In Memory

In Memory of Eric Couturier - It was very shocking and saddening to hear of Eric Coutourier’s untimely death while still attending St. Thomas University. I know that many kind words have been said about his commitment to the STU Tommies men’s hockey team. As a former member of the STU women’s hockey team I wanted to remember Jagr by acknowledging the support he gave us when the team was just getting off the ground. Jagr was always willing to help us in any way he could, whether it was during a game or at practice, he answered many questions and helped us develop new skills, and he did all of this with patience and humour.
I specifically remember being in the dressing room midway through a game in an important tournament in which we were losing by a considerable amount of goals (which happened a lot back then.) To many of the fans and perhaps some of the players, the game was considered a joke. But Jagr was not treating us or the game as if it were a joke, he was busy helping us fix our equipment while at the same time telling us we were doing well and encouraging us to go back out and keep trying. We all benefited from his easy going nature and his love of the game.

I am sure I speak on behalf of all the STU Tommies women’s hockey alumni when I say that Jagr will be remembered as a kind and generous person and an important part of our team. Our thoughts go out to Melanie, their sons, and his family & friends.

Women’s Hockey Alumna

Juergen Doerr, long-time history professor at St. Thomas University passed away October 31, 2002. Juergen retired last spring. (Please look for a complete memorial in the next Connections.)

Everett Thomas Gorman Sr, BA ‘42, passed away September 20 at the Tri-City Medical Centre. Mr. Gorman was a musician and played the trumpet in St. Michaels’s Marching Brass Band. He also played on the college Rugby team and was a commissioned officer in the COTC, organized in January 1941 at St. Thomas University. A native of Chatham, NB, he lived in Oceanside for more than 10 years. He retired as a teacher for the Rancho Santiago Community College District. He served as a major in the Canadian Army during WWII and landed in Normandy, France on D-Day.

Rev. Herbert Grattan, BA ‘49, of Riverview passed away January 2, 2003 at the Dr. Georges-L. Dumont Hospital. Born December 22, 1927 in Douglastown, he was the son of the late William and Catherine Pittman. Following the death of his mother, he went to live with his uncle, Father J.V. Pittman in Richibouctou. He was a graduate of Richibouctou High School in 1945, St. Thomas College, Chatham, NB in 1949, and Grand-Seminary, Quebec 1953. He was ordained on May 1, 1953 in St. Samuel’s Church, Douglastown, NB by Most Rev. Norbert Robichaud, Archbishop of Moncton. He served as Curate to St. Bernard’s Parish, Moncton from 1953-1954, and also at Ste-Anne’s, Baie Ste-Anne from 1954-1957 and at St. Augustine’s, Moncton from 1957-1962. After returning as Curate to St. Bernard’s for one year, he was appointed Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Rexton in 1963 where he served until 1973. In that year he was appointed founding Pastor of St. Michael’s Parish in Moncton and served that community until being appointed pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Riverview in 1977 where he remained until 1986. He was then appointed to Holy Family where he served as pastor until his retirement in 1997. In the years following his retirement he remained active in parish ministry doing replacement ministry and providing various services until a few months before his death. Rev. Grattan will be missed by family and friends.

William Aird Fair, father of Kathy (Fair) McMillan, BA ‘77, passed away March 15, 2003.

Dr. Joseph MacDougall, LLD ‘89, passed away unexpectedly at Rocmaura Nursing Home in Saint John, NB on September 30, 2002. Dr. MacDougall resided in Saint John since 1950. He was a general practitioner and anesthetist until his retirement in 1993. Dr. MacDougall was always active in professional and civic affairs having served as Mayor of Saint John from 1967 to 1969 and later as a Common Councillor from 1986 to 1989. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Blue Cross of Atlantic Canada from 1955 to 1984. In 1989, he received the Dr. J. A. McMillan Award from Blue Cross for his devotion and dedication to improving the quality of life for others.

Brian Moore, BA ‘75, passed away in November 2002. He was a Saint John fireman for 23 years and was an avid owner, trainer and driver in the Atlantic Canada harness racing scene. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

Beverly J. O’Keefe, who was a significant patron of St. Thomas University, passed away November 15, 2002 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Bev attended St. Vincent’s Boy’s School and worked in the family grocery business from 1950-1953, before going to work with Irving Oil Ltd. in 1953, leaving the company as its Senior Executive Sales and Operations Manager in 1963, to pursue further employment with McCain Foods Ltd. Bev left McCain Group of Companies as President and CEO of Thomas Equipment in 1977, to become President and CEO of Juniper Lumber CO. Ltd. until 2000. Bev was extremely active in his community and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Honourable George Stanley, LLD ‘87, passed away in September 2002.

Ada Sui-tong Wong, BA ‘80, sister of Beatrice Sui-seung Wong, BA ‘82, passed away on July 26, 2002 in Vancouver, B.C.

Connections Spring 2003 / Alumni / STU Home