How to Navigate the Blog

Tips for viewing the Blog:

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3. The Post for our Fiftieth Reunion is a Power Point presentation,
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Derek French

The "ANNUS MIRABILIS" Class of OAC 1958, now has a budding Author.

In a recent communication , received by Bill "Hum" Stevens, Derek French wrote.

"Hello Everyone:"

"I am happy to report that after much effort and with the assistance of a grandson, for the digital stuff, my book, entitled ,"Spirit" has finally been self-published by Amazon. As you can see below, it is part memoir and part historical comment. All with a light hearted touch" .

If you have ever wondered what makes Derek tick and why his family no longer owns him, you may find "Spirit" a good read.

If you would like to read it for yourself,you may obtain a copy from Amazon. Search under 'books' and enter 'Spirit by Derek French'. My book will not make me wealthy. But, it will make me happy, if you enjoy reading it. A good reader rating and comment on Amazon, would be appreciated.

Happy 2019 everyone!

New Book 2020

Reap the Wild Harvest 

This is a feel-good book. No need for a page marker with Reap The Wild Harvest. You can pick it up at any point and enjoy the memories from the author’s interesting life covering two continents, world travel and the transition from city living to country life. Derek recounts his experiences with, and love of, all manner of creatures in the natural world, all told with a warm heart and humour. This is the ideal bedside book, read to calm the mind and put a smile on your face as your busy day draws to a close. Ready again the next day to be picked up with yet another story there for you to eavesdrop into the author’s storied life.

News of Our West Coast Classmate Owen Townsend:

Keeping up to date with our Western Classmate:

Owen will be in Walldorf, Germany, a small town near Heidelberg, from Nov. 7, to Dec. 18, on an assignment for Hewlett Packard’s Enterprise Division, which has been asked by AGS, a women’s clothing firm, to manage their  Mail Order Processing System (MOPS) which operates similarly to Amazon.
He intends to be in Toronto, Dec. 19^th, to celebrate Christmas, with his two sons and their families, and then on Dec. 28^th off  to Vancouver to celebrate the New Year with family and friends. 


Owen, has for several years been competing in “Half Marathon” races.
This year, running in the Victoria Half Marathon, he completed the race in a time of 2:07,
Third, only slightly, behind the First place finisher, in his age group, at 1:58. Well done Owen!
                                    Age Group 75-79
Place  DIVOA   Name                   Time     
 1/8   M7579   Garth Ball        1:59:13 1:58:57
 2/8   M7579   Lue Kerr          2:04:56 2:02:23
 3/8   M7579   Owen Townsend     2:09:57 2:07:08
 4/8   M7579   David Kalles      2:23:01 2:19:09
 5/8   M7579   Don Brander       2:24:22 2:19:46
 6/8   M7579   Ted Roberts       2:52:47 2:48:45
 7/8   M7579   Evan Fagan        3:09:58 3:06:05
 8/8   M7579   Mike Morris       3:49:43 3:46:24
Record 1:41:44 by Maurice Tarrant in 2009

Owen also placed First in the BMO on May 5^th, completing the race in an identical time of 2:07.
He modestly says that the faster guys did not show up.

Owen’s Comments:

What a fabulous weekend it was in Victoria
- great fall weather, sunny & cool, great for the race
- wonderful race route, along the coast line
- starting & ending in the downtown core, near the hotel
- stayed at Harbour Towers, classy old hotel
- already planning to enter again next year.



   

To see more info on the race, and a map of the course, go to : http://runvictoriamarathon.com/aftertherace/results.php

Vancouver Half Marathon May 7, 2017

Alyssa, Christina & Owen

Limo Ride to Start Line

With Race Sponsor, John Stanton,
Founder of "The Running Room

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Owen and Christina,
who set the pace, at the Finish Line



Owen, Jim & Eleanor Sharing Jim's 80th Birthday OAC 56

Eleanor at Home

Meal Time

UPDATES

Derek French:

Hi Bill:
My best to you and our classmates.

Unfortunately I have had a stroke, and cannot drive. I now walk unsteadily with a cane.

Mind and voice OK.Bob Freure  will be surprised to hear this, as we had met in Florida, just a week 

before  the stroke. Bobbie and I will  probably  move from Collingwood into a retirement home in 

Toronto, to be nearer the family.

Good health to all of you.

Derek

Best wishes go out to Derek and family as they face new challenges.  WS