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Susan Bober (Sobolewski) (1975)

Hi Andy,

Just read your message you posted -  it is so nice to get caught up on the whereabouts of such dear people that I shared music with so long ago.   I was touched by the fact that you were able to connect with Ozzie before he passed.    I wish I could have thanked him once more for all that he taught me ( about music and life).   The best teach I ever had.........Nice to hear that you and Mary are married.   I can't quite put a face to Mary ,  I will have to get the old yearbook out,  dust off the cover and have a look!!     Sue Sobolewski

Doug Brown (1973)

I had not visited here for a while, but did after seeing Ted Traynor's post about Cindy's passing. I was saddened to see we also lost Darwin Ethier, just after Christmas and Rick Green last September. Too young for all of them, my condolences to their families. I was glad to have seen both at the 40th reunion and look forward to seeing everyone at the 50th.....Doug Brown

Bruce Rutter (1974)

Too many have passed on over the last few years. I was sad not to have made it to the last 40 anniversary reunion, but circumstances did not co-operate. It is good to feel the bit of reconnection on this forum at least. 

As to Ozzie; I kept up with him through most of the 80s and then lost touch after that. I had been in touch with Doug Bousfield (AV guy) the last while and was surprised to find he had suddenly passed away as he gave me no indication of any health issues. 

I hope everyone is well and happy!

Renzo Dalla Via (1975)

Diane Geddes (1972)

It's interesting how suddenly after several quiet years this site has become active again, and I for one am glad it has.  Sadly it has taken a number of recent deaths to keep us in touch again.   Is there a rash amongst us?  Are we collectively starting to fall apart in our 60th decade, or is it just that we're keeping in touch about our losses.

I am deeply saddened by the losses our generation has sustained.  We are still so very young.  It makes me even more determined to attend the 50th, as I did the 40th and 25th.

Life's a lottery, glad to still be in the game, for now........Best to all who read, even tho don't remember me.  See you at the 50th.

Ron Willmot (1974)

Hi Everyone,

It's really nice to hear names & about people that I haven't talked to in the past forty years. With Bruce announcing the passing of Lynda Ballick (Aldridge) it seems to have brought us out of the woodwork....collectively!

Sue...your words on Ozzie Brezden really touched something in me. More than anyone else, he had the greatest influence on myself becoming a professional musician.  I too wish I had one more chance to thank him for the gifts he gave us. If anyone is interested, interviews with Oz have been posted on YouTube.  Just key in "Ostap Brezden" and you'll find him.  There is also a recording of Ozzie & his wife Anna singing with the choir & Orchestra "Homin" as well. If you watch the video, pictures from the album cover which show the orchestra are there. Although I recognize many of the faces, I seem to only remember Bruce & myself.

To John Watt: You were wondering if anyone remembered you....yup!. Even though we didn't hang out together I think most of us within your school aquaintance perimeter thought of you as a pretty cool guy!

To Ted Traynor. So sorry to read of the loss of your sister, Cindy. I remember as a really nice person who dedicated herself to putting out the yearbooks that many of us now enjoy years later.

I don't know if any of you knew my brother Ted. He went to Glenforest from went it first opened in 1969 for grades 12 &13. He passed away in 2007 from cancer.

About me. I live now in Ajax, Ontario with my life partner, Iris, whom I've also been making music with for almost the past 30 years. Between us we have 5 adult children, 3 from my first marriage to Heather Brown (Willmot). Besides gigging I run a busy teaching studio in Pickering!

I sent a few pictures to Bruce in rembrance to Lynda Ballick. I'll post them here as well.

Bruce Rutter (1974)

Ron: thanks for posting the video and pointing out the links. I had no idea they existed! While I was in university studying music Ozzie lent me his Amati violin and Lamy bow to use for a couple of years until I got the wherewithal together to get something good of my own. He was that sort of guy. As for Ron Ozzie was the influence that pushed me into a career as a professional musician, a choice I've never regeretted. I might have made more money and had a bit more security doing something else, but I can't imagine having had nearly as much fun!

In the 'Homin' orchestra there were quite a few GFSS people. In addition to the two of us Lynda and Carol Parliament played cello, I think Marg and Sue played as well. I'll have to pull the LP off the shelf and see who else is in the pic as I know there were others. Maybe if I'm feeling ambitious I'll do a scan and post it. Quite a few of the other players were friends of mine from Etobicoke Youth Orchestra (Mississauga didn't have one back then) and from the various show orchestras I was playing in at the time.

Susan Bober (Sobolewski) (1975)

Ron,  I am so moved by your postings and sharing of the link to Ozzie.     Thank you so very much .  I will enjoy viewing these immensely.    I have some regret that I did not pursue my music.........but hope that I will reconnect with this part of myself throughout my retirement years.      We are all so very fortunate to be able to share on this forum ........I hope to see attend the 50th anniversary as well.     Ron , Bruce , how wonderful that you both are professional musicians.   Sue

Margaret Vann (Matheson) (1975)

Hello Everyone

Thank you for all the posts, brings back memories.

Ted, I am just seeing the information regarding Cindy's passing.  I am so sorry to hear she is gone and sorry for your loss.  She was such a vibrant person, always smiling and I am sure will be missed.

Bruce, loved the group picture of the orchestra.  Here are the names I remember:

Back row:  ? / Jim ? ? Gary Walker / Marg Vann (myself) / ? / Steve Como / Sue Sobolewski

Middle row:  Brian Bishenden / ? / ? / Marcia Foster / ? / Cherrie Bethune

Front row:  Lynda Ballick, Bruce Rutter  and don't remember the rest but some faces sure look familiar

Anyway really should be working so take care everyone.  Hope to see you an the next reunion.

Marg (Vann) Matheson

Ron Willmot (1974)

Hi Bruce,

I felt really lucky when keying in Oz's name,that the interviews came up. I was hoping someone would post music from the recording we had done, so it was a double bonus.

I didn't know he had lent his violin & bow to you! What a wonderful thing to do!  I pretty much lost touch after our St. Catharines adventures ended. After a year at Humber studying music, I decided I preferred studying privately and worked with several different teachers. Back in 77 I got hired to play keyboards for a band and did that for the next four years after which I played solo keys in clubs all over Ontario. Lonely existence.....   I ended up taking a job in a music store selling pianos after my first son was born in 84 and then buying a house.  Many people asked me if I would teach them piano when I was trying to sell so I decided to give teaching a try. I even modelled my teaching style after Oz's. He had a great sense of humour that always shone through, but an absolute passion for music.

Come to think I do remember Lynda, Sue & Marg.  One thing I always think about St. Catherines is the cabbage rolls, coffee & donuts...such a treat!

Paul Barber (1974)

Ron sorry to hear about your brother but glad to read your alive and doing fine!

Take care.

Andrew Adamczak (1974)

Just a couple of added names to the orchestra picture.  Hope to see many of the faces at the 50th

Back row:  ? / Jim ? ? Gary Walker / Marg Vann (myself) / ? / Steve Como / Sue Sobolewski

Middle row:  Brian Bishenden / ? / ? / Marcia Foster /  Andy Adamczak / Cherrie Bethune

Front row:  Lynda Ballick, Bruce Rutter ?/ Pam Benson and don't remember the rest but some faces sure look familiar.

If anybody can fill in more of the mistery faces?? please do so.

Bruce Rutter (1974)

Let's see who else I can recall from that pic:

Back row: I think Mark Chorney? Jim Wicks beside him perhaps. I think we have the rest ok

Middle row: Was the chap playing bass named Kevin?

Front row: After Lynda and I is Cathy Franklin, then Pam Benson, Sadly drawing a blank on the next two (though I remember them well, just names were never my strong suit) and then Carol Parliament on the far right.

We had a lightning strike at the house here a couple of years ago, a fire on the third floor and water damage. In the process I lost all of my yearbooks, but I found I can get new copies and have them ordered. Yay!

I still have my copy of the Homin recording we made and I think I might have made a digital dub already. I'll have a peek and see. Somewhere I have a some pics I shot at the recording session as well. Once things get out of boxes here again (soon, please!) I'll have a look for them. Somewhere at my Dad's house there are cassettes my father made of music programs at GFSS over the years. My sister inherited the house and I've asked her to look for the tapes so I can dub them. but haven't had any co-operation so far. When I do get them I'd be happy to make copies of whatever I get available to anyone who is interested.

Should anyone feel the urge to get in touch on Facebook I'm on fairly often aqnd would be happy to see you!

Dorothy Williamson (Wade) (1975)

Ron - There's a name from the past!  Right from my Grade 8 grade where your band played to going with Brent Smerdon and others to see you (and Ted if I recall correctly) play at a hotel bar in Etobicoke after graduation.  And all the good times in between. 

Maureen Scott (Rose) (1973)

It's sad to see so many aren't with us any more. All the more reason to go to the next reunion. I went to the 20th but missed the 40th.. I regret. Does anyone know where Ellen Vienneau is? I found her after 20 years and then lost touch again years ago.

I noticed Steve Comeau in a band pic going way back to maybe 1970 or 71.  He's doing well.  We keep in touch now and then when our busy lives let us.  

Edward Rector (1974)

Ok I am going to ask! Were is Pam Benson now, her an Linda were best friends in high school and she hasn't weighed in yet!!! As you can see from the photos they joined most activities together including the Gymnastics team. 

Wendy Cox (1972)

Hope to see you there, Diane!

Ron Willmot (1974)

Hello all,

It's so nice to read the messages of everyone. I think the posting of a few pictures really helped inspire us to reach out to each other..  So...here are a few more....  But first a few messages!

Paul...thanks so much for your condolences in regards to Ted.  it's very much appreciated.

Sue...It's so nice to hear from you! Thanks for reaching out. Hope you're having fun with your flowershop.  When my son Brandon and his wife Rachel were first married, they were located not too far from your shop on Brant St.

Hi Dorothy...Wow! what a memory! When I think of you I seem to recall a person with an incredible smile, and warm personality...hope you're doing well.  I forgot about that gig of Ted's.  Was it at a place called Adam's Rib? Before Ted & I worked together in our own band, he played bass in 3 different groups. I can recall going out several times to see him perform and that's the only place I can think of in Etobicoke.

I think each of us had our own circle of friends while growing up in Cooksville/Mississauga. Each of the three schools I attended were still under construction when I first started in them. In Grade 6 at Forest Glen I met Jim Wicks and he is still one of my dearest friends today.  At Glenhaven, my 3 other inseperable buds came into the picture. They were Brent Smerdon, Kevin Hooper, Ashley Clarke & later Paul Jefferson.  From the music side of things came people like Lou Bartolomucci, Steve Warden & Dean Scovell. Each year was different. One summer was spent jamming and hanging out with Sue Cioci & John Livingston who was a great drummer. Another fun year for myself & the boys was spent with Shirley H. Sue S. & Kathy Franklin.  I eventually met and later married Heather Brown.  We have 3...4 (now) wonderful children. Heather and I eventually divrced but we remain great friends.

I really haven't kept in touch with people but here's a bit of a scoop on the people I do know

Jim Wicks.   Jim & his wife Marie live in Florida. He works as an independent Fillm Colourist. Jim spent many years in the news industry, starting in radio, then as a reporter for CTV new, was the CBC weekend news anchor and then read news at different TV networks across North America.

Brent Smerdon. Brent entered Metro Police force soon after school. After putting in his 25 years of service Brent retired and now runs a Christian Montessori school with his wife Joan in Newmarket.

Paul Jefferson. Paul lives in Saskatchewan

Ashley Clarke. For many years now Ash has worked as a high end product specialist for Yamaha. He's the Global trouble shooter for engineers using Yamaha Consoles at massive events where the machines are used.

Cheers Everyone!

Ron

Doug Brown (1973)

Ed Rector, would love to get in touch with Pat's brother Geoff. Is he still living on Vancouver Island? Would appreciate if you could forward me his contact information. Thanks. Doug

Ted Traynor (1975)

Thanks to everyone I have let my brother in law know of all your kind remarks.By the way does any one  know or heard from Sue Law she  was a member of the school band.Thanks Tedd Traynor

Bruce Rutter (1974)

Good to hear from everyone. I've been out of the loop down at the end of the world here in Windsor/Detroit for thirty years now and contact has been tenuous at best. Glad to hear still more bits of news.

I'm not sure what became of Pam Benson. I kept in touch with her until some point on in our 20s when the thread unravelled. Looking forward to actually knowing about and getting to the next reunion, but it does seem a long time from now. Maybe some of us early-days folk could manage something less formal between now and then? I would be game.....

Paul Barber (1974)

To everyone that was at Glenforest in the early years Pam Murphy Wiggins has started a Facebook page GFSS Golden Alumni if you are on Facebook ask to join we have had 2 or 3 get togethers already.

Kevin Pereira (1974)

First of all my condolences to the families of those who have passed.

I currently live in Kingston Ontario with my wife Stephanie and 3 kids (17,17 and 22).

Reading these posts have brought back many memories from my first day in grade 9 which was 2 days after I landed in this country and Andrew Adamzcak was assigned the task of being my orientation guide, (thanks Andy) to the 40th anniversary after party at Sal Battaglia's house where Rick Greene being Rick Greene scared my then 13 year old daughter by asking her out on a date.

Over the years I have kept in touch with Ed and Pat but not since they decided to retire to neverland or Iron Gate.

I was never part of the music scene other than the time I had my arm twisted to join the choir.  The only reason I passed grade 9 music was because I promised the teacher that I would never take music again. Ironically, all 3 of my kids play/played in the school band. (flute, percussion and saxaphone). That must come from my wife's side of the family.

Looking forward to seeing you at the 50th and possibly sooner.

Kevin

Steve Comeau (1975)

Hi you guys.

Not normal for me to post onto anything like this, but I was laying on the couch on the weekend watching Hot in Cleveland, my wife Chris was over on the computer fixing something for me on my email account. She got it fixed and said to me that there were a few unopened Glenforest posts. I asked her to read them to me,...'cause I was busy. Then I got the first message about Lynda. Like many of us, I hadn't seen her since high school, but it is always very hard to hear. As reflected so well by Bruce Rutter's post, Lynda was such a happy and energetic person. Reading through the lines on the posts from the Funeral Home site, she had endured quite a battle with her illness. Through high school, I was one of Lynda's fans because she played guitar! She and I ended up teaching children's gymnastics for the Parks and Rec. I would pick her up and we had a few different schools to teach at. One night she asked if I wasn't in a hurry to get home, she would like to stay and work on her Tennis swings...suggesting I could join her to make a pair. Couldn't be THAT hard I thought and we began. Only a few minutes in, watching me go into frantic gyrations she asked if I could just sit and wait, while she used the WALL to practice against instead of me...on the way home, in Lynda's most dignified way, she asked how I could teach gymnastics and yet had never touched a Tennis racket. Lynda would be now be pleased to know that I have not touched a Tennis racket since. Further, teaching gynastics?...I have enough trouble just getting off of the couch. 

I married Chris (Lovering), a "year-of-75" Applewood grad in 1979. So Chris has been acquainted with many Glenforest characters. From pre-high school years she remembers Cindy Traynor. Therefore we both knew of Cindy and Tedd. Two great folks. Chris recalls seeing Cindy through high school years driving her small red Toyota...and barely able to see Cindy above the steering wheel. Tedd, Mesothelioma Cancer is what took my Dad too, I am sure Cindy's battle was long and hard for all of you. 

Ron, when you referred to your brother Ted Wilmot dying in 2008, I felt I should call my sister Marlene...you may remember the Comeau twins...I asked if she remembered Ted and told her of that sad news. Of course she remembered Ted clearly. She remembers he and Charlene would hang once in a while. Marlene says he was a gifted artist in many ways and recalls him acting in a school play and nailing his part so well. I also enjoyed Ted as he would help me on the guitar when I was in grade 8. Even though he wasn't a guitar player as such he used his flute or bass guitar to offer me instruction on open-tunings. I should have paid more attention, but I'll never forget his talent.

Ron, if you have been teaching music, I know that you have inspired and have become a mentor to many, many students. Your keyboard playing was inpiring even back in 1974! I am sure everyone remembers hearing you "practice" in the side-room after school every day on that old upright. Again, I should have paid more attention.

If I may, an Ozzie memory; he eventually left us for Port Credit High School. The following year, Bruce Rutter one day mentioned that he had to go see Ozzie and was offering a ride to whomever wanted to come along. Myself, Chris Charney and Mark Chorney decided to go. I was especially interested because Jim Wicks had moved to that school as well and the word was out that Jim had just purchased a new Rickenbacker Bass, and I had never seen one in real-life. We also wanted to leave an impression to the Port Credit Students that Mr. Brezden had friends at OTHER schools too. We made quite an impression...how cool was it to pull up in Bruce's Pontiac station wagon?...with...wood...siding (!) Yes we left quite an impression. Jim showed us his white Rickenbacker 4001, but none of us were to touch it. That was ok, I'll never forget that gleaming piece. I always thought of Jim as a neat guy...now I KNEW he was! I purchased the Hofner bass that Jim is holding in the above picture.

I see some people falling asleep at the back so I know what to do...signing off and wishing you ALL well !

Bruce Rutter (1974)

Wow, Steve.... definitely no one falling asleep here, behind the wheel or otherwise. It really is interesting to see everyone recollections intertwining, seeing moments and people from different vantage points than our own. In my life in general I often hear people complaining about how horrid their high school years were, but whatever ups and downs we had back then at GFSS I think most of us enjoyed those years. I know the school has grown and changed over time, but back then it was more like "the little school that could". What was the initial uptake? 400? 600? I remember when we first moved to the school when it was built there were about three lockers for every student....

BTW the old Pontiac wagon wasn't a woody. My Dad would never have spent extra for fake vinyl.  I don't remember whether we had the green '70 or banana yellow '72 that day going down to Port Credit. I'm surprised I wasn't driving the '66 Mustang GT by then as I bought it in the summer after gr. 13.