crisp winter air at the window,

the smell of the basketballs on

the rack, the sounds of shoes

squeaking, nets swishing, and

intermittent bounces. It’s almost

like you can taste the hardwood

floor as you run over the lines

outlining all the sports played on

the court, calmly searching to hit

the seams and gaps in the defence,

things unfolding like a movie in

slow motion. But what makes this

court truly sacred is when all the

sweat that is poured out onto that

floor results in a team achieving

beyond what anyone thought they

could—the moment they started to

believe in something bigger than

self, it’s the moment they started to

believe in one another.”

Each corner of the campus offers

something special. Richard Hagg

remarks that one of his sacred

spaces is the top of the Nordic

skiing trail looking west, while Joe

Bettencourt finds time to gather

his thoughts in the main parking

lot of the school, enjoying the

view of the Chapel and the many

mature trees we fondly refer to as

“The Grove.” Arriving early in the

morning to a still, quiet campus,

Bettencourt begins and ends his

day there. He says, “One would not

think of a parking lot as a sacred

space, but for me, it is just that—a

place of reflection, thoughtfulness

and peace.”

For alumnus David Lin ’80, his

sacred space is the hill overlooking

Lake Katchewanooka because that

is where he used to play his cello.

As a teacher and Head of House, I

have so many special places. But,

as a mother of young children

growing up on campus, my sacred

spaces are the walkways and

roadways of LCS. It is on these

“paths” that my boys run to see

students they know and love, where

faculty members stop what they

are doing to play, where my busy

day can be stopped by just one

butterfly.

No matter how far you travel or

how many other places in the world

you have been to, the sacredness

of The Grove and all its unique and

special parts are truly remarkable.

The sights, sounds and smells

remind each of us of the sanctity of

living, working and learning in this

extraordinary place.

KErrIE HANSLEr

For alumnus Jeremiah Hogan ’09,

the LCS waterfront gave him

a place to escape. He reflects, “Once

I was out on the water nothing else

mattered, I was free of any of my

problems, and when I came back

I always felt refreshed.” Faculty

member Melissa Rathier says, “so

many of my favorite memories at

Lakefield College School are from my

times at the waterfront. I love the way

the sun sets over it and how calm it

is at 7:00 a.m. I could spend hours

sitting there and be totally happy.”

When asked, Head of School Struan

Robertson says that the academic

block is his sacred space. It is where

the majority of each student’s and

faculty member’s days are spent

teaching, learning, sharing and

growing.

Within this part of the school

lie many spaces that the Grove

community finds sacred. From the

bay window in the art room (Kate

Carder-Thompson, former faculty

member) to the music room (Allison

Cameron ’09) and the theatre

(Tracey-Lee (Smyth) Eddy ’99), these

spaces hold special memories.

For current student Daniel

Zahradnik ’14, his sacred space is

the day student boys’ locker room.

It is a place to “chill during break

and lunch.” He continues, “The day

student locker room is essentially

a breeding ground for success and

lifelong happiness. So far, it is my

Lakefield difference.” For faculty

member and coach Derek Doucet, his


LEAVING ALEGACY

at Lakefield College School

Legacy gifts are a unique and extraordinary opportunity to participate in the future

vision for the Grove. providing a bequest in your will costs nothing now, yet it

may give you a great deal of satisfaction to know that your contribution will live

on. Just like alumni John Frewer ’34, Rickey Crang ’54, and Harold Williams ’57,

you can make a difference.


John Frewer ’34

Even though John Delafosse Frewer graduated from

Lakefield Preparatory School in 1934, he maintained an

active connection to the school for the rest of his life—

returning to the campus countless times as an alumnus,

parent, governor and trustee.

Following his arrival as a young boy in 1929, he

immersed himself in numerous activities during his time

at LPS: cricket, hockey, drama and as a bugler in the

Cadet Corps band. In fact, in 1996 John gifted The Grove

with his precious bugle—the one used to play “The Last

Post” at Captain T.W.B. ‘Spike’ Marling’s funeral in 1935.

In 1997, by including a gift in his will, John became one

of the founding members of the Heritage Society now

known as the 1879 Society. Always looking ahead, John

and his wife shared their affection for The Grove and

knew that an unrestricted gift of this type had the poten-

tial to make a significant difference to the school. It was

also John’s hope that others, like him, would be inspired

to make similar philanthropic commitments to Lakefield

College School.

“my heart has always been with the school.” ~ JOHN FrEWEr ’34 (to the LCS board, 2002)

The 1879 Society was established to honour and recognize alumni, parents and friends who have chosen to enhance opportunities for future generations of Grove students by including Lakefield College School in their estate planning.


John and his wife Joyce passed away

within six months of one another

and in 2004 their legacy offering was

gifted to LCS. This act of generosity,

honouring John’s love and devotion to

the school, will continue to impact the

lives of students, today and for years

to come.

rickey Crang ’54When J.H. “Rickey” Crang passed

away in 1988, he had already made

a significant impact on Lakefield

College School. He was a zealous

supporter, caring deeply about

the future of the school and the

generations of young people who

would experience it. In addition,

he worked tirelessly with other LCS

alumni and volunteers to ensure that

LEFT: Rickey Crang circa 1954. BELOW

(L-R): Harold Williams circa 1957 and John

Frewer circa 1933.

LCS would have the strategies and resources

necessary to thrive throughout the final

decade of the 20th century and beyond.

In 1997, nine years after his death, and as a

result of a gift in his will, The James Harold

(Rickey) Crang Jr. Memorial Bursary was intro-

duced at Closing. In consultation with Rickey’s

family the following citation, that continues to

guide the bursary’s distribution, was created:

Since its inception 15 years ago, approximately

60 young people have benefited directly from

this bursary and more than $500,000 has been

distributed. Endowing Rickey’s $1 million

bequest has ensured that deserving young

people will have an opportunity to attend, and

benefit from, a Grove education in perpetuity.

As a recent recipient of The James Harold

(Rickey) Crang Jr. Memorial Bursary so

eloquently stated,

“this bursary will help provide financial

assistance in perpetuity to deserving students

in need. It is hoped that the recipients of the

Crang bursary will share rickey’s deep love

and devotion to the Grove.”


ABOVE: Harold Williams sailing at

The Grove circa 1957

“Without you and this bursary, Lakefield College

School wouldn’t have been an option. I can’t pic-

ture my life without this place, and I owe it to you

for allowing me to be part of the magnificent LCS

community. Thank you so much.”

Harold Williams ’57Like many Lakefield College School alumni,

Harold was passionate about the waterfront.

Arriving at The Grove in 1951 from his home

in Bermuda, it was inevitable that he would

be drawn to the heart of the Lakefield College

School campus—Lake Katchewanooka. Harold

loved to sail.

Following his graduation from LCS, Harold

chose to remain in Ontario. He was an

active member in his Campbellford, Ontario

community and served for a number of years in

local municipal government.

Throughout his lifetime, Harold maintained

close ties to the school and many of his

classmates.

In 2004, following Harold’s death, his family

approached the school and indicated that it was

Harold’s wish that his final gift to The Grove be

used in a manner that would enhance either the

waterfront or waterfront programs. As a result,

his generosity provided the funds needed to

complete the reconstruction of the windsurfing

hut.

Since then, countless students continue to enjoy

the waterfront and the many sports it provides. It

is because of Harold Williams’ generous gift and

his affection for The Grove’s unique waterfront

that our students now have access to a new and

well-built windsurfing hut facility.

What Will Your Legacy be?

If you are interested in discussing how your

intentions could enhance the future of Lakefield

College School and impact tomorrow’s students,

please contact: Theresa Butler-Porter, CFRE,

Philanthropic Relations at 705.652.3324 ext. 329 or

[email protected]

Or visit www.lcs.on.ca/plannedgiving



Andy Briggs ’83 has taken his passion and interests to a new level. He has turned playing in the

sand into a far more impressive endeavour while hosting impressive musical acts in his home for

friends to enjoy, all while working as a financial comptroller for various companies.

After graduating from The Grove, Andy attended the University of Victoria to study art, where he

discovered the world of sand sculpting. After filling in for his sister at a local beach competition,

Andy spent the next twenty years travelling the world while creating astounding and ingenious

sand art sculptures. There are countless sand sculpting competitions throughout the world,

and Andy has managed to capture 20 first-place wins. He is currently part of the Sand Boxers, a

team of sand sculpture artists based in Victoria, British Columbia with whom he has taken home

seven of nine wins. In addition to competitions, Andy travels the world creating sand displays

for companies in places such as Cape Town, South Africa, Romania, Germany and across the

United States. To create one of these showpieces, the team will develop an idea, then create

“mesquettes,” clay models of the sculpture in preparation to plan the time and work involved in

creating the display, and then build the actual sculpture out of sand. In Andy’s sand sculpting

career, he has managed to capture two Guinness World Records and has won first place ten times

in World Championships. These displays, which are made simply of sand and water, can stand

for up to a couple of months outside if properly sealed, and longer if created inside. He has taken

what many do on a summer holiday, on a very small scale, to enormous, detailed, imaginative and

impressive art pieces.

Another passion of Andy’s is music. Andy created Victoria House Concert B, through which he

has been able to host countless artists in his house for intimate live concerts for his friends, now

reaching out through Facebook for interested music fans near Victoria. Victoria House Concert B

began as a way for Andy to support the live music industry while entertaining. Andy finds bands

that interest him, and that he thinks his friends will want to hear. While enjoying the music, Andy

is also giving back to his local music community. The musicians who have performed at his house

have signed a guitar which is to be auctioned off, with all the proceeds to help local children who

cannot afford music lessons or instruments.

Andy is giving back to his community, sharing happiness through his art and music, and doing

what makes him happy—all things that many of us strive for in our own lives.

StEpHANIE WILCOX ’03

All in a Day’s Work Sand Sculpting World Champion Andy briggs ’83



Grove Spirit Alive and Well! the Andy Harris Cup: Grove Golf tournament

The Grove spirit was alive and

well on Wednesday, June 20 at

Deer Creek Golf Club for the

Andy Harris Cup: Grove Golf

Tournament. The sunny, hot day

was warmly welcomed by all the

golfers and volunteers. While the

golfers stayed hydrated throughout

the day, they had smiles on their

faces—they knew it was all about

the students (…and enjoying a

game with friends!).

The Grove Society would like to

thank everyone who participated

in, volunteered for, donated to and

sponsored this year’s event.

This year’s winning team,

presented their trophies by Andy

Harris’ son, Tony Harris ’82, were

Phil Soper ’82, Dave MacNicol ’81

and Ron Pearson ’82.

The proceeds from the tournament

will help to support the Lakefield

College School Financial

Assistance Program—offering

opportunities to students. In

addition, because of an offer from

a very generous anonymous LCS

alumnus to “match every gift made

to Financial Assistance by June

30, 2012,” the estimated proceeds

from the tournament have been

doubled, netting an estimated

$48,000!

Thank you to all of our tournament sponsors:

Power CartsEllwood Hamilton bus Lines

Putting CompetitionrbC Dominion Securities, Steve Henderson

Closest to Holethe morris Family the Needler Family

Skill HoleAramarkthe Grove Society the Hickey Family

HoleCam tran Co. Ltd.Class of 1999Class of 2000Class of 2001Class of 2003Coach CanadaGraydor Flooring Ltd.the Howe FamilymanuLife bankthe Orr Family ricartsthe Scrocchi Familytrent Health in motion the village Inn

The Grove Society: Parent Chapter hosted a Mardi Gras celebration on March 31 at the Peterborough Golf and Country

Club. With over 100 parents (past, current, and incoming) and staff, it was a night to remember, full of beads, masks,

Creole food, King’s cake, Dixieland jazz, doubloon tossing, bourbon tasting, a live band and all the fun you could imag-

ine having. Throughout dinner, tables put together songs or poems about the evening; one standout performance was

from the new Head of School, Struan Robertson, and his tablemates with their inventive and entertaining song.

The Grove Society Alumni Dinner took place on February 29 at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. It was a great

event which saw 24 graduating classes represented, from the Class of 1949 all the way to the Class of 2011. It was a

fantastic night full of stories throughout the years, a presentation by Al Pace ’77 about his LCS canoe trips in the

north, shared memories and hopes for the future. It was a great way for the recent graduates to learn about The

Grove when it was all boys, and for the older alumni to hear more recent accounts of the school.

OPPOSITE Top Row (L-R): Winners of the 2012 Andy Harris Cup: Phil Soper ’82, Dave MacNicol ’81, Tony Harris ’82 (presenter) and Ron Pearson ’82; Enjoying the Andy Harris Cup Grove Golf Tournament, Tony ’63 and Vicki Pullen, Leslie Wilson and Shelley Davis. Middle Row: Mardi Gras celebration event volunteer committee members, Sandra Welch, Christy Lehman, Ruth Kaller, Julie Andras, Jackie Sarkis, Event Chair Jennifer Scates and Cara Westcott. Bottom Row (L-R): Enjoying the Alumni Dinner at the Royal York Hotel: Paige Mackey ’11, Jesse Anglesey ’11, and Brooke Dunford ’11; and Hugh Macdonnell ’85, James Hyslop ’85, Andrew Clarke ’85, and John Guest ’85.

New Location! Oakridge Golf Club, Port Perry

An Evening of revelry—mardi Gras Celebration

black tie Affair—Alumni Dinner


planning started in march for the tenth biennial 1968 Old boys’ reunion. the first was

in Lakefield followed by venues in classmates’ home cities in Halifax, vancouver,

London (UK) and Calgary. this year’s event was special, held at the Grove and joined

by the ’69 and ’70 guys—with guests coming from as far away as Chile and England.

It was fitting to include the Classes of 1969 and 1970 because of the shared fond

memories of life at the Grove: football, hockey, cricket, House plays, chemistry lab,

Latin class, and Harris, Armstrong, Griff, mcDougall, matthews, bJ, ticker townsend,

Gerry Staples, booty Smith, bill rashleigh, Hoggie Ketchum, ben Whitney, richard

Hayman and their wives. they were such good times!

the House play, written especially for this event, took the group back to the Grove in

the ’60s. the tributes to Andy Harris, bob Armstrong and John mcDougall were partic-

ularly poignant with Ann Harris, Jean Armstrong and maureen mcDougall there to

share them.

“thanks for the stories we had forgotten, and the ones we have retold countless

times,” said organizers Bill Morris ’70 and Bill Gastle ’68. “Some of you we had not

seen since we graduated. When you live together, you become family. And the ladies

in our lives were just as much a part of the revelry.”

1950sThe London (ON) Real Property Section

of the OBA recently awarded Kim

Little ’53 (Price & Ewer LLP) with an

OBA Award for Excellence in Real Estate.

1960sGord Hunter ’63 shared a recent Grove

encounter: “Gavin Rainie ’57 and I

recently met at an alumni event in

Sarasota, Florida. LCS didn’t have an

alumni event in Sarasota? That’s right. It

was a Dalhousie University event. I had

no idea he was a Dal grad and of course

he didn’t even know I existed. I knew his

name rang a bell but wasn’t sure from

where so I kept asking him questions.

Did he work in Ottawa? Was he involved

in politics? Then it clicked: ‘What high

school did you attend?’ He looked at me

as if I would have never heard of it.

‘Lakefield College School,’ he replied.

Then we were off to the races with some

quick reminiscences. It was a nice coinci-

dence.”

John Fraser ’64 published a new book,

The Secret of the Crown: Canada’s Affair

with Royalty.

1970s

John Lawrence ’71 celebrated the 100th

anniversary of Grace Church on the Hill,

Toronto, with LCS classmate Canon

Peter Walker ’71 and The Most Reverend

Andrew Hutchison ’50.

Bruce Parke ’74 has semi-retired. He and

his wife Gale relocated to Western

Canada. Their four children (Adam,

Carrie, Cindy and Heather) are married

and they are proud grandparents of one

grandson and three granddaughters (so

far). Life doesn’t get much better.

Class News

the tenth biennial 1968 Old boys’ reunion

Opposite (L-R): John Lawrence ’71, The Most Reverend Andrew Hutchison ’50, and Canon Peter Walker ’71.


Centennial 1979ers Bill Godson and

John Turner stayed at the Georgia home

of classmate Steve Morris and took in

the Masters Golf Tournament in April (all

three have cottages north of the school

on Stoney Lake). “A big thanks to our

super host for enabling a mighty tick off

the bucket list.”

1980sDenise and Warren Jones ’88 are thrilled

to announce the birth of their daughter,

Grace Juditta Jones, born on Saturday,

April 7, 2012 in Toronto.

1990sIan Carswell ’93 was inducted at the

Harvard Athletic Hall of Fame for Track

and Field in May. He was joined by a

number of LCS friends there to celebrate

with him: Anil Patel ’93, Mike Laidlaw

’93, Stephen Patterson ’93, Brendan

Pennylegion ’93, James Lamont ’93 and

Lindsay Carswell ’91.

ABOVE: LCS Alumni returned in April for the 1970s Old Boys’ Reunion at The Grove.

ABOVE: Six Grove boys from the Class of 1981 recently got together to celebrate 50 years young by going heliskiing in BC. (L-R) Youthful powder hounds, Keith Drummond ’81 (from Seattle), Phil Dyment ’81 (from Mississauga), Ross Little ’81 (Oakville), Stephen Hill ’81 (Rossland, BC), Ian Macdonell ’81 (Toronto), and Jeff Hanna ’81 (from Canmore, AB).

ABOVE (L-R): Anil Patel ’93, Mike Laidlaw ’93, Ian Carswell ’93, Stephen Patterson ’93, Brendan Pennylegion ’93, James Lamont ’93 and Lindsay Carswell ‘91 at the Harvard Athletic Hall of fame during Ian’s induction.

Grace Jones

Frank Chow ’87 visited The Grove in July with his wife Lily and children Ian and Claire.


Anil Patel ’93 married Megan Hazell in Port Hope, Ontario on

Saturday, July 7, 2012. Among their 200 guests, The Grove was

well represented with many alumni in attendance.

Fiona (Atherton) Thiessen ’94 and Leah (Belamy) Swales ’94

enjoyed a family visit to the LCS campus on May 29, 2012 which

included a tour of the campus and an impromptu picnic lunch

at the Boathouse during a thunderstorm!

Cameron Ainsworth-Vincze ’96 and Julia Porter are excited to

share that Ava has a new sister. Violet Verna Porter Vincze was

born on August 13, 2012 in Toronto.

Garret and Jessica (Fitchette) Hart ’97 along with big sister Isla

were thrilled to welcome Jameson Neill Hart into their family on

June 20, 2012.

Welcome back to Jon Holmes ’97 who has joined the

Admissions Office at Lakefield College School as the new

Assistant Director of Enrollment.

Nick and Amanda (Soder) Ethier ’98 are thrilled to introduce

their new baby boy, Samuel Jack Maurice, born March 28, 2012

in Ottawa.

Barry Chapman and Kara-Lynne BigCanoe ’99 are thrilled to

announce the arrival of their “little canoe”. Aspen Lily BigCanoe

Chapman was born on May 15, 2012.

Garret and Jessica (Fitchette) Hart ‘97 with Isla and baby Jameson

Baby Violet Ainsworth-Vincze

(L-R) Timothy Thiessen, Steve Thiessen, Joshua Thiessen, Mary Thiessen, Fiona (Atherton) Thiessen ’94 and Leah (Belamy) Swales ’94; with (front row) Anna Thiessen and Daniel Swales during a visit to LCS.

Anil Patel ’93 and Megan Hazell wedding. (L-R): Mike Laidlaw ’93, Brendan Pennylegion ’93, Ian Carswell ’93, Steve Fagan ’93, Rich Smit ’93, Anil (groom) and Megan (bride), Kelly (Dimitroff) Maiese ’93, Nicole (Bendaly) Groves ’93, Christine McKenzie ’93, James Lamont ’93, Steve Patterson ’93, Craig Willis ’93

Nick and Amanda (Soder) Ethier ’98 with baby Samuel


Kara-Lynne BigCanoe ’99 with Aspen Lily BigCanoe

Taylor (McRae) Cooper with baby William

William Douglas Cooper was born on December 21, 2011 to

Mark and Jenny (McRae) Cooper ’99. Grandparents, Val and

John McRae ’70, Uncles Duncan ’01, Cameron ’03 and aunt

Gill McRae ’06 are delighted with the addition to the family.

2000s

After graduating from Acadia University, Chantelle Court ’00

went to teacher’s college in Auckland, New Zealand. She is

married to a Kiwi (for almost five years!) and has a son (2) and

daughter (1). Both keep her insanely busy so she has not been

back to teaching since becoming a mom. In March, her family

relocated back to Toronto.

Tara Gilchrist ’00 graduated from the Nova Scotia College of

Art & Design in Halifax in 2005. After a few years living in

Toronto, she moved north to start up her own pottery studio

and gallery space. She is living and working out of a refur-

bished barn near her family cottage in Dorset, Ontario. When

Tara is not in the studio making pots, cappuccinos and

listening to reggae, she is “rocking-out” learning the ukulele,

travelling during winter (to places like Colorado, Vietnam and

Cambodia) and living with an open heart.

LCS Congratulates two “royal” volunteers!

please join us in congratulating two of our community

members, Gretchen ross and Carol Corner, who both were

awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee

medal this past spring.

In honour of dedicated volunteer service in their communities,

Gretchen (school trustee and wife of Donald Ross ’48) and

Carol (longtime LCS volunteer and mother of Mike ’03,

Alison ’07 and April Corner ’09) were both selected as

recipients of the Jubilee medal, created to mark the 60th

anniversary of Her majesty’s accession to the throne.

Specifically, the Canadian medal intends to “honour significant

contributions and achievements by Canadians.” both women

are well known in the LCS community and beyond for their

long-standing commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy.


2000sSerge Kalloghlian ’00 is now living in Toronto and working at

Siskinds LLP where he practises law and specializes in securi-

ties class action lawsuits. Serge was Canada’s youngest lawyer

to be court-appointed counsel in a class action suit and has

been involved in a number of high profile cases.

This fall, Laura Lawson ’00 will begin her final year of

medical school at McMaster University in Hamilton. Laura is

pursuing medicine as a second career after a decade in

theatre, film and dance in Toronto. Laura promises to attend

a Toronto area event in the near future to see everyone and

catch up!

Nadia and Justin Thompson ’00 are thrilled to announce the

birth of Jackson William Thompson on July 10, 2012. The

family is doing very well and over-the-top excited!

David Wright ’00 represented Canada at the London 2012

Olympics in the Laser sailing class. David, an eight-year

member of the Canadian Sailing Team in the Men’s Single

Handed Division, confirmed his position on the team with his

first World Cup podium performance and remained in a

strong position, finishing up his first Olympic Games in 23rd

position.

Shannon Barnett ’01 and Joe Meland were married May 12,

2012 in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The couple currently

lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Cameron Bishop ’01 has recently joined the

Toronto office of Alexa Translations in their

Business Development and Sales Division.

Referrals are welcome! Contact Cam at:

[email protected]

ABOVE (L): Olympic sailors Greg Douglas ’08 (fourth from left) and David Wright ’00 (second from right) at the Closing Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics Games. (R) Chris Horton ’08 and Lauren Schumacher ’08 in London to cheer on their friends Greg and David during the Olympics.

Nadia and Justin Thompson ’00 with baby Jackson

Shannon Barnett ’01 and Joe Meland Wedding


Lorcan Kilmartin ’02 and Caroline Rytka were

married on April 28, 2012 at the Grace Bay Club

in Turks & Caicos. The couple were joined by

LCS alumni Ailish Kilmartin ’00 (sister), Cam

Crawford ’02 (groomsman) and Tim

McLaughlin ’02.

Jason Allingham ’03 and Ashley Tyler were

married on July 7, 2012 in Bobcaygeon, Ontario.

Erica Allingham ’07 was Maid of Honour,

Ryan Allinghan ’08 the Best Man; Roy

McLaughlin ’03 was a groomsman and Dan

Mongeon ’03, the Master of Ceremonies.

Darren Bishop ’03 hosted a barbecue in Toronto

in July to bring awareness to OneMatch.com—

encouraging as many people as possible to

volunteer to be ‘typed’ for bone marrow to help

support fellow Canadians, like him, continuing

their battle with cancer and specifically

leukemia.

Jennifer Thompson ’03 married Michael

Robinson on June 16, 2012 in Penetanguishene,

Ontario. Jennifer’s brother, Justin Thompson ’00

was a groomsman and Jennifer Macko ’03 was a

bridesmaid.

Ned Loach ’04 is proud to announce the launch

of his immersive cinema company—360

Screenings—which gives its audience the

opportunity to experience film in an entirely

new and immersive way by combining elements

of live theatre with the screening of a popular

film from the past 30 years. The venue, which

could be a loft, a field, or any unique location, is

chosen based on the setting of the film being

screened and is completely furnished to reflect

the film’s environment, and features actors

portraying key characters. Step into the film.

www.360screenings.com

Alanna (Gravely) ’03 and Justin van Niekerk,

along with proud uncles Mark Gravely ’01 and

Tim Gravely ’97, are thrilled to announce the

birth of their first baby, Nathan William, on

August 4, 2012 in Halifax.

Kilmartin/Rytka wedding: Tim McLaughlin ’02, Caroline Rytka, Lorcan Kilmartin ’02, Cam Crawford ’02 and Ailish Kilmartin ’00

Jason Allingham ’03 and Ashley Tyler wedding

Jennifer Thompson ’03 and Michael Robinson wedding

Alanna (Gravely) ’03 and Justin van Niekerk with baby Nathan


The Grove had a surprise visit from Mojtaba

Pakzad ’07 and his father Khosrow who gifted the

school with the Iranian flag which now hangs with

pride amongst the many flags in the Dining Hall

representing our international alumni.

Alison Corner ’07 returned from Brazil in August

after working at a language school primarily

teaching English to children and business people.

Greg Douglas ’08 (see p.34) sailed in the Finn

sailing classification for Canada at the London

2012 Olympics. This was Greg’s second trip to the

Olympics after competing for Barbados in 2008.

He finished the competition in 15th place, and is

looking forward to Rio in 2016!

2010sCody Ceci ’11 was picked 15th overall by the

Ottawa Senators in the NHL Draft Pick in June.

Bruce Mackie ’11 won the coveted Junior Pro title

at the International Surf Festival held at Toco,

Trinidad in May. This event is one of the Western

Atlantic Surf Series Qualifiers for 2012.

StaffRory and Carrie (Murray) Gilfillan along with big

brother Pendleton welcomed two new family

additions, Finn Everet and Lucy Rain Gilfillan on

February 16, 2012.

Henry Reid Hamilton was born March 26, 2012 to

Shannon and Scott Hamilton. Ben, Claire and

Allie are really excited about the addition of their

new baby brother.

Congratulations to Tia Saley and Graham Vogt as

they welcomed their daughter Makena Ember Vogt

Saley on May 4, 2012.

Staff members Carrie (Murray) and Rory Gilfillan with babies Finn Everet and Lucy Rain and big brother Pendleton

Health Centre’s Shannon Hamilton and Family

Staff member Graham Vogt and Tia Saley and with baby Makena

Mojtaba Pakzad ’07, his father Khosrow and Richard Johnston at The Grove.


Florence (Flo) ryder on February 29, 2012 in toronto.

Daughter of Alexander mackenzie; mother of Tom

Ryder ’53, Alick Ryder ’55; Grandmother of John

Ryder ’77, Alick Watson ’81, and Ian Watson ’77; Great

Grandmother of Matthew Ryder ’08, Jordan ryder ’13

and Michael Pooley ’01.

George Charles Warren ’40 on march 16, 2011.

Jlee Lewis on March 18, 2012 in peterborough. mother of

Michael Zahradnik ’11 and Daniel Zahradnik ’14.

Dr. Michael Duncan Colterjohn ’75 on march 28, 2012

in Caledon East, ON.

John Dunlop ’59 on April 25, 2012 in Ottawa, ON.

John White on may 17, 2012 in toronto, ON. Father of

Chris White ’90 and Freeman Wallace ’92.

George Slipp on may 21, 2012 in Sarasota, Florida. Father

of Mark Slipp ’82; Grandfather of Laura Slipp ’08 and

Marshall Slipp ’10.

marjorie Godson in peterborough on June 1, 2012.

mother of William (Bill) Godson ’79.

Barry Duncan ’54 on June 6, 2012 in toronto, ON.

Bob Langmuir ’46 on June 29, 2012 in toronto, ON.

Father of Gavin Langmuir ’74; brother of Ken

Langmuir ’41 and William Langmuir ’43 (deceased);

Uncle of Peter Langmuir ’66.

Helen Loetta Nesbitt on June 30, 2011. mother of Jack

Nesbitt ’62.

Gwen morawetz on July 8, 2012 in bancroft, ON.

mother of Tim Morawetz ’77 and Tom Morawetz ’73;

Grandmother of Chris Bocking ’01, Graham Bocking ’03

and Laura Bocking ’06.

In Our memories


Florence Gill Mackenzie was the fourth of five children of

Helen and Alick (A.W.) Mackenzie (second Headmaster of

Lakefield Preparatory School as it was known then). The

school and Stony Lake, to the north of Lakefield, were

always very special places to Florence.

She was born in a bedroom on the second floor of the

Head’s House. According to the scales of the village

butcher, she weighed 12 pounds, which says more about

the village butcher than about Mother. Her early world

was the world of the school. Here, she first showed many

of the characteristics which her friends and family saw in

her the rest of her life—independence, courage and love

of sports.

Her sister, Winifred Lampman, told the story of one

summer afternoon when the family gathered for

obligatory tea on the lawn of the Head’s House. All were

assembled except Mother. Her father pointed to her lone

figure coming up from the lake. “There is independence,”

he said.

Certainly her lifelong love of hockey and other sports

came from her early days at the school. She and her older

sister Mary played for the Lakefield girls’ hockey team.

Mother had a vivid memory of her father shouting at her

to “get up, child, get up” after she had been knocked to the

ice.

She had many friends among the boys at the school. One

was Bruce Hunt, who returned to Lakefield to live on

Casement Lane. Mother liked to tell the story of giving

Bruce cereal in the Head’s kitchen one evening when

Bruce should have been in the study hall. They heard

her father’s footsteps in the hall, so Bruce hid behind the

cellar door. Her father, looking at the cellar door, said

“Goodnight, Bruce.” To Mother he said, “Florence, you

are a perfect nuisance.”

Her first experience of Stony Lake came as a two-year-old,

when her parents rented the cottage on Kiluna Island.

Her father conducted Anglican services on the cottage

porch before the church on Stony Lake was built. When

she was a teenager, her parents purchased a cottage

on the lake in an area now called Mackenzie Bay. But

Mother’s parents were rarely there. Helen preferred the

comforts of the Head’s House and Alick preferred to sail

his yawl, the Gay Gilpie, on the Trent system to Georgian

Bay. So Mother and her friends had the freedom of the

place and from stories handed down, there is more than a

hint of independence in her early cottage life.

After her marriage in 1930 to John Ryder (Sr.), her love for

the school and for Stony Lake was passed on to Dad and

the family. They purchased the cottage on Kiluna Island

in 1947. Dad became a member of the Lakefield College

School Board of Governors. My brother Tom ’53 and his

son John ’77 have both been chairs of the board. Tom’s

son Michael Pooley ’01, my sister Janet’s sons, Ian ’77 and

Alick Watson ’81, and John’s children Matthew ’08,

Jordan ’13 all attended the school and thrived there, and

Geoffrey Ryder begins Grade 10 this fall.

When Tom and I were boys, Mother came to most of our

games, but no game thrilled her more than when John

took her, when she was in her 80s, to see the school play

versus Havergal.

On her 100th birthday she had two special visitors: HRH

The Duke of York ’78 and Pinball Clemons, then head

coach of the Toronto Argonauts. She quickly silenced

someone’s attempt to make small talk with Pinball,

saying, “We are here to talk football.” A few nights later,

as she was listening to the Argos post-game show, she

was surprised to hear Pinball talking about her. He was

obviously impressed by her knowledge of the game.

Her last few years were difficult. She lost her sight, was

confined to her house and later to her bed. But she didn’t

once complain about what she couldn’t do. She focused

on what she could do, like listening to broadcasts of

Toronto Maple Leafs games.

Her funeral was in the school Chapel named for her

father, the place where she had been married and only a

few yards from where she was born. As Sarah McMahon

said at the funeral, “it was if she was coming home.”

ALICK rYDEr ’55

In memory of Florence Gill mackenzie ryder July 31, 1906—February 29, 2012


Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2012

Fifth row (back):

(L-r) Douglas Watson

Duncan Donnay

Dan buchardt

Zephyr Liu

mikel Ipiña

Gyuri marton

Erik Wimmelbacher

Johannes Waldeck

Sandy Wilson

Keegan Campbell

Jacob Slobodian

Jack Quail

Josias Waldeck

Zak Schwartz

ronan padmore

Hakan Frik

Chris Courtis

Alex procyk

matt Litwin-Davies

Fourth row: (L-r) Jessie blair

rachel Dunford

Sierra peddie

Samira Abed

Jade Gonsalves

Zoe Knowles

Grant roy

matt Stevens

Shane madill

Andy mui

rob thompson

mitchell Walsh

Colin Aldis

Kevin Li

Cody mcmahon

Dougie Henderson

Cammi Henderson

rhiannon Gilbart

Cecilia Yang

maddy Cooper

Dagmar Christianson

maddy Fortier

Nayna maini

third row: (L-r) Anissa Sridhar

madison Edwards

Lindsay Scott

Kristen meng

Nikki Gosselin

Grace Ni

Kylie Clark

tess mcCutcheon

maria Castello

teraleigh Stevenson

Carly Zubrickas

Kathleen Nower

Christina Chan

Celeste Hutton

Jackie mcKerroll

Emilie Fox

risako tamura

Fanbo Zhou

Sophia Walter

Nora Hickey

Julianne mcConkey

Sarah macKinnon

Second row:(L-r) Christina ravens

Ellis mingie

Ashley bourne

Anna porte

Chloe rees-Spear

Olivia Essen

Isabelle Weichsler

Kate Angus

Sarah Douglas

Natalie Jennings

Abby Allen

Joanna potts

Jessica burns

Cecilia Gregory

Colleen macKenzie

First row (Front):(L-r) phil bian

Samier Kamar

Noah rosen

ryan Lee

Chris Chan

Karan Chawla

vasif Ibragimov

James Gale

max Fondyga

Justin barlow

AbSENt:Kat Worsfold Kara Lawrie Chloe blatchford

In memory of Florence Gill mackenzie ryder July 31, 1906—February 29, 2012


Lakefield College School is committed to the environment. We use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper in all school publications. For more information on FSC, visit www.fsc.org

If addressee has moved, DO NOt forward. return with present address if known. mailed under Canada post publication Agreement #40025808

The Grove News is published twice a year by the Advancement Office. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please contact Tracey Blodgett at 705.652.3324 or [email protected], or visit our website at www.lcs.on.ca

Lakefield College School, 4391 County road 29, Lakefield, Ontario, Canada K0L 2H0

Documents

Summer 2012