The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Well, it was supposed to be a surprise and it was for several months; however some loose lips at a golf tournament two weeks back tipped Lyn MacDougall off to the impending celebration of her and husband Brian's 25th Anniversary. Regardless of that, close to 60 friends and family of this long time Snow Lake couple showed up in the Legion basement on the evening of Saturday, September 4, to celebrate this quarter century mark in the couple's marriage. Most of the guests arrived shortly before 5:30 p.m. and under the assumption (for Brian anyway) of attending the Legion's weekly meat draw upstairs, Brian and Lyn were led down to the gathering in the basement. As the couple descended the stairs, cheers of congratulation arose from the crowd, and once settled in the basement a short session of visiting began. About 20 minutes after their arrival, a bit of surprise (for Brian anyway) also showed up. Lyn's father Neil drove to Ponton and picked up Brian's parents, Betty and George MacDougall of Tweed, Ontario, and their daughter Kelly who came in from Vancouver. The couple's other children, Cory of Vancouver and Brett of Brandon were unable to make it back for the party. With the arrival of these final guests, MC and co-organizer (along with Cathy Stabback, Iona Johnston, Joanne Roberts, and Laura Fris) Lynore Spruyt welcomed everyone with her customary and easy flowing humour, and directed them to the buffet. After a delicious meal, with salads and desserts provided by attendees and the main courses provided and prepared by Lyn's mother Iona, introductions took place. In addition to Lyn and Brian's daughter and Brian's parents, it was also noted that the Maid of Honour at the couple's wedding, Wendy Thomas (McLeod), also traveled in from northern Alberta for the occasion. Following introductions, Lynore and Cathy organized a group of performers to sing a song they put together, titled "The Ballad of Lyn and Brian". The song almost raised as many belly laughs as the very humorous and risqué story they made up with strategically placed chocolate bars. With supper and entertainment out of the way, Lyn and Brian rose and thanked everyone for all the trouble they went to in order to put the party on. Lyn promised retribution towards all involved in putting together the song and story, and Brian announced that daughter Kelly was to become a parent, and in turn he and Lyn would be grandparents, in December. Following the cutting of a cake marking the occasion, fellowship and a little pickin' and grinin' by Rocky McLeod ensued. Rocky also played at Lyn and Brian's wedding back on August 11, 1979.
