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Alere Flammam The newsletter of the Lisgar Alumni Association
Spring 2021
Lisgar Students Adapt to COVID-19
Zoë Wind (2021) hope that we’d resume in-person
classes (we didn’t), we made it to the
T
his isn’t the year anyone end of the school year and the relative
wanted. The pandemic has calm of a pandemic summer.
changed almost all aspects of By September, however, there was
our school experience: school clo- still no consensus as to whether we
sures, online classes, moving to “quad- should return to class, never mind
mesters,” and so many other changes how, and we went through several
have upended our lives, leaving many delayed start dates. Eventually, students
of us anxious and worn out. Clubs have were given two options: attending
moved online, sports have been can- school entirely online or partially in
celled, field trips are all but forgotten, person and partially online, according
and just about everything that makes to a formula requiring advanced math-
KEEPING THEIR DISTANCE: Lisgar students work on laptops in Mr. Wright’s Grade 12 Biology class.
school fun has been banned or dra- ematical skills to fully understand: four
matically altered. The unpredictability quadmesters of eight weeks each, cov- however, find that the four-hour class- date physical distancing. Even the
and strain has had a significant impact ering two courses, with students divid- es lend themselves to more complex sportiest of Lisgar students cannot play
on students’ mental health. Social iso- ed into two cohorts that attend school projects and provide the time to com- sports for four hours in a row, howev-
lation, anxiety about catching or trans- in person on alternating days for four plete more elaborate recipes. er, so teachers have set up solo activi-
mitting COVID-19, and the continued hours each day, but then alternating COVID-19 precautions have had a ties like running and workouts, inter-
uncertainty about if, when, and how we classes every week. Oh, and there are large impact on the music department, spersed with more lessons on health.
might return to online learning have no exams, only term work and tests. as many brass and wind instruments School sports teams, on the other
compounded the usual stress of stu- This system makes sense from a cannot be played with masks. Music hand, have been completely canceled
dent life. It has been a year of constant health perspective because it minimiz- classes have therefore stopped playing since practices of any kind have been
changes, but we are learning to adapt. es the number of contacts between in person, opting for practice sessions deemed too risky.
The changes began in mid-March students and teachers, making contact via video calls. Joshua Zelden, a Grade Even when classes have resumed in
2020, when lockdowns ground every- tracing much easier. From an educa- 12 music student, says: “The music person, extracurricular activities have
thing to a halt: classes were suspend- tional perspective, however, many stu- teachers at Lisgar, as usual, went above remained online. Some clubs, like the
ed, and three weeks later they resumed dents find the intense four-hour class- and beyond. Despite the pandemic, we environmental club LEAF, have adapt-
online. As teachers and students es exhausting, particularly in subjects still managed to do a lot.” Gym classes ed easily to this new format, conduct-
became more familiar with the tech- like math and science. Students in have also had to adapt, since most ing their meetings and projects online.
nology, we got into the rhythm of classes like visual art and cooking, sports must be modified to accommo- Some have even seen an increase in
learning from home: expectations attendance. As the co-head of LEAF,
were adjusted, video calls were sched- Emily Fry, notes, “people are looking
uled, and although we continued to for more connections than before.”
Clubs that rely on in-person activities,
Alere Flammam however, have had a much harder time
Inside adapting to the new reality.
Overall, this wasn’t the year any of
us expected, and it’s certainly not a
Members’ Forum 2 year anyone wanted. Still, Lisgar stu-
In Memoriam 2 dents are muddling through, making
Celebrating Peter Chance 4 the best of it and trying to keep each
Lost Ottawa Jazz Combo 5 other safe. This is a year that will go
Athletic Wall of Fame 5 down as one full of historical events,
Lisgar Archives 6 and I think I speak for all of us when I
MAIN DOORS: To minimize traffic in the building, different entrances are used for different rooms. say that we’d love to stop living those. ■
Members’ Forum
Members’ Forum but it was my escape. So, my greatest
success was getting a world-class edu-
In Memoriam
Along with his donation, Douglas are certainly pleasant, the new plasti- cation. Thank you to St. Georges, St. ADE, Robert Ade (1967)
Burns (1962) wrote: At 86, my mem- cized paper will give the newsletter a Ignatius, Lisgar Collegiate Institute, ARMSTRONG, Mary “Molly”
(Burnett, 1947)
ory is not as sharp as once, but read- higher environmental impact than University of Ottawa, and the London
BERNARD, Ada (Walsh, 1959)
ing the issues of Alere Flammam ever before. I really would like to see School of Economics. Do not let any- BURNS, Marilyn (King, 1947)
helps to bring back clear memories of an online-only option not only made one tell you that school is not worth it. CALLAGHAN, Naomi (1948)
my days and years at Lisgar, and of my available but increasingly encouraged. Never. Learning how to think is never CAZA, Caroline (1975)
fellow students. It is surprising how It should also save funds that could be obsolete. COLBERT, John (1945)
many memories of them jump to mind put to better use than killing trees and CRAIG, Mary Joan (Snider, 1948)
CULLEY, Elizabeth (Nugent, 1933)
when I read the names, and of the creating waste. Brad, we hear you Marilyn Gilby messaged us on
many activities we shared. and are now offering an online-only Facebook: If you are looking for con- DANELIAK, Nicholas (1953)
option. Alumni who wish to switch tent, check out Elizabeth Brown-Shaw DONALDSON, Dorothy (Dickie, 1950)
EADES, Ken (1958)
Gretel (Margaret) Nieboer (Bates, their subscription can let us know and family. Liz (my sister) was at
1957) e-mailed: I noticed that at lisgar.net/green. Lisgar for grade 13 in 1988-89. She ELLIS, Ellen (Atkinson, 1945)
Carolyn Roberts (1958) donated. She and her family just finished a sev-
ENGLISH, Frances (Clifford, 1951)
FINEMAN, Myra (Rill, 1943)
and I were good friends. She went to Elizabeth Catchpole (Cameron, en-year trip circumnavigating the FORHAN, Sheila (Lamke, 1947)
the US and I went to Alberta many 1950) e-mailed: The newsletter Pacific. Their blog can be found at FRIEDMAN, Alfred (1952)
years ago. We lost touch. Is there any arrived this morning and I had a sv-fluenta.blogspot.com. They are GOODERHAM, Graham (2008)
way the Alumni Association can put delightful time reading it this after- now just outside of Victoria so the GOSSELIN, Gaye (Ansell, 1983)
people in touch? We often reconnect noon. Keep up the good work, it is older two kids can finish high school. GRANT, Ian (1947)
Alumni via e-mail or snail mail. much appreciated. GROVES, Stephen (1968)
However, we don’t give out informa- Peter Krueger wrote to inform us of HARDY, Margaret (Lewis, 1956)
HILL, Gilbert (1947)
tion without the consent of all par- Ataa Azarbar (1999) wrote along the passing of his wife Dorothy
ties involved. with his donation: I bleed blue and (Lashley), writing: She was a life HISCOX, Hugh (1957)
grey. Should I see a doctor? member and greatly valued her ongo- JONES, Ron (1959)
Brad Meredith (1999) e-mailed: I ing connections with Lisgar. She would
JORGENSEN, Elizabeth (Betty)
(Read, 1950)
want to thank you all for the hard John Belanger (1972) is co-founder recall very fondly her ten years as a KRUEGER, Dorothy (Lashley, teacher
work you do making Alere Flammam and CEO of Cerebri AI. In an online teacher there (Art and English from 1949-59)
happen, keeping it relevant, and shar- interview he was asked about his 1949 to 1959). Some students she LAVIGNE, Gregory (1965)
ing it with us all. I'm very grateful for greatest success: Overcoming a diffi- taught at Lisgar more than 60 years LEGGETT, John (Joe) (1941, teacher
the regular reminders about the cult start. I was in foster care from the ago still kept in touch with her! The 1960-81)
school and the sense of community age of two weeks to 8½ years old, latest newsletter prompted me to LINDSAY, Dorothy (Whelan, 1940)
you keep alive. I do want to raise one when I was adopted. But I had one locate Dorothy’s copy of the 1958-59 MACARTHUR, Gloria (1966)
concern with you. As our awareness of advantage—no matter what, I wanted yearbook, which commented on her MACINTYRE, Mary (Lewis, 1959)
environmental issues and their impact to go to school. Everyone around me departure from the teaching staff and NEAL-CROTEAU, Darcy Elizabeth
on all of their lives continues to grow, complained how they disliked school, stated that when joining the staff she (Neal, 1977)
PAINTER, Jean (Durrell, 1957)
I'm surprised to see the newsletter
PETERSON, Joanne (Sansome, 1941)
seeming to move in the opposite PIETRZAK, Jasia (2003)
direction. While colour photographs PLET, Carl (1957)
POINTEN, Wayne (1959)
Editor REDFERN, Peter (1952)
Avi Caplan ROBB, Dawn (Steele, 1958)
Contributors
SHAVER, Patricia (Mansell, 1951)
Rod Hagglund SMITH, Murdo “Buddy” (1952)
Elizabeth Hale STEVENSON, Robert (teacher 1988-91)
Joy Heft STEWART, Rebecca “Bex” (1999)
Zoë Wind STOUCK, Mary-Ann (Quick, 1959)
VOLK, Spencer (1953)
Alere Flammam is the annual WELLS Christopher (1955)
newsletter of the Lisgar Alumni WATKIN, Bernice (teacher 1991-94)
Association.
WILLIAMSON, Dorothy (teacher
Lisgar Alumni Association 1969-81)
29 Lisgar St. WONG, Donald (1955)
Ottawa, ON K2P 0B9 BLEEDS BLUE AND GREY: Ataa Azarbar (1999) played the mute King Sextimus in Lisgar’s 1997 pro- Correction: We mistakenly reported
613-239-2696 ext. 2040 duction of Once Upon a Mattress. Today he is a psychiatrist, as well as a clinical instructor at UBC. last issue that David Gooderham
Also shown above are Jessica Thirlwall (1998), Dominik Ken (2000), Abby Clarke (1999), Andrew (2012) had passed away. We very
www.lisgar.net Price (1998), Jonathan Patterson (2001), Liliana Piazza (2001), and Emily Pearlman (2000). much regret this unfortunate error.
Alere Flammam • Spring 2021 • Page 2
Members’ Forum
had moved rapidly from being just dency at the University of Ottawa. we posted about Mr. Leggett’s pass-
“another new teacher” to becoming She earned her master’s of public ing. Drew Love (1970) wrote: Joe
“one of the most central figures of health at Harvard. Dr. Muggah cur- Leggett was an important part of my
school life, in both intra-mural and rently works at the Bruyère Family growing up as a teenager. His princi-
extra-curricular activities.” After leav- Health Team and was also Dean of ples and dedication will never be for-
ing Lisgar, she got married and moved Wellness for the University of Ottawa gotten. Simon Gale (1979) shared:
to Calgary, where she continued to be Faculty of Medicine. He was a great teacher. Tough when
very active in education. he needed to be. Bernie Alvarez
Peter Chance (1939) wrote: Many (1980) commented: Tough, lovable
Did you know that a Lisgarite is at thanks for sending me a copy of the man with a low booming voice. Had a
the heart of the global fight against newsletter, which I appreciate very way to push students to do things
COVID-19? Katherine (Kate) O’Brien much. From 1933 to 1939 I was a physically that they didn’t think they
(1980) is Director of the Department happy student in A forms 1A to 5A. In could do. Jeff Adshead (1981) wrote:
of Immunization, Vaccines, and the hungry, underpaid years of the He inspired me to push myself to run
Biologicals at the World Health Depression, the dedication of the staff a marathon. Trained me hard in long
VACCINE EXPERT: Katherine O’Brien (1980).
Organization (WHO). Previously she was “nonpareil.” distance and gymnastics. Ken
was the Executive Director of the Jeanes was such a fine student and Cierpicki (1973) shared: Good
International Vaccine Access Centre contributor to Lisgar’s special bond. Saleema Nawaz (1988) has just teacher, better leader. He knew when
and Professor of International Lovely to read and watch his work on published her hotly anticipated fol- to push and when to listen. He was
Health and Epidemiology at the its history! Joe Leggett was a big part of low-up to her first novel, Bone and one of those rare true character guys.
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of those times. I attended from 1960 to Bread. Her latest is entitled Songs for Sad to see him go.
Public Health. 1965 and was on the volleyball, bas- the End of the World.
ketball, and track and field teams, as Congratulations to four members of
Robert (Bob) Hill (1953) wrote: I well as a cheerleader. The teams sup- Jeremy Waiser (1994) e-mailed: the staff who have retired since our
enjoy receiving the newsletter and the ported each other and frequently Thanks for the piece about Joe Leggett last issue, following many years of
effort put into each issue to keep up to interacted. He had the respect of all. in the most recent Alere Flammam. service to the school: Eric Buschlen
date on our alma mater. Thanks to all. We also had much success in those My dad, Dr. David Waiser (1963), told (teacher 2005-20), Donna Ceci-
years. Special memories! of his fond memories of Mr. Leggett as Ward (2003-21), Sue Olthof (teacher
Marjorie Tinklin (Byers, 1956) a great force for student activity and 2013-20), and Alison Perry (teacher
wrote: Sure enjoy Alere Flammam Joan Culley emailed to let us know dynamism. Many Lisgar alumni also 2005-20). We welcome you to the
and reading about the new grads! her mother Elizabeth Culley (Nugent, shared memories on Facebook when Alumni Association! ■
1933) had passed away: Mum was
Congratulations to Nina Acharya 104 at the time of her death, surely
(2015), who was selected as a 2020 one of the oldest living Lisgar gradu-
Rhodes Scholar. Following her stud- ates at the time. She thought highly of
ies at Oxford she plans to return to Lisgar and there was a reference to the
Canada to finish medical school, school in her obituary.
which she had already begun at
McMaster. Nina wrote the cover story Joan Doubt (Klaas, 1961) wrote a
of our Fall 2014 issue, about Lisgar’s note along with her donation: I real-
20th United Way Pancake Breakfast, ly enjoy the newsletter!
which she organized.
Cameron Hughes (1990) has pub-
Brian Burke (1974) e-mailed: I very lished his first book, King of Cheer.
much enjoyed the video tour of Lisgar The former Students’ Council
by David Jeanes. He made an excellent co-president’s autobiography details
observation when he noted that an how he became the Super Fan crowd
opportunity was missed during the motivator attending international
1977 renovations when an elevator sporting events including the US
installation was not included that Open, Olympic Games, and National
would have made Lisgar accessible to Hockey League and Grey Cup games.
the disabled.
Congratulations to Elizabeth (Liz)
Krystyna James (Jaworska, 1965) Muggah (1989) on being named
wrote, along with her membership President of the Ontario College of
dues: The last Alere Flammam Physicians. She completed her medi- SCHOOL TROPHIES: Clare Brebner (2006), a student in the Applied Museum Studies program at
brought back many memories. David cal degree at McMaster and her resi- Algonquin College, is cleaning and polishing Lisgar’s trophy collection together with her classmates.
Page 3
Features
Celebrating Commander Peter Chance
P eter Chance (1939) was hon-
oured at a virtual celebration of
his 100th birthday on November 24,
many school chums but declares he
never experienced any unfriendly rela-
tionships. He also has praise for the
source of a heartbeat,” to Carson’s
Drugstore for a chocolate soda. The
event went perfectly and was the begin-
2020, hosted by the Naval Association “remarkable staff of teachers highly ning of a long-term affection. As a
of Canada. Peter had a distinguished respected in their profession.” Other memento of this “earth-moving experi-
naval career, retiring as Commander in recollections include the death of a ence,” Peter took as a souvenir a long
1970. Readers may recall he became a student, Janet McCready, who was hit silver spoon inscribed with the compa-
member of Lisgar’s Athletic Wall of by ice falling from the roof; the boys’ ny name and proudly showed “the tro-
Fame during the 175th anniversary envy of Ivan Sparks’s Ford car—the phy” to his appalled father at dinner.
reunion, having been a two-time only one at the school; and swimming He was instructed to return the stolen
Canadian Junior Figure Skating sessions at Hog’s Back, which included goods the next morning before school
Champion—in 1937 in the Junior diving into the falls, or at the other with a promise from his father that he
Men’s Singles category and in 1939 in swimming hole on the Rideau River, would phone the manager to deter-
the Junior Pairs. the sand pits. mine that this had occurred. The man-
Peter described life at Lisgar in a Peter did become involved in ager was very kind, Peter was chas-
memoir he shared with the Alumni cadets, however, and one of the high- tened, and the matter forged a memory
Association in 1999, sixty years after lights of his time at Lisgar was parad- of great respect for his father. In fact, KARSH MODEL: Peter Chance poses for a studio
graduation. His initial impression ing to King Edward Avenue filled with his father’s engaging Yousuf Karsh to portrait taken the year before he entered Lisgar.
Credit: Yousuf Karsh, LAC, Accession 1987-054.
upon arrival was of swarming masses pride and joy to greet their majesties, take stills of sets for his production of
of students—there were 600 girls and the King and Queen, riding in their Romeo and Juliet at The Ottawa Little official residence of the Prime
500 boys. He was assigned to a class of shiny, black Buick during their visit to Theatre was the beginning of Karsh’s Minister, but then owned by lumber
about twenty and was elected Class Canada in the spring of 1939. The internationally recognized photo- baron C.P. Edwards—and even Rideau
President, an honour he recalls having cadets, somewhat irregular in appear- graphic career. Peter became one of Hall. It was the age of the dance cards
no actual responsibilities. ance, were issued khaki tunics and his models, and Karsh would practise that attendees would attempt to fill,
The Lisgar day began with an completed their outfits as best they action shots photographing him on the and around Christmas one could
assembly including God Save the King, could—Peter’s consisting of his outdoor Model School rink or in his attend as many as 16 events in a
The Lord’s Prayer, The Maple Leaf father’s britches from WWI, his Sam Sparks Street Studio. 20-day period—an exhausting experi-
Forever, and possibly The Red, Red Browne Belt and puttees, and his cap Another custom indicative of the ence. Other favourite activities includ-
Robin or the Lisgar Song, followed by (which required wadding to keep it time was the practice of “eligible boys” ed the concerts held in the local
announcements. Lockers, the gym, and from falling below his ears), as well as being invited to formal dances orga- Auditorium, where the crowd would
the Principal’s office were in the base- his sword. nized by well-to-do business families stand on the ice rink floor and feel the
ment and the Physics and Chemisty One humourous anecdote reflec- of teenaged girls. Peter recalls a ratio beat of the “big bands,” such as those
labs were on the third floor—perhaps, tive of the times occurred when he was of eight girls to one boy. These were of Benny Goodman and Tommy
he says, for possible explosive precau- earning about twenty-five cents a week formal affairs held in locations such as Dorsey.
tions and, as was appreciated, for and he plucked up the courage to the Chateau Laurier, the Royal Ottawa And what is Peter Chance up to
odours. The “attic” housed the rifle invite Barbara Ross, “always the Golf Club, 24 Sussex Drive—now the today? It seems he has not lost his zest
range. The lunch “hour” was a civi- for life. In a recent phone call from his
lized hour and fifteen or twenty min- retirement home in Sidney, British
utes, and allowed many students to Columbia, he divulged the fact that he
return home for lunch. In Peter’s case, gave up his driver’s license last year. At
he left his bike at his friend Ted Code’s the time, he was driving a saucy apple
and rode the ten blocks home—no red Jaguar. He now drives a scooter
bike racks back then. According to the fitted with a plexiglass shield and a
weather, skis and roller skates were canopy. He recalls having thoroughly
also transportation options—no skat- enjoyed life at the school and remem-
ing along the canal either, it appears. bers his teachers with great admira-
Lisgar excelled in gymnastics and tion. He is currently surrounded by
baseball at the time, but seldom won a friends and states that life can be a lot
game in football. There was also a ski of fun if you make it so.
club. Peter did not participate in any of Notification of Peter’s birthday
these, as his time was devoted to figure event was thanks to David Letson
skating, which his father allowed if he (1944), who is Peter’s next door
maintained a second class honours neighbour in the retirement home
standing. As a result, he did not have NEXT DOOR: David Letson (1944) and Peter Chance (1939) live at the same retirement home. where they reside. Thank you, David. ■
Alere Flammam • Spring 2021 • Page 4
Features
Lost Ottawa Jazz Combo Athletic Wall of Fame
Call for Nominations
W hen the popular Facebook
group “Lost Ottawa” published
a 1956 photo of the Lisgar Jazz Combo
which may have been the most valu-
able thing I learned at Lisgar.” Another
commenter shared the grad writeup of
earlier this year, comments from alum- his mother, Annemarie Harris (1947),
ni came in fast! Elsa Marshall (2011) noting that the quality of teaching at
found and shared a copy from the Lisgar was such that people like her
Ottawa Citizen of December 8 of that played not only in the school orchestra
year, with the students named. “Those but also in the Ottawa Philharmonic.
echoes of rock ‘n’ roll in Lisgar’s halls David Jeanes (1965) also joined
originate with a new jazz group there the discussion, commenting on the
which practices like mad after school,” setting of the photo and sharing that he
read the caption. “The Lisgar music believes Lisgar’s music room at that
teachers and ensembles were very time was two floors above the
important to my high school experi- library—the only space with the col-
ence,” Elsa wrote with her find, “and it umns seen in the picture. “The col-
is great learning about its history.” umns are still there in the science
Referring to bass player Joan labs,” he noted. “This space had previ-
Pennells—unusual to see a woman ously been the girls’ gymnasium,” he
2018 INDUCTION: Rod Hagglund (1965) welcomes guests at the 175th Anniversary Reunion.
playing a bass without a bow at that wrote, “before the new gym was built
time, noted one commenter—Chris
Holford (1972) observed that she cer-
tainly had her classmates’ undivided
across the street in 1951. The music
room later moved to the gym building,
replacing the woodwork shop.” David
T he Lisgar Athletic Wall of Fame
was established at the 160th
Anniversary Reunion to recognize
please submit no later than December
31, 2021. Further details about the
induction ceremony will be shared in
attention. “Knowing Joan’s gift, she also noted that the Ottawa Journal of Lisgarites who have made valued our next newsletter. ■
probably had said something funny” July 30, 1957, indicates that Miss Joan achievements in the world of sport and
wrote Jo Anne Carlisle (MacCallum,
1960). Chris Holford also shared that
Pennells married Hugh Betts of
Detroit. “She was the daughter of
athletics, and to inspire current and
future Lisgarites to pursue their own
Life Members
music had always had a strong pres- Charles Pennells, R.C.A.F.,” he adds goals in life. To date, there have been We are delighted to report that 25
ence during his time at Lisgar: “They “and was married at All Saints Church three inductions, the most recent at alumni have become Life Members
had two music teachers, one for band on Laurier Avenue.” the 175th Anniversary Reunion, total- since the last issue of Alere Flammam:
and one for orchestra. I remember Mr. Do you know where any of these ling 31 amateur and professional ath- Jeffrey Cavill (1991)
Roebuck was the band teacher. I young musicians are today? We’d love letes, coaches, and builders from a William Creelman (teacher 2000-20)
learned I wasn’t really cut out for the to hear from any of the alumni appear- wide range of sports. Biographies of John Dudiak (1973)
clarinet, but did learn to read music, ing in this photo. ■ all inductees can be found on our Joya Evans (2020)
website, and plaques are proudly dis- Michel Francois (teacher, 1967-95)
played in the Gym Building. Elizabeth Heatherington (Raymont, 1964)
Your Alumni Executive has agreed Jackie Holzman (Feldman, 1951)
that a further induction to the Wall of John Horwitz (1975)
Fame should take place soon. As pre- Hannah Javanpour (2019)
viously, we are seeking the help of John (Ivan) Jaworsky (1971)
alumni to identify potential candidates. Daniel Kelly (1983)
It could be a friend, a former teacher, Patrick Kelly (1960)
a great-grandparent, or even yourself! Dorothy Laidlaw (Danard, 1967)
Any biographical details, clippings, or Lewis MacDonald (1965)
other documentation that you may Nancy Marley-Clarke (Griffith, 1965)
have would be welcome, but if you can Joanna Pay (2000)
only supply the name our selection David Price (1966)
committee will do its best to complete Vinessa Redford (2003)
the research. Nominations can be Matthew Rinfret (1995)
made by e-mail to alumni@lisgar.net, Gerry St-Aubin (teacher 1989-2017)
or by regular mail. Please don’t hesi- Tim Stowell (1972)
tate to bring a name forward—we Alexa Sulzenko (2001)
would far rather have too many nomi- Girinandini Upadhyay (2019)
JAZZ COMBO: Andy Green (1957), Ron Chapman (1957), John Black, Andy MacDonald (1959), nees than have a name overlooked. Andrej Vukovic (2014)
Paul Goulet (1956), Jim Robinson (1960), Kenny Daughtry (1958), and Joan Pennells (1957). For this round of nominations, Joshua Zahl (2004)
Page 5
Features
From the Lisgar Archives: Notes from “Down Below” 2020 Donors
Joy Heft Ataa Azarbar (1999)
Paul Bennett (1973)
D
espite the fact that our alum- Sandra Black (McCrudden, 1954)
ni office has been inaccessi- William Blackburn (1959)
ble for the better part of a Mary-Lou Boyle (2009)
year, there has been a fair amount of Henry & Susan (Smith) Brown (1969)
interesting archival activity. Just prior Brian Burke (1974)
to the pandemic we had a visit from a Douglas Burns (1951)
student from Glebe Collegiate wishing Laleah Carscallen (1970)
to explore our archives and learn Janus Cihlar (1999)
about the Alumni Association. As Glebe Heather Coleman (1986)
will celebrate its 100th anniversary in Robert Fedosejevs (1969)
2022, he was interested in learning Sally Hamilton (1960)
about both with a view to introducing SERVED IN BOTH WARS: Brigadier General Percy Arthur Stanley Todd (1915), second from left, Maury Hill (1970)
inspects captured German artillery at Meppen, Germany, May 31, 1945. Photo: LAC PA 159551. John Horwitz (1975)
them to Glebe. Matthew requested and
was given a tour of the school and in A further request for research was answer in history or biology. Has the Patricia Hurd (Kekanovich, 1970)
return offered to give me a tour of made by Dr. Daniel Meister of Queen’s smallest waist of any girl we’ve seen.” Neil Johnstone (1956)
Glebe. It was a most charming encoun- University, who wanted to know the It appears Lila did not go unnoticed John Lamont (1974)
ter as Matthew showed me every nook year of Lisgar’s First Annual Concert. despite her short time at the school. Jacques Lapointe (1967)
and cranny with a great deal of pride. This was determined to be 1913, as the Among the items donated to the Norm Leckie (1968)
John (Joe) Leggett (1941, teacher
Another visit just before the start of oldest program in our collection is archives in the last year are 1964 and
1960-81)
the pandemic was from Dr. Ian McKay, dated March 14 and 15, 1919, and 1965 copies of the Vox Lycei (received
Malcolm Lindsay (1960)
Wilson Chair of Canadian History at indicates it was the Seventh Annual from Deborah Davis), and the Annual
Alex Newcombe (1973)
McMaster University, who was seeking Concert. A varied program, it included Announcements for the years 1918-19
John Newcombe (1981)
information regarding Lieutenant a selection by the Orchestra, Indian and 1919-20. The latter publications
Helen Parson (1963)
Charles Jeffrey (1914), who was killed Clubs and Peasant Dances by the were donated by the son of Winston W. David Price (1966)
in action at Passchendaele in 1917. Senior and Junior Commercial Girls Orr and are fascinating in terms of Steve Sansom (1989)
The Wilson Institute of Canadian respectively, parallel bars by the O.C.I. content: teachers’ names, qualifica- Evelyn Schofield (Wheeler, 1968)
History has acquired Charles’s diaries Gym Team, and a Glee Club Operetta tions, and addresses; detailed courses Alison Schwartz (Hooper, 1974)
from his childhood and his letters entitled “Pearl, the Fishermaid.” Dr. of study for each year as well as pre- Bob & Sally Short (Hardy, 1958)
home from the war. Dr. McKay is writ- Meister is writing a book about scribed textbooks; subjects taught, Gerry St-Aubin (teacher 1989-2017)
ing a book to tell his story in a read- Canadian multiculturalism and his par- school fees, club executives, informa- Tim Stowell (1972)
able way, wishing to create “a three ticular interest was the 1947 concert, tion about medals and scholarships— Steve Tenai (1984)
dimensional character who embodied which he had learned featured a dance what they represented and who had
all the stresses and strains of his time entitled Canadian Mosaic. won them the previous year; and memorials in the building to those
and the war-time experience of his Dr. Elizabeth Corner, daughter of names of students planning to attend ex-pupils who took part in the war of
generation.” Besides conducting Lila Joan Savage (1947), was in touch specific institutions of higher educa- 1914-1918.” The note invites readers
research at the school, he wished to inquiring about the records that might tion. As a sober reminder that many to point out mistakes or omissions in
walk the “shining corridors that so verify her elderly mother’s story that generations have faced considerable the lists following—the Honour Roll
entranced young Charles.” though she had the highest marks in adversity, there is a final note stating naming those who lost their lives in the
Mathematics when she graduated the “the Board of the Ottawa Collegiate war, and the Service Roll with names of
prize was given to a male student Institute proposes to place suitable those who did military service.
instead of to her. It is difficult to verify Interestingly, we continue to update
this story with the current limited the memorials even today. Former
access to the records, however a scan teachers Mike and Diane Purdy discov-
of Lila’s student card revealing relative- ered upon visiting Lisgar in the sum-
ly high marks in the subject lends cre- mer of 2019 that the name of Percy
dence to the story. The card reveals Arthur Stanley Todd (1915) was miss-
also that Lila spent only Grade 13 at ing from the WWII plaque. While his
Lisgar, having completed the earlier name appears on the WWI service
years of high school in Navan. The memorial, he also served in WWII as a
caption accompanying her photo in Brigadier General commanding the
the 1947 Vox Lycei reads: “‘Quiet Canadian artillery on D-Day. A new
waters run deep.’ One of Lisgar’s natu- name plate will be added when the sit-
KILLED IN ACTION: Charles Jeffrey (1914). ral blondes. Always had the right TOP MATH MARKS: Lila Joan Savage (1947). uation allows. ■
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