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.
Close to 60 family members, friends, and neighbours gathered Sunday, July 4th at Ted and Cathy Stabback's cabin on the south end of Wekusko Lake. Over the years, this site has been a focal point for many such gatherings; however, none were as secretive or as significant as this one. The Stabbacks have been married for 25 years, and without rousing their suspicion, family and friends had been planning a celebration of that milestone since last winter. It all came together three days before the actual anniversary date and the party seemed to catch them both by surprise. Under the ruse of meeting Flin Flon friends Craig and Michelle Simpson for an afternoon of fishing, the couple was lured out to their South End cabin. Upon arrival there, the Stabbacks noted that their suspicions were raised just a bit when they came across three separate signs directing them to the "Stabback's 25th Anniversary Celebration". Friends greeted them with the customary "Surprise" and even though Ted stated that he was still going fishing, the revelry began. As it happened, this wasn't the only surprise that the afternoon was to offer. Approximately one hour after the Stabbacks arrived, Ted's sister Pat and brother John and their families walked in on the shaker. They had traveled all the way from Beaverton, Ontario to be with the couple during the occasion. Emotions were running high and pictures were snapping steadily during this arrival and afterwards when the Stabbacks looked over a beautiful photo album of their 25 years together made by Leone Jackson, and a very humorous and well thought out story that Michelle Simpson made up with strategically placed chocolate bars. Following the majority of their guests' arrival, Stabback's son Rick and Steven Simpson fired up the barbeques and treated everyone to a feast of burgers and hot dogs, while Cathy's sisters Merle and Gail made sure everyone had plenty of salads and dainties. Those who had some room left on their plate added a piece of cake. This was, of course, after the Stabbacks posed for pictures and then cut and doled out most of the lovely creation that Norma Johnson made for the anniversary. After lunch, Lola Leclair, Michelle Simpson, and Cathy's cousin, Peter Roberts brought out their guitars and an hour or so of strumming, singing, and listening ensued. Both Ted and Cathy rose at this point and stated their appreciation for the preparation and work that went into the gathering. They acknowledged those who had traveled from afar and others who had made special contributions towards the day. In closing, Ted further added that he was still a little disappointed that he wasn't going fishing. Fellowship and festivities continued on until around 10:00 that evening and a great time was enjoyed by all.
