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Some reunion comments

From: John Matthews   

Jim & All,   Thank you for the chance to re-visit a most extraordinary time, a time when my sister, Jean, and I were privileged to spend a precious few years in a very special place, with very special people. The experiences of those two short years in Gander continue to be a constant reminder to me of what is truly and ultimately valuable in life: friends, family, and a place in time and space where those two things are foremost. When I came to Gander for the reunion I brought my Dad's ashes. My sister, Jean, and my brother Michael, who was born in Gander, held a brief memorial for Dad on the old trestle bridge, and then cast his ashes into the Gander River. Our family lived in many places around the world, but Gander was an especially happy time for him. Your efforts helped us, his children, to remember how special it still is to each of us. Merry Christmas and many very happy New Years to each of you,

John, Jean (GAS - 1949 & 1950), and Michael Matthews (b. Gander, 1950)

From: Jim Simmons

  Jim: As 2005 draws to a close I keep thinking of how special this year has been for me, having the opportunity to get reaquainted with so many of my schoolmates and teachers after so long a time. At last I am certain the Reunion wasn't a dream. It surely seemed that way for awhile - for me it was unbelievable. Such great organization - so many tasks such as locating and contacting students and teachers, etc., Roy and the committee did such a great job. Excellent communications, appropriate venues, gatherings that provided for people to communicate with each other, and on and on one could go. I wish you and all people involved in staging this event, and all the people who attended, A Very Merry Christmas and the Very Best in the New Year. Forever grateful.

Jim Simmons

Reunion Greeting  from Jim Butler;

 Hi Folks:    Well, the year 2005 is drawing to a close and what a year it has been!After over 40 years the students of the three Gander schools (GanderAmalgamated School, Hunt Memorial Academy and Gander Academy) had a very successful reunion. It was a dream come true for many and something to cherish for the rest of our lives. All the photos, discussions and friendships renewed will live with us forever. Unfortunately, a number of our friends did not survive to attend the reunion. Some, who had planned on attending, passed away shortly before we could meet. Their memories were kept alive, however, in the many conversations about school days and growing up in Gander that were held during the reunion; and at the Memorial Service conducted by the two ministers which the class of 1958 produced. You can relive the memories of the school days, too, by visiting "The Flight" web site which is currently under construction. Jack Pinsent has volunteered to develop the new web site so classmates can keep in touch and have a place to meet and chat. Although the old web site, developed by Liz (Morgan) Marshall, is still operating, no new information is being added. Jack has taken on the task of keeping our memories alive. A quick visit to the new site is well worth the time. Anyone who wants to add to the page can do so by contacting Jack with suggestions, ideas, and information. We will be looking for financial assistance to keep the site in operation; this fee will be kept to the minimum required to keep the site operational. The  URL for the new site is http://www.gaflight.org".. Please stop by for a visit. In closing, I would like to thank everyone who attended, and showed an interest in attending, our reunion, to make it such a success. I also extend thanks to the Gander committee that worked so hard to make the event run smoothly. Thanks, to my ad hoc committee of Michal, Faye and Audrey who worked had to drum up interest in the reunion and run the successful auction. To all of you, I would like to extend best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous 2006.

Jim & Kay