HILLCREST LUMBER COMPANY LTD.
EMPLOYEES REUNION NEWSLETTER - THE LAST WHISTLE
HILLCREST REUNION MAY 24, 2014
As usual every year the wonderful staff at the Lake Cowichan Recreational Centre put up this welcoming sign. Thank you all very much
Byron and Vera Wilson. Byron drove lumber carrier in the sawmill and also drove the bus from Duncan to the mill.
Oke Anderson worked in the planer mill setting up on the big Timber Sizer.
Lorene Milligan and Verla Evans having a great time. Lorene's family the Jacks worked many many years at Hillcrest.
Al Stone, grandson of founder Carlton Stone sporting a stylish beard this year
Cec Ashley and special guest Neil Dirom. Neil is a well known lumber man from the Cowichan Valley. Neil was the manager of the Youbou sawmill before it closed down. Neil was also a well known basketball player.
Mike Padjen worked in the barker mill. Mike's dad Pete was a blacksmith and brother John was the lumber shipper in the mill.
Bill Kesserich talking with Barb and Barry Harsent. Bill's dad worked at Sahtlam Hillcrest and Bill did summer work in the planer mill at Mesachie.
Byron Wilson and george Smart. George was a high rigger and later the woods manager until Hillcrest closed down in 1968
Bill Parks is a faithful attendee every year.
The front entrance to the reunion May 24,2014 at the Mesachie Hall in Mesachie Lake B.C.
Don and Linda Coates. Don's dad Jack was a foreman in the sawmill
Bill Turko worked in the steam plant
Ann Adamschek whose large family the Turko"s also spent many many years working at Hillcrest
John White having a good. John was a faller in the woods for a long time
Josh Mann and Harindar Mann. Grandchildren of champion lumber grader Bikar Mann. Bikar worked at Hillcrest for many years until it closed in 1968
Manjit Mann is the son of Bikar Mann. Manjit is a Dr. in Victoria. We are very pleased to see Bikar's family come out every year to visit.
Bob Vessey, Ed Pawlik and Livio Michieli talking over old times. Bob was a logger in the woods.
Special guest Doug Harrison and Neil Dirom. Doug is a local artist who paints scenes of the logging and marine industries.
Another happy, smiling reunion attendee.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the reunion. We all had a terrific catered lunch supplied by Arlene of the Rec centre. Thanks again Arlene for everything.
Four grand children of founder Carlton Stone; From left: Mike Stone, Al Stone, Nancy Davis, and Doug Stone