It was such an honour to host MEI Class of 1954 for their MILESTONE 70-YEAR REUNION this past Saturday, September 21.
Brought together by classmate Henry Hooge and team, the class spent the day here on campus and enjoyed a time of sharing, an update from MEI Head of Schools, lunch by Karen Bergen, and more time spent together reminiscing and catching up.
What a blessing to spend time with these beautiful souls, glorifying God with their lives. 🦅✨
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Submitted by Henry (Huppa) Hooge
“Crutches or canes, walkers or wheelchairs… you all come!!” Many past the threshold of 90… yet they came, for Saturday, Sept. 21 was a very special day for some 23 Class of ‘54 grads. It was their 70-year class reunion. Many reunions have been held over the years, but this certainly was a historical one, insofar that there has not been a 70th reunion of MEI grads. The Lord blessed us with a glorious Fall day. Some flew in from Ontario and Alberta, but the majority motored in from the Fraser Valley or Interior. PTL. God was glorified in all that took place. The Activity Room of the MEI Middle School served as an excellent venue for this event. We were also so pleased to be there. A planning team had prepared the program for the day, while a most delicious luncheon was prepared by caterer Karen Bergen. Included in the program was an address by MEI superintendent, Vijay Manuel. The obvious sharing of lives, along with the singing of German hymns, reminiscent of the frequent hymn singing, led by CD Toews in those early years, made up the program. We were so grateful for travelling mercies for all who arrived. We are all facing some health issues, but we were able to celebrate God’s goodness in all of our individual lives. Who know…will the Lord still allow some to gather again for a 75th???!!!
Previously Posted
Henry Hooge and team have plans underway for a 70 YEAR REUNION on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at MEI Middle School. Please email Henry (hamhooge@gmail.com) to keep updated.
It is not exactly easy for seniors to gather at the best of occasions, but when a dear classmate comes from the remote province of Ontario, it is worth every effort to draw together some of those familiar faces of yesteryear. Coming with canes & walkers, but mostly without any support, a limited number of Class of ‘54 gathered in the Rose Room of the Towers, for a reunion in August of 2022.
Fifteen grads & spouses had the pleasure of fellowship over a lunch meal. Save for one couple from Ontario, the rest were from the Lower Mainland. Not surprisingly, some have changed more than others…but, we still did recognize each other. We certainly missed many colleagues, moreso especially those who have been ushered into eternity. May to God, that they all had a personal relationship with our Saviour.
It was a delightful time of reminiscing….and we are sorry that we could not include more of the original group; some who could not come for health or mobility reasons.
We are still planning, Lord-willing to have a Class of ‘54 Reunion on our 70-year anniversary in September 2024. > Email Henry (hamhooge@gmail.com) to keep updated.
Our gratefulness to all who came.
Henry (Huppa) Hooge, Reunion Co-ordinator
Previously Posted
’54 grads had a mini get-together on Monday, September 10, 2018 at the Rose Café in Abbotsford, on occasion of a visit by Dave & Alice Martens (Waterloo). 22 came together for this delightful time together… set up by ’54 grad “Huppa”. It was a great time of sharing, where each former grad could give us a thumbnail sketch of what was happening in their lives and that of their family. A number had sent their regrets of being unable to attend, due to prior commitments, or the great distance to travel. Amazing how many already had great grandchildren, but even more amazing were the exploits, and the accomplishments of so many of the children and the grandchildren. It was also a blessing to learn how many of the descendants were meaningfully occupied in the Vineyard of the Lord. In various states of mobility, we old-agers were just grateful to the Lord for the strength and health (and oh are some still vigorous indeed), to gather together. We even had the audacity to speak about, Lord-willing, the 70th Reunion in 2024…Lord, is it possible!? Many thanks to the MEI Alumni Office for all the work it does in promoting these gatherings. May God’s grace be sufficient for everyone’s needs, and may all be done to His honour and glory.
Submitted by Henry Hooge (Senior Matriculation, Class of 1954); picture from 60 Year Reunion in 2014
** pictured is MEI Class of 1954 at 60th Reunion in 2014; no pictures from most recent reunion
