Feb 1964- 60th Reunion in Sept 2024

Our class, February 1964, celebrated our 60th anniversary from the VGH School of Nursing
at the end of September 2024. Eleven of us met for lunch at the Shaughnessy Restaurant at
Van Dusen Gardens.
We held our first reunion in 1974 and have held reunions every 5 years. Previous reunions
always took up an entire weekend of visiting, reminiscing and laughter. This year our reunion
was impacted greatly by travel, health issues, other commitments and the loss of many of our
classmates. Attendance from out-of-town classmates was extremely limited with only 5 of us
attending.
As every class said “our class was special”. The special status was usually indicated by some
noteworthy prank that was pulled off and not by our intelligence as students of nursing. Our
most famous prank was sending one of our petite classmates in a laundry bag from the 8th
floor to the main lobby on a busy Saturday evening. Even Ms. Du Gas heard of this one!
Also, our class broke from tradition of tying our black shoes and stockings to the Cambie
Street bridge when we graduated to white and we contacted the popular DJ at the time, Red
Robinson of CKWX to announce to all listeners in Vancouver that we were now Seniors!
Our time was short at the luncheon and we were so busy talking we forgot to take a group
photo so included is a collage of those attending.
Thank you to the VGH School of Nursing Alumnae for the funds to celebrate our 60th reunion.
Those attending the luncheon voted to return the money to the Alumnae and put it towards an
Education bursary from our class.
Marilyn McPhalen Gardiner
February 1964

Share the Post:

Related Posts

Arriving at The Galiano Inn, the classmates enjoyed three days of memory sharing and lots of laughter. Dinner at The Hummingbird Pub was followed by the RCMP costumed escort and members in capes, caps, and scissors as Edythe arrived with The Torch. The self-appointed Health Clinic Nurses were presented with a Clinic Kit to ensure a safe night for all.

Gathering for breakfast the next day, the members completed quizzes, sang a revised Adjustment Song, opened Goody Bags, and heard Joan’s evaluation review complete with prizes. The Health Clinic was opened and several remedies were demonstrated before Ocean Potion was served to all.

Following Free Time to explore or relax, the group gathered near The Gazebo to hear and view Memories that some had never heard before.

Prior to dinner, a tribute to Charlotte Wynne was read and Moon River was sung. The Memorial Book was available for viewing. Following dinner, a new Alphabet for Seniors was presented and then The Squirelles Decades Tour channeling ABBA was revealed! The costumes and act were the highlight of the evening. Door prizes and special gifts were distributed.