Alumni Notebook - April 2022

 

 

Arthur Chang ‘03 (Ripley's) recently rang the Nasdaq opening bell to celebrate his company's IPO. Sonder (NASDAQ: SOND) is revolutionizing hospitality through innovative, tech-powered service and inspiring, thoughtfully designed accommodations combined into one seamlessly managed experience. He joined Sonder in 2015 as Employee No. 8 and hasn't looked back since. He currently lives in Montreal with his wife and soon-to-be three kids.

 

In a School gathering in Chapel on May 3, 2022, a letter from alumna Hannah Darling ‘14 (Renfrew) was shared with the School along with a donated jersey worn by Hannah, an accomplished rugby player, at the Olympics. The jersey was accepted by current Iron Woman and rugby captain, Denise B. ‘22. The letter and the jersey will be hung together in the Derek Hyde-Lay Pavilion, where it will inspire future generations of Shawnigan athletes. In her letter Hannah states, “I hope this motivates young females to stay in sport and help them believe that it is possible for us. We can live our athletic dreams and make them come true.”

 

In April Shawnigan returned to both Vancouver & Langford Rugby Sevens! We were thrilled to welcome back alumni, parents, current students, and wider community members to our Shawnigan suites for two exciting weekends of rugby. In particular we appreciate those attendees in Vancouver who participated in our theme: “Canadian Actors in their Roles,” with Head of School Larry Lamont leading the effort as Christopher Plummer’s Captain Von Trapp. A special thank you to our sponsors and all those who came out to enjoy rugby and reconnect!

If you took photos at either event and want to share them with us, please email alumni@shawnigan.ca!

 

A few of our alumni from the class of ‘79 recently had a class reunion in the mountains! Patrick MacLachlan ‘79 (Lake’s) shared the following:

“Three of us recently spent 5 days ski touring in the Coast Mountains (Upper Callaghan Valley). In the pic, l to r: Gavin Fitch (Lonsdale’s), Pete Postuk (Ripley’s), and myself Patrick (Pat) MacLachlan (Lake’s). Pete is also father of Sam, Christopher, and Jerek (all Lonsdale’s’17).

Three years ago, after many(!) intervening years since graduation, we rekindled doing backcountry trips together starting with a fun (but unsuccessful!) attempt of Mt Elkhorn on Vancouver Island with Tim Fairbank (Copeman’s ‘81). It should be noted that Tim, unencumbered by us old guys, has subsequently summited that peak a couple of times.

And we all have Mark Hobson and Rick Reeve to thank for getting us started in this direction.”

 

Gaynor and Rhodri had the chance to connect with a number of alumni on their recent trip to Edmonton. While there they had the chance to connect with Jenna Hickman ‘11 (Groves’), Emma (Schmidt) Doolin ‘11 (Renfrew), Jordan Dew ‘02 (Ripley’s), as well as Geoff ‘05 and JD ‘03 Roth (Ripley’s).

 

Darrell Oswald ‘78 (Lonsdale’s) and spouse Robin visited Shawnigan in order to receive a gift from Head Larry Lamont on behalf of the School for many years of service to Shawnigan’s Board of Governors and Foundation. Thank you Darrell for your service to the School!

 

Marius and Andrea Felix, on a trip to Vancouver Island, came to visit Shawnigan and caught up with many staff as Marius was awarded with a lifetime achievement award at Brentwood College School. Marius was a former House Director of Lonsdale’s, rugby and rowing coach, as well as socials teacher; and Andrea had worked at the School as a counsellor. The couple are happily retired living in Ottawa close to his son Ben and daughter Tessa and their five grandchildren.

 

Another alumni meetup took place on a mountain this past winter, as a number of alumni gathered in Whistler, as pictured above both at the top and bottom of the mountain. Alumni in attendance were: Ed Steidl ‘91 (Copeman’s), Graeme McGee ‘91 (Lonsdale’s), Jason Wilkinson ‘91 (Groves’), Dan Zybutz ‘91 (Groves’), Steve Quinn ‘90 (Groves’), and Russ Quinn ‘64 (Groves’).

 

Congratulations to Calin Soutzo '01 (Groves') who recently welcomed her daughter, Ava, while also completing her MBA!

C.J. Schumann ‘12 (Lonsdale’s)
May 5, 1994 – December 29, 2021

John (Johnny) Brynelsen ‘12 (Duxbury)
December 23, 1993 – February 13, 2022
https://vancouversunandprovince.remembering.ca/obituary/john-brynelsen-1084630044

Alejandro Nieto San Roman ‘04 (Ripley’s)
May 17, 1986 – January 31, 2022

Peter Hebb ‘55 (Groves’)
April 5, 1938 – December 31, 2021
https://vancouversunandprovince.remembering.ca/obituary/peter-hebb-1084138647

John Billings ‘48 (Groves’)
February 12, 1930 – October 26, 2021
https://obituaries.seattletimes.com/obituary/john-billings-1083771262