Welcome

Welcome to the website for the David Thompson Secondary School's Class of 1976.

The 40th reunion for the David Thompson Secondary Class of 1976 was held on September 17, 2016 at the Town & Country Inn, Delta, British Columbia.

For many of us, it had been 40 years since we saw each other last. For a few, it had been only weeks or even days. There were some who didn't make it and others who we've lost along the way. But for those who did make it, we spent an evening of reminiscing and catching up with old friends along with dancing to music from the 1970s.

So if you attended David Thompson in the class that graduated in 1976, whether you graduated with the class or not, please send a message and get on our mailing list so that you can be notified of the next event. It won't be the same without you!

If you have any questions or want to get on the mailing list without completing the registration form, please use the contact form.

If you happen to be on Facebook, you can request to join our class group: Thompson Grad 1976

COMING SOON: 45th Class Reunion in 2021

The 45th anniversary of the graduation of the 1976 class from David Thompson Secondary school in Vancouver, British Columbia is 2021. We hope to host a reunion and will begin planning soon. Reunion announcements will be posted here and on our class Facebook group (side note in sidebar). We will also send out announcements by email to everyone in our class directory. If you are interested in finding out more about this and are not in the directory, please use the class register link in the menu to send us your information and get on the mailing list. If you are in the directory from the last reunion but have changed your email address, please drop us a line to update your contact information using the contact form below.

David Thompson 60th Anniversary: October 13, 2018

This event was held 13 October from 5 pm until 10 pm at the school 1755 E 55th Ave, Vancouver, BC

Here is the official announcement:  

David Thompson Secondary turns a grand "60" this year! Calling all grads, alumni, and their special ones "back to school" for a fun-filled celebration! The DT community promises an evening you won't forget!

Official event information reads:

Tickets $30 per person
Admission includes 1 large slice of pizza and 1 beverage while supplies last 6-8pm, decade music, decade displays, access to grad composites located in hallways (note, upper floor access only available until 8 pm as per school admin policy). This event is a PAC fundraiser and proceeds will be put into a Legacy Fund to help support student, teacher and parent initiatives.
Late/At the Door - $40 ff tickets are NOT sold out online
Online ticket sales end on 30 September

As noted, the fee to attend this event is $30 per person due to the fact that it is a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) fundraiser and not an event organized by the school administration. Although if you volunteer to help set up in the afternoon or take down at the end of the night, you'll get in for free. The organizers have also said that if someone wishes to attend but can't afford the ticket price (and are unable to volunteer), they should contact the organizing committee who will arrange for them to get in for free. Please send an email to: dt60years@gmail.com

Tickets can be purchased in the following ways.

Via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2121328611432259/

Via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dt-is-60-lets-celebrate-tickets-48102172894

Unlike the 50th Anniversary, which was organized by the school staff, this is being put on by the school's PAC. Apparently no alcohol will be sold on site. Other information can be found on the event's Facebook page, which I believe is public so you don't need to be a Facebook member to view it. Again, that page is: https://www.facebook.com/events/2121328611432259/

Organizers are hoping that people will send them photographs from the school's history that can be used in displays. Photos can be sent to: dt60years@gmail.com

Fraserview Baby Boomer Picnic: July 28, 2018

This event was held July 28, 2018 from noon until late afternoon at Bobolink Park (south east lawn below the hill).

This was the second annual picnic organized by the Fraserview Baby Boomer Facebook group. 

"Bring a lawn chair or blanket, your own food, and non-alcoholic refreshments. Sunbrellas may be handy although there is shade under the trees. As far as I know, there are no specific plans in case of rain, but last year was sunny and hot."

At the 2017 picnic, people brought high school annuals from Killarney and Thompson as well as personal photos and other memorabilia.

Wayne Saunders, 1957-1991

Saunders, Wayne Albert

May 23, 1957 - September 26, 1991

After high school, Wayne married Carolyn Driscoll from our class at
David Thompson. At the time of his death, he was a courier working for Metro McNair Clinical Lab and the couple lived on Sperling Avenue in Burnaby. Wayne was buried at Valley View Memorial Gardens in Surrey.

1976 Yearbook

The conversation piece Wayne leaves to the school is “Do or Die” (right… Mrs. Furness). He is an active participant and spectator of hockey and baseball.

Corrine Roberts

1976 Yearbook

Corinne enjoys just sitting around with friends and having a good time. 

She will not forget her Grade 8 Cooking Class
(all those burnt cookie sheets), and to the school she leaves an empty locker.

George Popp, 1957-1982

August 29, 1957- February 21, 1982

George grew up on Upland Drive in Fraserview. At the time of his death, he was an apprentice drywaller working in the construction industry. 

George died in a car accident that happened in the early hours of February 21, 1982 on Marine Drive. In the car with him were Christopher Gallagher, who was severely injured, and Albert Grube, who also died in the crash. Both were from Fraserview as well.

George was a quiet man and a loyal friend.
His death was a tragedy, and many were
devastated by the loss of him and of Albert. 

Randy Ohr, 1958-2016

1976 Yearbook

Randy would like to forget his broken nose he got playing rugby. He wants
to become a professional truck driver and travel across Canada
with…? (he didn’t say).

Tom McGuire

1976 Yearbook

Tom will always remember his Grade 8 Drama Class. This down-to-earth guy can often be found doing good deeds with Jo. Thanks for all your help and don’t forget your “fantastic” registration class.

Jim Marshall, 1958-2002

Memorial Published in Vancouver Sun/Province on September 21, 2008

MARSHALL, Jim (James McCreadie)

October 30, 1958 - September 20, 2002

Only a memory of bygone days, 

And a sigh for a face unseen; 

But a constant feeling that God alone 

Knows just what should have been.

Lovingly remembered by family and friends.

1976 Yearbook

“Cruisin’ on his bike” at lunch and drinking at night are Jim’s favourite pastimes. He says, “Hang in there, it’s a long way to the top.” Especially with a cast holdin’ ya down, right?

Rob Lygo, 1957-2014

Obituary

LYGO, Robert Alexander

October 21, 1957 – May 3, 2014

Born in Vancouver, he moved to Surrey in 1984. He passed suddenly. Survived by his mother Marilyn Lygo; sister Sharon Marie; brother Lance (Monika) Hicks; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, and uncles. NSBR, instead a Celebration of Rob's Life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 2 p.m. at 13497 111A Avenue, Surrey, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart, Kidney or Animal Charity of choice. 

Gary Jones

Charlene Hilliard, 1959-2010

Obituary

MASON, Charlene Diane
February 6, 1959 - November 13, 2010

Our bright, brilliant, beautiful shooting star, Charlene Mason (nee Hilliard) passed away peacefully but far too soon, on Saturday, November 13, 2010 after a nine-year battle with non-hodgkins lymphoma. Predeceased by her father, Henry Hilliard, she leaves to mourn: her mother, Agnes; siblings Dave (Karin), Ralph, Janice, and Sue (Doug) Docherty, and husband, Scott Mason, along with numerous relatives and friends. Charlene embraced life with passion and courage, inspiring us all. She was a scientist, teacher, life-long learner, master gardener, traveler, outdoors woman, athlete and adventurer. After graduating from BCIT in Computer Sciences and a successful career at BC Tel, Charlene spent a number of very happy years following her passion for the natural world while earning a B.Sc. degree at Capilano College and UBC. She majored in Botany but had a deep love for all of nature that was expressed in her everyday life - from her garden to her beloved dogs to her investigation into the treatment and management of her own lymphoma, which she treated as a puzzle and challenge to be overcome rather than a disability. She was keenly intelligent, curious about everything and very funny. She is much loved and sadly missed by her family 
and friends who adored her for her authenticity, 
passion and beauty. 

1976 Yearbook

Charlene is planning to have a good time after grad and hopes to eventually make it to Australia. She won’t forget all the hours she spent yawning through English. Don’t forget to mention Biology and Math.

Bill Gibson, 1958-2005

Obituary 

GIBSON _ William J. (Bill)

It is with immeasurable sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and husband on April 16, 2005, in Langley, B.C. Born May 12, 1958 in Vancouver. Left to celebrate Bill's life are, his wife Tracey, his parents William and Audrey, sisters Darlene (Glen), Janet (Angelo), nieces and nephews Kevin, Kelli, Joseph, Angela, family and countless friends. Generous to a fault with a great sense of humour and truly loved by all. Bill will always be in our hearts, even
though he has gone to live in peace. 

Bonnie Der, 1957-2001

Obituary

DER, Bonnie G.B. 

Passed away peacefully on August 20, 2011 to be with her Lord Jesus after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her parents, sister, brothers, nieces and nephew. Bonnie was a quiet and reserved person with a big and generous heart she will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank all of Bonnie's friends and 2nd family at IGA #19, where she worked for 29 years, for graciously setting up a memorial in the store. We wish to thank the staff at BC Cancer Agency and Palliative Care Unit at VGH for their support during her treatments and final days. 

1976 Yearbook

Bonnie pals around with Linda, Susan and Judy. She plans to go to U.B.C. or B.C.I.T. Her leisure time is filled with reading or studying. Pet Peeve: Getting up early on a Saturday, we know what you mean. 

Betty Bodnar, 1958-2015

Elizabeth Maria (Bodnar) AMOS
Born: Fri., Apr. 11, 1958
Died: Mon., Jun. 22, 2015
Port Alberni, BC

1976 Yearbook

After grad Betty is going to California. She favours study and lunch hour in her school day and spend most of her time with C.G. Betty’s favourite sports are water and snow skiing.

Alan Atkins, 1958-2005

Alan became a figure skater,
competing in many regional, national and international competitions.

Alan came in third in the pairs category with Martine Vigouret at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in 1978.

He later became a skating coach at the Arbutus Club in Vancouver and has an award named after him:
The Alan Atkins Sportsmanship Trophy.

ATKINS _ Alan Robert

Obituary

ATKINS _ Alan Robert

Alan passed away suddenly on October 20, 2005, at the age of 47. Predeceased by his father Robert "Bob" Arthur and mother Lois Wilma. Survived by his sister Barbara and extended family and sadly missed by many friends. A memorial service will be held Friday, November 4th, 2005, at 2:00 pm, at Ocean View Funeral Home, 4000 Imperial St, Burnaby. Flowers may be sent to Ocean View for the day of the service, or, in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Alan's favourite charity - Canuck Place.

1976 Yearbook

Alan feels he has a better understanding of the people and the world around him from his experience at D.T. Alan enjoys skating and would like to see a course in horseback riding including in Thompson’s curriculum. Alan hopes future grads will have an enjoyable high school career.

Jill Atkins, 1958-2005

Obituary

CHARPENTIER _ Jill Elaine
(Upshaw, Atkins) 

May 10th, 1958 - September 1st, 2005

It is with great sadness that Jill's family announces her passing after a courageous
four-year battle with cancer. She will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her husband Franc; sons Brad (Jen), Jason and daughter Sarah; grandchildren Samantha and Cyrus; as well as her sisters Bonnie (Stan) and Sharon (Dave). We will always remember her captivating and contagious smile. Jill's bubbly sense of humour and positive outlook on life
will greatly be missed by all those who were touched by her. 

1976 Yearbook

After grad, this Elton John freak plans to work and then travel. From her experience at D.T. she has gained friends and a lot of good times. The one thing Jill says she’s least likely to forget about Thompson is holding hands with “Mr. C.” in grade 8.
To the school she would like to leave
her locker and her books.

40th Reunion a success!

Thanks to everyone who attended our 40th Reunion on September 17, 2016. We had a fabulous time visiting old friends and reminiscing. Photos have been posted to our class Facebook group. If you are not on Facebook and would like to see photos, please send a message and we'll arrange for them to be posted elsewhere where you can access them.

A special thank-you to everyone who donated cash, door prizes, products and services. You made this reunion great. A special thank-you goes out to Thunderbird Press who handled all the printing.

Can't wait until we get together again in a few years.

Confirmed Reunion Schedule for September 17 & 18

With just two weeks from today until the reunion, here's the confirmed schedule. If you are available in the afternoon, please come anytime after 4 pm to spend as much time with your classmates as possible.

Saturday September 17

4-6:30 pm - On-site check-in: Drop by the registration table in the hotel lobby to pick up your name tag and dinner ticket.
4-6:30 pm - Afternoon social-cocktail reception on the patio (cash bar under a tent)
7-8:30 pm - Buffet dinner in the Terrace Room
9 pm - Dance to music from the 1970s in the Terrace Room
Midnight - It's over!

Sunday September 18

Group breakfast at the hotel for those who are staying or in the area