James (Jamie) Logan HENDERSON (’56) passed away April 11, 2024. Survived by wife Loretta Stoyka, two sons, Joseph and Tom, with first wife Lorna (d. 1991), stepson Matthew Stoyka and three grandchildren. Also survived by his sister Elspeth (’59) Myer (James) and their three children: Jamie, Jonathan and Clarissa.

Jamie obtained his BA and B.Ed. from Western University, his MA in History from the University of Windsor, his M.Ed. from the University of Virginia and his Doctorate of Education from Wayne State University (Michigan). He began his teaching career in London, England, before returning to Canada, where he worked in Peterborough and then Windsor. He served as Head of the History Department at W.D. Lowe Secondary School, Co-ordinator of Social Studies with the Windsor Public School Board and was a Sessional Instructor at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Education and Wayne State University. Jamie also worked for the Ministry of Education as a Curriculum Consultant.

In retirement, Jamie became involved in a number of community service activities: the Children’s Aid Society, the University of Western Alumni Program and the Hospice of Windsor-Essex. A talented athlete growing up (football & golf), he also spent time on the coaching staff of the University of Windsor Lancers football team.  Described as a man who believed in the goodness of people, Jamie loved to make a difference in the lives of others. 

Alison “Cricket” (Goad) FERGUSON (’68) passed away April 14, 2024, age 75, at Parkwood Hospital with her children by her side. Beloved wife of the late James “Jim” Ferguson (’68) (d. 1994). Loving mother of John Ferguson (Erica) and Kelly Ferguson. Adored grandmother of three, cherished sister of Anne Munroe (’65) (Alex) and dear aunt of Brendan and Ian Munroe (Kimberly Gale).

Alison pursued many hobbies, but her love of gardening and landscape is what she was best known for. Many beautiful garden beds throughout Old South were designed and brought to life by Alison. She also took great pride in planning and organizing multiple South Collegiate reunions and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

STAFF PASSINGS:

Susanne Lee (Ollivier) THOMAS (staff 1989-1993), a former Music Teacher at South Collegiate, passed away suddenly March 30, 2024 at University Hospital, London, at age 70. Survived by husband Kent, sons Andy (’98) (Brooke), Jay (’00) (Jen) and daughter Colleen (’02) (Michael).

A graduate of Western University with a Master’s Degree in Music Education, Susanne was an accomplished flute player. During the 33 years she taught with the Thames Valley Board, she touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. In retirement, she conducted the Mocha Shrine Concert and was interim conductor of the Woodstock Choralaires. Described as a “dynamo” who “dedicated her life to sharing her joy of music and education” and who “always had a smile on her face and a song in her heart”.

Dr. Ilkka August OKSANEN (staff, 1954-57) passed away May 1st, 2024 after a brief illness. Predeceased by his wife Helen and sons David and Mark. Survived and deeply missed by his sister Anja McKenzie, daughters Susan Kolyvek and Lisbeth Harwood, son Peter and five grandchildren.

Ilkka began his teaching career at South in the Fall of ‘54 after graduating from the UWO with a degree in Physical Education. He taught Geography and coached both the junior football and boys’ basketball teams. He left South to return to his hometown of Windsor in June of 1957.  Alumnus, Ross Spettigue, who reconnected with Ilkka after moving to the Windsor area, says the teacher/coach was respected and admired by his students and players.  He also remembers “Coach blowing a mean trumpet in assemblies at South”.

While working for the Windsor Board of Education, Ilkka earned a PhD in Philosophy from Wayne State University in Detroit.  An accomplished jazz trumpeter, he was inducted into the Essex-County Musicians Hall of Fame in 2020. He also did a lot of volunteer work, including serving as President of the Essex County Cerebral Palsy Association.

Described as “a kind, gentle and modest person”, his “low-key humour kept family and friends upbeat during many of the hardships encountered.”