Cathy Gibb Walsh
Greetings!
I'm so sorry that I missed the reunion and haven't kept up with the people and a time in my life that I remember fondly. I've enjoyed reading other people's write-ups: from the reports so far, we seem to have emerged as a pretty upbeat and positive group, despite the ups and downs of life.
Education
I did my undergraduate degree at Bishops' and then teacher's certification at Macdonald College. After a break during university I returned to music studies and did my ARCT (piano performance). More recently, I completed an M. Ed at Uvic.
Family
Jennifer (born 1973) is married and living in North Vancouver. She is teaching at Simon Fraser, working on her master's, and managing family life with 3 small boys, including a set of identical twins.
Mary (born 1976) lives a little closer, in 150 Mile House. She works for a local Aboriginal Band, making hi-tech maps related to land claim issues. She and her husband have have a rodeo star and a fairy princess for children.
My parents are living in an assisted-living complex in Victoria. Mom has been plagued with health problems for as long as I can remember, and, as for all of us, it's sad to see people we love live in pain.
I am divorced, and quite content living on my own.
Adventure
I've always wanted to see the world, so once I was on my own, I fell into the pattern of joining an adventure tour almost every summer. I've kayaked around coastal islands in BC, hiked up to Macchu Pichu, had a marriage proposal in the Blue Mosque, walked on the Great Wall, marveled at Victoria Falls, snorkeled with the penguins off the Galapagos ...what an exciting world it is, and I'm so lucky to have been able to see so much of it.
I broke my hip while hiking a few years ago (you know how they say to get lots of exercise so you won't fall and break something?) and had a partial replacement, which doesn't work as well as the original part. No more hiking or cross-country skiing, but I do an exercise class at the pool up the street 3-4 times a week to keep in shape.
Professional life
I've taught in the classroom from grades 4 to 7, in French immersion and in the regular system in Quebec, Ontario and BC. Currently, I am working half-time as a teacher/librarian in an elementary school, a nice way to wind down a career.
Music
Music is big part of my life, and since moving to Quesnel I've been involved as accompanist for all kinds of church and community choirs, high school musicals, fund-raising concerts and the local music festival. I've participated in quite a few musical theatre productions which are a big thing out here. Have piano will travel.
Community involvement
The move out of Quebec was a long sad and somewhat typical story, (although we were prepared to live in French in a separate Quebec if it came to that), so when we landed in small-town BC, I was at loose ends. It was my dad who kept insisting that I bloom where I was planted...so over the years I've been involved in the Community Arts Council, the United Church, the concert society and Billy Barker Days (“BC's fun family festival”). In the process I've made new friends, acquired skills (never light a harp concert with all blue or red lights), and learned to love this community. I've been Citizen of the Year, and continue to participate in many activities, mostly through music.
Cathy