A unique club celebrated its 25th anniversary on Feb. 7 with a breakfast attended by 32 former employees of MacMillan Bloedel and Western Forest Products, all of whom once worked at the Chemainus sawmill.
The club was founded in 2000 by Bob Heyes, Neal Burmeister and Gary Grouhel, initially bringing together 41 retirees from the Chemainus mill. Over the years, the group has maintained its tradition of breakfast meetings, offering former colleagues a chance to reconnect and maintain friendships.
The inaugural breakfast took place on Feb. 4, 2000, at the Mount Brenton Golf Club. Over the past 25 years, these breakfasts have become a cherished tradition where members can catch up, share updates and honour the legacy of their shared workplace. The club’s attendance has fluctuated over the years, but the retirees' camaraderie has remained strong.
As the years pass, these gatherings continue to highlight the lasting friendships and community spirit among club members.