2011 Shawnigan Year-End Salute!

The usual suspects were on the scene: various Andersons (Doug '71 &Rich '74), the Rogaine Co-chairs R. Borsato '72 and M. Hill '77, with aspiring members G. Creamer '72, B. Mann '72, J. Welch '74 and J. Stockton '72. The seniors category was represented well by T. Harrison '71 and P. MacDonald '71. We younger folk could take a lesson or two from these sages. In the "full head of hair" category (and somewhat suspect) L. Chaston '72 and R. Perry '72 did not disappoint. Karim '11 represented the newest SLS alum in fine fashion, showing little displeasure with the many hugs, back slaps, handshakes and beers bestowed upon him. The usual Point Grey representatives from '71 were in attendance, this year with the addition of a crown prosecutor (presumably an attempt to even the score after their sound thrashing in Provincial Rugby final 40 years ago 15-13 to SLS). P. Mcvey confirmed B. Manning was having a hip procedure necessitated likely as a result of a crushing tackle administered by H. Hayes '72 or R. Carere '71.

I. Johansen '94 arrived expressing sincere apologies for his behaviour at last year's Salute, however once again, was not able to articulate exactly what infractions he may have committed. Surveillance photos may have to be reviewed.

A huge round of applause for Dr. Vicki Stronge '94 and Christy Harzan '00 for attending this year's event. Although their stay was very brief (and understandably so), we extend to each of them the offer of a fully-hosted Year End Salute in 2012. We hope they will join us again next year giving the lads of yesteryear ONE MORE CHANCE at civility. The ladies were subjected to the banter of one of our finest vintage reps (who arrived earlier than most) who insisted on conversing in a combination of Swahili, Cockney English and an unidentifiable dialect thought to be from Papua New Guinea. The Queen's English expletives were used as punctuation.

Our mystery guests this year were Sean Donovan '69 and Jocelyn Millar '71. Sean is a Vancouver lawyer specializing in litigation and no doubt cooled the jets of the Point Grey crown prosecutor referred to earlier. The legal eagles will no doubt be posturing at next year's Salute. Thanks Sean!

Jocelyn is a Professor of Entomology at UC Riverside in California. Joc flew in for the event, sitting fairly close to the deafening music and brining to our attention the notion to revisit the choice of venue - perhaps one where people can talk, choose from a wine list with more that two varieties, maybe a chair or two for those that wish to sit.

Top of the season to you all, and I wish you and your families a terrific 2012.

- Doug Anderson