The Qualicum Beach Secondary School class of 1964 were together again after 60 years.
The group of 22 grads, plus significant others, met at the Shady Rest pub on June 5 for an informal reunion, organized by Bruce Percevault and Ed Mitchell.
“I think everybody had a great time," Percevault said. We’ve got to do this more often. We’re trying to get a class historian set up so that we have a complete list of contact information and, truthfully but sadly, who’s no longer with us.”
Classmates made the trip from around B.C. and Alberta for a trip down memory lane. The timing was excellent since the Shady Rest is celebrating its centennial this year. Percevault, who now lives on the Mainland, brought a cherished beer mug that celebrated the Shady's 60th year back in 1964. The grads enjoyed a nice meal and a few beverages.
Several display boards, made by Sandra McKinlay, were set up with photos and information about the grads and their aspirations as teenagers.
“It was a great nostalgia trip for me, personally, with family and friends and relatives still on the Island," he added. "Everybody seemed to say that they really appreciated and really enjoyed it. So we’re going to try and do it again.”
The whole endeavour was started when Percevault ’s wife suggested he and a friend go on a golf trip to the Island while she was on a trip to Newfoundland.
He added the event was made possible because of how well the 50-year reunion was planned, and said he was thankful for the booklet created at that time with contact information that allowed him to track down his classmates all these years later.
QBSS no longer stands but the memories are still alive and well. Percevault said he hopes to organize another gathering of grads in the next few years.