Alumni News

Welcoming alumni on campus

John Pearkes ’49 (Lake’s) and Michael Birch ’49 (Lake’s)
The Shawnigan community was delighted to receive a welcome visit on Thursday from two of its most senior alumni currently living in B.C.

John Pearkes and Michael Birch (both Lake’s old boys from the Class of '49) were able to enjoy the hospitality of Director of Alumni Relations Rhodri Samuel and Advancement Associate Hilary Abbott for an enjoyable campus tour. Starting at the Main Building, the pair then revisited fond memories in the Museum with Museum Curator Rosemary Dolman. Lunch at Marion Hall and a meeting with Headmaster Larry Lamont was followed by a wider tour of campus, giving both Mr. Pearkes and Mr. Birch the opportunity to learn about how the 2018 student experience and environment differs from their own Shawnigan experiences 69 years ago.

Mr. Pearkes—the son of Major General George Pearkes, 20th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia— enjoyed an illustrious Shawnigan career, holding the positions of Captain of Cricket, School Prefect, Head of House in Lake’s and Head of School. Since his 1949 graduation, he has remained an integral part of the Shawnigan community. Over the years, Mr. Pearkes has graciously championed many alumni events in his hometown of Vancouver, supported the School philanthropically, and remained in close contact with several close Shawnigan friends, including the late Gordon Parke ’48 (Groves’), who had preceded him as Head of School.

Mr. Birch went on from his Shawnigan career to enjoy a rich and varied career as a sailor and early pioneer of the ocean-racing multihull, including a triumphant win in the first Route du Rhum, a transatlantic single-handed yacht race, in 1978. After years living in Quebec City, he is now back in B.C., close to his Vancouver roots on Gabriola Island.
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We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.