Enduring tributes to Retiring Teachers

Posted: June 29, 2012

The names of three teachers will live on long after they retire from St. Andrew’s this summer in the form of special tributes made in their honour.

New House for day boys will now be known as “Perrier House,” renamed to commemorate teachers Bob and Ann Perrier, Housemaster and Assistant Housemaster of Memorial House for 23 years. The SAC pool will henceforth be called “The Walden Pool” in recognition of John Walden ’71 and his 33 years as a master and as a swim coach.

“These three remarkable educators have each made exceptional contributions to St. Andrew’s College over their many years of dedicated service,” says Headmaster Kevin McHenry, who made the renaming announcements at a retirement dinner at the School on June 16 attended by close to 300 faculty, staff, Old Boys, family and friends. “They have left their mark on the School and I think this is a very fitting way to express our thanks and have their names live on.”

John, Ann, and Bob each admit to being caught off guard and deeply moved by the unexpected homage.

“We could not have received a greater honour,” says Bob, speaking on behalf of himself and his wife Ann. In fact, they are still reeling from the hundreds of well-wishers they spoke with at the dinner and the countless emails and letters they continue to receive from former students, colleagues and friends from around the world. “It has been overwhelming,” he adds.

The same sentiments are echoed by retiring Assistant Headmaster John Walden, who says it is “very humbling” to be honoured in such a fashion, especially knowing that in the past only Headmasters and major donors received namings to the physical plant. John coached the Varsity Swim team for 23 years and the U16 Swim team for 10.

Click here to view photos taken at the retirement dinner.

Story by Cindy Veitch

« Back