Jo-Anne Parcher-McLaughlin

Occupation: Human Resources Manager, Stokes Seeds. We sell flower and vegetable seed internationally to commercial growers and home gardeners We have three work sites in St. Catharines and two in the US - Vineland New Jersey and Fredonia New York.
Years in the Canyon: 1969-1981
Married To: Vern McLaughlin - December 24, 1996

When I moved to St. Catharines I returned to school full time, graduated from secondary school and then started working full time. At the same time I studied part time for my degree in Human Resources Management. I received CHRP accreditation in 1989. I worked in industry and health care before joining Stokes as their Human Resources Manager six years ago. Working both sides of the border makes for a variety of views.

I am still an avid curler and just completed a six year term on our club's board of directors. I was also on the executive last year when we hosted the Provincial Tournament of Hearts. I enjoy our pool in the summer but haven't taken up the game of golf yet - I'm saving that for retirement. That won't be for a while, have to let Vern get accustomed to it first.

The family are all out on their own - finally! We thought they would never leave! David is married with two children (11& 8) living in Sudbury and working for Hydro. Derek is single, living in Toronto and working for TD Bank. Lorelei is married with three children (15 & 5 & 3) living in Sudbury and is a dental assistant. Lance and Michelle live in St. Catharines, and have a little girl three years old. Lance is a supervisor with Modern Landfill.

Vern and I enjoy travelling - he especially loves any place that is hot so I haven't been able to talk him into the Alaska cruise - yet. Any of you guys that remember Vern, can't you just hear him say "why would anyone want to take a vacation where it's cold"?

jo

Vern (Vernie) McLaughlin

Occupation: Retired. After leaving the Canyon in 1981, I worked as Maintenance Superintendent for an abrasives company here in Niagara Falls. I started drawing my Hydro pension in 1995 and I retired from Norton Abrasives December 1, 2000.
Married To: Jo-Anne Parcher - December 24, 1996

I am still into curling and took up golf since moving to the south but none has replaced the great northern outdoors. There's not much fishing and hunting in the city. I look forward to my annual hunt with my son-in- law for a week in the Canyon area and another week with Jo's son Dave in the Sudbury area. I also enjoy working in my garden and puttering around the yard - just can't get enough of that sun!

I am Grampa to seven grandchildren, six step-grandchildren and one great-grandchild due in February. My oldest daughter, Charlotte, lives in Kenora and has three children. Jason lives in the Sault and has three children and Val is married and living in the Sault as well - no kids. We have not been able to locate Vernie's daughter but keep checking all avenues - some day I hope.

Jo-Anne I have been together since 1981 and finally decided to get married Christmas Eve 1996. The last twenty years have certainly flown by.

vern