Class of 81

James Dodd

Destination: Plumber
Probable Destination: Tidy Bowl Man
Favourite Expression: To each his own
Weakness: Fast cars, tall blondes, VW’s
Pet Peeve: Cold Monday mornings
Activities: Football, parties, building VWs, hockey

James Dodd

November 13, 1963 – July 6, 2021

It is with profound sadness we share the passing of James Dodd. Jim will be missed very dearly by his children, Genevieve & Owen, partner and best friend Diane McGregor, her children, Sam (Evan) & Sean (Julia), and grandkids, Rye & Murph. Lovingly remembered and missed by his many friends and family, including parents, George & Carmella, brother, Dean (Tracy), nephews, Parker & Mitchell, as well as the McLeod family.

Jim was a dedicated and loving father, avid hiker, skier and mountain biker, woodworking artist, supportive friend, and proud ‘Gramps’. He was a hard worker who was recently recognized for his 32 years of safe driving with UPS. A strong, caring, creative, adventurous man with so much love for his family, friends, a good beer and the outdoors, taken much too soon.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre.

Published in The Montreal Gazette on July 8, 2021


Evelyn Myiow
Evelyn Myiow

“When you know you’ve done something wrong, don’t say anything.”

Destination: Getting to Chateauguay
Favourite Expression: I don’t know
Pet Peeve: Slow walkers
Activities: Jazz ballet, partying, boy watching


Evelyn Myiow
Evelyn died at home in Kahnawake surrounded by her family in the wee hours of March 31, 2020. She will be greatly missed by her husband Rickey Deer, her daughter Cheryl Myiow and her son Colin Tukaluk.

Evelyn was an amazing mother who did everything she could for her family, always making sure that everyone was all right. Evelyn had a heart of gold, she always had a smile on her face and was willing to talk to everyone who she crossed paths with.

“Always in our hearts and minds. I will always love you.” submitted by her daughter Cheryl


Ernie Gemmel 

Ernie Gemmel
“How about that? They print my name, my picture, even my words of wisdom! This is great. What? I’m out of room? But wait, I wasn’t fin ….. “
Destination: Rich and famous
Probable Destination: 15th Regiment of the Spud Brigades
Pet Peeve: Pencaps and fakes
Activities: Acting, laughing, eating, shining marbles, self torture, peeling grapes, branding cattle and dodging fast cars.

Ernest Gemmel
22 July 1964  – 14 April 2020

It is with immense sadness that we say farewell to Ernie Gabor Alajos Gemmel, otherwise known as Boots, EGG, Goose, Papa, and a man with a heart too big for this world.Ernest Gemmel old

Born in Montreal and raised in Chateauguay (QC), Ernie left us suddenly on April 14, 2020, at his home in Montreal (NDG), at the age of 55. He leaves behind to mourn, a large number of people who loved him more than he knew. First and foremost, his daughter Chloe Aja-Marie Gemmel, whom he adored with his whole person, and whose strengths and talents he admired so much. Her mother Louise Pothier, his ex-wife and friend, his mother Rosalia Gemmel (late Leslie Gemmel), his sister Kathy McCallum (late Ric McCallum) and nephews Ross (Amy Holmes) and Warren (Katie Hebert), his brother Leslie Gemmel (Linda Pasquale) (late niece Sabrina), his Aunt Anna “Pannika” Pintér (late Zoltan “Bátyus” Pintér), cousins Zolti Pintér (Julie Nagy), Sue Pintér (Rob Reid) and nephews Matthew and Ryan, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins in Hungary.

He will also be dearly missed by many lifelong friends going all the way back to his childhood on Morin Street, his days at Howard S. Billings, and Dawson college Mech Tech, his time spent in Los Angeles, as well as the entire Pothier family. Ernie made friends everywhere he went and kept them for life.

Ernie was an extremely passionate, enthusiastic, and creative man, who relentlessly viewed the world through a humorous lens. His joie de vivre, his laughter, his sentimentality, his wit, captured everyone who met him. His first passion, for airplanes, started at a very young age with Snoopy and the Red Baron, and took him through a long career in the aviation industry, starting with CAE, Apollo Microwaves, Trulock (Los Angeles), Leesta Industries, Aveos Fleet Performance, and Harris L3. He was also extremely proud of his many years as a member of the Royal Montreal Regiment, of his Certificate in System Analysis and Design from McGill University (2006), and he cherished his many fond memories making sausages with the Hungarian United Church on Jean Talon Ave.

Over and above his love of aerospace, technology, engineering, and manufacturing, Ernie also had a deep appreciation for all forms of art, including his love of music, theatre, movies, literature, writing, poetry, history, and especially his daughter Chloe’s dancing. He shared his love of life with her, through travel, activities, shows, events, family, and friends. Ernie loved everything beautiful in this world.

Due to the regulations in place relating to Covid-19, a private burial will be held. There will be a celebration of his life when we are all freely able to assemble and raise a glass in his honour.

“We’re made of star stuff. We are a way for the cosmos to know itself” – Carl Sagan

“Someday, we will all die, Snoopy. True, but on all the other days, we will not.” – Charles M. Schulz

In lieu of flowers, please hug your loved ones tightly.

from https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/montreal-qc/ernest-gemmel-9135137 used with permission


Allan Schurman

Allan Schurman“I’ve done by sentence, but committed no crime.”

Destination: Carpentry
Probable Destination: Carpentry
Weakness: K.D.
Pet Peeve: Homework
Activities: Hockey, paddling

Allan Schurman
1964 – 2020
Aged 55

On Sunday, February 23, 2020, after a very short and sudden illness, passed away peacefully at the hospital in Oklahoma City near his home in Moore, OK.  Allan leaves behind his beloved wife Kara Delisle, his children Andrew and Kelly, his mother Sheila, sisters Charleen and Sandra. He was predeceased by his father Edward. Allan retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Sargent several years ago, and remained an employee of the USAF as a civilian.  His ashes will be brought back home to Kahnawake for burial at a later date.

My brother did not pass as a result of Covid-19.  He suffered a massive stroke and passed four days later.

Submitted by his sister Sandra


Bruce Ogilvy

Bruce Ogilvy“Mincing your words makes it easier if you have to eat them later.”

Destination: Architect
Probable Destination: Outhouse builder
Weakness: Powder and spring skiing
Pet Peeve: Islander fans
Activities: Sports, music

BRUCE OGILVY
1964 – 2019
It is with profound grief that we announce the passing of Bruce Ogilvy, 55, peacefully on November 10, 2019, at his home surrounded by the love and devotion of his wife of 29 years, Kelly O’Brien and that of their children Erika (Anil), Brooke, and Dylan. Cherished son of the late Richard and Lois (George Mitchell), Bruce will also be sorely missed by his sister Joanne (Ron Ritchie) and brother David (Suzanne Laffoley). He was the beloved son-in-law of Gayle and the late Peter O’Brien and friend and brother-in-law to Lori (Mark Ogilvy). He will also be missed by several nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. Above all, Bruce treasured his family, and was a great friend to many people. Bruce lived his life with integrity, compassion, and joy. He enjoyed travel and all sports, particularly golf, and embraced each new challenge in life as an adventure. Bruce graduated from McGill University in 1987 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His 25 year career was spent in the family insurance business. As president of Ogilvy Insurance since 2004, he earned the respect of his colleagues and peers in the industry. The family extends their gratitude to the doctors and nurses in Oncology at the Anna Laberge Hospital for their exceptional care and support as Bruce fought a brief but valiant battle against cancer. Sincere appreciation to the CLSC nurses and the Palliative Care team for their tremendous compassion and support to Bruce and his family in his final days. A special thank you to each and every nurse, and to Dr. Robert Belanger and Dr. Simard. Donations in Bruce’s memory can be made to the Anna Laberge Hospital Foundation. Visitation will be 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. November 15, at the Yves Legare Funeral Home Complex in Châteauguay. A service will be held at Maplewood Church, 215 Rue McLeod, Châteauguay on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.

The Montreal Gazette, November 13, 2019


Christiane Paquette

Christiane Paquette
“True friends are like diamonds, precious, but rare. False friends are like autumn leaves, found everywhere.”

Destination: Newfoundland Marine Atlantica
Probable Destination: T.J. Hardy’s
Favourite Expression: Check it out!
Activities: Partying, travelling, W.W.

BRYAN, Christiane Marthe

December 7, 1963 – March 27, 2018

It is with great sadness the Bryan family would like to announce the tragic loss of Christiane Marthe Bryan on March 27,  2018. A celebration of life was held on April 7th,  at the Paul O’Connor Funeral Home, Toronto.


Janet Goddard

Janet Goddard

“If you love something, set it free. If it comes, it’s yours; if it doesn’t, it never was.”

Destination: Hairdresser
Probable Destination: Shampoo girl
Weakness: Loving YD
Pet Peeve: Conceited people
Activities: Hockey, figure skating, skidooing, Yves

GODDARD, Janet 1964 – 2018 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Janet Lee Goddard Duclos, on May 19, 2018, at the age of 53. Beloved wife for 35 years of Yves Duclos, cherished mother of Katrina and Jessica, devoted Nana of Shane, Owen and Colin. She will also be deeply missed by her twin sister Judy, her brother and sisters Natalie, Karen and Jimmy, her son-in-law Tyler and many relatives and friends. A funeral service was held on May 26 at the chapel of the Yves Légaré funeral complex,  Châteauguay.

Published in Montreal Gazette on May 25, 2018


Neil Spratt
Neil Spratt

“Old golfers never die, they just lose their …!”

Destination: Diesel Mechanic
Probable Destination: Working with greased monkeys
Weakness: Having five sisters!!
Pet Peeve: Monday mornings
Activities: Hockey, golf, skiing

Neil Spratt oldNeil R. Spratt. On September 3, 2016 Neil Spratt a long time resident of Baton Rouge, passed away suddenly at age 52 leaving behind loving friends and family members. Neil had a big heart, and touched many lives, spreading joy and laughter everywhere he went. Neil will be forever remembered for the big bear hugs he gave everyone. Neil leaves behind his wife Wendy, daughter Kierstyn, his mother-in-law Barbara Causey, his mother Margaret Spratt and 5 sisters. He is preceded in death by his father Ralph Spratt, father-in-law Buddy Causey, and son John Lucas. The family invites all who were touched by Neil’s love and kindness to join them for visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Wednesday, September 7, starting at 5 p.m. with memorial service from 6 to 7 p.m. and visiting continuing until 8 p.m. Memorial service conducted by Deacon Pete Walsh. A GoFundMe account has been set up in Neil Spratt’s name with donations going towards funeral expenses and to The Heart Foundation.

Published in The Advocate, September 6, 2016


Donna Roper
Donna Roper

“The average woman would rather have beauty than brains, because the average man can see better than he can think.”

Destination: Rock star
Probable Destination: Roadie
Favourite Expression: I love it!
Weakness: Rolling Stones
Activities: Music, P.Y.P.S., art, cheerleading, friends, parties

Donna Roper.  From Chateauguay, Quebec, born at the LaSalle General Hospital on June 22, 1964. Donna passed away on February 15, 2013 after a lifelong battle with depression at the age of 48 years in Eureka, California.

She is survived by her wonderful husband Marty Underwood, her loving family: sister Teresa, brother-in-law John, three nephews Frankie, Christopher and Shayne Hinchcliffe; brother Steve and sister-in-law Yim.

Information provided by Donna’s sister, Teresa.


John Duggan

John Duggan
“The whole world’s a stage, and we are only actors playing a role.”

Destination: I don’t know!
Probable Destination: Lost
Favourite Expression: I ain’t gots none!
Weakness: Cold O’Keefe
Pet Peeve: Punk, new wave
Activities: Working on school plays, girls, partying.

DUGGAN, John, 1962 – 2015
John Duggan obitIn Chateauguay, on June 19, 2015 at the age of 52, Mr. John Duggan passed away. He will be sadly missed by his son Brady, his mother Joan, his brothers Michael and Sean as well as many other family and friends. The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral parlor: Alexandre Nicole, Complexe Funéraire Châteauguay on Saturday June 27. A Commemorative Service will follow at 5 p.m. in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Diabetes Quebec would be greatly appreciated.

Published in The Gazette June 25, 2015


Cheryl Bertolini

Cheryl Bertolini

No yearbook text

Rapids rescue “would have been suicidal”

By Eddie Collister of The Gazette

It would have been “suicidal” to attempt the rescue of four people whose boat was swept into the Lachine Rapids Sunday night, says the director of the Municipal Urban Community (MUC) police Station 21.

Two people Kenny Whitebean, 32, and Cheryl Bertolini, 17, are missing and presumed drowned, while two others Pauline Lachance, 32, and Hal Foster, 24, survived after being tossed into the water when the boat overturned.

Lachance, who lived with Whitebean, was highly critical of MUC police who fixed a spotlight on the group’s 18-foot boat from shore and watched as it was carried into the rapids and capsized.

“We could have all been saved,” the distraught woman said yesterday at her Chateauguay home.

“They” (police) had lots of time to launch a boat and tow us in,” she said. Director Gilles Vanier, the commander of MUC police station 21 in LaSalle, didn’t agree.

“It was impossible to launch a boat and go to their assistance,” said Vanier. “We were notified too late. They were already in the rapids and it would have been suicide to go out after them. They should have all been wearing their life jackets,” he said.

Lachine, a poor swimmer, was the only one wearing a life jacket. “Mine saved my life,” she said.

The group of Chateauguay residents decided to head home ahead of a building storm after a day’s fishing on Lake St. Louis in the boat, powered by a 45 horsepower motor.
Lachance said Whitebean couldn’t get the motor started and the current pulled them downstream.

Whitebean tried to slow the boat by dragging the anchor, but the rope broke.

The current overturned the boat and the lifejackets of the other boaters were swept away.

Bob Warnock, a Verdun angler, pulled Lachance into his boat behind the Verdun Natatorium, while another boater rescued Foster. “Hal doesn’t remember how he made it,” said Lachance.

Police divers called off their search for the two bodies shortly before noon yesterday.

Montreal, Gazette, August 25, 1981

Bertolini, Cheryl Ann. Accidentally on August 23, 1981, aged seventeen years, beloved daughter of Claire Brunet, and Fred Bertolini, dear sister of Gregory and Blair. Resting at the Wilson Funeral Home, 123 Maple Street, Chateauguay. Services in the Chapel, thence to Mount Royal Crematorium.

Montreal Gazette, August 29, 1981


Claude Sauvé

Claude Sauve
“I don’t believe it, I’m out.”

Destination: RCMP
Probable Destination: Getting busted.
Weakness: Donna
Pet Peeve: Clod
Activities: Hockey, golf, waterskiing

Claude Sauve old
SAUVÉ, Claude – At Anna-Laberge Hospital in Chateauguay, Québec on Friday,September 23, 2011 at the age of 48 years. Loving husband of Lynn Crowder. Loving father of Jasmine and Jordy. Beloved son of Cecile Sauvé (Laurin) and the late Jean- Paul Sauvé. Sadly missed by his sister Pierrette Johnson (Bernie). Also survived by his father and mother-in-law Garnet and Marie Crowder, his brother-in-law Boyd Crowder, his niece Alyson Johnson, his nephew Corry Crowder and grand-nephew Santino (Alisha). Rite of Committal to be held in Saint-Joachim-de-Chateauguay Cemetery in Chateauguay on October 15, 2011. 106

http://yourlifemoments.ca/


Randy Dietrich

Randy Dietrich

No yearbook text

Date de décès : 1998-12-26

DIETRICH Randolf (Randy). 1963-1998. Passed away suddenly on December 26, 1998 at his home in Montreal. Beloved son of Helga and Harry Dietrich of Chateauguay. Cherished brother of Harry (Louise), Dagmar (Steve), Christine O’Connor and Roland (Lorraine). Dear uncle of Corinne, Curtis and A.J. O’Connor. Resting at Dallaire & Wilson
Funeral Home, 123 Maple, Chateauguay.
http://www.federationgenealogie.qc.ca/


Mike Nurse

“Vote for the two party system: one on Friday and one on Saturday.”

Mike Nurse
Destination: Auto Body Man
Probable Destination: Having accidents
Favourite Expression: Sounds good
Weakness: A nice cold 50
Activities: Partying, Frisbee, cruising, rock ‘n roll

Nurse, Michael Edward (Mike). At the Montreal General Hospital on April 9, 1984 aged nineteen years. Beloved son of Ron Nurse and Janet Mein. Dearest brother of Don, Kathy and Sandy. Loving sister-in-law Joanne. Uncle of Jennifer. Beloved grandson of Mrs. Nellie Nurse and the late Edward Nurse, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Dan Mein. Resting at the Wilson Fungeral Home, Chateauguay. Service from the Chapel. Interment Chateauguay Protestant Cemetery.


Kevin McAllister

Kevin didn’t make it to his graduation in 1981. He died in January of that year. He did make it into his yearbook however.

McALLISTER, Kevin. At The Montreal Children’s Hospital on January 8, 1981 aged sixteen years. Beloved son of Elaine and Kenneth McAllister, dear brother of Lynda and Terry. Resting at the Wilson Funeral Home, Chateauguay. Service from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Saturday, January 10. Interment at Christ Roi Cemetery.

The Montreal Gazette, January 10, 1981

Kevin McAllister