The Gold Club

Founder’s Day 2019 welcomes the newest Gold Club Members – October 26, 2019

The very humble but distinguished Class of 1969 alumni (25 in number) made their way back to Shawnigan October 25 – 27 to celebrate their golden fifty-year reunion. In addition to sending off another group of graduates (known as SLOBs in those days), 1969 marked the year man landed on the moon, Sesame Street premiered on Public TV, David Suzuki was teaching genetics at UBC, the Woodstock rock festival attracted 350, 000 hippies to a musical concert like no other, Justin Trudeau’s father Pierre was into his second year as Prime Minister and Richard Nixon became the 37th President of the United States of America. It was an era of much upheaval, protests and radicalism in the world.

Rhodri Samuel, the School’s Senior Master and Director of Alumni Affairs, welcomed members of the Class of 1969 back to celebrate the occasion and acted as MC (and humorist) for the Gold Club Luncheon. Guests present were introduced to Headmaster Richard (Larry) Lamont, who was able to thank those present for making the trip back to the School, inviting guests to take part in activities planned for the afternoon and evening and generally marvel at the transformation that has happened at Shawnigan over the last half-century. The Headmaster called upon Sam A. and Milena J. – School Prefects and members of the Class of 2020 – to speak to the Class of 1969. The students were able to share with the guests what school days are like in 2019, assuring alumni that conditions are perhaps somewhat improved since they graduated.

Rhodri thanked the Headmaster and Prefects for their kind, thoughtful words and called upon Steve Housser from the Class of 1967 and Bob Murdoch from the Class of 1960 to assist the Headmaster in presenting the guests with their Gold Club Pin, Tie and Certificate.

On behalf of the Class of 1969, Peter Gordon offered an insightful, and at times humorous, response to the welcoming messages received from the Headmaster and Prefects. He took us back to an era which included a multitude of hilarious, if not rude, nicknames of various masters of the time. There was also a somber moment as Peter read off the names of 13 of their classmates who had passed away in the years since graduation. He reminded those gathered that while many changes have taken place in our society this past half century, the solid principles represented by Shawnigan very much remain in place. His address finished with an amusing mock awarding of School Colours to Steve Housser ’67 and Steven Lane ’67 for the greatest school deke ever – the (in)famous Chapel deke – forever remembered. 

It was a great way to end the lunch and set the stage for the rest of the fifty-year reunion on a beautiful fall Founder’s Day weekend.