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alumni update archives

These updates are at least 1 year old and may no longer be correct. If you would like to update yours, please complete a new Alumni Update Form or contact the Alumni Office at alumni@columbiabc.edu or (604) 853-3567 ext 327.

1930's-1950's

Frank & Ruth [Wiens] Martens (’59)

Frank and Ruth live in the Republic of panama where Frank is leading Crossroad Christian Academy through the accreditation process with the New England Association of Schools & Colleges. Frank earned his doctorate at the University of California and recently completed his 45th year in education. He has headed schools in six countries and three states.

1960's

1970's

1980's  

In Loving Memory of Loren Peter Nikkel ('86-'87)

Born January 29, 1967 in Calgary Died December 3, 2006 in Toronto Left to mourn Loren's much-too-early passing are his heartbroken parents, Peter and Elsie; his sisters, Jenneth (Terence) Barg and their children, Denver, Jordan, Cassidy and Carson, Lynda (Collin) Willems and their children, Anthony, Nikolas and Josie. He also leaves a large extended family and friends across Canada. Funeral Services were held on Friday, December 8, 2006 at Strathmore Alliance Church.  - December 2006

Julie-Anne [Petty] Sillars (’86-‘88)

Julie-Anne and husband Kent, have three children - Braedon Kent (Oct. 8, 1997), Spencer Donald (November 10, 1999), and Taylor Lewis (August 16, 2003). Their company (Vesta Properties) has opened offices in both BC and Alberta with approximately 1500 unites under various stages of construction. The Sillars' currently reside in Surrey, BC.

Darren Schmidt (’87-‘90)

Following his time at CBC, Darren studied history at the University of Calgary and Queen's University in Kingston and then worked as an historical researcher in Ottawa for six years. He is returning to school this Fall to complete a PhD in Theology & Church History at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Darren's studies will focus on the Reformation and on a theology which can inspire historical awareness and rootedness among 21st-century Protestants. Darren comments, "We don't often think (or quickly forget) that we are part of a Christian communion which includes those who followed God faithfully in earlier centuries and far-off places". Darren and wife, Cara, recently celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary and have two children, Matthew and Aimee.

1990's

Ryan Melin ('93-'97)*

Ryan writes, "Recently, God has called me to work with some others to start a new worship service at our church. We call it "The Gathering" and we follow some principles related to the emergent church. I'm really enjoying the process and believe God is gifting me with leadership as the facilitator for the worship evenings. I love being a dad, though there are many challenges. My life has never been filled with so much joy and laughter! My work is very fulfilling, as I have the privilege of working with some very wounded individuals, couples, and families. God continues to amaze me as He works to heal those He has called me to work with as a Marriage & Family Therapist. I continue to love to play soccer, and occasionally my wife and children will get out for some cross country skiing together (i.e. my children ride in a "chariot" with skies behind me). It's a lot of fun!" Ryan, his wife Laura and their 2 children live in Lanigan, Saskatchewan. - December 2006

James (’94-‘99) & Chrystal [Neufeldt] (’94-‘97) Bartsch

James and Crystal have two children - Abby, 4 and Carson, 1 - and live in Lethbridge, Alberta. James graduated from Olds College in Agriculture Finance and is now employed as a bank manager with Community Savings. 

Carlin (’94-‘98) & Laurali [Toews] (’93-‘97) Fehr

Carlin and Laurali were married in 1999 and currently reside in Delisle, Saskatchewan. Laurali is a stay at him mom to their three children (Sierra 4, Logan 2, and Brooke 2 mos.). Carlin is pastor at Delisle Community Chapel (Brethren in Christ). Laurali writes, "The older I get the more I miss the days of college! But I wouldn't trade our responsibilities in the church and certainly not our wonderful children for the late study nights or dealing with odd roommates. We think often of CBC and continue to pray for the College as it moves forward in a very dramatic and uncertain generation! CBC has played a major role in my spiritual formation and has also given me the needed skills for ministering in our church and more importantly in our community. Thank you for all the Psychology, Counselling, and Leadership courses ... and without our Bible foundation we would be nowhere!"

JaNae [Solonka] Iverson (’98-‘99)

JaNae has been married to her wonderful husband, Dave since 2003 and has a two and a half year old son named Cameron. She is enjoying the outdoors and teaching her son about camping and snowboarding and the outside life. JaNae and her family live in Puyallup, Washington.

Heidi [Spenst] (‘98) & Ryan (’98-‘99) Gauer

Heidi & Ryan met at CBC and became friends. They married in April, 2004 and now live in Chilliwack with their two cats. They still keep in touch with several friends that they made at CBC.

David (’99-‘00) & Carmen [Ginther] (’00-‘01) Guenther

David and Carmen celebrated the arrival of their first child, a daughter, Cate Rowan, on March 30, 2006. The Guenthers live in Lethbridge, Alberta where David works as a journalist.

Jason (’99-‘01) & April [Buhler] (’99-‘03) Gau

Jason and April were married on August 24, 2001. Their first child (a daughter) was born in June, 2003 and they are expecting their second child in October, 2005. Jason and April live in Kelowna, BC.

2000's

Jenise Broussard (’01-’03)

Jenise recently accepted a position in Houston, TX as an estimating secretary with a family company. She writes, "I'm able to put many of the lessons that I learnt at CBC into action being miles from home." Since leaving Columbia, Jenise has done an extensive amount of travelling around the US and Canada, meeting up with friends and clients. One of the highlights was being involved with NASCAR events and seeing the impact that faith has in the sport."

Jonathan (’02-03) & Melissa [Pitts] (’02-03) Neufeld

Following her time at Columbia, Melissa spent six months in Switzerland working as an Aupair and visiting many countries throughout Europe. She and Jonathan married on October 15, 2005. On June 29, 2006 the Neufelds welcomed their first child, David, into the world. The family resides in Surrey, BC.

Ross Black ('05-'06)*

Ross and his wife, Taya, live in Little Rock, AR where Ross works for Campus Crusade for Christ as an Event Ministries Representative for FamilyLife. They have one son, Isaiah (2yrs).