Alumni Connection January 2025

January 2025

John Waymann, Robert Wrigley, David Waymann, Mary Wrigley and Anne Waymann posing under a smiling Mona Lisa. When John learned of Robert's visit to Mary in St.Catharines in mid-October, he suggested we arrange a reunion. John lives in Toronto, Anne in St. Lambert (in the original Waymann family home on Logan Street), David in Michigan, and Robert in Winnipeg. During the 2005 CCHS reunion, we had an opportunity to get together at Anne's home, and she kindly arranged an emotional tour of the old Wrigley home next door. Almost 70 years have passed since our childhood and teenage years together. One could not have had any closer relationship as neighbours, sharing wonderful times playing, baby-sitting younger members, as well as comforting each other during tragic losses of parents. We agreed to not let so many years pass before reuniting again.

St. Lambert Memorable Teachers

My schools were Victoria Park for grades 1-4 (1938-42), and St.Lambert High for 5-11 (42-49). My best-remembered teachers are those who took an interest in me as a person, not only as a student. I was terribly shy and the best teachers were those who spent time and creative effort to pull me into gradual social integration.

It started with Miss Pollock (later Mrs. Telfer) for grades 1 and 2. She was a kind lady and singled me out for encouragement through simple tasks that went beyond the usual curriculum. I could draw and that was one of the characteristics she drew upon. I think it was the only thing for which I received accolades.

Elsie McIver taught grades 3 and 4. She took up where Mrs. Telfer left off. I remember being invited to use her coveted coloured chalk to create a frieze along the top of the blackboards featuring modes of transport – cars, trucks, aeroplanes, trains and ships. Then she made me editor of the monthly class newspaper. This involved selecting articles from class submissions, layout and printing. The latter came way before photocopiers. The method was an ancient “jelly board”. Hand-written (and drawn) stencils, their purple ink transferred to the jelly board and thence to blank paper in a quantity sufficient for each classmate to take home. The last copies were rather pale.

Grade six featured Miss Elliot (later in the year, Mrs. Darley). It helped that she was pretty cute, but she was a naturally encouraging person. I have figured out that most good teachers are up there with professional psychologists. They love their students and spend time strategizing how to get the best out of them. Miss Elliot was certainly one of those.

That year, her brother Ken came in to teach English. He was something of a performer, and brought literature and creative writing to life. That's another quality of good teachers – most of them like being on stage with a captive audience, and their skill in the basics of entertainment keeps the students alert and absorbent. One time one of the girls produced a beautiful short poem. He said “If any of you have some of this in you, let it out!” Then he went off to war.

Jessie Cockerline taught me in grade 8. One might say that she was of the old school, but an excellent teacher nonetheless. I did very well that year, thanks to her.

I should also mention Phyllis Powell, my gym teacher through all 11 years of schooling. In those days, gym was separate as to boys and girls, and the same for all sports. She was a “benevolent dictator”. I remember her singling me out to demonstrate complicated gymnastic routines. This helped to blunt the taunts of the bullies who regarded me as a wimp. She was the first person I encountered wearing hearing aids. They were marginally effective, and when she exerted herself she audibly grunted; a sound I guess she didn't hear.

Miss Montgomery

I just finished reading and thoroughly enjoyed Rod Brown's story about Miss Montgomery. She was my math teacher in Grade 11. Altho I felt I hadn't learned anything, obviously my marks were good enough to get into MacDonald College campus of McGill to do my BSc in Home Economics. And then reality struck... I had to complete my first year math... And truthfully - altho I went to classes, had no idea what the professor was talking about but I did learn something. There are more than Seven Wonders of the World. I passed Math, and that ranks right up there as the Eighth Wonder.

Did Miss Montgomery help me to get that passing grade at university? I doubt it!

Mrs. Joyce Home

Over the past few months, I’ve written about several teachers who, in one way or another, impacted my life enough that after 60 years, I still remember them. However, I just looked over my past submissions and I realized that pain appears to be more memorable than pleasure. Surely there was something about my years at CCHS that wasn’t … no, rephrase this thought in the affirmative, something that was pleasant. The first thing that pops into my mind are, of course, friends (Jim & Allen, Janice & Sarah) - the second could be sports (high school hockey) but what about teachers …. and then Mrs. Joyce Home flashed through my prefrontal cortex. She was cool, inspirational and, wait for it, she taught English.

Bear in mind that I was an English teacher for 45 years and continued to push literature even after course names from English to Communications and Margaret Laurence gave way to graphic novels and grammar was optional (too inhibiting some experts claimed).

Somewhere along the line, someone is responsible for my fascination with great (and not so great) writers. My mother loved reading and her passion became mine. As I think back, what would I have done if Mum was a mechanic or chef or carpenter but nope, books were her thing.

Those of us from a particular age or generation remember Scholastic Books as every month we could select books ($4 was a very expensive one) from topic lists and poof, a few weeks later they would arrive on your desk in a tidy pile. I can’t remember my Mother ever saying, “Too many. Too expensive.” This attitude about book buying has defined my purchases over the decades; even though I love my Kindle, there’s something about a ‘real’ book that excites the senses. So clearly, Mum’s to blame … or did others enable this addiction which confused my Father, “What kind of a job can you get with English?” Enter Mrs. Home.

To a gawky teenager, Mrs. Home was elegant and sophisticated who at some point turned left instead of right and became an English teacher … for which I’m grateful. The Home family, Bill, Joyce and Jim were friends with our family – Bill played golf with Dad and their son Jimmy was my age. There were many father-son golf challenges over the years and, as I remember, the conversations never involved books. Mrs. Home talked books in school and I like to think that she recognized a fellow bibliophile (ok, a potential bibliophile) and the mysteries of science or math although worthy were not, for me, a patch on Hemingway or Steinbeck or Edward Stratemyer of Hardy Boys fame. Books were entries into alternate universes in which I was heroic or villainess depending on my mood that day.

I don’t remember specific titles but perhaps, maybe, The Old Man and the Sea or a Steinbeck or a Twain appeared on my desk. I wonder if Leacock or Laurence made an appearance? I don’t remember titles and, to be quite honest, it doesn’t really matter. I do remember her particular approach. “Characters act. Why?” It was a simple question which defined a particular stream of literary criticism which became my personal focus for 60 years and counting.

I remember quite clearly the day Mrs. Home suggested North American literature as my option in my final year and I thought, “Wow. A credit for reading books – it’s like stealing!” I think Mrs. Home nudged (pushed) me in a direction that eventually changed my life, both personal and professional, and gave me riches beyond employment. My children and grandchildren love books – thanks again Mrs. Home.

In my CCHS years, friends suffered my ‘love of reading affliction’ as a passing phase somewhat akin to an acne episode which, in time, would pass. Well, it didn’t and, upon careful examination, it became a full blown addiction. My mother and Mrs. Home set me on a life-path and, as I look back, I couldn’t be more grateful.

Jimmy Grant was student at CCHS too!

Hi Harvey,

Would you be interested in an obituary of a student, a classmate of mine who attended St. Lambert Elementary, then later CCHS from grades one to nine. I was in his class from grades five to nine as I was at Victoria Park School for grades one to four. He was also a gifted athlete playing quarterback for our Southshore Combines in the 1950’s.

He later completed grades 10-11 at Loyola. Attended McGill from 1954. Played football at McGill, was also an avid golfer.

His name was Jimmy Grant who had a very interesting career as a lawyer, being named to the Order of Canada in 2003. You can read of his association with Golf Canada where he was President in 2003. He served on many boards of major companies.

His obituary appeared in the Montreal Gazette and the Globe and Mail around the 28th of November. There was also a writeup on the Golf Canada website.

As he was CEO of Stikeman Elliott, their site might have some info on his very successful career.

I like to think his early education in St. Lambert prepared him for continuing his education and business career.

I believe we have a picture somewhere in our alumnae site of him participating in a track and field event with his coach Ian Hume.

I always look forward to the monthly CCHS Alumnae newsletter. Thank you for all your hard work.

Merry Christmas and the best of health and happiness in 2025.

Lilian responds to Warren’s challenge

Hi Harvey and Warren, 

Here are my guesses about the lovely ladies in the photos. 

Top - Brenda Lang Reid, Dorothy Day, Marguerite des Trois Maisons Ensio
Bottom - Janis Johnston, Sandra Anderson?, Betty Janssens? 

Lilian

Warren Thwing

It is with sadness that we announce that Warren passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024 a month before his 73rd birthday. Warren was born December 28, 1951 and was the last Thwing of 13 generations of Benjamin Thwing of Boston, Massachusetts. Though he spent the majority of his life living in his beloved St Lambert, Qc, Warren spent his final years in Kingston, On.
Warren is predeceased by his parents, Edgar and Lorraine, and his sister, Lynn.
His memory will always be cherished and he will be missed by loved ones near and far. In keeping with Warren's wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held. Internment will be at the Mount Royal Cemetery in Montreal in the Marcuse family burial grave.

Graham Palmer Cobb

Always one to be slightly ahead of schedule for tee-off time, avid golfer Graham Palmer Cobb, 79, passed away on Friday December 13th. He was greatly loved and is survived by his wife Kathy, children Dylan (Myriam), Kacey, and Sarah, grandchildren Xavier, Isaac, and Skylar, and will be missed by many other family members and friends. Golf rivals, however, now stand a chance at winning local competitions!

Born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1945 and raised as a Habs fan in St. Lambert QC., Graham’s love for sports was lifelong- whether cheering for his favourite teams, or demonstrating a devastating backhand with any racket he ever held.

His competitive spirit extended beyond the sports field. From working the pipelines in Northern B.C., to the bustling trade floors of London, New York, Montreal, and Toronto, Graham’s career was as diverse and dynamic as the man himself. Eventually, he traded in his Cadillac for a pickup truck and settled down in Prince Edward County starting a live bait business and living life on the farm crafting benches, befriending wild chipmunks, and tapping maple trees.

Graham had a natural way with people and was always keen to help others. He believed in second chances and went out of his way to support friends and acquaintances as they worked through life’s challenges. Whether it was helping someone navigate legal troubles, offering a ride to those that needed it, or simply encouraging them to keep going, Graham’s generosity of spirit left a lasting impact on those around him.

Though he is no longer with us, Graham’s kindness, humour, and spirit will live on in the hearts of those lucky to know him.

Per Graham’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (pecmhf.ca), or a charity of your choice.

James Andrew Grant

THE HONOURABLE JAMES ANDREWS GRANT, PC, CM, KC Jimmy (Jim, Grumpa), predeceased by parents, Kenny and Jean Grant. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy; daughters, Katherine (Michael Harding), Jennifer (Mark Coombs), and Christy (Gregor Andrew); and grandchildren, Elizabeth, Zach, Madeline, Robbie, Riley and Sarah. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy (William Daly).

Jim attended Loyola High School and McGill University, where he studied law and met many of his lifelong friends. He was called to the Bar in Quebec in 1962, and served as a partner and eventually Chairman of Stikeman Elliott LLP. He strongly supported his community with contributions to education, politics, sports, health and the arts, which left an indelible mark.
He was an exceptional athlete in a variety of sports which he enjoyed with family and friends. He will be remembered for his intelligence, loyalty, and humour. He showed up, aimed high, tried hard, was loyal and made others better. A celebration of life will be held in 2025.

Political Comment

A group of surgeons were in the golf club locker room, and they began discussing which occupation made the best surgical patients.

The first one said librarians. All the organs are in alphabetical order.

The second one said he liked electricians. All the organs and body systems are color coded.

The third said he liked engineers. They don’t care if you have parts left over as long as everything still works.

The fourth said, “I used to work in Washington DC. I can guarantee you the best surgical patients are members of Congress.”

“How so?” asked the others.

“They have no heart, no brains, no spine, no guts, and their head and their ass are interchangeable.”

A Real Senior Moment

Three  ladies were relaxing on a park bench outside their retirement home when a gray-haired gentleman strolled past.

One of the women called out, "Hey, we bet we can guess exactly how old you are!"

Chuckling, the man replied, "There's no way you can figure that out!"

With a twinkle in her eye, one of the ladies said, "Oh, we can! Just drop your trousers and boxers, and we'll tell you your age on the spot."

A bit flustered but curious, the old man obliged, thinking he could prove them wrong.

The three ladies then asked him to spin around a few times and jump up and down.

Determined to see them fail, he complied.

In perfect harmony, they all shouted, "You're 87!"

Startled and standing there in disbelief, the old man asked, "How on earth did you know?!"

Grinning and clapping, the ladies giggled, "We were at your birthday party yesterday!"