July 17 and 18, 2025
Our two-day event was held in the Chapel at South Abbotsford Church. Thursday was special in that 20 former grads, including a few spouses, shared life experiences (bios) and got to now one another better after all these years. Laughs, tears, stories of crossing Principal Bill Wiebe surfaced and more memories followed. Friday options of touring the MEI Construction project and a visit to the Mennonite Historical Society were appreciated by small groups while the rest enjoyed each other’s company in the Chapel. All four meals – lunch and dinner both days were delivered by Caterer in a timely fashion and enjoyed by all. Evenings we shared more Bios, handed out “Door Prizes” – donated by classmates, and participated in hearty four part harmony (yes, we had Hymnals), accompanied by a pianist and Hedy on her violin. A most interesting Mennonite history lesson by Art Friesen, encouraged more sharing of stories of our very unique heritage. Friday evening our attendance swelled to 37 which we as a committee were very grateful for, while still wishing more had been able to enjoy these wonderful two days of renewing friendships and sharing experiences. We’re already planning for next year!
Committee, Art Friesen, Linda Friesen, Len Funk, Carol Heidebrecht, JoAnne Janzen, Carelin Penner and Ken Weins.
Submitted by JoAnne (Goerzen) Janzen
MEI Class of 1960 touring the current building site.
Previously Posted
Plans are forming for an MEI Grade 12 Graduating Class of 1960, 65-year reunion July 17-18, 2025.
To Keep Informed
- Join your Facebook Group: MEI Class of 1960
- Email your reunion committee: Len Funk (lenfunk42@gmail.com) or Linda Friesen (shookave@gmail.com)
- Update your contact info with the MEI Alumni Office
July 2024 Mini-Reunion
July2024 – Mini grad class of 1960 reunion at Garden Park Towers
55-Year Reunion in 2015
The MEI Schools grade 12 graduating class of 1960 celebrated their 55th Reunion together May 21-23, 2015.
Interact with photos on Facebook 
On Friday, May 22, the group joined with 1400+ students and staff for the school’s very first all-school (K-12) chapel.
Mr. Henry L Suderman opened in prayer by honouring God for His faithful sustaining work in the school community from its beginnings through to the present, while asking for and trusting in His continued blessing for the future. It was incredibly moving to feel the uncompromising youthful vitality of students mingle with the steadfast support and enduring faith of our class of 1960 as they sang together:
“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders,
Let me walk upon the waters, wherever You would call me.
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander,
And my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior”.
Middle School Vice-Principal Jeff Gamache shared at the chapel.
More than 65 people (including 40 alums from the class of 1960) returned later in the evening to the Middle School to share a catered dinner, a performance by the MEI Renaissance Singers, and a time of reminiscing. Congratulations to the Class of 1960 Reunion Committee for bringing this group together, and we thank you for your ongoing interest in and care for the school.
Grade 12 Graduating Class of 1960 55th Reunion
An Anniversary Celebration
Recalling MEI Pasts, Living in the Present
The 1960 Grade XII celebrated its 55th graduation anniversary in a campus-centred reunion May 21st to 23rd. Dean Wedel’s award winning choirs entertained us in the Library Friday morning and again as a prelude to the evening banquet.
On that Friday morning, we were guests at the first ever campus wide morning devotion. I was honoured to lead the opening prayer. The 1500 students’ enthusiasm was contagious, confirming our founders’ wise foresight, so eloquently described by our retired, now almost blind teacher, Mr. John Ratzlaff, at the evening banquet. Since our graduation, MEI has evolved to maintain its relevancy and blessing to the community.
With the theme, “Find Your Roots, Share Your Roots”, our reunion began Thursday evening in packed, adjoining private rooms with a buffet dinner in Aldergrove. Eleanor summarized her Friesen blog; Art identified eleven “cousins”, all descendants from the original Swedish Ratzlaff. I shared my recent discovery that Frieda, Dorothy and I were all Toews “second cousins”.
We met informally Friday afternoon at the Mennonite Historical Society office located to pursue further genealogy research. Finally on Saturday our nostalgia was heightened touring the antique cars and other collections at Shady Grove.
The final event was a luncheon of “Faspa” foods in a 1950’s style diner.
Special thanks to Linda, Nita, Frieda, and Hank with Sue, all who worked hard to implant eighty plus attendees with wonderful memories.
— Submitted by Henry L Suderman
