Robert (Bob) Troy Blair was born on March 11, 1930 in Brandon, MB. His first six years were spent in Alexander, MB, where his father and uncle operated a grocery store. In 1936, his family moved to Souris, MB, where his father ran a grocery store. Blair received his primary and high school education, with the exception of Grade 12, in Souris.
Blair remembers his school years in Souris as mainly happy years. He was involved with both piano and organ music lessons. he was never interested in physical sports with the exception of golf. World War II broke out in September of 1939. Souris became the site of #17 SFTS and home base for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Many of the service men came from England, Australia and New Zealand. Blair's mother always entertained at least two for dinner every Sunday. Rationing of sugar, tea and coffee, butter and meat became a way of life. Blair had the job every Saturday of pasting the ration coupons into booklets. It was also when he was in Grade 6, that Blair realized he was more attracted to boys than to girls. Perhaps it was because so many attractive airmen surrounded him!
In November of 1947, the Blair family relocated to Alexander where Bob Blair finished his Grade 11. This was not a good year due to bullying. In September of 1948, Blair moved to Winnipeg to attend United College for his Grade 12. Upon completion of Grade 12, Blair remained in Winnipeg until June 1950. he worked at a number of businesses - Gestetner, Eaton's Mail Order shoe department, Maple Leaf Milling, and the drug store in the Medical Arts Building. In September 1950, he entered Brandon College. Blair was very active in extra-curricular affairs while at Brandon College; particularly drama. Following his B.A. he enrolled in the Education Faculty, having decided to become a teacher.
Blair's teaching career spanned 34 years. All but one year was spent in the Brandon School Division. On his first day of teaching in the Division he met the man with whom he would spend the next 46 years. He was primarily a teacher of English and Music. A highlight of his career was exchange teaching in Sacramento, California in 1961. Orientation for exchange took place in August in Washington, D.C., where Blair had the opportunity to meet President J.F. Kennedy. He vividly recals the morning that JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963. In September 1965, Blair assumed the principalship of Park School and in September of 1969, the same position at George Fitton School where re remained until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of the Brandon Picnipals' Association, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and servedas President of the Brandon Teachers' Association. Among his major accomplishments during his time as principal were the introduction of a centralized school library in both Park and George Fitton Schools and the integration of special needs students into regular classroom situations wherever possible. He was made a Life Member of the Manitoba Teachers' Society (Brandon) in June 1990. Following his retirement Blair worked as a Library Automation Consultant (1989-1993).
Blair also had numerous community involvements during his time in Brandon. he was active in the Brandon Little Theatre (Best Actor Award, Manitoba Drama Festival for One Act Plays in 1963), the Brandon Festival of the Arts, the Eckhardt-Gramatte National Music Competition, and Arm Industries to name a few.
Following the death of his partner in 2001, Blair moved to Saskatoon to live with a younger gay couple. He has been active in volunteerism: as an Ambassador for the Saskatoon Airport Authority, assistant with the Saskatoon Health Region's Immunization Clinics, information clerk for the Festival of Trees, data entry clerk for the Saskatoon Music Festival, on the Board of the Saskatoon Jazz Society, and Hospitality Coordinator for the Saskatoon Jazz Festival.
As of October 2013, Bob Blair continues to live in Saskatoon, SK.
Custodial History
Records were in Blair's possession until he donated them to the Mckee Archives on Homecoming weekend October 2013.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of two scrapbooks containing 145 photographs and ephemera (play and graduation programs, tickets, pins, newspaper clippings) documenting Bob Blair's days at Brandon College. Social events and extra-curricular activities are heavily featured in the two scrapbooks. Also included are graduation portraits for the Classes of 1951, 1952 and 1953. Of the 145 photographs all are black and white except for two photos of the Class of '53 reconvocation (May 1993), and one from the Class of '53 reunion (2003).
Some of the pages and photographs in the scrapbooks have become loose
History / Biographical
Verda Joan McDonald (nee Peden) was born in Brandon, MB on May 2, 1934. She was the middle daughter of Bill, a school principal, and Phyllis Peden. McDonald attended school at King George, Alexandra (now Betty Gibson), Earl Oxford and Brandon Collegiate Institute.
In 1951, McDonald enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program at Brandon College. A fellowship program from the local YMCA enabled her to teach gym and swim programs after school and on Saturday for a small salary, which enabled her and some other students to finance their education. She graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During her graduating year, McDonald served as Lady Stick for Brandon College; the title of Lady Stick was an elected position and an honour, and gave McDonald and the person elected Senior Stick, Frank McKinnon, the responsibility of leading the student council for that year. In 1956, McDonald obtained her Bachelor of Pedagogy degree, also from Brandon College, which allowed her to teach grades 1 to 12 in Manitoba.
Verda married her college sweetheart, Dick McDonald, on August 25, 1956, and the couple moved to Dauphin to teach at the Dauphin Collegiate and Technical Institute for two years. They returned to Brandon in September 1958, and Verda proceeded to teach at Brandon Collegiate, Neelin High School and Vincent Massey until December 1960.
When Dick finished his degree at Brandon College and started teaching, Verda stayed at home to raise their three sons, Rick, Paul and Daren. During this time she began her many years of volunteering within the community. She served seven years on each of the following three boards: The Brandon Schools Instrumental Music Association; The Brandon University Alumni Board; and The Board of Fairview Nursing Home. She became President of each board during her term.
McDonald supported her husband throughouet his teaching and financial career, as well as his strong involvement in the Artillery Reserve Army with the 26th Field Regiment where he served as Commander and later Honorary Colonel. Both McDonald and her husband maintained strong ties with Brandon University and have contributed generously to funding campaign and scholarships. The Sports Wall of Fame in the Health Living Centre on the Brandon University campus is named in their honour.
In addition to their involvement with Brandon University, the McDonald's were members of the Kinsmen, K40 service club, gold and bridge clubs and enjoyed many years together in Brandon. They enjoyed going on cruise ship holidays and visited many countries together.
Since Dick's death in September 2015, Verda has tried to maintain her involvment in university activities. She continues to reside in Brandon, MB.
Custodial History
Records were created and collected by Verda McDonald during her years as a student and alumna of Brandon College/Brandon University. The records were stored in her home until their donation to the McKee Archives in 2015.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of records dealing with Verda McDonald's experiences as a student and alumna at Brandon College/University. The majority of the collection contains records from the early 1950s during McDonald's college years (1951-1955). These records, which cover the social and athletic aspects of Brandon College in the 1950s, provide a detailed look at college student life during this time period. The collection also contains a small number of records (1955-2005), documenting McDonald's experiences as an alumna of Brandon College/University.
The collection consists of four scrapbooks, which contain photographs, newspaper clippings, graduation cards, lyrics for class songs, and programs for graduation banquets, school dances, graduation ceremonies and drama productions. The scrapbooks also contain ephemera such as sports emblems, table decorations, election paraphernalia. It also includes McDonald's oath of office from when she was sworn in as Lady Stick, as well as her acceptance speech from the same ceremony.
The three file folders in the collection include: a list written by Frank McKinnon, a classmate of McDonald's, outlining his reasons for coming to Brandon College and his recollections of being a student at Brandon College; the rules of Clark Hall residence hall; and pamphlets for various celebrations and events at Brandon University (Homecoming 2009, Homecoming 2006, Reunion Weekend 2005, Reunion Weekend 2004, Homecoming 1995 and 1995 Reconovocation program, Homecoming 1980, 1975 Open House).
Finally, the collection contains 18 loose photographs. A number of the photos document important reunions for the Class of 1955 (40th Anniversary in 1995, 50th Anniversary in 2005), while others were taken at alumni events over the years (1988-1997). There is one postcard of Brandon University buildings (Original Building and Clark Hall, McMaster Hall and the Queen Elizabeth II School of Music building). Some of the 1995 reunion photos include images of the Brandon College Building and Clark Hall under renovation. Also included are a composite portrait of the Class of 1955 and class portraits Arts and Science for the Class of 1960.
Notes
History/Bio information provided by Verda McDonald. Description by Emily Bate (October 2016) and Christy Henry.
Portrait of the Brandon University Bobcats football team. Front Row (L to R): Dr. Hunter, Wayne McLellan, Dennis Fenton, Bruce Taylor, Pete McGregor, Bob Gladstone, Jim Wilton, Doug Steeves (Coach). Second Row (L to R): Doc Hannah (Trainer), Maurice Lang, Lorne Lagimodiere, Boyd Van Agglen, Peter Hunter, Lyle Grobb, Mr. Howard (Coach). Third Row (L to R): Larry Rodenbush, Dave Bauman, Julien Hoyak, George Kunyckyj, Wayne Purdy, Len Sitter, Harry Sutcliffe. Back Row (L to R): Mel Jesson, Reg Knourek, John Graham, Bruce Bonk, Al Johson (Equipment Manager). Missing: Bob Baynes, Mark Kennedy, Dale Brawn, Hank Fleming, Al McAuley, Dennis Shindle.
Some tearing around the edges. Also a few stains. Photograph is coming off its backing board and the surface of the photo is starting to crack.
Scope and Content
Portrait of the Brandon University Bobcats football team. Front Row (L to R): Doug Steeves (Coach), Peter Hagberg, Bruce Taylor, Jim Wilton, Len Stitter, Peter Hunter, Mike Stinchcombe, George Kunyckyj, Ab Clearwater (Coach). Second Row (L to R): Dr. Bruce Hunter, Wayne McLennan, Carl Iwanyshyn, Jim Jankiewicz, Bruce Misanchuk, Larry Rodenbush, Gene Hodgson, Gary Howard (Coach). Third Row (L to R): Doc Hannah (Trainer), Steve Holden, Mel Jesson, Kay Bradley, Ken Mitchell, Richard Borotsik, Bob Gladstone, Al Johnson, Frank Macey (Coach). Back Row (L to R): Gene Parks, Dave Bauman, Jim Kester, Con O’Leary, Guy Dauben, Lorne Lagimodiere, Garry Smith, Norman Joss (Manager).
Portrait of the Brandon University Bobcat varsity men's hockey team. Back Row (L to R): Doug Patterson, Bruce Taylor, Glen Edwards, Tom Mitchell, Gene Collins, Wayne Palidwar. Middle Row (L to R): Ken Dando, Bill Henderson, Wilf Taylor, Gary McDonald, Laurence Bertram, Ralph Gardiner. Front Row (L to R): Jim Mann (Coach), John Graham, Wally Peel, John Findlay, John Birnie, Doc Hannah.
Portrait of the Brandon University Bocats men's hockey team. Front Row (L to R): Bruce Stephens, Kaye Bradley, Bob Young, Mark Kennedy, Danny McPherson, Ted Temple, Bob Leslie. Back Row (L to R): Jim Mann (Coach), Chuck Meighen (Ass’t Coach), Brian Bruce, Roy McLachlan, Jim McLachlan, Mel Jesson, Harvey Shaw, Lyle Franklin, Garth Freeman, Keith Angus (Manager), Doc Hannah (Trainer). Missing: Andy Murray, Garry Davidson, Ken Coleman (Manager).
Portrait of the Brandon University Bocats men's hockey team. Front Row (L to R): Stan Harvey, Mark Kennedy, Harvey Shaw. Middle Row (L to R): Kaye “Buzz” Bradley, Roy McLachlan, Dan McPherson, Bob Leslie, Bruce Bonk, Ted Temple. Back Row (L to R): Mr. Wayne Davies (Coach), Doc Hannah (Trainer), Bruce Stephens, Larry Gillis, John Graham, Garry Davidson, Jeff Derke, Clark Lang, Darcy Normand, Ken Baker, Ken Coleman (Manager), Dick Gunter (Manager).
Portrait of the Brandon University Bocats men's hockey team. Front Row (L to R): R.H. “Doc” Hannah, Brian Boyle, Doug Gillies, Bob Kabel (Coach), Perry Robinson, Harvey Shaw, Dr. Hunter (Team Doctor). Middle Row (L to R): Dick Gunter (Manager), Bruce Bonk, Terry Wikstrom, Bob Caldwell, Larry Budzinski, Bob Walberg, Dale McKinnon, Danny Cassils, Ken Buch, Norm Joss.. Back Row (L to R): Jeff Burke, Larry Gillis, Jim Ferguson, Jack Richardson, Barry Gooden, John Goran, Clark Lang, Greg Thompson, Ken Coleman (Manager).
Portrait of the Brandon University Bocats men's hockey team. Front Row (L to R): Larry Budzinski, Russell Shaw, Jim Ferguson, Jack Richardson, Perry Robinson, Trevor Fahey (Coach), Larry Gillis, Brian Boyle, Phil Spratt. Middle Row (L to R): Bob Young, Grant Thomson, Bob Caldwell, Doug Gillies, Derek Schmuck, Clark Lang, Brian Reid, Barry Gooden, Greg Thompson. Back Row (L to R): Dick Gunter (Manager), Norm Joss (Trainer), Ken Buchy, John Goran, Brooke Kent, Barry Cairns (Manager), “Doc” Hannah (Trainer). Missing: Andy Murray.
Portrait of the Brandon University Bocats men's hockey team. Front Row (L to R): Larry Budzinski, Larry Gillis, Barry Gooden (Assistant Coach), Greg Thompson, Trevor Fahey (Coach), Jim Ferguson, Dale McKinnon. Middle Row (L to R): Doc Hannah (Trainer), Tom Hinch, Bob Young, Perry Robinson, Jeff Sheardown, Jack Richardson, Garry Davidson, Rob Smith, Russ Shaw, Barry Cairns (Manager). Back Row (L to R): Ken Buchy, Craig Campbell, Darry Stevens, John Goran, Wayne Naka, Larry Clarke, Tom Skinner.
Portrait of Brandon College Caps hockey players and Manager Doc Hannah on the ice. L to R: Harry George, Don Sumner, Doc Hannah, Fin Campbell, Jack Scott.
Portrait of a Junior Varsity Bobcats hockey reunion(?). Back row far left: Doc Hannah. Back row far right (L to R): Coach Bob Cabel and Referee Bob Thompson.
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Back Row (L to R): Doc Hannah (Trainer), Gil Giem, Warren McKinnon, Tom Ross, Doug Birch, Barry Heselgrave, Wayne Fawcett, Ron Hurdal, Gerald Butler, Ron Borotsik, Doug Clark (Coach). Front Row (L to R): George Peary, Don Duprey, Sonny Solmundson, Bruce Smith, Murray Zuk, Dick McDonald.
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Back Row (L to R): Gil Giem, Sonny Solmundson, Barry Ellwood, Doug Birch, Wally Jasper. Middle Row (L to R): Doc Hannah (Trainer), Ron Hurdal, Tom Ross, Wayne Fawcett, Gerald Butler, Lloyd Nikkel, Doug Clark (Coach). Front Row (L to R): George Peary, Ron Borotsik, Bruce Smith, Murray Zuk, Dick McDonald, Warren McKinnon.
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Back Row (L to R): George Redgate (Equipment Manager), Jack Scott, Graham Hunt, Neil McKellar, Art Nicol, John MacLean, Harold Moffat, Gus Juckes, Harry George, Fin Campbell, Don Irwin, Doc Hannah (Trainer). Front Row (L to R): Ernie Shaw, Bill Sutherland, Don Sumner, Blair MacRae, Garth Kidd and Rick Hannah (stick boys).
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Left to Right: Garth Kidd (stick boy), Don Sumner, Neil McKellar, Pete Hendry, Jack Scott, Bill Sutherland, Ernie Shaw, Blair MacRae, Harry George, Murray Smith, Harold Moffat, Don Irwin, Graham Hunt, Art Nicol, Fin Campbell (Playing Coach), Al Tyler (Trainer), Doc Hannah (Manager). Missing: John Miller, Gus Juckes, John McLean
Portrait of the Brandon College Caps hockey team. Back Row (L to R): Doc Hannah (Trainer), Glennis Scott, Kit Leitch, Marshall Kennedy, Terry Bicknell, Murray Smith (Equipment Manager), Ron Gurba, Al Robertson, Murray Zuk, Denny Smith, Doug Clark (Coach). Front Row (L to R): Brian Parker, Chuck Meighen, Ron Borotsik, Spence Bell, Arnie Mullin, Gladwyn Scott. Missing: Wally Wilson, Jim Parrott.
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