Guest book April 1998 – December 2007

 

Steve Carroll –     27.12.2007 00:54:06

 

Merry christmas and a very happy new year! I you are all well, healthy, happy and surrounded by those you love. Take care,

 

Steve

 

Joel Savitz –     12.12.2007 19:05:53

 

Hello,

I’ve recently moved to San Francisco. In this city, I’m the only over 50, tall & thin, never married, former flight attendant, who works in an Art Gallery that isn’t gay.

Not that there is anything wrong with that!

 

Joel Savitz –     10.12.2007 22:14:17

 

Hello ‘OLD’ friends, and please don’t take the ‘OLD’ part personally!

 

In fact, I cannot believe that I even have friends my age!

 

If you are coming to San Francisco…..call me…..415-392-7456!

 

I now live here!

 

Have a nice day!

 

T Babcox    07.12.2007 19:36:30

 

Hey, I found a video of Duncan –

 

Helen Eyssartier (Wells) – jacques.    11.11.2007 14:05:30

 

About to book a flight to Oz for Feb 2008 – anyone know the exact date of Dickie’s NZ 50th party in March??? All hanging in the balance….. Hope to hear from someone soon!

 

Ken Chilibeck –     03.11.2007 03:59:47

 

Homepage | http://www.vagabondlodge.ca

 

I had a chance a few days ago to see John Harlin give a talk about his book and movie “Eiger Obsession” at the Banff film/book festival. His dad John Harlin was killed in the late 60’s climbing the Eiger with Dougal Haston when his rope broke. John has retraced his dad’s route and made an Imax film about it and wrote a book. The Harlins lived in Leysin and his dad was involved in the International School of Mountaineering at the Original Vag. His dad is buried there. It was a pretty emotional talk. If you get a chance, pick up his book or go and see the movie in your town. Ironically enough, last time I was at the Banff Centre was in the late 70″s to see Dougal Haston talk about one of his climbs. Google John Harlin for more info on him. We have had some snow already here in Golden BC at Vagabond Lodge and it is nowing pretty good right now. Hopefully sign of things to come. Reminder I am looking at having a reunion from the Early 70’s hopefully in a year or so. I have had some feed-back already. Ran into Chic Scott at John Harlin’s talk and he says..he would love to come and drink a few beers at the reunion.

 

kim manahi – .nz    13.10.2007 11:39:36

 

My goodness Im back in Leysin after 15 years (88 – 91) Great to be back although a bit gutting to be in Cardiff to see the mighty all blacks fall to those damn Froggies!!!!! Good to see everyone – carole (linder) you rock – you need to try her lavender ice cream – tre bloody bon! For those of you that remember mr paul Dickie – his 5oth yes! his 50th is next march. His lovely missus, Kaye is planning a very large party for all of his mates in Akaroa, Banks Penisula, South Island, nz. Would be great to have some of his friends celebrate with us – it will be a doozy Im sure – plenty of bloody headaches the next day anyways. So I fly home on the 23rd october and I have to say it has been a wonderful track back although im pleased to say i remember a lot more this trip than I do the last one!!!

Gavin Roache – you have children???? bloody hell!! is it still dumping man? ha ha! The reunion in Wanaka was most excellent good to see Hawkeye and Michel, Hine and the girls. I have to say that Hawkeye, Stu, Johno and myself were the only four standing at 4am!!!! We still got it ha ha although we all needed medication the next morning and a long nap that after noon!!!! love to all Kimi xxxxxxxx

 

T Babcox    09.10.2007 20:59:54

 

Yes Steve, I am out. I did some hard time after getting caught with a bunch of bones in my garage. You see, during a drug induced haze, I figured it would be a good idea to drag them over from where I found them in the little cemetary by Chalet far West. I was going to show them to Monsieur Jacquie and have him arrest whomever was responsible.

 

Who would have thought that instead of taking a foreigner seriously that they would make me do hard time in Sepey? My backside is still aching from the pounding it took from the moped gang.

 

I totally blame you. 🙂

 

Steve Carroll –     05.10.2007 15:03:31

 

Ty!

 

I had no idea you had been released! That’s great news. We’re all very proud of you. Full parole or do you have to wear that tracking thing on your ankle again? In any case, it’s great to learn you’re out. How many years before you can travel internationally? Must be a big relief to be able to shower again without all those other ‘worries’. Take care!

 

T Babcox    02.10.2007 23:14:27

 

Bennie! I still think back and laugh about shit like:

Potato Radios

The Pirate Radio Station you helped me order from the UK

Absynthe, coke and espresso

Chrissie Hind

Quad valve amps

Homemade speakers

 

All that stuff and more. Hope all is well in your new digs. Cracks me up to think that you actually MOVED to Durban.

 

Take care mate.

 

TB

 

Kim Ramsey –     06.09.2007 17:08:58

 

In mid July myself, wife Jill & daughter Andrea were on the Atlantic (RIGHT) coast of north America for a wedding. After said nuptials, we motored north to Lincolnville Beach, Maine to stay at the Whales Tooth Pub; guests of old time Vagabonders Rob & Dorothee Newcombe and daughter Jodi. Joining us were Rob’s sister Ann, R. SAM Sampson, Doug & Jude Harvey, Claude Paquette & Diana Cote and Alf Zwicker. Our drinking arms got ample exercise. Also our mid-sections from the almost continual laughter. Many stories, songs, names, lies and adventures were remembered. Peter (Black Pete – Total Darkness) Seccombe was remembered in all the above activities. I could hear Pete saying; “Get the thumb out mates! Have your selves an hākari (feast, get-together) with your mates before it is to late. Toot-Sweet. The Tooter the Sweeter.”

Later,

kim

 

Geoff. Swift –     05.09.2007 17:45:35

 

I Worked at the Vag 1963 to 1965 mostly in the bar. Can’t believe I found this web site. Would love to hear from anybody from that era. Have managed to contact ‘Hilly ” Ruargh, Lynne and Richard.

 

Leslie Lovejoy –     03.09.2007 20:12:38

 

My husband Mark Ensner and I are returning to Leysin to honeymoon from October 1-22, 2007 Would love to visit with any old friends from my years in Leysin (1973-1983). We can be contacted through Hefti Sports, while we are there or email me before we leave stateside.

 

Marie-Claude Polglaze –     22.08.2007 09:02:11

 

Hey There,

It’s always good to see the posts from people from the past, and from others that I see down under. Happy Birthday Bennie :-). Anyway, I’ll be in Europe between Sept 25 and Oct 22 and will come up to Leysin during that time. Kim and I are going to Cardiff for a World Cup game – Go the All Blacks! and I’m looking for Ralph the Troll, to see if we can catch up for a drink or two. I’ve contacted Steve Caroll, but he’s lost touch with him. Does anyone knows where Ralph is?

I’m looking forward to catching up with those of you still high in the alps.

xoxo

M-C

 

Geoff. Swift –     21.08.2007 19:16:36

 

I worked at the Vag 1963 to 1965

Looking for anybody from that era

I am living in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada

 

Samir Kharusi –     19.08.2007 12:51:35

 

Homepage | http://www.samirkharusi.net/index.html

 

I stayed at the Club Vagabond way back in 1964, pics shared in the album pages here ( http://gallery.frof.ch/1964 ). Of course, like everyone else I have fond memories, and this summer (2007) I was crossing the Canadian Rockies. Naturally I just had to drop into the Vagabond Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain near Golden, BC, run and owned by old Vagabonders Ken and Lori. My major mistake was to stay only one night because of subsequent travel plans. The Lodge does have the nice aspects of the old one at Leysin. Everyone is so friendly; you are never sure who is a customer and who is staff. That’s one of the the main things I recall from 1964. But the new Lodge is way, way more comfortable and up-market compared to the old one at Leysin, all the better to match the tastes of us now grown-up oldies. Very highly recommended! If you are ever in that part of the world do make sure you spend a few nights, winter or summer. Best wishes for enduring success to Lori and Ken. Excellent Lodge, great decor, comfy bedding!

 

Ken Chilibeck –     15.08.2007 01:01:31

 

Homepage | http://www.vagabondlodge.ca

 

Greetings from Vagabond Lodge in Golden BC. Had a nice visit from Laurie Herns a few days ago and wife Linda. We caught up after a long time(I have short-term memory) . I had a great surprise a few days ago when a Club Vagabonder from the 60’s sent me a Club Vagabond Beer Mug. His name is Don McKinnon and was with the military during those days and spent some time in Leysin. I was touched with his thoughtfullness. I had my first(not last) beer out of it today and although it was not beauregaard, it was special. I am thinking of a reunion here at Vagabond Lodge for the early 70’s crowd. Probably in the next year. If you want in, on the mailing list let me know.

 

Peter Craig – .net    13.08.2007 01:25:28

 

Black Pete

1.5.47 – 8-8-03

RIP

 

steph reesor –     05.08.2007 05:25:10

 

still hanging here in Whistler since my departure from Leysin in ’91…and still hanging with many ex-leysinouds (?)Becky, Yves, big Al…looking for Aussie Nurse Gayle or Swedish Susie….anyone know where these 2 beautiful women are on this planet? peace out..xoxo steph!!!

 

Richard Headifen –     19.07.2007 12:28:36

 

Bennie! Great to hear that you are still out there stoking and toking. I well remember your killer Durban poison and those incredible curries you used to cook up. Happy birthday mate! Cheers, Phones.

 

Ben Welgemoed – ben.    16.07.2007 15:17:03

 

Hello all. Today I’m 59 and smiling. one more year and its the big 60. I’ve bought a small farm near Durban overlooking a large dam and the Indian ocean in the distance. I living “off grid” with about 200 mangoe trees. Growing Phyto herbs and trees. I stoke a mean “mampoer” (moomshine) from the mangoes and various other fruit on the farm. There is quite a lot of small game and Buck and birds galore. If you ever in this neck of the woods give us a shout. Keep on Frofing……

 

Sandra Sykes –     06.07.2007 01:14:37

 

Thanks for posting the photos of the NZ reunion. Great to see some familiar faces! A friend’s 19yr old daughter is about to begin her big travel adventure and is looking for work “somewhere that she can learn French”. Lovely girl, great personality, hard worker. She has experience in the restaurant industry, is great with kids and hopes to make a career in event planning. If anyone knows of some paid employment that would be suitable for her, please email me.

 

Helen Eyssartier – jacques.    02.07.2007 16:19:01

 

Broadband finally reached us! Please note new e-mail: jacques.. Will try & make it in september for the Susannah Nelson & cie reunion. Greetings to all those from la belle époque!

Helly Welly

 

frof membership manager – membership.    21.06.2007 10:04:36

 

Calling old Vagabonders from 84 – 86. We hear that old friends Susannah Nelson, Ingrid, Jeanette, Suzanne and Nick from that period are coming to Leysin for a catchup in September, staying at the Primevera Hotel where Biglus (of Biglus and Kerry) is manager. Anyone else free to visit? Susannah used to share a flat in Hortensia with Jose, Ingrid, Helly Welly (Helen Wells) and Ulla. Good excuse for any old Vagabonders to front up. The more the merrier. Get further details from the Primevera re timing.

 

Cheers from your frof membership manager!

 

Frof Membership Manager – membership.    02.06.2007 11:36:10

 

Message to Marc Reading. Contact through the email address you gave us failed. Please check your address and re-apply for membership. Greetings from upper Feydey!

 

mad mike –     09.05.2007 10:46:26

 

Homepage | picos-accommodation.co.uk

 

Would be great if you could organize a caption competion for the fabulous photos from the wanaka party.Particularly impressed by big johns form , is he trying to make the All Black team for the World Cup in France?

If anyone is coming up to Europe remember there is allways space here at Casa Gustavo.

 

Gavin Roache – .au    08.05.2007 13:45:57

 

Gday from Aus. Been busy on the next generation front. Michael Roache born on 19th of March 2007. Son of Gavin “”its dumping”” and Michelle Roache.

Thats our second boy and that is it..

Checked out photos of NZ reunion, OTTO you were right some very white rosy cheeks. STU long time no hear!!!

Still trying to track down Greg Jones if anyone knows his whereabouts shoot me a mail.Last i heard he was running a cool backpackers in Byron.

 

Regards to all, stay fit, stay healthy. (Gavin)

 

Otto –     02.05.2007 19:56:41

 

Holy Sh*t!

Lookit those Vagabonder alums down south!

A more handsome, beautiful and wind-swept lookin bunch I nevah seen!

Good to see those rosy cheeks and eye whites pumpin’ out the happy juices.

Very twinkly eyes on the lot of you by the way…

How’d those youngins get so damn big?

Jesus-h-Speights!

There in spirit along sides.

Well done!

 

Otto

 

Ken Chilibeck –     03.03.2007 08:22:18

 

Homepage | www.vagabondlodge.ca

 

Just a reminder the Vagabond lives in Golden BC Canada. I am talking about Vagabond Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. My wife Lori and I are in our 3rd year of operation and it has been an amazing experience. Right now Paul(Dutcy) Holland is staying with us for a few weeks. He was part of the early 70’s era in Leysin. Those were the days??? We are having an awesome time talking “war stories.” He has promised a fondue before he leaves.

it’s been an amazing ski season here in Golden and we continue to have ex Vagabonders come through our doors from time to time. We will try and keep it alive.

 

madmike –     25.02.2007 12:02:12

 

Homepage | http://www.picos-accommodation.co.uk/

 

For anyone interested in saving the world’s wildlife, here’s a petition to try and save Spanish bears.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/418999897

Please give it your support and send to friends. Thanks, Lisa.

 

Sandy – alexander.    23.01.2007 17:35:15

 

Let it snow, let it snow. let it snow!!!!!

Same situation as in 1985, have fun powderhunters!!!!!

 

Will Thorpe –     19.01.2007 10:05:05

 

Hi folks, was a student at HOSTA somewhere around `93 -`96, worked at the Vag Village Camps and Whispers (…..!?) Miss Leysin and the people there especially Biglus &co. Used to try to sing at jam sessions with canadian Michael. I`m crap at names but if anybody out there remembers me , give us a shout.

 

Marc Reading –     17.01.2007 14:01:55

 

Sorry guys hit the wrong keys on my address should be  Tim Smith where are you ???

 

Helen Eyssartier –     16.01.2007 14:58:33

 

Greetings vintage Vagabonders – great to hear from so many of you (83/88’ish) all of a sudden. No snow here yet either, still waiting to christen the ‘raquettes’ we bought from André during our last visit in 2005!

 

Wishing you all a splendid 2007.

Helen Wells/Eyssartier

 

Marc Reading –     15.01.2007 16:55:56

 

Hi to all of my old friends , I have just come across the web site , great images and contacts. I have just returned to live in the UK after 18 years in Africa. Looking forwards to getting in touch with John and Vi,Fen and Nanou, Paul Dickie Tim Smith, Dave Sharrock, Bruce and Diana the Smiths Guy and Helen and everyone that was around between 1981 and 1986.

I had dinner in Paris last year with my old Soldanelle land lady and flat mate Annie Haston, needless to say we drunk far too much wine……. as usual

 

All the best for 2007 and see you in Leysin this summer

 

Bruce Burkhardt & Diana Chan –     13.01.2007 02:33:46

 

Homepage | http://www.burkhardtphoto.com

 

Hello to all the Vagabonders out there. Great to see some of the images, past and recent here on this site. We raise a glass to all the 1977 to 1984 Vagabonders! It’s all starting come come back now. What fun it was. We are fat and sassy here in Santa Barbara still. My back is sore as I write this from chasing my twelve year old son, Tarry down six days of non-stop bump runs last week in Colorado. Can’t turn em quite as fast as I use to but gave it a valiant effort. Peace and Love in 2007

 

Yvonne Clare-Bryans –     12.01.2007 14:42:20

 

Hi,

I just stumbled across the site while looking @ google earth,thought i’d check Leysin out.LOL I have some wonderfull memories of my years there the good friends we made (mad days i call um)

Laughter n Love in 07 all.x

Yvonne

 

Otto    01.01.2007 16:55:13

 

Happy New Year from the virtual ice machine!

Here’s to a year of twisting t-shirts, triple M runs,

chip-butties, Dahu chasing, chinese eyes, liquid fromage,

2dl dreams and chicken curry wishes! Dreaming of Thursday snacks,

Martigny blush, a ballon du Goron and stickin’ it between the Tours…

Cheers to all your ears…wherever you’re going…there you are.

 

Jon & Vi – .net    31.12.2006 10:02:06

 

Happy New Year to all you scattered Vagabonders. And to those still flying the flag in Leysin. Good luck to all. Next is the year of the Pig, and you know what that means. Snuffling for truffles anyone?

Cheers, Jon & Vi

 

fen foster – rin.net.id    23.12.2006 03:34:13

 

Just taken my first look at the site since donkeys, lo & behold, an update. Tres bloody refreshing. Well done Danno.

Looks as if its been a bit of a BBQ year. You know we’re all aging when you have trouble recognising people you spent years at play with. Bloody Sanden still looks like Sanden though.

Surprised to see Aussie in town.

Sad to hear about Paul. He took pretty good care of Nanou and myself for a couple of days whilst in the states (jeez, that was about 20 something years back). Unforgettable.

Pretty hot (damned hot) and humid here in Indionesia these days, as the wet is trying its best to gear up. Still, the pool is handy-dandy to the living room door, and the “Bintang” is rigidly chilled down at the beach at happy hour. Unfortunately, due to inflationary pressures, the price has been hiked to a hefty aussie dollar a stubby recently. Sacrilage!

My daughter and son are steaming along now, almost 11 and 8.5 respectively. My daughter has been banned from looking at maps of the world in case one day she should discover Switzerland exists and opt to visit Leysin. Theres absolutely no way I’m letting such a beautiful creature near any of you letches (or your off-spring) for at least another 20 or thirty years.

Enjoy the festive season, one and all, and I expect in 2007 to spot a few photos (on this site) as proof that fun was had by all.

Cheers, Fen.

 

 

Steve Carroll –     20.12.2006 21:43:03

 

It’s that damn attention to detail thing again! My message below – just before the drivel from Mr. Stuart – should have ended with “Staying fat and happy in Canada saving the world one animal at a time.” Anyway, I obviously have too much time on my hands. blah, blah, blah…

 

mad mike –     20.12.2006 14:08:28

 

Happy Christmas everyone.From a cold and SNOWY PICOS de EUROPA Spain.

 

Steve Carroll –     19.12.2006 20:02:30

 

A very merry christmas/hannukah/kwanza/etc to all! Hope everyone is doing well and a big hello to all vagabonders from 82-89. Snowless and mild in sunny Ottawa – very strange for this time of year. Looking forward to visiting Guy and Kaye and Paul and Kay in NZ and Oz in the not too distant future. Finally. Staying fat and happy in Canada saving one animal at a time.

 

I hope you all have a great holiday season!

 

Take care,

 

Steve

 

Ann-Marie Hoskinson –     14.12.2006 21:48:13

 

Hi Kevin

Thanks for your kind words about Dad. (Fred) He loved Switzerland and always returned from his trips with stories about you and your family. He loved visiting you and I was envious of the international experience you must have had growing up including the chance to learn several languages at an early age.

I have been in touch with your mother since Allan died and we now communicate via annual Christmas letters and pictures. It has been wonderful to see that all of the little Rankins have grown to be such lovely and interesting adults. I hope you and your family have a lovely Christmas and a happy healthy 2007.

All the Best

Ann-Marie

 

Shannon Kennedy –     30.11.2006 20:02:34

 

Hi there,

 

Not sure why now exactly, but I got the idea to look and see if I could find any information on Club Vagabond and to my surprise came across this site! How incredible! I worked at the Vag for a VERY brief stint in 93/94 as a chef, but it was brief because the gendamerie caught wind that me, along with 2 other chicks, were working there under apparently false pretenses. My experience there, however, was extraordinarily amazing and I often think back and remember the mountains, the people and the amazing views I experienced.

 

Not sure if anyone else from that time period is checking this site out too for reminders but if you want to drop me a note- please feel free! I was the tall Canadian chick from Calgary, but now I’m living in the Netherlands.

 

Cheers and thanks for the site!!

 

Shannon

 

Sandra van den Brink –     15.11.2006 23:56:00

 

Hi,

Visited frequently the Vag in 86-87 with my Hosta friends. Hope to hear more and will pass this site on to my Leysin friends.

Greetings to all, Sandra

 

and… what a great site this is! Mes compliments

 

Pete Craig – .net    19.10.2006 00:58:04

 

A couple of other vague recollections about the establishment of Frof. The first was to kidnap Jean Francoise Baroud and ransom him back to the Swiss to raise much needed funds for the purchase of mind alterning substances. Then we decided that as he was a good bloke we would keep him. The second was to instal Luc Van Der Kaay as head of state and he would be known as Queen Luc the First of Feydey. Luc, of course, was thrilled about this as he had earlier failed in his bid to become the new queen of the Netherlands following a previous ruler falling off her perch.

We were totally unanimous about the flag

 

Richard Headifen –     11.10.2006 21:09:01

 

Some FROF history. The original insurgents, Don Gorden, Peter Seccombe, Peter Craig, Flat Stanley, Bennie Welgemoudt and myself decided that we needed a base for our nefarious operations. The Vagabond bar seemed too obvious a place for the locals to infiltrate so we chose Le Bracconier in the Village with co-conspirator Bob Hoffman behind the bar. It was there that that our revolutionary schemes were hatched. Early on we had to devise a way of attracting the attention of the Swiss. Someone suggested taking over the Feydey post office but that didn’t seem dramatic enough, and, anyway, we doubted that the Swiss would notice. Then came the idea of seizing the local radio station. That’s what rebels always do first. Great idea except that Leysin didn’t have one. Wait a moment; Bennie was always constructing radios so we instructed him to create a radio station then seize himself. Kidnapping was discussed. We would obviously need to finance the fledgling republic so we pooled what was left of our rapidly diminishing brain cells to come up with an economic plan. After much discussion and bumping into things we settled on putting up road blocks at the bottom of the rue du Commerce and the bend of the road by the American College and charge the Swiss a toll to enter the Free Republic. This way we had the entire ski industry in the palm of our hands. Then there was the matter of the FROF flag. Unanimously we decided that whatever the colour of the field, the flag should depict the outline of the leaves of a universally recognized plant. Enough for now. Cheers to all. Phones.

 

Kevin Rankin –     07.10.2006 09:27:34

 

Anne-Marie,

Your dad Fred was a true friend. I remember the excitement before his frequent visits to Leysin. Us kids always thought he was a relative from Canada because we always knew him as Uncle Fred. I still remember visiting Allan in Toronto during the Winter of 1986. Fred picked me up at the airport in his cab and we engaged in a long and caring talk about life in general. He was so sincere in his affection for us. Allan was devastated when your dad passed and Allan really had lost a very dear friend. Your visit to Leysin during the Summer of 2002 was a tremendous gesture and Allan could not stop talking about it.

Take Care,

Kevin Rankin

 

Ann-Marie Hoskinson –     02.10.2006 21:14:54

 

Just found your website. What a great idea. My father, Fred Hoskinson, was a frequent visitor of the Vag in th 60s and 70s due to his long time friendship with Allan Rankin. Dad passed away in 1992 and the call to Allan, telling him that his friend, “Pappy” had died was one of the hardest things I ever had to do.

I grew up hearing many stories of nights spent at the bar while Dad siphoned off the bar scotch and talked to the many fascinating folks who congregated there. I got a chance to ski in Leysin and drink some of that scotch myself in the late 70s. Great trip, hooked up with a group and went off to ski Les Dents du Midi. I had a chance to bring my family to Swizterland and made a point of seeing Allan while we were there. That was the summer b/4 he passed away. He was still the same energetic guy;full of ideas and laughter. It was quite a shock to learn of his death short months later.

The Vag holds alot of great memories for me.

 

Richard Headifen –     11.09.2006 17:20:19

 

These were the daring souls that comprised the original staff of Club Vagabond:

Allan Rankin Canada

Carol Rankin USA

Ken Tait Northern Rhodesia

Luc van der Kaay Holland

Don Booker Australia

Rae Booker New Zealand

Jan Hewlitt Canada

Phyllis Howattson Australia

Jimmy Smith New Zealand

Peter Rhoades Australia

Peter Hunt Australia

Dick Shepherd Northern Rhodesia

Richard Headifen New Zealand

 

Campbell Watts – .nz    26.08.2006 02:29:13

 

I was very sad to hear of Cuz’s passing, my condolences to his family.

I remember Paul well in Leysin during the years of 71 and 72 and last August had the privilege to stay in one his chalets with co owner Arianne.

 

The above email address is up to date.

Cheers.

 

Jon Travers – .net    20.08.2006 01:54:00

 

Correction to our E-mail address. It is as above.

Cheers, JT

 

richard headifen –     13.08.2006 21:08:11

 

Thank you whoever you are for the photo of Black Pete in his Montreal Canadiens jersey. His face tells it all. Cheers, Phones.

 

Peter Craig – .net    10.08.2006 10:02:02

 

I have not ben able to get to a computer for a few days but would like post the following

Peter Royden Seccombe

1.5.1947 – 8.8. 2003, NZ

RIP

 

Richard Headifen –     06.08.2006 15:47:13

 

Greetings Dan. Thank you so much for the redesigned and updated web site. Excellent work.

I apologize for the heavy-handed if not rude way I attacked you and the old site, but I need to tell you that when a friend of mine dies my emotions range from disbelief to sadness to a kind of unfocused anger I cannot quite fathom. With the passing of the days since Cuz’s death the disbelief and sadness remain but with the help of retrospection and certain substances either legal or controlled I’ve been able to reconcile my anger. Again, I am truly sorry I took it out on you. That was very unfair of me. Cheers, Phones.

 

Kim Ramsey –     06.08.2006 06:39:58

 

From one wild man on the LEFT COAST to another on the OTHER COAST………So long Cuz. My prayers for comfort go out to all the family and friends that have taken such a big hit. Thanks for making me an official “Cuz” one blurry night over 3 decades ago. Later, kim

 

Peter Craig – .net    02.08.2006 06:21:29

 

Another old mate has gone too soon. RIP Cuz.

Remembering some amazing times in Leysin and Mykonos.

Pete Craig

 

Jon Travers – .au    02.08.2006 04:57:38

 

Very sorry to hear about the death of Paul Shaver. I first met him at the Vag in the summer of ’71 and had many good times in his company. He was a great source of strength and support when I was in hospital in Virginia. A true mate. My condolences to his family and Bill. Vale Cuz.

JT

 

richard Headifen –     01.08.2006 20:10:47

 

Greetings frofies and frofettes. Last December I suggested to Dan that he might incorporate an in memoriam section into the frof website listing those people who had contributed to the Vagabond experience and who are no longer with us. I gave him a list of characters that he might start with. He emailed me saying that, and I quote, ‘Unfortunately it is a good idea and I will get to it depending on the weather in the next couple of weeks.’ Depending on the sodding weather in the next couple of bloody weeks!!!!??? Here it is, August, and we’ve lost another strong one in Paul Shaver. I visit the frof website to find that Barbara Hefti is still dead, God rest her soul. Has the frof website become just another chat room? This is OUR website so I urge you all to contact Dan to pull finger and get on the bloody stick otherwise shut the thing down. Pissed off but affection to you all. Phones.

 

Richard Headifen –     01.08.2006 03:15:07

 

Mary Jordan just called me with sad news. Paul Shaver died today in Bedford, Virginia. His ATV rolled on him breaking his back. He will be cremated tomorrow after which his ashes will be returned to his beloved Outer Banks. The list grows. Phones.

 

Richard S. Seccombe –     19.07.2006 21:49:22

 

Summer of 1992; Cleaned rooms, served food, washed dishes, partied hard.

Was invited by the Smiths to bartend the 92/93 winter season but had to return home for family reasons.

Gilian (Scotland), Stef (England), Jay Hamblin (England), and the Aussie couple who worked the bar were some of my friends, with so many other faces I can’t put names to.

I’m married with two kids now living back home in Los Angeles. I build guitars and amplifiers and am a devoted family man.

Best regards

 

John Harlin III –     01.06.2006 20:19:39

 

Greetings older Vagabonders:

 

I’m looking for people who where at the Vag in the 1963-1966 period and might remember seeing my father there, or be willing to tell me what it was like at the Vag back then.

 

He was John Harlin as well, and my mother was Marilyn Harlin. Both taught at the American High School and at the College. We moved there in 1963, and Dad died on the Eiger in March 1966. My mother, sister, and I moved back to the States in the late summer of 1966.

 

I÷m writing a memoir tentatively titled “An Eiger Obsession: In the Shadow of Dad’s Mountain’ (Simon & Schuster is the publisher), and I need a couple more stories, especially from the Vag. That’s where Dad headquartered ISM, the climbing school he founded in 1965, and I know he spent time there on occasion.

 

If you remember meeting Dad there, I’d appreciate whatever you can think of from then. And even if you can’t remember meeting him there, do you mind telling me briefly what it was like at the Vag in the mid-60s? I was 7-10 years old when we lived in Leysin, so my memories of the Vag are hazy at best.

 

Thanks much,

John Harlin III

email:

 

Bert Hoskin –     26.03.2006 12:41:59

 

Curious !! Jan 1969 Spent a brief time at the vagabond on way to Verbier. While at Verbier did come for several days skiing also visit the hospital. Now 60 retired and may pop in for a look around I had a very memorable time.

 

S’long

Bert

 

Ken Chilibeck –     08.03.2006 00:04:58

 

Homepage | www.vagabondlodge.ca

 

We are getting close to the end of our second winter of operating Vagabond Lodge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden British Columbia. It has been an awesome winter and more snow is predicted. We continue to have ex Club Vagabonders drop by and share stories about their days in Leysin. If you are in the area, make sure you stop and see us. We may not have Beauregard on tap, but how about a Kokanee???Check out our Website for up to date conditions. The Summers are great here too, with Whitewater Rafting, golf, Mountain biking. Lori makes a great Cheese Fondue. Hope to see you here one day.

Take care.

 

mad mike –     05.03.2006 22:25:47

 

Homepage | picos-accommodation.co.uk

 

HI Fen ,Gizza t’shirt.Great to see evidence of your survival.

 

Fen – rin.net.id    01.03.2006 03:00:03

 

Dang, just noticed my ole e-mail addy is still in the address book which is probably why I haven’t got any mail for the last 3 – 4 years.

Still hiding in Bali. Pissing rain for the best part of the last 3 months, but watch out! 8 months of sun just around the corner.

Alls well, and the best to all.

Have a case of the Cardinales for me.

 

Steve Rice –     10.02.2006 23:52:43

 

I was a camp counselor at International Ranger Camp in Leysin, and in Denmark. I had read Thomas Mann’s Magic Mountain and since the camp building was an old TB sanitarium I could easly relate to the novel. The sound of cowbells, the fondue and the lesson that one never ran downhill after drinking wine.

 

JT – jvtravs&austarnet.com.au    08.02.2006 02:29:39

 

To all you rogues, vagabonds and dreamers wishing you a happy new year in this the year of the dog. May your noses be ever wet.

Love, Light and Peace.

Jon & Vi Travers

 

Sandy – alexander.    10.01.2006 13:53:53

 

Hi Hank,

 

Sure looking fwd to March! Just back from Melbourne last friday in time to lose some pounds before skiing. To many barbies, chardonnay and cabsav over there!

 

Happy new year to everybody!

 

Tom Bolander –     04.01.2006 20:59:47

 

Hello to everyone I do and don’t know. I include those I do not know because no matter what weeks, months, or years you spent at the Vag, there is a very speical spirit we all share in common.

 

I was one of three of the Club’s bartenders during the 1965-66 ski season. I met my former wife, Noela, there and was married in Montreau in the spring of 1966. We also spent the winter of 1967-68 there. I even made a movie about the place which had some limited commercial success.

 

I will never forget those marvelous years nor any of those I was so lucky to call, friend. Far too many of them are no longer living, so I thank all who came after us for keeping their spirit alive.

 

Tom Bolander

 

Steve Carroll –     04.01.2006 15:31:25

 

Hi, all…

 

Anyone have an up-to-date e-mail for Fen?

 

Thanks!

 

Steve Carroll –     04.01.2006 15:16:52

 

Happy New Year! Hope all is well and that the year ahead brings heaps of laughs, beer, cheer and stuff. Take care,

 

Steve

Miremont resident ’82-’88

 

Hank –     02.01.2006 20:50:49

 

Here’s to a Happy & Healthy New Year for all!! Already looking forward to 10 days of skiing and drinking in March! (Don’t we Sandy?)

 

Otto –     02.01.2006 02:28:32

 

First trax again!

You Beauty!!!

May the road rise to meet you all

and may the wind be at your backs!

[not coming out of them!]

Happy New Year!

 

Dan Urlich –     31.12.2005 10:57:04

 

Happy New Year to all FROF members

 

Campbell Watts – .nz    11.12.2005 09:32:02

 

Merry xmass to you vagabonders from the 71/72 era.I had great pleasure in being able to return to Leysin with Margaret in July this year and reminise those by gone years.

Great to see the Vagabond club still there after 34 years even if it is now privately owned.

Fantasic to walk those trials again of D’Ai, Mayen and D Fameon and enjoy the hospitality of Leysin.

Our stay with Arianne at Chalet Ermina was a high light and would recomend her chalet as a must to visit.

Would be great to meet again in that wonderful part of Switzerland at some point in time what do you think, Jon, Matt, Beth, Frank, Pete, Flange and Cuz to say just a few.

Fond memories

Campbell and Margaret Watts ( NZ )

 

Alex Gardos aka Otto –     30.11.2005 19:03:46

 

Homepage | http://www.gardos.com

 

Dear André and the Hefti family. I wanted to express my condolences for your recent loss. During my stay in Leysin as the Chef du Bar at The Vag, one of my favorite things to do was to drop into the shop and size up all the goodies. What made this such a regular event was the respect and conversation I got from the Hefti family as I stopped in, my fingers heavy with Coop bags as I walked up the stairs. Barbara and Madame Hefti as well as André were always interested in what was new in Feydey and the Vag. Barbara and the rest of the Hefti family helped to make Leysin the magical place it is.

 

André Hefti –     25.11.2005 18:58:16

 

Homepage | http://www.heftisports.ch

 

Dear F.R.O.F. friends,

 

Thank you for all those who wrote me letters of support after Barbara’s death. I like to express all my gratitude to all of you that loved my Barbara and also on behalf of my children Blaise and Jennifer. I have rearly come to visit the frof’s site but I discoverd the fabulous link this is for all the friends that past thru our beautiful village of Leysin.

I wish you all a nice winter or summer season to come and hope to see you soon.

André Hefti and children

 

Ruargh Findlay –     22.11.2005 18:36:14

 

Homepage | http://www.verbierskichalet.com

 

Hi there

 

I have to tell you that Barbara Hefti past away yesterday afternoon at

the hospital La Source in Lausanne. The funeral will take place on thursday

24th at 2pm at the Leysin Protestant Church.

 

The children Blaise and Jennifer returned to Leysin to join Andre at her side during a whole month as Barbara slowly lost a very brave battle with cancer. They are sad to see her gone but glad that her pains are gone. She was an oustanding, brave and very proud person, known well to the many thousands of Vagabonders who passed through Leysin over the years.

 

I am sure that many of you out there accross the world will join me in expressing my families condolences to Andre Blaise and Jennifer and of course Andre’s Mother Madame Hefti (who still runs the Village shop) at this sad time of loss, and wish them strength and hope that they will now go forth and embrace life as Barbara so wanted them to do.

 

For those wanting to contact Andre ……

 

Regards to all Vagabonders and members of Frof.

 

Ruargh Laurey-Ann and Rhone Findlay

St Martin

Netherlands Antillies

Caribbean

 

 

 

mad mike –     19.09.2005 11:17:55

 

Hi Jenny, what paintings what website

 

Jenny Smith – .uk    18.09.2005 21:30:55

 

Has anyone bought any of those oil paintings yet? Has anyone even checked out that website? Do you think its an ex-Vag person?

 

John Hutchison –     13.09.2005 20:50:05

 

Hey Big John, I bet you miss listening to Bow River! Doesn’t seem that long ago and I’m sure the tune is still etched into your memory…. drop us a line sometime.

 

Steve Carroll –     01.09.2005 18:05:22

 

Mad Mike! Mad Mike! Mad Mike! Mad Mike! Mad Mike! Mad Mike! Where the hell is Ralph ‘troll’ Robinson???

 

Mad Mike –     31.08.2005 17:06:52

 

Homepage | http://www.holidaybank.co.uk/canfab

 

Good day to all,hope your all enjoying the cricket,bring on the rain i say.

Mad Mike

 

Pete Craig – .net    13.08.2005 06:22:16

 

Two years ago on thursday my old mate Black Pete went off to that big brewery in the sky. I hope you’re enjoying it up there Harry. Rest easy brother. I’m thinking of you today as the All Blacks get ready to take on Australia tonight.

We saw alot of footy together and alot of other things too.

Cheers, Pete Craig

 

Dave Klauber –     09.08.2005 02:29:39

 

I was given a Vagabond brochure in Nepal in 1972 by Fran Horning, saved it all those years, then looked the place up when I was working in the vineyards near Cully in fall 79, after 7 years on the road. What a great place for travelers -always lots to do (and drink), interesting people(mostly!)from all over, and in the mountains. It became my base for the next 3 years. I stayed in the Vag’s dorm at first in Dec 79, sharing a room with Dave Banks and John Regan, among others. All 3 of us stayed 3 seasons, Dave & John a fourth. I worked the lifts from 79-82, first Plan Praz t-bar, then Mayan chair lift, then Le Fer chairs. You got to meet everyone working on the lifts. I stayed through the summer of 81, working with the film company, building the LeFer chair lifts, the African Roots Festival, the Montreaux Jazz festival, and picking apples and grapes – a busy few months with 6 jobs and 4 places to live. I made many good friends from all over, both English and French speaking. I would like to hear from any old friends who survived from that time.

 

big john    30.07.2005 01:02:05

 

ex barman vag 86`kiaroa domiciled in queenstown for last 13 years had rubbish collection business aptly called leysin holdings ltd just sold it working part time for aj hackett and at this very moment its 10 45am sat morning and im in glenorchy working for dart wilderness but playing on internet should have watched u more often dan urlich caught up with the dickies in akaroa/kimmie in rangiora they are well hopefully later in year catch up with uncle bernie kiaroa nanou jan/rosalita danbo biglus/kerry gigi guy bauberger the smithies and others i forgot to mention arohanui

 

Norm Crerar –     17.07.2005 06:51:34

 

Homepage | http://www.canadianvoyageur.com

 

My e-mail address has changed but would love to hear from and Vagabonders from the winter of 1964-65.

 

www.xccamps.ca | http://www.xccamps.ca

 

My hobbies–that keep life interesting and pay the way.

 

Gwen Wilkinson – .com    14.07.2005 23:09:43

 

I spent 72-73 “high in the Swiss Alps..” in the august company of Kim, Clarke, Simon, Chris, Dougal, Annie, Larry, Paolo, Paco, Alan and Carol tending bar at the Vag. Serving Beauregard and seriously adulterated sangria to the Lizards… anybody else remember the climbers using crampons inside the Vag to scale the wall from the disco bar to Luc’s apartment?

 

Gavin Roache – .au    13.07.2005 14:45:12

 

Gday from Sydney (AUS) winter is here and a great start to the season for the southern hemisphere. Thredbo has had some very respectable snow falls in the last 2 weeks. FYI Marc and Kirsty have left Australia after 2 years got married and are back in Suisse, if you are in Villars check them out at holiday sports.(ski shop). Have been busy in (Aus) with Gavin its dumping Junior. Nicholas Roache now approaching 1 year. Both Michelle and i hope to be back over to Leysin/Villars mid next year. Take care to everyone, still miss the land of suisse everyday.(English) Ross if your out there drop us a email.Have not seen you since heading down to spain with Mad Mike. (16 years ago) chow regards GAV

 

steph reesor –     24.06.2005 20:59:26

 

Lived and slid in Leysin from 1988 to 1991….still miss it but I live in Whistler B.C. and love it …lots of Leysin expats here…

 

Simon Goldfeder –     28.04.2005 02:39:28

 

Hello to all of my Vag Peeps..fer shizzle..I was an ACS student in 83-84….I hung out with Izzy El-Glaoui, Sean Gaffey, Ohtmar Prohn, Corrine Park, Melinda Ely, The Matar Brothers, Hamid and Wallid, Miles the Brit, James Rae (JR), Jed, etc.etc.etc…..yeah, i know what you’re thinking…..

all the coke/acid/hash heads….ok, i’ll say it, why the hell not, it was fun and i dont regret anything TOO much….I Had some of the best times of my life at the vag and ACS and even (shudder) Le Grenier Discoteque…yes, i remember when michael jackson was black and wore lots of zippers….Stealing mopeds to score hash in lausanne at the pyramids….Mike HardOn at the Cave….BB gun Wars in montreux…Sean and his 600 watt speakers playing Pixies wear Boots (ozzy) at full volume on the balcony…..they could hear that shit in Aigle….So Much Heavy Metal (im talking bmw’s mercedes range rovers (black ones for the shakur twins) in front of acs at any given time…..Greg Benson, man from Uncle…SPOOK!……oh my, what a hot little town that was in so many ways….

i miss the magic mountain….but….i know i will return, again (eloped to switzerland with first ex-wife, Kathryn…that was one orbit….20 years ago, i guess i’m due….you can check out, but you can never leave…..

 

Pete Craig – .au    19.04.2005 01:08:27

 

If anyone is interested I now have a new email address which is .net. Cheers

 

jim pearce –     22.03.2005 00:10:29

 

hello to folks from nov. 72-apr.74, i think. chris, alfie, bob white, headphones,peter,l lovejoy,west,many more..all the people in peter’s party photo. got stuck in toronto working and never got back, now i never will see the vag no more, r.i.p. no more silver jacket elvis on the dancefloor,no more 10sf white wines,sure was a time up in them thar hills. call if you’re in town or maybe i’ll be in yours one day

 

penguin homerun hitter | http://n.ethz.ch/student/mkos/pinguin.swf

 

Sandy Thiecke – alexander.    14.03.2005 11:06:35

 

Back to work but what a week we had! Powder and lot’s of sun.

And not to forget a great party in the Yeti last friday!

 

Sandy Thiecke – alexander.    02.03.2005 09:18:02

 

HIIIIHAAAA !!! you bet!!!

 

Hank van Duijn –     01.03.2005 16:38:52

 

Ok Yeti and other bars, be prepared! Alex, Richard, Eugene and myself will be leaving our trax again in Leysin as from Friday!

 

Laure – noelle.    17.02.2005 11:25:17

 

salut serge,je te trouve partout…! 🙂

ta copilote Laure

 

Pete Craig – .au    09.01.2005 06:58:13

 

Happy New year.If there is anyone out there who has not heard from me for a while it is because we have been in transit for a couple of months and have now shifted from brisbane down to the South coast of NSW. New Address – 168 Leo Drive, Narrawallee NSW 2539. A very pretty and quiet spot close to the beach and a tidal river. Only about 3km from Jon and Vi Travers . Needless to say we have indulged a bit over the festive season. We are about 3 hours South of Sydney. Not doing much right now but may try and look for some part time work later on.

Hope everyone who reads this is well and had a great festive season. Please accept this as being a Christmas card. Hi Nigel.

Cheers, Pete

 

otto –     01.01.2005 02:25:38

 

1st trax again!!!

; ] ; ] ; ] ; ]

 

Happy New Years-Annee!!

 

2005 and stil alive.

 

Otto & Family

 

Nigel French –     23.12.2004 21:36:14

 

Hello to all who were in Leysin winter 1977 and winter 1978 and to all those there now. Great being able to stay in touch with loads of really great people. Probably the best site on the net. Hi to Pete Craig and family and Jon Travers and family. Have a blinding time. Hi to Jan who was intouch recently and best wishes for a great Xmas. Anyone who remember me from my time at Freddies get in touch. Hi of course to Dave and Joanne Smith. Many hapy memories. See you again one day!

 

Sandy Thiecke – Alexander.    10.12.2004 12:21:24

 

Dec 10 th -2004, beautiful wheather in Leysin! But hey we need heeps of snow!

This reminds me of december 1986, same situation. We were so desperate that we had a snowdance next to Hefti’s in Feydey!

Finally the big snowfall came on the 24 th of jan and the lifts closed due to

the avalanche risk! Come let it snow now !!!!!

 

Gary Gabelhouse –     16.11.2004 18:41:55

 

Homepage | http://www.gabelhouse.com

 

Hello All,

 

Remember that summer of magic in 1976. Remember my climbing mates, Alex MacIntyre and Dougal Haston–eating white chocolate, sleeping on the floor of the Vagabond when Dougal’s apartment was…occupied. That summer was quite special–climbing and exploiting the hospitality of the Vag. Good friends, hard climbs, light on real food, long on beer. I guess avalanches got ’em both–Dougal while skiing and Alex on Annapurna. Alex was always a balls out climber. Me, hell, I had family to come back to–very cautious this yank.

 

In Memory,

Gary Gabelhouse

 

Richard Headifen –     24.10.2004 15:38:17

 

We recently had the pleasure to host Shona Seccombe and her friend Leslie as they made their way up the Right Coast of the US. What a couple of upfront, down to earth lovelies they are! We shared laughter, a few tears and the odd libation or six. During their stay The World’s Oldest Teenager called to say hello. God bless you Joe. We called Repete who reminded me that it had been 20 years or so since we last spoke, coherently that is. Cheers to all who remember. Phones.

 

Ottoman…man –     18.10.2004 20:57:51

 

Congradu-f**king-lations to our dumping ambassador from down under! Welcome to the machine my friend! Many good wishes to your families on the news of a Dahu-delivered youngster! Let’s hope he is as snowptamistic as his DA!

 

Gavin Roache – .au    13.10.2004 14:02:58

 

Our first child arrived yesterday aussie time 12/10/04 Nicholas Roache

 

son of Gavin (its dumping) and Michelle Roache.

mum and dad spent 5 years in Leysin @vag with Alan Rankin 1965 Luke van dekye and the crew, i spent 89, 90 in leysin the 3rd generation is already part of the savings plan. We will be taking young Nicholas to suisse the following xmas , staying with Kirsty and Marc Andrea Nicole in Villars. look forward to seeing everyone.. Salut from Sydney best regards Gavin

Otto have sent you 3 emails read them one day !

 

Rev. Am I. Otto –     12.10.2004 20:06:40

 

Hey folks,

 

Been awhile…

Hope eveyone is doing well and is ready for a bit o’ the white to begin falling soon.

[Not THAT white! Get yer minds out of Columbia for god’s sake!]

Busy with family, teaching and the land of graphic freelancing in L.A.

We could use a visit or two from some closie-frofies…I KNOW some of you are

going back and forth from stinky cheese to the great white cloud. Stop by our L.A. Chalet for a spell.

You’re either going our way or through Bangkok and how many golf balls can you see being shot

across a room before boredom sets in? We miss you all and hope things are beaucoup bitchin’

with you and yours. We have an extra bed and some good eats.

Lot’s of tea and a few T-Shirts to try on.

Happy Autum!

The Gárdos Clan

 

homepage.mac.com/lono123/ | http://homepage.mac.com/lono123/

 

some stuff

 

kate (kathy)ahearn –     20.09.2004 21:15:00

 

new york Kathy – vag years 68 and 69. Never did get a job in the vag. worked american school. profinda, and the played du bon rock at the disc. jan lawrence gave me the website. still in a state of shock. Gary Philips are you out there?

 

sandy thiecke – alexander.    16.09.2004 13:06:06

 

Hi there Hawkeye! How are you mate?

 

Peter Craig – .au    27.08.2004 09:31:32

 

Thanks for the note Phones. Had a little drink for Pete myself that day. Cheers, Pete Craig

 

Kim (The Gnome) Ramsey –     16.08.2004 05:41:39

 

Richard,

Thanks so much for reminding the masses ( 3 times?!?!) of the anniversary of the passing of a great mate, Pete (Total Darkness) Seccombe. Last year on Aug. 11th ( also this year) I downed a Stienlager in his honor. This ritual will be rePETEted until I can no longer swallow.

May the Kiwi fly high & proud forever!

Later,

kim

 

Richard Headifen –     11.08.2004 18:58:03

 

R.I.P. Black Pete. August 11th, 2003. Phones.

 

Richard Headifen –     11.08.2004 18:57:59

 

R.I.P. Black Pete. August 11th, 2003. Phones.

 

Richard Headifen –     11.08.2004 18:57:51

 

R.I.P. Black Pete. August 11th, 2003. Phones.

 

Hank van Duijn –     09.08.2004 07:12:11

 

Oh yes, vividly remember that scene! Impossible to forget!

 

Hawkeye –     07.08.2004 17:18:50

 

Just happened to be thinking of some of the best road trips I’ve done in my life from the Vag bar at lunch to Gstaad and back in an afternoon and still able to work behind the bar, sort of standing up and acting casually in control while everyone stuffed popcorn and gin tonics down their throats at an gradually increasing rate at Happy Hour and I remember one very embarassing momentrunning down the street outside the Vag in the nude in the snow late one night.

Hi to everyone from one ex deceptionist.

 

Dave Davis –     01.08.2004 06:18:55

 

Anyone remember the likes of John Harlin, Steward Fulton, M. Ferguson and all the other bigger than life real mountain men from the sixties ? A few years back, my famille had the chance to, finally, pay respects to John in the cemetery overlooking the Midi. A beautiful place, Leysin. My brother cried with me as we stared at the Eagle standing guard over your grave. You taught me to climb. I taught my son and daughter, based on your teachings. There are some who chastise you. The Davis famille will always remember you as a fearless hero. You live on in our hearts and souls.

Thank You

 

Kristin (Hendrickson) Matteo –     20.07.2004 06:04:36

 

I spent my “Spring Semester Abroad” in Leysin in 1991 at the American College and spent many a night at The Vag! It’s great to find this site – and relive some of the most remarkable months of my life! Thanks!

 

ben welgemoed – .za    23.06.2004 09:26:51

 

hi froffies, just a note to say aaaarh aaaaaarh

cheers, BEN

 

Gail Giblin Flynn –     21.05.2004 22:12:51

 

Please join me and hundreds of other kindred Feydey/Vag spirits from the early 70s to the late 80s in hyping up the celebration of Rob and Dorothee Newcombe’s 25th wedding anniversary celebration – Congrats to you both and love to your two blessed children — Celebration is scheduled for Saturday Night May 22nd at the Knowlton Pub in Knowlton, Quebec, Canada – don’t have the phone number, but it should be easy to find through whitepages.com or something similar — I, myself, can’t make it to the celebration, but there will be loads of the best friends there – let’s inundate them with phone calls and emails to Rob — His email is listed on the FROF site — Much love and continued happiness and health to one the BEST and his beloved – gail giblin flynn

 

Louis Salmon –     16.04.2004 23:48:50

 

Hello everyone. I was a Vag visitor from Texas back around 1979 (Luther Jones and Eddie Thorton first introduced me to the Vag) until the late Eighties. At the time we were all airline employees (Soutwest, Eastern, and Texas International. I hope everyone is well. Ms. Shirley Gary gave me the info on this site.

 

Louis

 

Shirley Gary –     12.04.2004 02:38:54

 

Went to Leysin several times and always stayed at the Vag. Didn’t ski, but never missed happy hour. Hope all of you out there are healthy and happy. I’m still in Texas and still keep in touch with Louie, Patricia… Would love to hear from anyone who might still be around. Cheers from the Texans from Southwest Airlines.

 

Gavin Roache – .au    29.03.2004 14:30:14

 

correct email above, typo from last message

 

Gavin Roache – .au    29.03.2004 14:25:21

 

Hi everyone!!!

Its been very quite on frof– time to speak up for 2004 , otto you have gone very quite/. This weekend meeting Marc Andrea Nicole & Kirsty in Canberra (AUS)(its Marc’s 40th). Happy Birthday Marc 40 years! Kirsty and Marc have given Thredbo the flick and are heading back to Suisse in july. So any birthday messages to Marc before 3/04/04 email me @ .au and i will read them out at his 40th birthday dinner. Madmike how are you read your comments (great to read), last time we had a beer was in the pecos mountains in 89 and we had that epic fight setting up some ski touring business! all is forgotten hope your well drop us an email.

Take care all, ps looked at the bernuese web cam 15 years later there is still a line of belguique punters looking very lost.

 

Marjolijn Thiecke-Geppaart –     24.03.2004 15:48:58

 

Homepage | http://www.dft.lu

 

Indeed, for all of you out there to have a change in your lifestyle and allow you to do more skiing… check out the “Income Opportunity of EurExcel” through my website “www.dft.lu”, not to be missed, it’s a booming business!!!

 

NB. Hank, Sandy is coming back this weekend for some skiing as he’s already in Geneva for business on Thursday and Friday. Eugène has decided to come along!

 

The Million Dollar Team | http://www.milliondollarteam.info

 

My sponsors in Tampa, Florida, who have become incredibly rich with Excel, and are millionaires at the age of 30 through (Eur)Excels residual income and bonusses…

 

Alex (Sandy) Thiecke – alexander.    24.03.2004 14:35:41

 

Oy Hank, I think by now you discovered the Yeti bar. I do think you liked it the way you were ordering that Yvorne wine! I know, ntg like the Vag

but not bad though. Hear that activity is picking up again in Leysin. Way to go!

 

www.dft.lu | http://www.dft.lu

 

Marjolijn’s( my wive) site who will, as in different other countries allready, offer in “La suisse” Eurexcel telecomunication shortly. (Excel/Vartec Dallas)

Interesting for all of you to make some extra residual income!

 

Hank van Duijn –     01.03.2004 11:34:49

 

Will be in Leysin for a week arriving March 13, any suggestions for a Happy Hour bar after a very long drive?

 

Helen Eyssartier – helen.    26.01.2004 12:24:58

 

A belated happy new year to all those from the 83 – 88 era. Great to read the messages from Steve Carroll and Mad Mike. I’m no longer with Citibank – they made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, so am now idling my time away in Paris before we move full-time to the outback of the Auvergne in March. Whilst I have time on my hands, maybe a trip to the Picos would be a possibility?

 

Bonne année et bonne santé pour 2004 to one and all.

Helen

 

Mad MIKE –     23.01.2004 20:37:41

 

Homepage | http://www.holidaybank.co.uk/companysearch/companyframeset.asp?TourID=480

 

Happy New Year.to nearly everyone I happend to cross from 82to89.We have just got back from down under, catching up with lots of old froffies,which was fun.Here is a name dropping count of all the guys we managed to get in touch with.Tennis Tim,The Dickies who shared our joy of the Rugby World Cup Final at LeBons Bay,Rob the Hob Mcrostie who parapented my 6 yearold,(thats enough details ed)DJ and Wendy, Hamish Mcrostie,LITTLE JOHN,Iris and Gary,Paul Aubrey,Chrissie & Sean Callaghan,BoZ.That was just in NZ.We stayed for 10 days with JT VI Kimin &Joey,Vi,s sister Audrey. (Those who were not in Leysin shall not be named,sorry Brian & Michael).Marie-Claude and Mark.MC,s mum who must have been to Leysin.

Read a great book on the plane Stupid White Men ,Michael Moore for President wot u say ole grey jowls

 

All the Best To Uall LOVE Mad Mike and Lisa Stuart

 

www.burnleyfootballclub.com | http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com

 

Patricia Stuehrck (née Joest) –     18.01.2004 11:13:02

 

Hi all, remembering my times at the HOSPRA in Leysin 1977-78 I came over that side and I found an ol` classmate on these pages. Now after I found one, I am looking for the rest, too.

Hey where is the HOSPRA course 1977-78 ?

Please let me know where you are:

 

Seccombe,Pete/contact Leila Squire – leila..nz    14.01.2004 18:42:35

 

Dear friends of Pete Seccombe,

Leila Squire, Pete’s daughter-in-law, would be pleased to keep up any contact with Pete’s old friends just in case anyone wanted to get in touch. His boss had kindly forwarded all the personal emails to date although his old email address is no longer in use. Wishing all a very Happy New Year.

 

Elaine Smithies –     10.01.2004 04:09:00

 

Over the past hour I have been both elated to find this wonderful site – those were some of the best times of my life – and extremely saddenned having read of Pete Seccombe’s passing away last summer.

My heart goes out to you Catherine and Pete Craig – I am lost for words. Also I’d like to send condolances to the Seccombe family.

I don’t know what ever made me find this site tonight. I just was looking at skiing stuff in BC, then on to Leysin and then this. I first looked at the photo gallery where I found the late 70’s album and there we all were – Pete, Pete, Catherine, Wendy, Don, Mary, Jane, Jill, Jim, Anne, Karen, Cathy and me with the hair !! in the centre of the photo.

I was in New Zealand 20 years ago, just to travel and see what it was that had brought some of the best people into my life in 1978 and 1979 in Europe. A wonderful country and just now we’re all ‘there’ with the Lord of the Rings.

Funny how life is and I hope to hear from any other vag-hags (or vag-men) soon.

Peace

Elaine

 

Steve Carroll –     07.01.2004 15:00:35

 

Hi, Benny!!!

 

My gawd, it seems like forever since I last saw you! Great memories of your flat, the amazing collage of photos you had on your wall, your ‘knocking door bell’, your electrical work at the LAS kitchen and shared times trying to track down Sharrock. I hope you are well and that life is good. Sounds like farm life agrees with you. Four years ago, I married a woman who was previously married to a guy from SA. Her/our kids (15 and 19) are right now visiting their dad just outside Pietermaritzburg.

 

Take care, Ben. Any plans to travel back to CH or over to Canada any time?

 

Anita Blaschak –     07.01.2004 03:56:30

 

Hi Steve and all…

Happy 2004! Tim & Jenny’s address is . Hope y’all hook up. For those of you who don’t know, ACS alums (4 decades worth!) will be descending upon the magic mountain the week starting June 20. Many, many of us studied almost exclusively at the Vag and still ended up with some kind of degree – go figure! Anyway, if you want to join us we’ll be there. The web site is http://groups.msn.com/ACSAlumniandStaff. Lots of love, Anita

 

Steve Carroll –     06.01.2004 16:17:55

 

Hi, all…

 

Great work on the site…Dan, you still doing this??? Visited Mr. Babcox in Portland just over a year ago, still the occasional midnight call from the Weekes/Lancefield unit, telephone tag from time to time with biggus dickus (Eric, your other evil twin Derek says hello and he wants his liver back) and Joel Savitz. Maintaining my record as a serial spouse (number three now, at least the lawyers are happy) but have decided after all not to collect the whole set. Big hello to Dave and Johanne …hope you guys are well. Anyone ever hear from Ralph Robinson? Ingrid Robbins? Haven’t broken any bones for almost a year now but will head straight to Miremont if I do. Tried to track down Tim & Jenny about six months ago but no luck. Take care, all, and have a great year.

 

 

 

 

ben welgemoed – .za    05.01.2004 11:08:14

 

happy new year to all aliens from mars. much love and regards BEN

 

Otto –     02.01.2004 19:06:42

 

First trax of the new year again! Seems like old times.. Wishing all wanderers a healthy and happy one. If yo are passing ove California, drop down and give us a visit. We’ll be in Leysin in a couple of, well, years but we’ll be there with bells on. Death by food night chez vous for the New Years. Lotta lamb,stuffedshrooms,seared scallops,vinoCalifornio,t-shirts and cheese cake…lotta cheesy wheezy[burp!]exsqueeze me. Lov to ue the iChat AV with any other Mac users out there to get a lok at yer greying jowls.

 

Nigel French –     28.12.2003 11:06:26

 

Merry Christmas to all and may each and every one of us have Happy and Prosperous New Year

 

Gail Giblin Flynn –     27.12.2003 03:11:16

 

As Christmas is just behind us and the New Year approaches, I thank Rob Newcombe for “finding me” last June — and remain so thrilled and happy that I re-connected with so many great ole ( not old….!!) friends with whom I shared so many special days, weeks, months and then…….almost three years —

 

Jan Lawrence – cdjellison@shaw    25.12.2003 17:12:03

 

A very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all.

 

Gavin Roache – .au    07.12.2003 22:38:19

 

Just a quick note to wish everyone a great xmas, from Sydney (AUS). Doing some camping over xmas off the back of thredbo with Marc Andrea and Kirsty. Bit of fun we started a mountain bike club in Sydney called NOBMOB. (www.nobmob.com) Northern beaches mountain bike group, we now have 40 members, sponsors and a website. Its a lot of fun and gets us into some great trails in sydneys national parks. Great to see the canadian venture of a vagabond club, have already spoken to my wife and we will be booking some accomadation soon. If anyone is in sydney in your travels or thredbo give us a yell .au.

 

I hope that the new season is great for everyone and leysin gets a huge dump.

 

Regards Gavin (class of 89)

 

KEN CHILIBECK –     13.11.2003 03:24:42

 

Homepage | http://www.vagabondlodge.ca/

 

I screwed up my website address the last time, so this is an update.

Check out the website for new photos.

Work is continuing on Vagabond Lodge in Golden B.C. at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. We hoped to be open by Christmas, but no such luck. We are still aiming for February 2004. Check out our website at www.vagabondlodge.ca for updates.

Old Vag bar-cards will be honored. We have already had some feed back from club vagabonders who are interested in making their way to Vagabond Lodge.

 

www.kickinghorseresort.com | http://www.kickinghorseresort.com/

 

It’s on it’s way to becoming one of the best all around resorts in Canada. in the winter, there’s skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, great golf, whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing and just hanging out. It’s a few minutes from Golden B.C. in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

 

Nigel French –     04.11.2003 10:25:41

 

Appologies to Pete Graig and family. He is not thankfuly dead yet. But may I extend my sincerest condolences to Pete Secombes family for their loss.

 

Nigel French –     03.11.2003 17:37:02

 

Homepage | http://shuttercoxphotography.co.uk

 

I was in Leysin during 1977 and 1978 for the winter season and knew just about everybody. I worked at Freddys and did a little hairdressing around the village for extra booze and drugs cash. Was good friends with Dave Smiths nanny, Cathy Coates and her friend Karen. Lived with Heather Klinger and some other friends in the first year and with John and Brian Travers and Doug Young the second year.

There seemed to be an endless supply of good skiing, drinking and smoking and plenty of great people to share it with. I was truely saddened to learn of Allan Rankins death and that of Pete Graig. Many times I couldn’t pay my bill at the Vag but there was never any hassel and it was always paid, eventually. Such super people. My sincerest Best Wishes go out to there families.

And the long nights spent at the bar on a Monday playing Backgammon with Errol.

Will post more later.

Love to all Vaggers

 

Ben Welgemoed – .za    03.11.2003 10:00:04

 

HI Froffies, You can reach me via SMS on +270828445846, Much better than email with no spam. Farm life is great, but Ive never worked so hard in my life.

much regard Ben

 

Ken Chilibeck –     21.10.2003 06:42:50

 

Homepage | http://www.vagabondloge.ca

 

Work is continuing on Vagabond Lodge in Golden B.C. at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. We hoped to be open by Christmas, but no such luck. We are still aiming for February 2004. Check out our website at www.vagabondlodge.ca for updates.

Old Vag bar-cards will be honored.

 

Rob Reid – .au    08.10.2003 15:15:00

 

I have just found FROF. Great idea! I worked for Village Camps in 1981 – Leysin, Anzere, Saas Fee. Most of the year I lived at Les Fougere and the American College. Allan Rankin was my boss and mentor. Some may remember “More Than a Feeling” by Boston being played at the “disco” at the Vag – I was the only one who danced! My suprise farewell party at the College had about 150 people, all of whom signed the poster. After I moved to West Germany, I visited Leysin and the Vag for the next 4 years. I brought my wife back to Leysin for our honeymoon so we could ski with Allan Rankin who had been the Best Man at my wedding. I’d love to hear from any of the crowd from those years. The Vag will never die – it will always be in our memories and will always connect us all. Thanks so much to Dan, the Webmaster.

 

Jenny Smith –     28.09.2003 14:58:16

 

Hi All,

I’m now living in the U.K., Coventry to be exact. Some day soon I’m hoping to see Tim and son Graham here. They are supposed to be coming to join me but seem to be having a problem with organization. Sean, the Penthouse Baby, is staying in Canada. I spent a wonderful weekend (at least what I remember was wonderful) with Dave & Johanne in Leysin in August. We spent an afternoon looking for a cool breeze at Les Fers drinking many, many bottles of wine. My colleagues at work had a great time taking the piss when I came in on Monday, looking a bit worse for wear! It was great to see Helen & Guy, Iris & Dave and Johanne. It didn’t seem to have been 19 years since I had been there. Tim & I are planning a trip this winter. Sean wants to come see where he was born when he comes for Christmas. Hopefully Tim will have gotten things together and actually be here by Christmas! He was supposed to be here in August. Anyone in the U.K. we’d be happy to see you!

Jenny Smith

 

wendy babcox – .edu    15.09.2003 05:09:07

 

a note to john travers..

Dear John,

it’s been a long, long time, and I have asked around for your email address for some time, and was fortunate to find your post on the frof website recently. I wanted to tell you of the profound influence you had on me as a young vagabond brat, and consequently on the art students who have had studied with me in recent years.

When I was a youngster at the vag.. and we are talking 20 years ago.. I remember you once saying “you can’t polish a turd”. Such a colorful expression had a powerful impact on my young and impressionable, and rather visual mind. Throughout the years I have reached for that expression to describe many circumstances, but despite the vast array of possible uses for such a wonderful exclamation, it works best with my students to describe the utter futility of trying to produce a print from a substandard negative. When my students come to class with negatives that are horribly underexposed, or that are damaged, or otherwise unworthy, I tell those students of mine, “In the words of John Travers, you can’t polish a turd!”. This statement brings them to their senses as if they had been slapped upside the head!

Recently I walked into my office to find a small wooden box, with brass hinges, a little note protruding from within. I pulled out the note, which read, “Wendy, you CAN polish a turd. It’s difficult, but it can be done”. Opening the box I discovered a red crushed velvet lining into which was lovingly nestled……. you guessed it.. is shiny human turd. My darling student had taken one of his turds and varnished it with great care and attention with many gleaming coats of varnish. As soon as I get my new digital camera I will furnish you with a picture of the little treasure!

I hope you and Vi and the kids are doing well. I am in Florida, teaching at the University of South Florida in the art department. Life is good. I see Kathy and Ray from time to time when I am out in Colorado, but haven’t been back to Leysin since I left in 1989! I am hoping to make a trip there this summer.

Best wishes!

wendy babcox (pratt)

 

Jan Lawrence –     02.09.2003 01:05:44

 

Hi Pete and thanks so much for the description – you put us all right there with you. Appreciate your keeping us all informed. Love & cheers, Jan

 

Phones –     01.09.2003 15:14:41

 

Thank you Craighat. Good job mate.

 

Pete Craig – .au    30.08.2003 02:28:35

 

I have tried several times to get this message on the site but have failed miserably. Today I am going skiing for a week (first time since 1980) so here’s another go. I said I would post the eulogy I gave but I will just talk about it. Pete lay in the house until the funeral and everyone who came by pinned a trout fly on his shirt. The funeral was in a community hall just five minutes from his house – Pete could not abide churches – and over 200 friends and work colleagues attended. We made it a simple service. The photo on his casket was one taken on the balcony of Solacyre in 1979 when Catherine ran the restaurant. The music, selected by Shonas two young youngest, who lived with them for a while was Bob Dylan ” Everyone must get Stoned”

After the celebrant said a few words I was asked to also talk.

I said that if anyone was wondering whoe the photo was it was Pete in the days when he was known as Black Pete, or on some days, Total Darkness.

Our friend ship went back a long way. My mother and his father were school friends and before we were both born our paretns were very close friends. There was never a time in my life when I did not know Pete. We grew up together, played sport together drank together and just had fun together. I talked about Pete’s sporting prowess – he was a very good rugby and cricket player who could have gone on to higher honours had he not developed the urge to travel.In 1970 we set off to Africa to follow the All Blacks then went on to England, met Brian Farrell when we were picking hops and ended up in Leysin. We all know what a life changing experience that was. Not many present knew about this part of Pete’s life and what goes on tour stays on tour. But I did tell them that a couple of country boys from New Zealand did not believe they could have so much fun. I spoke of mykonos, of travelling around Europe and of course of Club Vagabond. We went in different directions for a while then in 1978 ended up back in Leysin where Pete was the Vag bar manager and I was the resident cook.

The Kiwi Mafia by then. In 1980 it was “time to get a haircut and get a real job” so we both eventually ended up back in NZ, Pete as a trout fising guide and me in the liquor trade. Four years later Catherine secured a job for Pete in the liquortrade where he stayed as purchasing officer for the next 18 years.

I talked of his relationship with Shona, how she changed his life again (she was my next door neighbour when we were growing up) , how they martried after he suffered a heart attack 11 years ago and how she has cherished every day they were able to spend together.

I talked about the man he is today – a man with still the forthright opinions (as anyone who emails him will attest) but a patient man, a man in love with trout fishing and the relaxing times he and Shona were able to spend at their beloved place on Lake Taupo.

We had planned a reunion that week as I was going to NZ to see the All Blacks play Australia. We were both very excited about that as one of our workmantes had planned a party for a bunch of aging booze trade people. I was absolutely devastated when I receive the call from Shona.

I finished by quoting one of Pete’s favourite lines when we both worked at the Vag – WILL YOU TAKE ONE THEN MATE..

Later that day I took heaps.

Rest in Peace brother.

Your old mate Repete

 

Pete Craig – .au    17.08.2003 03:19:23

 

I will post another message when I get back to Australia but I want to let you know we gave Pete a great sendoff on Wednesday. I gave the eulogy which I will put on the site and on behalf of all the travellers alos read the message from Rob Newcombe. There were over 200 people present and they certainly learned alot more about Harry the Hat than they knew before. Petes company supplied mountains of booze for the after match function and I think I got through most of it myself. Apparently by the end of the night I was spilling more red wine than I was getting down my throat. Thanks for all your messages I will pass them onto shona.

We have lost one of a kind. They broke the mould with my old mate.

Rest in peace Pete.

Please stay in touch everyone

Pete Craig

 

Anders Nordström – anders.    15.08.2003 17:20:52

 

Hi,

I really don’t know what made me search for Club Vagabond at this time. I’ve been there twice and I will never forget the god time I had there. First in -76 when five Swedish guys met there during InterRail travel. One had been there the year before and thought we should meet there for a couple of days. We stayed 14! In -84 when I was on my first motorcycle trip I took my two friends there. We stayed at the camping for one night but of cours we climed the streets and stairs to the Vag and of course they enjoyed the evening. Eaven though much had changed in 8 years I felt kind of at home……

In -76 there were “punchcards” in the bar, a nice Swedish girl, Agneta Berström worked there together with a wounderful Irish girl whos name I at that time had difficulties to pronunce and more difficulties to spell today…. Gronya or something like that……. The climbing teacher (Mike? scottish) took us at no charge climbing on his free day…..

Anyway….. I will never forgett those two weeks in -76 and I was sorry to find out that The Vag is dead.

A huge thanks to everyone who was involved and made The Vag what it was and gave me an unforgettable memmory.

 

Regards

Anders Nordström

Sweden

 

Dan Urlich –     14.08.2003 17:00:41

 

Homepage | http://gallery.frof.ch/

 

I would like to add my condolences to all of Pete’s family and friends.

 

I have added some photos of Pete that Rob Newcombe has kindly sent in. You can see them on the FROF Photo Gallery Site. The link is just above.

 

If anyone else has photos they wish to post please send them to me, or else I can setup an account so you can upload them and add captions yourself.

 

Best wishes,

 

Dan

 

Jan Lawrence –     13.08.2003 18:22:43

 

My sincere condolences to Shona & family & Pete & Catherine Craig. Farewell to Pete long before any of us are ready to say farewell, but I hope you can feel all of the thoughts & reminiscences of you that are happening all around the world. You are putting smiles on many faces, albeit through the tears.

With sadness, Jan Lawrence

 

Jon Travers – .au    13.08.2003 09:05:17

 

Yes, I have forgotten my frof password and Kimin has apologised for telling the world about it! But she is letting me do this on my own, hard as it is in more ways than one.

Black Pete and Repete were among the first people I ever met in Leysin. The Vag was closed that summer for re-furbishment and the Fougeres bar was the centre of the universe, with Brian and Dutchy the genial barmen, while L’Horizon was the little restaurant at the end of the world. These were wondrous days when all our roads were new and strange and we could range the whole wide world around.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Peter’s sudden death and send my love and sympathy to Shona and Rita, Pete and Catherine and indeed to all those who knew and loved him.When he told me of his condition Pete Craig added that in all his life he had never not known Peter Seccombe since those two and Shona grew up in the same town together.

Black Pete and I travelled and worked together. At one time we worked on a farm in England where, Tony, the farmer arranged a game of Rugby with his local club for us Aussies and Kiwis who worked for him. Peter played with the same inensity for Cranbrook in Kent as he did for Te Kuiti, NZ, with Colin Meades as his captain and we rolled the opposition which caused one spectator to remark, in the bar afterwards, ” Hey, where’s your mate what thumps ’em, then?” And who does not remember those dark brows drawing together as the storm clouds gathered and you knew someone was in for a good stropping up! But what a delight to be in the man’s company when his eyes were twinkling, the head thrown back and the mouth wide, roaring with laughter at all the fun, farce and absurdity of our passing parade.Phones said he was insightful. How very true. Few got through to the keeper when Pete was around, he just didn’t miss much.

He was a good mate and we will miss him. May he rest in peace.

When I heard of Allan’s death I dug out an old poem that we learnt as kids which seems to speak of our shared Vagabond experience.

 

“Oh, stick me in the old caboose this night of wind and rain,

And let the doves of fancy loose to bill and coo again.

Iwant to feel the pulse of love that warmed the blood like wine:

I want to see the smile above this kind old land of mine.

 

So come you from your parted ways that wind the wide world through’

And make a ring around the blaze the way we used to do,

There’s many a memory bright and fair will tingle at a name-

But leave unstirred the embers there we cannot fan to flame.”

 

Jon Travers – .au    13.08.2003 08:04:24

 

i’ve forgotten my password

 

Laurie Hearns –     13.08.2003 01:46:42

 

There is not much I can add to all the wonderful things that have been said about a great guy. The fantastic memories will always be there and I feel extremely fotunate to have been at the Vag when the Black Pete and Repete show arrived in Leysin – it was an incredible journey. Keep the beer cold mate.

My sincere condolences to Shona and Family.

 

Laurie Hearns

 

Alex “Otto” Gardos –     12.08.2003 19:16:15

 

Barmanager from ’89-’91.

Hats off amd maximum respect and condolences to one of the pioneers.

It’s the collective magic of all who passed through those chalet doors and spent time behind the wood that made that place so special.

Thank you Pete for adding to the bag that will always be slung over the Vagabonds shoulder.

My round when I see you up there.

 

Otto

 

Rodolphe Samson (Sam) – .ca    12.08.2003 17:19:14

 

Since Pete’s passing all that comes to mind are all the good times and experiences we shared. He was called Black Pete and rightfully so, but he had a playful side to him that I would like to share with you.

 

During his stay in Canada, Pete worked as a handyman for a retirement home, on the West Island of Montreal, owned by Mrs. Murphy and her son Michael.

Part of Pete’s duties included purchasing whatever materials he needed for the task he was undertaking at the time. This is how he got acquainted with the local shopkeepers.

 

The property needed extensive landscaping which was too much labor for one person. A crew of four was hired to help Pete. Their timing was off. That week the temperature rose to the high nineties with the humidity to match. You know type of heat I mean; it’s the type that you loose a pound of sweat breathing. One day during this hot spell, Michael gave Pete money to get beer for himself and the crew. Pete got on his bike and headed for the convenience store located just a few minutes away. Forty-five minutes later, there was no sign of Pete or the beer only a thirsty crew yelling for their grog. Michael began to worry. He got in his car and drove around looking the misguided errand boy. When he arrived at the store, he found the bike in front of the building, but not one single person inside. With his mind filled with all kinds of horror stories of what he might find, he began his search. Pete was nowhere to be found. Michael was just about to leave when he heard the faint sounds of laughter at the back of the store. He made his way towards the cold room and opened the door. Low and behold, there sat Pete and the storeowner on cases of beer, sipping their favorite amber fluid. Michael was speechless. Pete just looked at him and without missing a beat, said, ” Sit down mate and have a cold one”

 

His “Joie de vivre” and his ability to seize the moment are just a few of the many things that I will miss about him, but I will never forget him.

 

Shona you are in my thoughts and prayers and may God bless you and your family.

 

Rodolphe Samson (Sam)

 

j hall kennedy-perry –     12.08.2003 16:16:59

 

for mrs shona

very heartfelt condolances. i’m new here with frof but i’m really from the class

of 1963 … when they till had 5 chs bar cards

pete was a special person. he was quiet unassuming … but when he spoke it

meant something

i received word from peter craig, and to cheer black pete up i told him to

getrid of all the

gaulloises

the lousy greek beer (fix)

the ouzo

and the stinkn’ ouzo

 

stick to the good stuff like fosters or x x x

and gently … pete … maybe it’s time for a

new life style

i ws too late … he’s gone … as dave christiansen

told me we’ve all lost … and yes, the light downstairs

in the bar … is certainly a lot dimmer

i told dave i would be calling thursday the day

after funeral … and will try and catch peter.

luv to you mrs shona and to all the rest

 

jo perry

jo perry

 

Gail Giblin Flynn –     11.08.2003 20:27:56

 

To Shona Seccombe, with love and prayers — You know that you are and have been such a lucky lady. You won his heart forever. For those of us, so many of us now all over the globe who grieve for our missing him…we feel comfortable in knowing that he loved you so much…

 

Pete was one of those very special and wonderful people that you meet in life, if you are lucky and the timing is right….I was so lucky…

 

The Vag in Leysin was a very special place for many people. But Richard Headfin gets right to the core of it….But for Black Pete and Repete, the total atmosphere would have been different, and definitely not as special.

 

I feel so very fortunate that our lives crossed – first on Mykonos and then in Leysin — some who visited Leysin did so without dignity and there were many…

 

But the likes of Pete were special….As honest as the day is long; as moral as his Mum made him – and she did a brilliant job; an incredibly hard worker (remember the tales of the ice rink that he had to “make” each and every early winter morning)…

 

But he knew, always, the proper balance in life—-be honest, be helpful when help is needed; say your peace LOUDLY if there is an injustice—and by the way, if there is good time left over, DO have a good time and enjoy the moment, and where you are, and your friends.

 

A legacy that most of the world should aspire — He remains an inspiration to me

 

May God Bless Pete – and I know that he is in Heaven having a good chat with other good friends, lost to those of us on Earth too early.

 

Gail Giblin

 

 

Rob Newcombe –     11.08.2003 17:33:45

 

Homepage | http://www.whalestoothpub.com

 

—– Original Message —–

From: Whales Tooth Pub

To: Peter Seccombe

Sent: Monday, August 11, 2003 10:44 AM

Subject: Pete’s Passing

 

 

Dear Shona and Family,

The sudden passing of our great friend Black Pete takes yet another from the global fraternity of special people who just happened to visit a special place at a particular point in time.

Pete was a unique guy with a special sense of humor, his expressions were priceless, and his winning smile was infectious. A friend to all. He always let you know where he stood on issues and whether you agreed with him or not there was always a great respect for his honesty and frankness. His love of life and all that it offers, whether throwing a fly in one of his beloved trout haunts, or travelling the world absorbing whatever his stops had to offer, he was a guy that once you knew him he was a friend for life.

Pete’s passing will leave a void in the annals of Club Vagabond folklore. One of the great guys whose name will always be mentioned in the story telling. His time at The Loft in those early years of chasing cattle, riding horses, building the swimming pool with Kim, Sam and others are fond memories. The day Foster stole his hamburgers. Pete’s rather loud condemnation of the act resounded throught the little village of West Brome and introduced the old folk of the town to a Kiwi vocabulary not heard before nor heard since. I have pictures on my desk of our beloved Pete baking apple pies in The Loft kitchen, displaying his domestic prowess. He and Kim building the pool, he and Sam hamming it up at the bar, and Pete packing the x-country trails. He loved the outdoors. All memories, great memories, captured but not lost.

To Shona, my most sincerest of condolences to you and Pete’s family. The tears will not wash away the sadness that we feel on this occasion. I feel very fortunate to have known such a great guy and to have been part of an ongoing dialog of recent weeks recalling the fun of past years. I was so looking forward to seeing him again and perhaps having him show me one of his trout pools.

We will all gather at the FROF site and grieve over our losses as his friends post their feelings. Hopefully some pictures will show up to allow us to recapture Pete’s zest for life and recall the fond memories that we all hold so dear.

Pete will be sadly missed by many people as he joins Allan, Dougal and others in the next world.

May he rest in peace,

Respectfully yours,

 

 

Rob Newcombe

 

www.beachhousesuites.net | http://www.beachhousesuites.net

 

Richard Headifen –     11.08.2003 14:34:04

 

We have lost a one of a kind. Peter Seccombe was an honest, straight-forward man with not an ounce of duplicity in his body. He could see hypocrisy coming a mile away and certainly would let you know about it in no uncertain terms. It was my great pleasure in 1969 to have two fellow Kiwis ( Peter Craig and Peter Seccombe ) walk into the Vagabond bar behind which I was playing the part of bar manager. We have been close friends ever since even though our lives have taken us to countries far apart. But isn’t that what the Vagabond was all about? Without the strong, attractive personalities of the Seccombes and Craigs of this world the Vagabond would have been just another place to stay in Europe.

I am having trouble taking all this in. I am deeply saddened that I will never see my marvellous good mate again as I am saddened for those who loved Pete that are left to grieve. Peter discovered Van Morrison ( with some prompting from the Phones ) and over the last few difficult days I have been repeatedly playing his favourite album: Wavelength. Yes, Peter Seccombe, you certainly have a strong and everlasting one. Let the cowboy ride.

Heaven is getting better every day. Now there will be BBQ’s every afternoon, well stocked trout streams and an abundant supply of Lion Red.

To Shona and family I send my most sincere condolences and to Peter Craig: I know this has been and will continue to be very painful for you mate but thank you so very much for the unhappy duties you have had to perform. Good Kiwi work mate. To everyone else who knew and loved Black Pete as I did you will understand how much I grieve.

 

Pete Craig – .au    11.08.2003 04:38:16

 

I am so sad to have to let you know that Pete passed away at 12.30pm NZ ttime on Monday 11th August.He was brought home on Sunday and just stopped breathing. I came over from Brisbane but despite the best efforts of some very good friends of Pete’s missed seeing him go by about only five minutes. His passing was very peaceful and without pain. Pete’s memorial service will be held just down the road from his home on Wednesday afternoon followed by private cremation. I will be saying a few words at the service on behalf of all those who knew him.

If you wish to make contact with Shona her address is 127A , Cook Street, Howick, Auckland NZ, phone NZ numbers plus 95341717.

As you can imagine this is a great shock for us all

God Bless everyone, Pete

 

Pete Craig – .au    10.08.2003 00:49:41

 

Sunday morning 10.7.03. I have just phoned New Zealand and Pete’s wife Shona was going to the hospital to bring Pete home so she can say her goodbyes to him and that he can pass away in his own bed. She wants to keep him going until I get there at lunchtime tomorrow. Shona’s family is going to arrange a memorial service but I have no further details as yet. Keep checking out this site so I can keep you all updated. Thank you for the kind messages we have received. Say a prayer for my old mate Black Pete.

Cheers, Repete

 

Gail Giblin Flynn –     09.08.2003 23:34:44

 

To all who spent wonderful days and nights at the Vag in the early 70s – and to some of us lucky ones who also spent some great times on Mykonos at “Johnnie’s” Farm – prayers – tons of them – for Pete Seccombe who is seriously ill in New Zealand – a gentleman, hardworker, insightful, loyal, fun, honest and beloved by even the Swiss…and prayers for his best friend and lifelong “mate”, Pete (Repete..) Craig, who must be in pain – Prayers, too, for Black Pete’s wife Shona and their two Mums— Gail Giblin

 

Anita –     09.08.2003 04:29:56

 

Pete,

I didn’t know your friend Pete, but if he was a Vag manager, he must heve been a very good sort. Sending you and his family good energy and love…Anita

 

Pete Craig – .au    08.08.2003 01:05:23

 

It is my very sad duty to inform everyone that former vag bar manager and my best mate Pete Seccombe collapsed at work on Wednesday afternoon and is now in hospital on life support. I spoke to his wife Shona last night and while we are praying for a miracle she does not hold out much hope for a recovery. Please oin with me in the power of positive thought during this time and I will keep you informed of any developments

 

Steve Sainsbury –     29.07.2003 00:44:27

 

I spent many weeks and months in Leysin, hanging around the Vag and the slopes, writing and drinking. That was in the 1980s, in 1981, 82, 83, 87 and 88, with one or two later visits, weekends etc. But I’;ve been away about 12 years now.

 

But I’ll be back on 20 August for a week, with my nine-year-old son. I don’t suppose there’s anyone still there who remembers me, but if you do I’d like to meet up!

 

Bobby M Raffe Abdul Majid –     15.07.2003 13:26:52

 

Original HOSTA 82-84. Missing Leysin and the Vagabond. Rest in peace Allan. Thanks for the memories and the gallons of beer! Anyone out there circa 82-84? Can’t remember everybody due to Allan at the Vag and Le Brac – excess alcohol and other things do screw up memory cells in brain! FROF is great and I wish to hear from people I knew.It has been more than 19 years since I had to leave Leysin and been living in the UK since. Looking for Miki Zwans! We last met in London many moons ago. Need to talk and would love to hear from you! Guest book full of LAS and ACS and not enough HOSTA! Time to re-address the balance. Get in touch!

 

Anita Blaschak –     19.06.2003 15:05:21

 

Greetings to all! I’ve been visiting this site for a long time now, and memories of Leysin and the Vag always pull at my heartstrings and (what’s left of) my mind! I was at ACS for 2+ yrs. in the early blurry 80s and visited again in 1990, so it’s been a VERY long time. I live on a small farm in NE Georgia, USA with my love Debbie Norton and our many animals (6 dogs, 5 cats, 2 donkies, 2 birds and counting)! We have a band called “Where’s Anita?” paint houses for $$, and have just opened the first farmers’ market in this area. So far, so good. We are quite happy, very health and blessed all the way around.

 

So, now it’s time to return to the mountain! For all you ACS alum out there, I want to spread the word that we’re planning a reunion for next year. The dates are June 20-27, 2004. The reunion committee (yes, there is one!) is in the process of working out accomdations. Below is what they’ve got so far:

 

“There are, of course, a number of places to stay in Leysin, but we should try to stay in central places to maximize the reunion experience. We are in the process of negotiating prices and availabilty with several different locations. Our current selects are 1.) the College campus, dorm rooms in the previous Grand Hotel in Feydey, 35 SFr per person, per night including breakfast 2.) the Classic Hotel, in the middle of the Village, the only 4 star hotel in Leysin and the site of the ACS 2000 reunion and 3.) the Chalet Ermina, a quiet, secluded and charming bed and breakfast out past the stables. Please wait until we have confirmed pricing (we’ll let you know) to make reservations.”

 

To find out more about the reunion and/or to become a alum group member, go to .com. Hope to see some of you next year………..

Grinning widely and wishing you peace……love, Anita

 

 

Gail Giblin Flynn –     18.06.2003 01:10:13

 

WOW – A blast from the past – Rob Newcombe found me by phone today — have already pulled out all the old pictures, etc. – Was at the Vag from July 1971 and left Feydey in March 1973 – blasted out of town with a huge party at Paolo’s – Great days there – lots of partying but lots of good hard work, too – Am looking for lots of old friends – and have photos of some for blackmail or a good laugh! – Brian Farrell, Laurie Hearns, Laurie “petit camion” Ramsay, Adrienne “Tails” Taylor, Mike Cameron, Pete and re-Pete, Tony Tighe’s Jilly – enough for now – I have a great photo of the sun setting – looking from the back side of the Vag over towards Mont Blanc – it has hung in every kitchen I have lived in since 1973 – weren’t we all so very lucky to find such a special place with such real people (can’t forget – anybody know where Guy Niethardt is??) Laughs to all – Gail Giblin

 

John B. Ross –     11.06.2003 16:33:24

 

I’m happy to have the opportunity to leave a track in the snow, thanks to Al’s and my mutual friend Jack Kinnel who led me to this site. Al Rankin and I never skied together, but we ran for four years to-gether at the University of Michigan. Al was an usher at Ann’s & my wedding in 1954, and he biked with us through France, from Lille south to the Perigord along the Dordogne, many years later. I last saw him a couple of years ago in Geneva after a ski trip in Zermatt. He was the same old affable, erudite Al we all loved as we grew older. I’ll never forget the time a few years ago, Ann & I were passing by after some bike trip in Switzerland. We were in Lucerne, and I said to Annie, you know, if we turn left at the next intersection and go up, I think we’ll find Leysin. We did that. I’t was about 10:00 am when we got there and I stopped into a bar to ask in my best French how I could find Al. There were a few people sitting around with their morning paper sipping the coffee. The smell of Gouloise was fresh in the air. A voice from behind said “Is that you John?”, and there he was. We spent the next three days together.

While I never spent time in the Club Vagabond myself, both my two sisters were there. Daughters & sons of friends went there over the years before the hard times of the 70’s. My sister in law Bendy came close to marrying the guy.

TO say AL was one of our family is not too out of line. I was arguing the US vrs. the European points of view on the Middle East and other conficts by email the week before he died. We both decided it would have made a great topic over a cold beer at the P Bell.

I am one of those who travel hopefully, and I know we’ll hook up again, somewhere in time. All the best to you Al. John

 

Ken Chilibeck –     28.05.2003 22:41:25

 

Homepage | http://www.vagabondlodge.ca

 

The Vag lives!!! Vagabond Lodge will be opening hopefully Dec. 15 2003 at the base of KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT in Golden B.C.Canada. I worked in Leysin in the early 70’s and fell in love with Leysin and had a great time at the Vag. My wife and I(she also spent some time in Leysin) are buildling a 10 room lodge and will definitely set a spot aside, to remember the great days and nights at the Vag..and Allan Rankin. Check out our website at www.vagabondlodge.ca. And if you are in the area, a great spot for a reunion.

 

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort | http://www.kickinghorseresort.com

 

One of the up and coming summer and ski resorts in North America. Great skiing and snowboarding in the winter and in the summer, golf, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking. It’s about 2 and a half hours west of Calgary on the trans canada hiway and on the main rail line. And within 15 minutes Yoho National Park which has some of the best hiking in the world.

 

Hilton Cranston-Whittaker and Nikki Hook –     23.05.2003 04:28:47

 

Homepage | http://www.bajasafaris.com

 

Adieu Allan,our friend…”Bon Voyage”….and THANKS for the memories…Hilton and Nikki

 

www.fishtalescafe.com | http://www.fishtalescafe.com

 

Motorhome safari’s for couples into Baja Mexico

 

Rolf Tueschen –     20.05.2003 21:49:00

 

Homepage | http://hometown.aol.de/rolftueschen/verschiedenes.html

 

Hello to all the Vags,

I want to thank Rob Newcombe –  for his extremely human memory dedicated to Allen Rankin who has passed away. I was in 1959 at La Nichée Clinique and later on many times also in the Vag and Fougère. Last XMas I was at La Paix for a fortnight amd met some people from the early 60s. It’s sad to see the bad conditions of many shops and houses in Feydey and also Versmont down to the Village. It is as if those romantic times die now with the buildings and the founders of the Vagabond as well. Still I saw in Monsieur Maurice André someone who lives his life with faith he began shortly after the war when he was a patient himself until now when he’s engaged in the Village’s Chretien Library. I also met the two Sisters who formerly led the Clinique La Riondaz. They are 86 y. old now and live in the Villa Florence high above Le Vag. So there are still some people living at Leysin you might all have met in the past. If I could chose a site for that Second World where we all meet again, I would decide for the Leysin site with its fresh air of a peaceful Summer’s night high up at the Riondaz. I can still smell it when my memories go back. All the best to you wherever you are.

 

Rolf Tueschen

 

Hank van Duijn –     05.05.2003 07:48:29

 

Just spent a couple of days in Leysin/Feydey, sorry to see that especially Feydey has turned into a ghost town. I know the season has ended but nevertheless (deserted shops with filthy showrooms, cracked neon signs, pavements in a very sorry state etc…). Weather was superb though and the views remain magic! Come on City Council and Tourist Office, get your act together and do something before it’s to late !

 

Emma Niger –     03.05.2003 15:23:39

 

keep off.

 

Tracy Isaacs –     06.04.2003 03:26:43

 

Homepage | http://publish.uwo.ca/~tisaacs/index.html

 

Wrong homepage address in previous.

 

Tracy Isaacs –     06.04.2003 03:22:50

 

Homepage | http://www.publish.uwo.ca/~tisaacs/index.html

 

Stumbled upon an old box of letters earlier today and had a rush of very fond memories of three summer seasons at the Vagabond about 20 years ago (1981-83). Have lived mostly in Canada with 4 years in Boston since then. Karen is *still* in Crete and doing well. Hi Razor, Diana, Guy, Paul, Steve, Vi and John, Benny, Tim and Jenny, Brad and Larry. C. Kelly, if you ever stumble upon this site, please get in touch. Tried to track you down in Australia to no avail (it’s a bloody big country).

 

Doug Young –     04.04.2003 02:12:43

 

April 4, 2003

I first met Allan Rankin when I arrived in Leysin in the summer of 1977. He got me my first job by putting me together with a local farmer, and I spent a couple of fantastic months making cheese, chopping wood and chasing cows and goats around the Berneuse. I left in the fall but returned for the winter, an intermediate skier at best, but that didn’t stop Allan from dragging me to Verbier one day and turning me on to the joys of off-piste skiing. When the heelpiece tore out of my ski he was undeterred – we simply made our way to the village where he had a friend with a ski shop, and were back making turns within the hour. Thank you, Allan, for what you gave to me and to so many others.

Doug Young

Gibsons, B.C.

 

 

Lynne Gallagher –     02.04.2003 22:51:45

 

I am writing to express my thoughts on the loss of Allan. I worked for Allan and Carol as a babysitter for Scott in the summer of 65. I returned to the Vag the following winter for several months, and again another summer. To visit with Allan and Carol and be in beautiful Leysin was a special privilege. Being a vagabonder connects us for life. I thank Allan for his vision and warmth and humour in establishing such a welcoming home for we travellers. God bless , Allan!

Sincerely,

Lynne Robertson Gallagher

 

Rob Newcombe –     28.03.2003 16:52:15

 

Homepage | http://www.tidewater.net/~whalepub

 

March 27, 2003

 

 

To All Who Have Been There,

 

It is with great regret that we absorb the word that Allan Rankin has passed to another world and our most heartfelt condolences go out to Carol, Scott, Kira, Kevin and family. We all recognize the important contribution and significant influence Allan and the Club Vagabond had on all of us. Lasting memories of our youth that established values, cultured life long relationships and nurtured a fraternal bond among hundreds of us who visited.

Allan was a quiet spoken guy who saw the opportunity to relocate himself to a part of the world that without argument is one of the most beautiful places on earth, Leysin Switzerland. In creating the Club Vagabond along with the help of Luc, Joan, Carol and others, high in the village he established a gathering place that became a Mecca for world travelers. He invited us to share his dreams of enjoying the wonders of this special place and in so doing we all fell under its spell, partaking in good honest fun in somewhat of a free spirited environment which in our later years we routinely recall with fond memories as being some of the best days of our lives.

As the clan gathers in another world, Allan, Luc, Dugal and others, hopefully will be sitting around another bar upstairs swapping stories and having as much fun as was had during the good old days at the Vag that we once knew. Perhaps Boris is there also.

Allan unknowingly influenced what I was to do with my life and I know

he did the same with others. Instead of becoming an accountant I became an inn keeper and not for one second have I ever regretted the move. I dropped by Leysin for a day and I stayed over a year, only to return numerous times with friends in subsequent years to enjoy the fun and the good life that always abounded at The Vag. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to be part of that experience and as we all head in the same direction as Allan, I only hope there are enough bar stools for us all in the next world because I do not want to miss the party.

Thanks to Allan and The Vag we have developed valued life long friendships world wide. The experience of those years enabled us to see beyond our boundaries and in an environment of good youthful fun, established strong values of friendship and goodwill.

Allan , may you rest in peace, high on a hillside, in a place of quiet tranquility .

Thanks again for everything, Allan,

 

Respectfully yours,

Rob Newcombe

 

 

 

 

Kim Ramsey –     27.03.2003 16:47:41

 

My prayers & good wishes go out to Allan’s family. His extended family is massive! ! There is a great wave of loss felt around the world at the news of his passing. Allan was always kind & understanding to me & I love him for that. He hired me one summer in the late 60’s when I needed a job & wouldn’t hire me 5 years later when I needed to leave Leysin. I will always be thankful & indebted to him for that. The people I met during those times changed my life. God bless you Allan. Catch `ya later.

 

Ruargh Findlay – .za    27.03.2003 14:54:00

 

Homepage | http://www.ski.co.za

 

Sometime in the early sixties I rode into Leysin on a motorcycle in a snowstorm

and found comfort at the newly completed Les Lila’s building which Richard Hedifin has so aptly described elsewhere. I found friendship amongst the Vagabonders and guidance and direction from Ken Tait, Luc Van Der Kaay and

Allan Rankin, which changed my life. I often wonder if Allan ever realised just how the Vagabond affected the lives of so many people,for the better.

Not a single year has passed in the last 39 years that I have not returned to Leysin and made at least one visit to the “source” even if it was only a brief drive by the old building at the top of Feydey to say a silent hello.

On Saturday I will return to Leysin once again, only this time it will not be the same. Allan’s passing will be deeply felt around the globe. To all of you

out there I share your sadness. To Kevin, Scott and Carol and your families I extend my condolences and wishes for strength at this time of sadness.

 

Out of sadness will come happiness and I am sure it would be Allan’s wish that the bonds between Vagabonders of old be strengthened even more so than before,

so take this opportunity to communicate with each other and renew those bonds of old.

yours Ruargh

 

The Dive Travel Club | http://www.scubadiving.co.za

 

Ruargh Findlay – .za    27.03.2003 14:45:40

 

Homepage | http://www.ski.co.za

 

Sometime in the early sixties I rode into Leysin on a motorcycle in a snowstorm

and found comfort at the newly completed Les Lila’s building which Richard Hedifin has so aptly described elsewhere. I found friendship amongst the Vagabonders and guidance and direction from Ken Tait, Luc Van Der Kaay and

Allan Rankin, which changed my life. I often wonder if Allan ever realised just how the Vagabond affected the lives of so many people,for the better.

Not a single year has passed in the last 39 years that I have not returned to Leysin and made at least one visit to the “source” even if it was only a brief drive by the old building at the top of Feydey to say a silent hello.

On Saturday I will return to Leysin once again, only this time it will not be the same. Allan’s passing will be deeply felt around the globe. To all of you

out there I share your sadness. To Kevin, Scott and Carol and your families I extend my condolences and wishes for strength at this time of sadness.

 

Out of sadness will come happiness and I am sure it would be Allan’s wish that the bonds between Vagabonders of old be strengthened even more so than before,

so take this opportunity to communicate with each other and renew those bonds of old.

yours Ruargh

 

Richard Headifen –     27.03.2003 01:04:57

 

Paolo Donatantonio called me yesterday to express his grief. Like most of us he is reaching out to old friends for consolation and connection. In rough translation he told me: I kiss you, I kiss Allan, I kiss all my Vagabond friends. Who made us feel this close? Guess.

 

Hawkeye –     25.03.2003 06:16:58

 

Very upsetting to hear about Allan, a beautiful, dedicated man who we all owe a great debt (and I don’t mean the bar tab). If it wasn’t for him starting the Vag all those years ago we wouldn’t have enjoyed the amazing friendships we’ve all had over the years. He gave me my first job at the Vag (his only mistake, Dave always said) . A sad time for all of us.

Hawkeye

 

Marlowe Peck –     24.03.2003 06:18:58

 

Homepage | http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/andstrife

 

A cheerful sendoff to Uncle Allan. When I cry, I think of the smile I never saw you without and I know that wherever you are, you are happy.

 

Lee G. Miller –     24.03.2003 00:49:05

 

We have lost one of the originals. He provided a platform for so many of us to head off and explore this great world. Great to see some old fimilar names in this web-site. Drop me a line and all the best Carol and Family. Lee Miller

 

Chic Scott –     24.03.2003 00:03:23

 

Homepage | http://www.chicscott.com

 

Very sorry to hear about Alan. I am coming to Europe next winter and I was looking forward to seeing him again. He was always a steady and kindly presence in those wild and stormy Vagabond days of the 60s and 70s.

 

 

Richard Headifen –     23.03.2003 21:23:24

 

We have lost a true friend and mentor. Goodbye Captain, rest in peace. My condolences to Carol, Scott, Kevin and Kira. Allan’s legacy is alive and well in our common respect for him. A beautiful man. Richard.

 

KEN CHILIBECK –     23.03.2003 20:38:36

 

It’s a day to celebrate Allan Rankin’s life. For those who remember him from the early days of the vag like me, his idea and ideas changed many of us forever. Allan lives on!!!

Peace

 

Gavin Roache – .au    28.02.2003 07:30:25

 

Good luck on that front Otto man. Hey all we have great skiing in Thredbo this year,after 30 years of trying get permission to build new ski runs in Australia we have now opened the entire southern alps.

 

Damm bush fires only good for one thing , its clearded 250,000 acres of now skiable area. We are looking forward to hopefully a good upcoming winter. Otto when is your next trip with the extended family down under!

 

otto [again]    27.02.2003 19:36:46

 

c’mon slugz! visit this site!

hackin’ in from the hospital room computer.

Nancy about to bring Hannah into the world.

Hope I don’t stop any monitors…yikes!

We’ll keep you posted when the new little vag-hag arrives.

Oops, another contraction…

gotta go

 

Otto – see below    06.02.2003 22:50:29

 

Holy Merde! Lookatdatsnow!!!! Luiset, Couloir, Entre le deux here I come!!!

[in my mind….] ;( Make some turns for us folks!

 

Allen Hill –     13.01.2003 02:02:18

 

Hi, I’m a documentary director interested in mountain cultures and or sub-cultures. My last film Jump! has recently won many awards including at Trento, Banff, and Torello.

 

I’m very interested in making a film about the scene at the Vag during the 60’s and 70’s. I think it would be a great way to look at that era of mountaineering… also as a reflection of bigger issues… the war etc.

 

The era of Kor, Harlin, Haston, and latter Boardman interest me the most.

If anyone has a good story to relate it would be appricated. Also, the TV people always want old photos and film footage in stories like this. Anything like that out there?

 

I’m in Colorado (Jan. 13) right now but will be in Portland for the next month or so. Thus for now e-mail contact is best.

 

Thanks!

Allen Hill

303-898-8633

 

Otto    04.01.2003 22:44:19

 

Looks like I got first trax on the site this year…

YOU BEAUTY!!!

 

Otto –     04.01.2003 22:39:57

 

Happy New Year et Bonne Anneé [sp?] everyone!

Whoa! Excellent updates on the site Dano! Real Player streaming

and killer photo album D-Base. According to the news broadcast and from what little Francais I have still rattling around, I gather not too much of the cool and white as of yet. [probably could have figured it out from all the punters stepping off the lift at the bottom onto brown f-ing grass!! Although the webcam shot is showing some specks flying around and I don’t think it’s télé-freak dandruff. News sez you are getting a soaking so I’ll cross me fangs and hope for he best. End of Feb things get busier around here. #2 girly girl on the way…Where is my dafodill filled p-house terrace and the pizza lunch bell when I really need them.

 

Love to all,

The Gárdos Family

 

Jo Mahar – .nz    25.12.2002 17:41:49

 

I was at the Vag the winter of 1963/64 and worked at Mdme Trumplers photography shop just around the corner…no longer there. I returned in 1999 with my daughter and was so disappointed to find the Vag was a refugee hostel but no-one seemed to be there. Wanted to buy it…so glad someone has.Ran into a Kiwi (Vag)girl who had married a Swiss guy and lived in NZ for a number of years but they had returned to Leysin….lucky people. My Canadian girlfriend Caroline worked at the Vag and Fougere…not sure about the name but that has popped out of the recesses of my memory…can’t be too damaged by all that alcohol!? Oh what great times they were. Will have to return now you have opened again. Charlie ?(English) was a barman…can’t remember many names….Auto tours used to bring tours in…oh those farewell fondues!!Good luck to you…love to come back.Jo

 

Jo Mahar – .nz    25.12.2002 17:40:44

 

I was at the Vag the winter of 1963/64 and worked at Mdme Trumplers photography shop just around the corner…no longer there. I returned in 1999 with my daughter and was so disappointed to find the Vag was a refugee hostel but no-one seemed to be there. Wanted to buy it…so glad someone has.Ran into a Kiwi (Vag)girl who had married a Swiss guy and lived in NZ for a number of years but they had returned to Leysin….lucky people. My Canadian girlfriend Caroline worked at the Vag and Fougere…not sure about the name but that has popped out of the recesses of my memory…can’t be too damaged by all that alcohol!? Oh what great times they were. Will have to return now you have opened again. Charlie ?(English) was a barman…can’t remember many names….Auto tours used to bring tours in…oh those farewell fondues!!Good luck to you…love to come back.Jo

 

Dennis Hamlett –     09.12.2002 05:22:43

 

I spent a great winter at the Vag (1968-69), as well a any number of other shorter stays during my year in Europe. Buddies Bob Pagnani and Dan Salcido were also there. I have bumped into a number of people (here in Oakland, CA, as well as in BC, Canada) who I met first at the Vag where back when.

 

Ah yes, fond memories.

 

Dennis

 

sandy thiecke – alexander.    22.11.2002 16:33:36

 

Just out of interest: Gavin Roache, are you the person coming from Edinburgh?

 

Gavin Roache – .au    21.11.2002 07:03:37

 

Hello frof,

Life is good still living is Sydney (Aus)working the Bull S%&* life in the corporate scene, however have started a mountain bike group in Sydney called the northern beaches mountain bike group and have joined forces with my best suisse buddy Marc Andre !! for you have forgotten Marc organised some outragous band night from geneva back in 89 for my 21st at the vag, (smithy of course said yes and it was pretty much one of those historical vag nights). Any way its true Marc now lives and has bought into an adventure store in Jindabyne so we are now sending lots of sydney bike cattle his way. Havnt heard from the usualls for a while, ((wake up)) Otto, Carol, Rosie & Yann, Stu. If there is anyone out there in sydney who wants to do some mountain bike riding send us an email. Take care everyone from the world of leysin, merry xmas and hope it will dump and keep dumping over the upcoming ski season.

 

Rolf Tueschen –     17.11.2002 04:45:14

 

Homepage | http://hometown.de/rolftueschen/rolftueschenmosaik.html

 

Hello to all the Mountain People who were at the Vagabond once in their lifetime! I can remember well the Summer of 1972 when the legendary Bobby Fischer played his chess Wch in Reykjavik and I played a lot of Skittles with nice guys from the USA, Canada and the Netherlands. The last time I was there was in the winter of 1986/87 when I slept in a room with two guys from Greece, hey, are you reading this? Then in winter 2000/01 I shot a couple of pictures of the building late in the evening and I had the impression that it was uninhabited. Best regards to all of you who have managed the rebirthing of Le Vagabond. Could you inform me if the so called “Dutchie” from the first period of foundation is still well and alive? What has become out of the woman who worked in the other building (Printemps?) below the Vagabond in the middle 70s, who looked sooo nice!!? Boy -oh -Boy! Perhaps the guy from England will read this, who was also there in the Summer, the singer of the DOORS had died in Paris? Hope you’re doing well? (On my page you can see me as a boy in Leysin and now in my country Germany; unfortunately only some stuff in English.)

 

Best to all of you, Rolf

 

Rolf Tueschen –     17.11.2002 03:45:29

 

Homepage | http://hometown.de/rolftueschen/rolftueschenmosaik.html

 

Hello to all the Mountain People who were at the Vagabond once in their lifetime! I can remember well the Summer of 1972 when the legendary Bobby Fischer played his chess Wch in Reykjavik and I played a lot of Skittles with nice guys from the USA, Canada and the Netherlands. The last time I was there was in the winter of 1986/87 when I slept in a room with two guys from Greece, hey, are you reading this? Then in winter 2000/01 I shot a couple of pictures of the building late in the evening and I had the impression that it was uninhabited. Best regards to all of you who have managed the rebirthing of Le Vagabond. Could you inform me if the so called “Dutchie” from the first period of foundation is still well and alive? What has become out of the woman who worked in the other building (Printemps?) below the Vagabond in the middle 70s, who looked sooo nice!!? Boy -oh -Boy! Perhaps the guy from England will read this, who was also there in the Summer, the singer of the DOORS had died in Paris? Hope you’re doing well? (On my page you can see me as a boy in Leysin and now in my country Germany; unfortunately only some stuff in English.)

 

Best to all of you, Rolf

 

sandy thiecke – alexander.    12.11.2002 16:52:01

 

Used to work for the skischool in the 85-86 season and trying to get hold of

canadian Stephane who used to work somewhere in a hotel down in the village and

lived together with a canadian bloke called Mark next to the Vag.

Familiar? please contact me by e-mail.

 

Iain (Starvos) White – .uk    11.11.2002 23:49:20

 

Blimey.. can’t believe I found this site!! I kicked around Leysin for quite a while back in the early 80s. Worked (like a dog) for Restaurant Prafandaz, then did a bit of VAG HAGGING and ended up working for the American School while Steve Ott was in charge (I wonder if any of the crew remember bungie jumping me from a rope whilst I was grinding the underside of the roof) or getting covered in red paint (boiler paint) that wouldn’t come off for weeks (it had lead in it too – I’ve never been the same since)!!.. Anyway, enough of my nonsense, I’m now in London- did SE Asia and pretty well married with a couple of second hand kids. I’m going to try and get over there for Xmas (for old times sake) If anyone knows of any accommodation for two sweet, charming and excited people send us an email.. LOVE TO ALL

 

rathergood | http://www.rathergood.com

 

Shockwave site with some hilarious clips especially if you like kittens- not to be missed

 

Richard Headifen –     02.11.2002 16:14:35

 

Hello folks. My new email address is  Why the i between @ and n has been dropped is another one of life’s mysteries. Cheers, Phones.

 

Marcel de Boer –     17.10.2002 14:54:42

 

Hello everybody,

 

In search of old memories I surfed on the Internet and found your

page! Splendid- I was a student at the HOSPRA in the winter of 77,

18 years old and fresh from the Netherlands.

You can imagine what Leysin and Club Vagabond (I found her already

after 1 week…) made an impression to me!

I met my fellow student Sari Tuhkanen from Finland (we`re married

now and 25 years together + 3 children) and many interesting friends

all over the world!

It was a fantastic time!

After Leysin we studied and travelled around Europe. Nowadays we are

happily living in Finland and enjoying the beautiful nature and looking

to our sons snowboarding!

Be welcome if you`re around; if anybody remebers us, let us know!

 

Sari and Marcel de Boer

 

CHANTAL    13.10.2002 17:22:53

 

Don’t seem able to get messages coming in, probably due to my puzzelmznt with thi machine! can read our site well, but each time Itried to send a mail there is aguy that tells me my electronic box isn’t connected! help, thanks

 

frof membership –     12.10.2002 12:51:56

 

MESSAGE FOR CHANTAL AND DORIS TRUMPLER: the address you gave us for becoming a member is not getting through to you (dunogier.). Please request again and recheck your address. Thanks and greetings from Leysin!

 

Howard Anderson – .au    30.09.2002 01:43:02

 

worked at L’Aglon winter ’79 with monty, karl and leanne. karl and leeanne are water brothers. Mick and colleen were in the restaurant at the bottom of solacyr, still occasionally see them. chris from detroit worked with paul from canberra in the laudry. can’t remember the name of the bloke who owned l’aiglon, grand, vag. at the time. worked at the american college summer ’80 for a month as a kitchen hand. used to bore my wife shitless with stories of leysin when I first met her. don’t talk about it now. loved the scenery. still one of the best times of my life. want to get some photos of l’aiglon and a few other buildings. anyone wjo remembers drop me a line. Howard

 

Ben Welgemoed – .za    24.08.2002 12:09:20

 

Hello froffies,vaggies,wasties,veggies and so on.

I’m well, still living in and around Durban South Africa.

I have a small bit of land, a cat, a view over a “lake”- dam

and the Indian Ocean.

Regard.

Ben

 

Bruce & Diana(Chan) Burkhardt –     12.08.2002 18:42:13

 

It was great to scan the images in snapshots. Some old friends who haven’t gone grey as I have. Must be the Mountain water. Diana, Tarry(7yrs.) and I are still in Santa Barbara enjoying the beach life. Still go up in the Sierras alot for backpacking but haven’t had a pair of skis on for 18 yrs. Imagine that…. Love to hear from anyone who ever watched a winter storm coming over les dents de midi.

 

Alison Smith –     23.07.2002 09:44:39

 

Well… After 5 years of being away from my magic mountain I’ m finally going back home for a visit in August. It’ s hard to describe how I feel, I’ ve been longing so much for Leysin in the last 2 years of my unusual life. Looking forward to meeting all those I know again!

Love A

 

Peter Barrie – .com    21.07.2002 13:13:59

 

Hi All,

I will be in Cologne, late October 2002, for a furniture fair

I couldn’t be that close to Leysin without visiting for a couple of days,

If anyone else is around from around 85,86, or any other time for that matter, let me know

It would be great to swap some stories.

Is there a new Vag?

(Pastel) Pete

 

PS Dan, it must be your hook!

 

Campbell Watts – watzi@xtra. co.nz    22.06.2002 06:58:24

 

Have just recently discovered the web site thanks Jon Travers.Fond memories of the Vag and of Leysin during 71 and 72. Great to see so many familar names on the site. Would love to here from anyone who can remember me. I worked for a short time with Brian Farrell as a handyman at the vag and then worked for the teliferige on the Torrentay t/bar. (unsure of spelling) Had to believe where thirty years have gone.

 

Gavin Roache – .au    15.06.2002 05:19:14

 

We finally have snow for the 2002 season in Australia. Thredbo is open for skiing and Marc Andrea Nicole is in Ski Patrol. Came to stay with my wife and I in Sydney last month. Its great to have such a great leysin friend from 89 in Aus and Kirsty as well. Anyone else who wants to catch up in Thredbo for a couple of days skiing with Marc and I send an email. Kiwi Big John and Stu will be in Queenstown August the 17th for a week. Cell Phone 61 416288567.

Take care everyone have a great Summer Leysin.

 

Regards Gavin

 

Alex (Sandy) Thiecke – alexander.    29.05.2002 13:55:14

 

Wow, just got to know the FROF site from a friend. Incredible all these stories

and photos! Good to know that the VAG, our homebase, is running again!

Many memories coming back, VAG disconights, Heineken, Tequila, trying to chase

Hosta girls and not to forget skiing.

What happened to JP Chapalay, Guy Neithardt, Dave Smith, Mika Oscarsson,

Francois Malamitsas, Francois Girod and all the bar crew members like

Paul, Ulla…..

Keep me updated pls!!!

 

fred de La Anna –     21.05.2002 04:34:29

 

What a find my beloved Leysin and FROF The mystical nature of life was a daily experience in that precious mountain village. The Vagabond Dec 1967 to April 1968 The stars and the cold and the snow and the fondu love and from Fred Walter

 

surfrider.org | http://surfrider.org

 

R. Kasper –     30.04.2002 10:40:27

 

Hi. I’m 17 and currently live in Leysin. This past weekend my friends and I entered our way into the now abandonded “Hotel Les Chamois”. We found your graffiti on the wall along with the initials “FROF”…Just thought you’d like to know that your tradition continues this many generations later.

 

-Ryan

 

Helen Eyssartier – helen.    22.04.2002 11:10:25

 

Check out my message of August 2000 and you won’t believe this – poor old Annie (Haston) had her other foot run over recently – don’t know what she’s going to do for an encore! Same applies – anyone who would like to get in touch with her and add a little cheer to her stationary days can do so via e-mail to me or phone 33 1 41 31 48 92. The only news from myself & Jacques is that we are planning a trip to Oz around next February/March, ‘though no itinerary fixed as yet. Looking forward to catching up with a few old faces and sharing a few chilled beers and some fine local grape juice!

 

Kim Ramsey –     22.03.2002 22:12:26

 

New email address as of 22.4.02

Anybody know the whereabouts of Bill McCleary?? How about Ron Stewart?

 

There’s a new book out about Dougal Haston. It’s called “The Philosophy of Risk” by Jeff Connor. I read it. It’s a book about Dougal, therefore climbing. It was fun reading about Leysin and the Club Vagabond back in the late 60’s early/mid 70’s. It filled in a lot of gaps in my memory of that radical time. Wouldn’t have missed it for the world! Stay in touch.

Later,

kim

 

Otto –     22.01.2002 02:21:39

 

G’day. Just saw the Berneuse on the NBC 5 o’clock news. I’m still picking up pieces of my mind off the floor. Who’d of thought? Hope all is well with everyone. Very stoked to see pics of beers on the bar again. An amber filled 2Dl glass with a church official would complete the resurrection. If you rebuild it, they will come. Turn up the music and more popcorn please!

 

pierre Remund et joshua –     06.01.2002 08:23:56

 

salut les frofies!il me semble que vous avez bien commencé l’année 2002!

ici a Vancouver tous va bien ,comme d’habitude nous avons des tonnes de neiges

sur les locales montagne; mais ce n’est pas trés important puisque je ne fais pratiquement plus de ski . si je crois mes informateur un peu de neige sur les

tours d’AI ferait du bien.(j’oserai dire comme d’habitude! pierre you are a jerk

je salue tous le monde et vous souhaite une bonne année joyeuse pâque

joyeux kiwi day australien day

PIERRE

 

Gavin Roache – .au    11.12.2001 02:07:18

 

From (Sydney) Australia we congratulate the new owners of the Vagabond, great news cant wait to wreck the family budget and plan our next long haul to come and have a beer. News to my friends from 89-90 crew, have just received great news whilst office bound in Sydney a dear friend from Suiss whom lots of you know Marc-Andre is in Jindaybne (Australia). We are planning a Xmas get togeather in Aus (Thredbo) most likely from Jan 26 – Jan 29 anyone in the immeadiate area should shoot me an email. Merry xmas Leysin and the Club Vag , may 2002 and your first year back be great. PS the aussie beer bong should still be on the top shelf if STU didnt throw it out, someone bring it out of the cobwebs and do the honors.

 

Take care everyone, Yours best Gavin Roache

 

Tim, Jenny, Sean & Graham Smith –     25.11.2001 06:54:16

 

Just a note to let you know our e-mail address has changed to .

We’re all well. I’m now working as a child and adolescent counsellor since I finally got my

MSW last Spring. Tim is busy working on that novel he’s been trying to write forever.

Sean is turning into a shit hot guitarist and hoping to go to the Berklee College of Music

this summer. If he turns rich and famous anyone is welcome to visit us in our villa in the

South of France! Graham is doing things 13 year olds do, like listening to bad pop music

mountain biking (when the weather permits) and snowblading in the winter.

Hope all is well with everyone else who remembers us!

Jenny & Tim

 

Leslie Lovejoy –     06.11.2001 18:13:33

 

 

I just spent hours reading the guestbook. So many old memories. My first years in Leysin were spent way back when I went to the International Ranger Camp when I was 13 years old! I just read an entry from Ginger…who I think worked at the Ranger Camps one or two summers. I felt drawn to return to this lovely place of echoeing cowbells and green pastures in 1973 and ended up staying for 10 years. Would love to hear from any old friends. I’m living in Steamboat Springs, Colorado now, still skiing, though mostly backcountry and running lots of rivers in the summers. I have an equally enthusiastic 14 year old daughter who is hard to keep up with. And always an extra space for visitors to stay.

 

ben welgemoed – ben .co.za    22.10.2001 20:27:18

 

this tin brain keyboard has the @ and the” swopped around sorry bloody state of affairs. cheers.

 

ben welgemoed – ben welgemoed”freemail.absa.co.za.    22.10.2001 19:17:57

 

hello vagabonders and leysnouds? leysnoud tranquille. hey where did that joint go?

 

Brian Rogers –     15.10.2001 04:38:38

 

Hi old timers: I was the barman at the ‘Vag in the winter of ’64-’65. Have many good memories of times there, met a lot of people and made friends from several countries. Anyone know the whereabouts of Tom Bolander and Mike van Staveren, my former barmen? Hi Allan and Carol Rankin, Joan and Luc, founders. All the best to you all.

 

Pete McRae –     06.10.2001 05:52:12

 

I was at ACS for only 1/4, Sep to Jan/74 (?), but the time may be more memorable for it’s flashing. I went (back) to CA-USA to “be a musician”. Rocked and Rolled for 20 (+?) years…now I want to teach. I got very interested in Waldorf Education some years ago, but the wife wasn’t buying, so I’m on my own now, two kids and the only dog is me, later. I can still taste the Feldschlossen (?sp?) and (nouveau) beaujolais, was it? even if I can’t spell it. I hope someone here might remember me, but I haven’t been back since then, so let me just say I think your site is “awesome”, as we say in …

 

anaphoria.com | http://anaphoria.com

 

deeply “random” musical interests…

 

Lex de Lange –     19.09.2001 12:29:41

 

On a recent weekend during a business trip to Zurich I decided to drive up to Leysin, have drinks at the Vagabond bar and dinner at the Cafe de Leysin. Wrong on both counts: Vag defunct, Le Leysin retired. Met some old-time-spirit at Les Fers, though! I (then from Holland, currently South Africa) spent quite a few winter holidays in Leysin between 1967 and the mid eighties and remember those times fondly. As there are a few (ex-) Sringbok Ski Club member in SA doing same!

 

Save those memories,

 

Lex

 

Magali, Duff, Julien-Yves, & Brannen (Castro) GYR –     13.08.2001 00:30:13

 

Hi FROF friends, past and present!

After 6 months of INTENSE preparation and wrapping up nearly 20 years of life in Switzerland, we have BREEZED THROUGH Canadian border control and landed in Penticton, British Colulmbia to start all over again. With our 2 boys of 10 1/2 and 9 1/2 years, bills paid off (including taxes!), 15 years of 2eme pilier in the bank and a container on its way, we commence life in the Okanagan Valley full of the wide-eyed wonder keeness of newly-installed “immigrants” in our own land.

Julien and Brannen are already on their way to becoming REAL Canadians as they are signed up for hockey and tennis camps. And we’ll have a chance to discover the real beauty of the surrounding area as we’ve purchased a car and plan to put on a few k’s to test-out the dealer’s “good-will” policy (“you got problems–no problems bring it back”). The boys have already made friends and have spent a night away playing with their new friends… giving Duff & I an opportunity to scan the week-end paper for work.

We got together with David Thomas (former ACS’er from the 80’s) and his beautiful family for a picnic on our local beach. David’s helping us sort out lots of immigration issues/problems we’re having (like finding out 10 days before leaving Switzerland that on a technicality, my Canadian citizenship is put into question and that I should return to Canada as an immigrant!!)

This is to let everybody know that ALL IS WELL, it’s bloody hot (37*C), the beaches are great, the Okanagan wine delicious and you should see the Mexican food aisle at Safeway’s!!!!!

 

Would love to hear from all of you . . . as la belle Suisse me manque quand meme beaucoup!!

Magali

 

Andy Anderson –     05.07.2001 20:57:53

 

Hi all,good to see so many familiar names on this site! Anyone know where John Broderick(NZ) might be? I believe he called me in a drunken stuper one night( not John!) some time ago….if you know,like to get in touch. We worked the Vag bar several summers back in the mid ’70’s.I believe the motto then was “too many women, not enough time!” Always owed Smithie a ton on our bar tabs as I recall!(Like most who were there, that decade’s a bit hazy!)

Like to here from anyone who’s out there from way back then…I was in Leysin from Aug. ’72 (thanks to Kim Ramsey/Annie(Haston)/Guy(Niethardt)/Joe Perry and

Alan Moore for picking me up hitching one dark night down in Aigle!) through spring ’89- yea, 17 years straight! Telepheriqued the winters/Vag bar and other stuff summers for most of the ‘7o’s then worked with my good buddies J.P. and Bruce(Burkhardt)at Hefti’s Feydey for the ’80’s ’til we left.

Living in the Rockies(Canmore,Alberta- next to Banff) ever since, working for CMH Heli-Skiing. …get in touch!

 

Terry –     25.06.2001 11:02:33

 

R U A music buff ? Listen to good music and vote for the best band at http://www.beer.com/jamwithpam/us/listen.shtml. Take me along with ya to meet Pamela if you win. After all, I told you about it.

 

Carmen Crenshaw-Hovey –     31.05.2001 05:29:16

 

Dan- Thanks so much for this site! I connected today with Gobi here in Washington, DC 8 years after we last saw each other when I left Leysin. We lost contact with each other and then the other night when I re-registered with you I was able to get his e-mail address and we had lunch today. Thanks so much for this service!

 

Carmen

 

 

Otto –     15.05.2001 02:26:21

 

Homepage | http://www.MaxGardos.com

 

Run for high [yeah baby!] ground. Max Joseph Gárdos has landed.

the next Ottonian generation is here. Put on your party goggles and coat your vitals with titanium –he’s a BEAUTY! He’ll be changing t-shirts soon and

is keen on a triple M run and a soak at Lavey ASAP. Oh yeah…Hide the food!

 

Bobby Edwards –     12.05.2001 20:30:56

 

I was a GI stationed in Europe from 1966 to 1968, and I was fortunate to be able to go to the Club Vagabond several times. The Skiing was wonderful at Prafandaz in the winter , and the summer spring was great to visit with all of the hiking and other events to get around. I met a Michelle Bovey from Sydney, Australia there and we corresponded several times. When I got orders for Viet Nam, I knew that the trips to the Vagabond and the travel to Switzerland was all over, and I also assumed that my Skiing was over with also. From lovely cool Europe to well over 100 degree weather in Viet Nam it was really a change. With over 60 rocket attacks, and our Operations Center destroyed from being too close to the exploding Marine Bomb Depot at Da Nang made me long for the free wheeling fun days of the Club Vagabond. On my R&R trip, I decided to go to Australia, where I found Michelle Bovey whom I had met a year earlier at the Club Vagabond. Michelle indeed was a true friend, and she gave me the royal tour of Sydney. I also had time to go to the Snowy Mountains in Thredbo, Australia, and that trip was just like the trips to Leysin – People having fun, Skiing, Partying, Singing, and plenty of drinking. My last day at Thredbo was dampened with the news that Da Nang had come rocket attack again, and that there were 125 troops that had been killed or wounded. I knew that I was going back the next day, so I lived every moment the best way that I could. Thredbo became Leysin and the times and moments were more precious to me than one could imagine.

PS. I still have a Club Vagabond Coffee Mug sitting right here in front of me.

 

Jenny Jenkinson – jen5@bigpond    16.04.2001 14:48:43

 

David and I were there in ’82 and ’83. Seems like yesterday. Great to find this site and be part of the Leysin feeling again. After some changes in address we are back in Darwin and waiting for the “dry”. Camping is on the agenda. Sandra Sykes visited us in November last year with her beautiful daughter Tessa. Apparantly she is in love with our son, Wayan. Liz Veel is in Darwin too, still has her green ski suit in moth balls, and lives life at a very fast pace. Our boys spend their life on wheels, rollerblades and skateboards in preparation for life in the fast lane. David is well and happy living in the tropics. He caught a barramundi on the Easter weekend and has not stopped telling us all.

Would love to hear from you guys.

Jenny

 

Tim & Jenny Smith –     13.04.2001 04:47:29

 

Just a note to all of those folks around in the early ’80’s. The penthouse baby is now 17 years old. He’s taller than Tim, but not quite as wild, yet. He’s looking forward to getting out of highschool so he can come work in Leysin, too. It seems like yesterday . . .

 

J Random Hacker –     26.03.2001 17:15:46

 

Yep. That’s Matt alright & he apparently is still in Leysin working @ Hefti (Hefti sports, hefti prices) according to my man in Leysin. Just a small point… How come the picture is titled ‘Matty’ if you don’t know who he is?

 

Hexadance | http://www.hexadance.ch

 

A fine site that details up and coming dance music events in Switzerland. The world has ignored Switzerland’s dance and techno scene for too long… To their peril – in year to come, the dancefloors and warehouses of Genève, Bern and Zürich may well be Europe’s ground zero.

 

Montreux Jazz Festival 2001 | http://www.montreuxjazz.com

 

The official site of the 2001 Montreux Jazz Festival. In keeping with the expansionist spirit of previous years, 2001 will see a whole host of artists representative of many different genres augmenting the staple diet of world class jazz acts. As the festival approaches (I believe it runs from July 6th to 21st) this is the place to check out who’s playing, where and when.

 

J Random Hacker –     17.03.2001 06:14:28

 

The guy in the picture labelled “Who is this person and where is he…?” on the “https://www.frof.ch/snapshots/cyber/” page is Matt. He works/worked in Hefti Sports. Said last year he was going 2 go off and work on the boats but I suspect he’s still in Leysin.

 

dougie laird    07.02.2001 12:42:40

 

Tourist type, buddy of Clem Ashby .(Thats not his real name)

Buddy of Joel,

Cant ski to save my life, but after a few largers and I mean lagers

I could possibly be mistaken for someone who once skiied.

Ruggidly handsome, well I am now after that bad fall I had off a

very high bar stool.

Im visiting Leysin after 12 years AWOL.

Now lets see if they’ve cleaned the toilets at the VAG.

 

Gavin Roache – .au    31.01.2001 00:39:03

 

Finally got back to Leysin after 11 Years. Arrived New Years day 2001 and spent a week showing my wife Michelle the sites. To my shock there was the old crew still there, absolutly awsome to catch up with–Rosie and Yahn, Carol my old flat mate, (we got smashed as usual and it was dumping)!!. Bigglus, Serge, Pascal Karen and all the old suisse moniters from 89, 90 still doing the old Fabiloa belgique nightmare 11 years later. Back in Sydney (AUS)in the heat. it was great to catch up with everyone, thanks for making the effort. My father and Mother were two originals at the VAG with Alan Rankin and Luke Vand Kye.The Vag will re-open Its just taking a break, there is enough of us out there to make it happen so lets see what happens. PS Aussie Greg Jones I missed you In Leysin. Give me call ! Long live the Aussie Beer Bong. PS Carol and Rosie we skied Courchevel for a week after and on the last day of our 30 day vacation I snapped my AC Joint and my Medial. At least it was the last day. Take care everyone and fingers crossed the Vag will open shortly. Cant wait to come back and my wife thank goodness loves it.

Best Regards Gavin Roache

 

wendy babcox – wendy.    13.01.2001 17:15:45

 

Hi to Dave, Joanne, and all mid to late 80s froffers. I have relocated from Florida to Kalamazoo, Michigan for a teaching position at Western Michigan University in the photography area. So far so good. I moved here in August, and despite the cold I like it here very much.

Happy New Year to one and all..

wendy

 

John Regan – donline.co.uk    08.01.2001 20:04:36

 

Sorry, the e-mail address that I posted on the site was wrong.This is the correct one.

 

Hank van Duijn – hank.van.    04.01.2001 21:04:45

 

A happy and healthy 2001 to everybody!

I’ll be visiting the Republic in a few weeks time after not having passed through for many years… I wonder what remains of the old night-life.

What happened to the daily snow reports? Greetings to all

 

Jan Lawrence –     02.01.2001 21:13:37

 

Happy New Year Everyone

 

I want to point out that the email address shown for me on the Address List is no longer our address and belongs to someone else. I have attempted to have it changed but to no avail so far. Please change it in your address book if you have it on file. Many thanks. All the best, Jan

 

Chic Scott –     02.01.2001 02:15:21

 

Homepage | http://www.rmbooks.com

 

Greetings to old friends on 01,01,01. I am still alive and well and living in western Canada where I make my living from the mountains. I write the guidebooks to back country skiing in the Canadian Rockies and the Columbia Mountains and have just completed ‘Pushing the Limits, the Story of Canadian Mountaineering’. Would love to hear from old friends.

 

Happy New Year,

 

Chic Scott

 

Dave and Johanne Smith –     01.01.2001 12:54:03

 

There will only be one day ever that can be written as “01.01.01” and that is today!

We wish all old Vagabonders a very special year to come with health, happiness and

lots of good times. Groses bises. D & J.

 

Shibu Abraham –     18.12.2000 15:24:18

 

Great to hear from leysin…..all my past dreams come to life…..What happened to whispers is it still open….take care all of you guys……please keep in touch any of you from hosta batch 1989,90,91…..

 

Take care

 

Tatiana Abello –     01.12.2000 04:06:50

 

Hello everyone, I lived in Leysin for 4 years. I was a student at ACS. I had a great time there and it is indeed a “Magic Mountain”. It is sad to hear that the whole town is dying and now even the Vag has closed down. I believe that as long as our Leysin happy memories remain in our hearts, Leysin will always be as we used to remember it. Longlive the ACS spirit.

 

Tatiana Abello

1995-1999 at ACS

PS. Hi Ian I am glad to hear you are well. Take care.

 

Stephen Sainsbury –     26.11.2000 11:29:28

 

After Leysin winter 87/88 I found myself van driving, getting involved in Green politics then moving to Scotland and getting married. We had a son born four months prematurely in 1994, then moved to Sussex. Then on to Wiltshire where we finally agreed to go our separate ways. But I get to keep Wulfric and the house!

Those of you that knew me in Leysin will remember I was busy writing novels. I had to stop this when I got married as there was too much to do. But I’ve now got the time to write again. The new novel’s set mainly in Leysin and I’m really keen to include actual events – so e-mail me with any funny stories etc. I’ll change the names of copurse, but I’ll acknowledge all sources in the book.

Me and Wulfric are spending next summer in Europe, and we’ll be calling in on Leysin for a week or so. Hope to meet some of you again!

 

John Regan – .uk    23.11.2000 15:42:40

 

Hello to all you Leysinites from `79 to `83.I`ve seen a few names I recognise in the address book.Here are some more to jog the old memory.Jerry Boyle (le Brac`),Jane Kileen(Le Brac`),Dave Klauber(Mayen Telesiege),Bob Knight,Graham Steed(BerneuseT-Bar),Steve Waugh(any bar) and Annie, Dermot Dolan(most bars),Mick Laycock(every bar),Malick, Dominique Grange,Terry O`Kell(Barman Extrodinaire!),Rudi Streuli(Berneuse),etc.. etc.Too much to mention everyone but I`m sure these few names will bring a few smiles or cringes back! Oh! I nearly forgot, what about Numero Uno Pistard Pierre. Is he still going?

 

Brad Clark –     10.11.2000 23:33:27

 

I was in Leysin as an ACS semester abroad student in 90. Spent many a night (after working at the library) swilling cardnial at the Vag, playing cards,picking up on Vag Hag’s and bumming smokes until the cage came down. I have many memories of going to Whispers, After Hours, Ceasers, La Grotto, Top Pub, Bottom Pub, L’horizon etc. Got 40 days of skiing in — Verner took ACS heli-skiing/touring twice to WildHorn and Pino A’rlo? near the Matterhorn. Most names are fuzzy, but I do remember partying with Big Kevin the Aussi surfer, the two guys from Belfast..one with long blond hair and tall, and the other guy who was shorter and I could understand a friggin word he said. There was the “troll” smaller Welsh guy who broke his arm boarding. There was a blond Kiwi who had sold computer’s or something and spent that winter in Leysin. I remember Kim ? the south african who everyone was in love with…such a sweetheart. Chris the bartender at Whispers who always was good for a high five. Jobert the owner of Whispers who never stopped talking about how cool New York was — guy was odd. That nutty south african that had a t-shirt design shop. I was skate boarding around Leysin one day and he gave me a t-shirt. Ladies night on Tuesdays at the Vag were everyone would get dressed up for half off drinks. It was a special time.

 

So special when I graduated from Berkeley a year later I headed back looking for work. I stayed at the Vag for 4 days until Paul (ACS attendee and partner in crime) and I rented an apartment for a month near Caesars. We were so broke we would buy red wine from the Coop, and put it outside the bars we frequented so we could fill up our glass and avoid dishing out cash. There was some crazy guy from Seattle that got huge air off the Berneuse. Kim the South African was still there as was Chris. Worked with a suissy carpenter on a job in the flats…he had married one of the canadian Vag Hags and was kind enough to have me help him..I needed the cash bad. Really cool guy and gal! Finally I got a job with Village Camps, interviewed with the owner who I believe passed away a few years ago. He seemed like a good guy. I worked for Village Camps in Anzere for the winter and had an awesome time. It was one hell of a time. The Vag and Leysin go down as the best bumming destination worldwide. I’m sad to see it has closed. Regards to all those still in Leysin…I’m jealous, maybe one day I can get back to the magic mountain for a long stay. Working for an internet start up in San Francisco can hold a candle to the good Suissy livin’. Chin Chin to all!

 

Tony Bowes – .au    05.11.2000 06:48:23

 

Stayed at the VAG around ’73 ’74,worked at Champery ‘Let Dents Du Midi’ at the Hotel Du Parc,run by Eric Truffer & his wife.Fellow workers Walt Halley & Rene Tilmans where are you guys now.There you have it regards Tony,Bozo,Rainbowes.

 

Lucia Kaeppeli –     20.10.2000 23:54:56

 

Merci a tous les Frofies qui m’ont soutenu dans le passage du 30e parallèle au 40e rugissant. Puissant! Je me sens très ROARRRrrr…..

Love

Lucia

 

Ali Khan –     05.10.2000 05:48:40

 

Hi there. I was attending ACS in the 1989. I just discovered this site. It’s good to hear that the Leysin spirit it still alive. The VAG was a great place. Petty to hear that the place closed down. Brings a lot of party memories. Anyway, life goes on. Would love to hear from all the rest of the crew from back then.

 

Brian “Abdul” Alhandy –     19.09.2000 18:39:47

 

Just discovered the web site! Many a great time at the Vag 70-73. Somebody will have to jolt my memory on the names of the past. Guess that means I was really there. What was that saying; Oui la pip? (never could spell those words) Hoffman, what was the name of that pipe equiped for up to six people you kept in the coffee table of the penthouse? Hello brother. Howie Tartell, are you out there. After the journey east, Pokora-Jomson trek, and a few ski trips in Tahoe we’ve lost touch.

 

Heading for Leysin next week en route to some foreign projects. I build wind generated power plants with projects coming up in Turkey, Greece, and Spain. It is an incredible feeling to be returning to Leysin. The Vag, well fellow Vagabonders, I’ll tip a few for her. Looking forward to seeing any and all of the past.

 

Yestermorrow, here I come.

 

 

Abdul

 

Johana ” Jo ” Munzarova –     01.09.2000 12:25:11

 

1988-89 Hosta Tourism Alumni – moved in with Carole (Hi :))!) at Villa Elisabeth. Studying at Hosta was not enough, though, so I jobbed at La Grotta and the Hosta Disco, thanks to Dave & Joanne I managed to keep up with my dancing classes in the old Vag Disco and thanks to KIM managed to organize quite a successfull Show for the American College Reunion. Greg Jones, Dave, Mikelson, Siggi, Rosy, Anne, KIM, CAROLE, KAREN, Le Grenier, Whispers, Hosta, Calore & John, and and and… TA for all the lovely memories !

Looking for a long lost friend : MAX (Hoop Cartier – Argentinian), got to clear up a stupid misunderstaning – can anyone help ?

KAREN: Good things come to those who wait…(I heard the good news)

KIM: To Alex, you and the Baby: ALL THE BEST !!!

CAROLE: Tks for all those long Video Evenings and for letting me study sometimes …

… and to everyone else who remembers: Carpe Diem and lots of love!

Looking forward to hearing from all of you,

 

Jo

 

helen eyssartier – helen.    17.08.2000 12:48:04

 

Greetings to all those connected and who were disconnected way back, from 83-88. Thie is effectively a message from Annie Haston, who is still only phonable, with a new number – 33 1 41 31 48 92 & address – 4 bis, rue Anna Jacquin, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt (still France). Poor Annie was knocked down by a scooter recently and is housebound for some time. Nothing major (she was very lucky), but broken toes/rib and major bruising. All this to say that I know she would love a call from any old chum who might want to get in touch – let the phone ring – all movement takes time!

 

A bientot.

 

 

Joel –     03.08.2000 20:44:41

 

Hello everyone,

I’m still living in Lake Worth Florida near the beach. Four and one half years under the sun has finally thawed out my head enough to realize that my brain after 20 years in Leysin was never frozen, only fried.

Fortunately, smoke is a preservative.

I’m turning 50 this year and to be quite honest, I can’t even believe I have friends my age.

 

Queenstown, NZ | http://www.whiteshadows.co.nz

 

Just look at the photos.

 

Alison Smith – l.ne.jp    12.07.2000 12:23:24

 

Sorry, my previous message indicated th wrong email add . This one is the correct one!

 

Razor – kathy.    03.07.2000 05:10:27

 

Greetings to Dan and other Frofites. Please note our new E-mail address. Life is good n Colorado. Catch up with you again soon.

 

Otto –     08.06.2000 21:18:26

 

By the pricking of my thumbs

something alien this way comes…

 

Peter Barrie (Larry) – .com    30.04.2000 13:04:35

 

Peter Barrie (Larry) was in Leysin 1984-86

Adam told me about F.R.O.F. and i must admit it brings back some great memories, some painfull and mostly blurred, just thinking of some of the legends of Leysin. Hi! to John & Vi, Helen, Andy & Laura, Andre & Mrs Hefti, Mirrium, Suzanne, Susannah, Dickie, Grant, Kerry, Ray (cat),Christianne& Selma, Tom & Prue, Connor & Sheila, Kevin, Mark & Ruargh just to mention a few.

What is Shitty Suisse (alain )up to?

Where are Big Carlos and Little Carlos, Adam?

Had some very funny times at Chalet Pollux with Adam,Caroline,Billy,Mark,Keen, even managed to ski a bit.

Anne and I live in Melbourne with our 3 Girls Hannah,Matlida & Audrey I have a Building Company specialising in Corporate Office Fitouts and Systems Furniture.

I am not skiing much but Surfing a lot, How interesting Hey!

Dan you have done a great job to produce this .I’d like to catch up for a Stella or two some time.

Hi to all !!

 

KEN CHILIBECK –     27.04.2000 04:38:16

 

My email address has changed. . Just in case you are in interested.

 

stan ruch – .au    07.04.2000 02:07:12

 

How can I get an address for Bennie Welgemoed. Can anyone help??

 

Nadja Johnston (formally Still) –     21.03.2000 03:33:03

 

I attended LAS in 1991 thanks to the gulf war in the middle east. I met so many nice people here and had the best

year of my life here on the ski slopes for the first time. I miss all the old friends I had met there and those cultural

excursions and family trips. I can still remember “taming” those bunny slopes afraid I’d never be able to ski then

joining those little four year old kids who would leave me in the powder skiing the Berneuse mountain. I remember

hanging out with that guy who worked in Tapei Taiwan (or something like that) that Chinese restaurant down the

street from our dorm. Those were the days.

 

Bret Keleher –     15.03.2000 02:21:56

 

I used to go to LAS in town and have missed it ever since I left, especially Bruno at Feydey’s. He is great and his beers are tall and cheap.

 

Rob Newcombe –     12.03.2000 20:14:04

 

Homepage | http://www.tidewater.net/~whalepub

 

It is truly heart warming to see the numbers grow at the FROF site. Some of the old gang are reporting in with news of their whereabouts.

I served on the front lines of The Vag ski shop (winter 69/70) with Bill Mcleary under the direction of our fearless leader Wayne van Oosterhout (excuse me Wayne for the spelling).The weekly invasion of Brits and Dutch to be fitted with boots and Authier skiis was a tough job , and without our leader, Mcleary and I would not have been able to rise to the moral standard expected of our job description. We were one of the first to INTERVIEW our new guests.

 

30 years have past but the thoughts of that era are clear,and I would give anything to do it over again.We visited The Vag numerous times in the years following and it became quite evident that something should be created

in Canada to try to duplicate the same comradery . During that period The Loft was born in the Eastern Townships south of Montreal.For +/-25 years The Loft grew ,and for the hundreds(we had over 4000 membership cards out in the early years) of visitors over the years who frequented The Loft,who worked there, who lived there, we had great times also. The Vag , however ,had its own special aura and thank God for that. The Loft was sold to a neighbor who had more money than the Almighty, who also did not like the Sunday afternoon summer pool parties.The timing was right to move on , and here we are 10 years later living in Lincolnville Beach, Maine. Married 21 years to a great girl, Dorothee(Dutch), who I met on the balcony of the Berneuse Restaurant on one of our Leysin trips, and now have two kids Kirk 16 and Jodi 12. The Whales Tooth Pub and Restaurant is wildly successful, operates year round, and is located right on the ocean on one side and US 1 on the other. If you are in the area please come visit, or visit our web site www.tidewater.net/~whalepub. Plans are to visit Leysin in April, first time in quite a few years. The best to all.Good luck to FROF.

ROB NEWCOMBE

 

Depever Dirk – Depever.    10.03.2000 08:26:51

 

See you on Saturday Leysin

 

CAMERON ESTES –     22.02.2000 03:43:30

 

GREAT SITE.. I WAS A GUEST AT THE “VAG” FROM 1983 THRU 1989. MET A LOT OF GREAT PEOPLE WHILE STAYING THERE. REMEMBER MANY LATE NIGHTS AT THE BAR AND DANCING DOWN IN THE DISCO. LOVE TO SAY HELLO TO DAVE AND JOANNE, FEN, HELEN, WENDY, DEBBIE CHUN, VICKIE, JON, PAUL DICKEY, GRANT(DORSE), MICHELE, SIMON, JIM, AND ALL THE OTHERS THAT WORKED AT THE VAG DURING THOSE YEARS, HAD SOME OF THE BEST TIMES EVER THERE, A LOT MORE TIME AT THE VAG THAN ON THE PISTE. REMEMBER MEETING SO MANY OTHERS THAT WERE GOING TO SCHOOL THERE, BUT CAN NOT REMEMBER THEIR NAMES AS I WAS ONLY THERE FOR A WEEK AT A TIME. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I WOULD LOVE TO ATTEND A REUNION OF ANY VAG WORKERS FROM THAT TIME. TAKE CARE.

 

Kim Ramsey –     09.02.2000 07:10:13

 

EXODUS

 

Stoped by the Club Vagabond (recomended by Ronnie Feraldo & Samdy Atwood one of many hazy nights in Munich) for a weekend in November, 1968. I left for good, with Ron Stewart, in April, 1972; But that’s all water over the bridge. My new email address is above.

 

Richard Headifen –     20.01.2000 19:34:45

 

Genesis.

 

In the autumn of 1961 Allan Rankin, Carol Rankin, Ken Tait, Luc van der Kaay, Peter Rhoades, Peter Hunt, Don Booker, Rae Booker, Dick Shepherd, Jimmy Smith, Jan Hewlitt, Phyllis Howatson and Richard Headifen, as I was then known, started the transformation of Chalet Les Lilas ( yes, there were lilacs on the right hand side of the steps leading down to the bar back door ) into the first, but certainly not last, incarnation of Club Vagabond. I think we did good.

 

KEN CHILIBECK –     17.01.2000 00:12:22

 

JUST A QUICK UPDATE…I HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS. ERIC RUBY IS LIVING IN JASPER ALBERTA, SKIING ALOT AND DRIVING A CAB FOR MIKE CAMERON. CLUB VAG 1969-73 ERA.

 

Ginger – .au    16.01.2000 12:49:36

 

The e-mail address below is incorrect, should be freemail not freecall .

 

Ginger – .au    15.01.2000 10:58:11

 

Ginger and Hawkeye enjoying a white wine on the Hawkesbury River in the Year 2000. I was in Leysin 65′ and worked with ISM, I met lots of great people, would love to catch up with anyone who was there at that time.

I’m trying to do a cultural photographic trip of Australia, taking lots of photos and trying to get it together as a percussionist.

Love Ginger, would be great to hear from old friends.

 

Dave Thomas –     14.01.2000 08:07:53

 

Glad to see that the FROF is still going strong, despite the demise of our national capital (the Vag). I was in Leysin from ’82-’85, going to college, I think. I remember the Vag more than anything else. Great times. I still hang out with a lot of acs alums. Miss those days a lot. Now I’m practicing law in a place called Hoseshoe Bay, just outside Vancouver, Canada. I ran for Canadian Parliament two years ago, but didn’t get elected. I hope all you Froffers up in Whistler voted for me. If I get elected one of these days, I’ll get Canada to grant official recognition to Feydey. Maybe then the Swiss will notice…

 

John Trinh –     12.01.2000 03:58:42

 

Hello All,

 

I am not an avid climber, but I was in Leysin just last July, 1999. I just wanted to say that this site rocks, so to whoever made, you guys rule.

Oh and I can ‘t believe that the “Pub” is now a western bar, (weep weep), and I can’t wait to go back, after school is finished.

 

Happy New Year All : )

 

Bob/Lesley Hoffman –     01.01.2000 03:55:17

 

Happy Millennium, everbody. We hope you are all at peace (if ageing) and looking forward to a thousand more. See you, and Rankin, in that Mirror Bar in the sky. Vive le Vagisme!

 

Ron Adams –     27.12.1999 16:55:11

 

Vag junkie, circa 1967-69. Would absolutely love to find some of my old mates out there!

 

Helen Eyssartier (Wells) – helen.    22.12.1999 11:12:35

 

A festive bonjour to anyone who was around between ’83 and ’88 and, much like me, spent more time around the Vag bar than on the pistes. Many fond

memories & delighted to have discovered the FROF site and the existence of a life outside Citibank!!

 

Annie Haston is also still in Paris, so at least I have someone to reminisce with on a regular basis (her stories obviously go back way before mine!).

 

Wishing you a splendid Christmas and New Millenium and hoping to hear from a smattering of the 80s clan before too long.

 

Joyeux noël à tous – from Haston too (totally untechnologically minded & wouldn’t know one end of an e-mail from the other!)

 

Rich Stuebe and Nikki Termijn –     20.12.1999 05:02:07

 

Haven’t left a note in awhile. Figured I’d say hi.

 

Site looks good; nice new layout. I wondered why I got an email a little

while ago. Guess is was the change over. Probably had my FROF username and password.

Teach me to delete without checking <g>!

 

Highly bummed to hear the Vag has closed. Between there and the Eden, I’m surprised we got any

school work done at all. We were at ACS 77-79. Hanging and skiing and drinking. I think there were

classes in there too…

 

Anyway, ping back if you were around in the late 70s. Maybe we tripped across each other.

 

And I guess the old Vag cards I have (with 5 or so francs left on them) are now officially worthless. Oh

well, easy come, easy go.

 

Lynne Robertson Gallagher – .ca    17.12.1999 22:05:02

 

Wow.What a great site. Jan Lawrence sent me the news of this www.

I was a nanny at the Vag in the summer of 65, looking after Scott, and then returned the following winter to ski and also visited the summer of 1970. Still keep in touch with some of the people I met there. Blair Tully became a ver dear friend, who unfortunately died in June after fighting cancer for three years. I have so many memories of the Vag, lots of wild and crazy ones.Now, I’m a social worker in a Family Service Agency in Toronto, where I live with my two great kids. My son is 19, plays high school football,and is taking a year off to work. My daughter, is at York U. studying film. Thanks to the great instruction at the Vag, I still love to ski, and do that every winter here..when our Ontario hills have snow.I would love to hear from any of the Vagabonders who were there during those times.

 

Jan Lawrence –     17.12.1999 20:59:37

 

What fun to catch news of old friends. I was there from June 68 to Aug.72 & met so many great people & a lot of them are still a part of my life – I consider myself most fortunate! I settled into Vernon,BC in early 1973 & have not moved since. I have a husband and a 14 yr. old son and am quite happy being mostly a stay-at-home type since I did the career thing prior to family. I am always busy, largely being a handweaver & whatever else opportunity calls for! A Very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all, Jan Lawrence PS Thank you, Allan for having such a great dream & having your vision realized!

 

Rob Shaw –     14.12.1999 00:42:04

 

Greetings from Vernon, British Columbia. I was a Vag handyman ’69-’70.

Since then have been in several BC towns plus a couple of moves back and

forth to England for a total of 15 yrs there. Now happily settled in the 4 seasons

playground with lots of sun, lakes and Silver Star Mountain. Anyone interested

in buying Okanagan real estate? It’s great to see so many familiar names on

this excellent site. Would be great to hear from Peter Craig, Phones, Mark Weiss…

 

Yves & Becky Wenger (Merry) –     12.12.1999 19:14:33

 

Hi evrybody,

Seasons Greetings from Whistler,BC.From were it looks like we are getting yet another killer snow year!!

Well it will be 10 years this year since Becky & I left Leysin and the crew.

We have been “living hapilly ever after” in Whistler,BC/Canada for the past

10 years and loving it,good place to play hard and yet to keep your mind alive,but also a nice place raise kids…like our Robin 7 and Nicolas 4 1/2!

We seen a few Leysin people over the years..”Wee” Scotish Karen Duncan live here

for about 7 or 8 years,she’s currently went back to Scotland to go back to school and will likely be back in our neck of the woods in a year or so…

Becky’s brother,Chis Merry still live in Toronto but has married a Vancouver gals,Cat,and guess what?they have a cabin in Whistler,so we get to see quite a bit of them.

We also kept in touch with “Climber” Pierre,who’s live just South of Vancouver and has a 7 year old boy named Joshua,we like to get together more to go climbing with the kids.

Also driving through a few times is our “still very busy” freind Zita,who’s we believe is doing quite well in the tourism industry here in western Canada.

We were quite sorry to hear about the Vag going down the drain,it meant alot to us,since it was were Becky & I met some 13 years ago!

 

Well,get hold of us if you are in the area,we’ll love to catch up and take you for a ride!

 

Love Becky,Yves,Robin & Nicolas.

 

jules atkinson/ian macdonald –     12.12.1999 18:27:43

 

happy new years 2000

hi to all- sorry to hear about the vag…didn’t someone mention buying it among a few ex-leysinauds? we would be in on the idea….

just wanted to send a wee hi to everyone- hoping to get to leysin at some point in the next few months.

cheers!

jules and eman

 

wendy babcox –     12.12.1999 04:27:55

 

Whoops!!!!!! sorry. I posted the wrong email address earlier. It is

 

Matt van Dorp – vanDorp@t-online.de    11.12.1999 15:36:44

 

Hi Guys

 

got a new e-mail adress. Been art galerist for a year now, living in Luebeck, Germany. Still remember the good times 72/73 at the Vag fondly.

Would love to hear from people who remember me…

 

Lori Stowers Wright (formerly Carlton) –     11.12.1999 01:27:03

 

I can’t believe you guys are still out there!! I was a Vag Hag in 87-88. Some of my fondest memories were cleaning the loo after a long night of drinking (sometimes taking a nap in the cloak room) and softball!! I also remember Simon & Derek getting me to drink a concoction of all the clear alcohol, trying to walk around the top bar on the barrels so your feet don’t touch the floor, Ty’s awesome DJ picks (Stevie of course), Joanne’s hand on her hip when you were in trouble, and Bernie rescuing me from a tree. I am also an ACS graduate, yes it can be done. I am now working in Alabama (of all places) in a hospital. Does anyone remember how we got rid of the drunks at closing time??

 

kim manahi – k..nz    10.12.1999 11:53:31

 

Well, WEll well…..thanks for the password…..Jack!!!!hmmmmm! In a past life maybe, not now I am afraid…been sober for quite some years..ha ha ha.

For all you guys who remember Johno Hughes (Big John, Kiwi John, Maori John…) He is alive and well and has brought his own buisness. He has decided to name it Leysin Holdings…very apt name don’t you think? He has become quite the legend in the lower south of the south island. He is known everywhere..and I mean everywhere. I picked him up recently from the chch airport. AJ Hackett was there waiting for a flight….and he knew Johno….Amazing.

As for me, well I came home from Leysin and bummed around for a while before meeting my husband, Lawrie. We have now settled into our home which we built…next time we BUY all ready made!!!! ha ha, and I have taken up gardening with a passion… The “green” variety grows well in this climate!!!!!

See… I haven’t given up all of my ‘debautched past’ quite yet…ha ha ha…love to hear from anyone who was in Leysin from 1989 through 1991….it was a good season….love to all….Kimi

 

wendy babcox –     08.12.1999 22:29:08

 

Homepage | http://grove.ufl.edu/~babcox/

 

Hi Froffers!

just got an update from the website and it inspired a flurry of email activity!! I am living in Florida..(still haven’t caught up with Joel yet.. but will eventually) and I am going to graduate with my mfa in photography and electronic intermedia next spring. Then I hope to find a teaching job here in the US or elsewhere ina any art department that will have me! I just saw Lori Wright (formerly Carlton) this weekend in Atlanta, and we passed many happy hours recounting the copious quantities of puke from the Vagabond floors.. oh joy!!!!

I would love to hear anyone and all.. I’ll be here until May, if anyone wants to visit the sunshine state.

w

 

Ivisit | http://www.ivisit.com

 

this is a site that has free video conferencing software. I encourage anyone who is interested to check it out and perhaps we can arrange a virtual reunion.

Iris Abaecherli & Gary Dickson – .nz    07.12.1999 08:10:40

 

Hey Dudes, I seem to get into this about once a year only and it’s real cool to see all you people chatting away. Good work Dan!

This time round, I wish all the real FROFIES, and everybody else that knows how to cruise in style, a great start into the new millenium, may the Force be with you. Somebody mentioned a FROF reunion in Leysin, well, we shall be there July and August, make it happen and see you there. Leysenouds, enjoy the winter!

 

Steve Carroll –     06.12.1999 15:52:51

 

Hi, all…

 

I have yet another new e-mail address. Hope all is well. Still keeping in touch with Dickie, Babcox, Savitz, etc. Has anyone heard from Fen?

Take care, have a great winter, drop a line – any kind.

 

Steve

 

PAUL SHAVER [CUZ] –     07.11.1999 14:41:47

 

WAS IN LEYSIN 69–73 OFF AND ON–NEEDLESS TO SAY ,I HAD ALL THE FUN I COULD HAVE AND THEN SOME!!!!!!!!!!!I TRAVEL OFTEN AND STOP BYE LEYSIN AS MUCH AS I CAN–IN OTHER WORDS ITS HARD TO FLY BYE AND NOT STOP TO SEE THE SMITHS ,ARRIANA,AND OTHERS——-HI TO ALL YA’LL [CUZ]

 

Gavin & Simone Durbin – .au    05.11.1999 14:05:52

 

Hi Dan,

 

Mate long time between room clean-outs !!

Believe it or not I have seen Budha and Tim just last month.

We talked a lot of the old days and mate we knocked the Kiwis.

I have to say one joke before your reply –

What is the difference between a tea bag and the

NZ/s in the rugby world Cup ?-

A tea bag stays in the cup longer !!

 

Ha ha ha ha

 

It will be great to hear from the others from the

1985/86/87/88 years in Leysin – Please reply.

 

Lots of love and bubbles –

 

Gavin and Simone – Leysin 1985

 

p.s Adam and Lynda are here – how are the Adam specials at Whispers ?

 

Bob & Lesley Hoffman –     31.10.1999 01:45:17

 

We’re looking to do a house swap in April 2000 for a couple of weeks. Anyone who lives in Europe near some great food – Hey? how about Leysin? But Italy or France would do – who would like to spend some time on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, use our car, feed our 2 cats and swim in our Caribbean Sea, write to us and let’s see what we can arrange.

 

Sean T. McCann –     26.10.1999 15:11:48

 

Homepage | http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/4691

 

Worked for Village Camps 1989-90 and spent lots of time at both the Vag and the Top Pub. Was back again in 1995 to induct my brother into the glory that is Leysin. Missing everyone from those days (Lisa, James, Matthew, Jennifer, Andrew, etc.) Hope that everyone finds this page. I will do my best to get the word out.<P>Cheers<P>Sean T.

 

Industrial Media | http://www.industrialmedia.ca

 

Web Development firm in the heart of Canada’s Capital. Check it out!! (no plug! *grin*

 

Peter Fisher –     10.10.1999 04:28:56

 

Hey there friends! ACS/VAG Spring ’91-Dec.’92

God, what a rush of wierd memories. Many long battles with Tequila & assorted chemicals were waged in that great place. I still remember that horrid looking sandwich posted behind the bar. From hacky-sack on the porch in the summer, to crazy evenings mid-semester, the Vag was a second home. I look forward to returning ASAP! In the meantime, living outside Seattle & getting ready for another killer ski season. Last year was rediculous! Anyone in this area???

Does anyone know the whereabouts of John Cooper or Andre Israel?

Take care all-

 

Simon Toyer – .au    13.09.1999 08:33:27

 

Arrived at the vag sometime 83′ i think. Hit a home run in a baseball match @ the sports centre and smitthy had to give me a job behind the bar and Joanne regreted ever since. Worked with Dickie & Dorse i was Des and the rest is a big blur (ta Max)Left around 89′ i think. In sunny Byron Bay now running a small but illustrious Dance music Label. I am the teenager of the year. Hey to: Dan, Burnie & Martine, Iris, Coooooooky (esspecially),Ralph, Dickie, Joel H, Joel Savitz, Jean Michelle, MC,Jim, Ty, Wendy et alll. It was the best place ever!!!

 

Tim & Jenny Smith –     13.09.1999 06:42:10

 

We changed internet servers so have a new e-mail address. .

 

Ian and Karen Cobban – .au    24.07.1999 12:15:18

 

Anyone remember us? Ian worked with Peter Kelly and PC on Torrentet in 81-82 and 82-83, Karen worked at Les Frens. Lived in La Princesse Feydey in the second winter. Now living in Thirroul (Wollongong NSW Australia) with three kids, working and surfing and Kaz doing a bit of acting. Still see a few ex-Leysinites living here in the Illawarra and in Sydney – Kingo, Hep, Steve and Annie Waugh, Fiona McLaughlan, Terry and Fi and Cam. Always consider Leysin as a second “home of the heart” – a place that taught us how to party and love life.

 

Allen Thompson, IGU, Summer, ’75 –     15.06.1999 06:45:02

 

I was one of the students attending summer psych. doctoral courses of the International Graduate University, which “borrowed” the ACS facilities during the three summer months. Unfortunately our IGU founder had the tacky bad form to fly his plane into an Alpine peak and leave us without a clear leader. We continued independently for a while but were finally merged with Florida Institute of Technology.

 

I spent many a debauched evening at Le Club destroying adult beverages. The stairway always got trickier and trickier as the evening wore on. Fortunately there were always a lot of people around to break the fall. The Vagabond was the only place in Switzerland where I actually saw a fight. The disco lights were….different. I also remember how stingy the Vag staff was with mustard for the hot dogs. and how slow the ACS elevator was. But Leysin brings back so many fond memories. I’m now retired in Brady, Texas, right in the geographical center of the state. If anyone from IGU sees this I’d like to hear from you.

 

And greetings to all of the Vag alumni that I havent met. We share a common bond.

 

Richard Headifen –     13.06.1999 14:22:40

 

Under the influence of all the conscienceness enhancing substances that we could possibly lay our hands on, the Free Republic of Feydey was officially constituted in the autumn of 1979 by the following: Don Gorden, Bob Hoffman, Flat Stanley, Bennie, Peter Craig, Peter Seccombe and my humble self. Other valuable input came from Fen Foster and Guy Neithardt who, being Swiss, was only made an honorary member with no voting rites. So now you know whom to blame. So, happy almost 20th anniversary to all you FROFERS. Stay close.

 

Ian M Connor –     11.06.1999 19:46:15

 

Hey all,

 

Anyone still living in Leysin should remember me, for those who haven’t been around Leysin in a while…Graduated from ACS in Dec. 98 after spending almost two years in Leysin, two wonderful years I might add. Living in North Conway, New Hampshire now-still can’t get the mountains out of my system. Anyway, the skiing here, and climbing is great! After all, we do have Tuckerman’s Ravine here. Looking forward to my next visit to Leysin. Maybe this time I’ll actually get to climb the Tour d’Ai…Untill next time.

 

Ron Milner – ron@applied-design.com    05.06.1999 05:37:08

 

Homepage | http://www.applied-design.com

 

Hey, I lived in Leysin from 1970-71 and hung around the Vag and ran the science labs for the College at the High school. Have been back many times since and was glad to see a reunion in cyberspace. I did steal the fondue recipe from Prafandaz many years ago (contact me for same) and have made it my policy to only buy a new bottle of kirsch in Switzerland. I still keep in touch with John Wickett and Rick Sylvester. I have lived in Grass Valley, california, up in the foothills lo these many years, married and raised a couple kids, design toys and widgets, etc.

 

 

Stephanie Reesor – adv-    03.06.1999 07:30:08

 

Steph here again. Hope all is well with all my old friends from Leysin. I’d love to hear some news or goss if anyone has any. I heard from Zita last month but alas, it was just a message on the answering machine. I’m sure some of you remember Laura Hunter…..well she is general manager of food and beverage for Whistler’s Alpine……..she’s come along way from her days at the BAR DES MONITEURS. I look forward to hearing news!!!

 

Ray De Motte –     22.05.1999 03:38:05

 

I attended ACS from 1975 through 1980 school year – currently I am in heart of Silicon Valley and have only good memories of ACS,Leysin- Grenier,Vagabond etc,

Interested in hearing from any ACS’ers from that period. I am in contact with Alex Von Gimbut who also lives in SF bay area.

 

Ruargh Findlay – .za    03.05.1999 09:36:42

 

Homepage | http://www.ski.co.za/skichalet

 

I realise now that one cannot put two websites onto this guest book at once.

So for some clarity: they are http://www.ski.co.za

and http://www.ski.co.za/skichalet

Love to hear from you…

 

Ruargh Findlay – .za    03.05.1999 09:24:06

 

Homepage | http://www.ski.co.za

 

Still running Springbok Ski Club out of Verbier and Johannesburg. We visit Leysin each year and would love to hear from all Vagabonds from back then in the dark ages…

 

www.ski.co.za/skichalet | http://www.ski.co.za/skichalet

 

Claudia Steele (now Martin) ’72-’74 –     01.05.1999 11:01:48

 

Homepage | http://www.photoloft.com/category.asp?u=15370&c=120

 

I was an ACS student in 1972-73 and retain vivid, GREAT memories!

I lived in the little hotel-dorm, instead of the school, with just a few of “the greats”; Cindy Lewis, Vicky Chiarrappa and Sherry Canslers.

I drove the green VW (or the mound in the snow) and went on European safaris every weekend & break with a permanent trio of friends; Jann Hampshire, Julie and Libby. (My mind fails me at this hour on the last names of some of our caravan travelers. @#!* like that happens at my age!)

 

I loved Leysin so much I returned in 1974, met my “to-be” husband that year in Germany, spirited him up the mountain and captured his heart while spending many weeks at the Vagabond (we hooked a “private” room there with a balcony overlooking the valley). Wasn’t that a great place to fall in love? It “took” as we are still in love and married today.

 

I’ve kept in touch, off and on over the years, with Kathleen Heitz, Jan Hampshire, Cindy Lewis (now Shaw), Vicky Chiarappa, and Sherry Canslers . I’ve lost touch with some of them and all the rest of you, so if you know an address (or remember me) send a message! I would love to stage a reunion somewhere!

 

We now live in Georgia(USA)and have two grown children; 23 and 21. Although I they didn’t attend college in Suisse, our son, Trapper, took to a college in the mountains of Colorado. He now owns “Bisons” in Crested Butte and “The Chatterbox” in Gunnison, CO. If out that way, stop in and have a bite to eat with him. I took both of them to Leysin for a visit two years ago to show off the best little place in the world. Although still pretty, I was a bit disappointed in all the new commercialization 🙁 I also missed taking them on a trek up the hill to dine at Profandaz(that is the way it sounded, I forgot the spelling long ago)–it has gone by the wayside. Remember the big cheese wheel? We did find a new restaurant where one must hike through the deep snow under a starry night to eat. I’m glad someone tried to carry on the tradition.

 

Life is great but I would love to live those years over just one more time…

Claudia

 

 

The American College of Switzerland Home Page | http://www.vanderloo.org/acs/

 

Sally Carter –     30.04.1999 06:05:39

 

I was a Vag Hag in Leysin for the summer of 85 (I think!). Ty, Wendy, Steve Carrol , Mike, Barbara etc were there. Someone once called me the butcher of Leysin because of my hairdressing skills!! I’ve been living in Vancouver for the last 4 years, working in hospitals, becoming an aromatherapist, reflexologist, astrologer, and witch. Pretty mundane really after Leysin!

 

Bob & Lesley Hoffman –     18.04.1999 23:53:20

 

We’ve moved again (from Trinidad). Getting closer to the US … this time we’re in the Virgin Islands — St. Croix to be exact. Both working for a newspaper that’s been around for 155 years. We’d welcome visitors. Love getting all the news from our Vag friends, so keep those emails coming.

 

Prue & Tom Sobocinski –     18.04.1999 19:36:00

 

Still living in Leysin just below the Vag can you believe! Tom recently got a job in Geneva so after 16 years here we are thinking of spreading our wings! It’s hard to think of leaving the ‘Magic Mountain’! Love to hear from any of the old gang.

 

Adam Formica –     15.04.1999 02:29:08

 

Hello,Gidday,Good morning, Hey Y’all,Hej,Bonjour,Salut and well Howdie.

 

So it’s time to move to a new address ah the scourge of the internet revolution as you see from my new email address I’ve gone from the net {crt.net.au} into the big pond, very appropriate for life as it is

 

Cheers, Bye, Auvoir, Bye Y’all, Caio, Hejdor, Seeya and la Prochaine fois.

Adam and Lynda

Vacca, Frank    06.04.1999 15:52:29

 

Worked at the Vag 1972 and 1973. Will be moving back on May 1, 1999 – reitrement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Bought Francis Bugnon’s Chalet Castor 1 – he still owns Castor 2.

Been going back to Leysin for over 32 years. The last 5 years I have worked in Rome and traveled up to Leysin about 4 times each year. Look forward to retirement in Leysin. Allan Rankin has been a tremendous help to me in the renovation of the chalet. Francis and I have kept up a close reltionship for over 30 years. Have run into old Vag people over the years. Hope to see more of you when you visit Leysin – and the Vag.

 

flatstan (stan ruch) – .au    05.04.1999 10:05:38

 

just a little update on my email address as my isp went down the tubes.

 

I spent ’75 to ’79 around the vag and leysin hiding from anything south african except bennie and sally and am safely tucked away behind the counter of my deli (blue olive) in byron bay, australia

 

 

rolf    31.03.1999 14:37:23

 

Homepage | http://www.newzealandinfo.com

 

an update

 

Marie-Claude Polglaze –     30.03.1999 06:24:21

 

Still in Sydney… became Australian a few month ago. I changed jobs and email address as well. Since I wasn’t very organised before I changed job, I thought I’d post my new email address here.

 

Dan, I’ve heard you came to Sydney recently ??? I talked to Jacqui & Hawkeye yesterday and they were doing well. Will see Jon and Vi and the tribe down in Mollymook this weekend as we are going down there for Easter.

 

Miss Leysin and all of you Leysenouds. Promise to write more next year when I’m finished with my MBA.

 

M-C & Marc

 

Betsy Caffey –     29.03.1999 17:10:13

 

I was in Leysin from 1977-78. Now in Nashville,Tennessee working in architecture. Would love to hear from anyone that was at ACS then and if anyone remembers me. Had great times at the Vag. A little too great sometimes. I think the F.R.O.F. was born after I left. Anyone know what happened to Mr. Raymond Johnson?

Would love to hear from anyone, it seems like people from my year have disappeared.

 

Stephanie Reesor – adv-    29.03.1999 04:05:15

 

Hey babies!! Steffie staff here, am happily ensconced in Whistler with other ex-leysinouds. Fanatastic powder season!! Base reached 480cm this winter. Haven’t been back to leysin since ’91, but spent 3 glorious years from ’88-’91! Anyone know the whereabouts of swedish susie (aka goullie) ? or nurse Gail from Melbourne?

Anyone coming through whistler give me a shout. The other ex-leysinouds and I are always looking for a good reason to get together. Saw vince and Pi here this winter.

Ciao

 

 

Hank van Duijn – hank.van.    21.02.1999 16:56:09

 

Still have fond memories about wild and crazy nights in The Vagabond drinking beer, tequila and flaming Drambuies with bartending Paul(?), Stuart, Alex Thiecke, Francois Girod and many others… Hope to visit again soon!

Is the Vagabond still alive? Please let me know a.s.a.p.

 

Peter & Liz Forde – forde..nz    17.02.1999 21:18:42

 

Peter (Fourdoor) Forde….arrived Leysin with Stuart Clark on 1 August 1988 to look up me oldest and wisest friend (Uncle) Bernie…straight to the top of the Beurneuse to celebrate Swiss national day….spent the next 10 months in the usual states that can only consistently be found in the Free Republic of Feydey..the bastards closed the Disco in October…met a collection of the best people in the world and love catching up with them all over the years..met Liz at the airport on return from Suisse…went back to leysin September 1997 with 2 girl family to visit brother Kevin…what memories…what a place…any Leysinoids passing through NZ should look us up for a beer, a bastie and a glass of cleansing chardonay….CU

 

Lama & Emma – .ch    12.02.1999 15:06:03

 

Hey all

We Love Leysin! Ok, well not really but we’re stuck here. We go to boarding school in Leysin and we hang out at Feydey’s all the time. We like to ski and snowboard! And to whomever said the Vag was closed was WRONG! We were just there this weekend. Well, bye!

Lama and Emma

 

Andy Anderson + Laura Young –     08.02.1999 00:22:04

 

We have a new e-mail address. We also propose that the Y2K reunion be held in Leysin but during the off-season when most of us could probably make it (say May 2000). Maybe Smithies would like to coordinate it!

 

Otto –     03.02.1999 01:41:38

 

Blow a bubble of tweedle-dee

and raise a bit ‘o cheer

the orphans are heading for a feast

at the end of this new year.

 

On a rock thrown up by Kiwi gods

and under starry skies,

well roar and sing the night away

’til 2000’s in our eyes.

 

Fee Fi Fo Fum!!!

I smell the blood of the Millenium

 

jules atkinson and e macdonald –     12.01.1999 21:52:22

 

happy new year out there!

we have been terrible at keeping in touch with anyone since we left leysin in june’98…. so here we are! our address for now in canada is “general delivery, lahave, nova scotia, B0R 1C0”- we would love to hear from you guys! life is great- we are both working and saving for the possibility of new zealand ’99.

a bientot!

 

Shariar Moghaddam (cheerio) –     12.01.1999 05:25:39

 

Well, I am a proud graduate of LAS. I was there all of high school and graduated in Jan of 75 – six months ahead. Had some of the best years of my life there. Fell in love for the first time and ….. (!), unfortunately not to the same girl.

Founded a high tech. company in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1987, never been married, and still at it.

Would love to hear from old friends of which I had many!

Long live Leysin and the fond memories.

 

Lesley (Crowther-Smith) & Bob Hoffman –     02.01.1999 21:50:27

 

Anyone who has ever heard of Leysin is welcome in our lives. We’re in Trinidad now after spending two years in Antigua starting a new weekly newspaper. We’re lonely for some travellers to come through so email us with your plans. Anyone with a yacht? Spent a couple of good weeks with Kim and Angela Headley last summer. Here’s to the reunion!

 

rolf – .nz    31.12.1998 15:16:34

 

keep up the good work webmaster ok?

 

Keith Johnson –     29.12.1998 22:45:24

 

Heard about this site from Chilibeck. I was in Leysan around 72/73. I worked on the Lifts. Lived with Eric Ruby and Little Jean from Quebec City. Have many fond memories of my days at the Vag. I was back to Leysan in 1990 with my wife but the Vag was closed the week we were there. To bad my wife didn’t get to relive my memories. Happy New year to all. Take Care.

 

Iris – .nz    24.12.1998 10:39:46

 

Just had a chat with Nanou, wishing everybody else a Happy New Year too! And see you here for the reunion, ciaou

 

Tom Zobrist –     23.12.1998 18:49:11

 

spent four years at las 65-68 . if antbody know where any of the alum are let me know. trying to put together a class reunion.

 

Alana Krider –     21.12.1998 15:52:04

 

Hi all! I was a bartender at the Vag in 95-96 (with Matt, Sam, and Biglus). I’m living in Lake Louise this winter, working at the front desk of the Ski School. Any FROFies hanging around the Canadian Rockies? Drop by and say hi!

 

 

Rosemary “Ducky” Alder (nee Duckworth) –     16.12.1998 07:21:33

 

Hi to all “old” Vagabonders – great to have this contact going. I spent many wonderful months at the Vag. between l965-67 and am still in touch with many of the old gang all over the world, now living in Beautiful B.C. a lovely waterfront pad in Vancouver, visitors always welcome….

 

Meredith Smith –     30.11.1998 17:31:52

 

I came to Leysin this past summer of 1998, studying “Food and Wine” with Florida State University. We all spent the summer living at Chalet Fougeres, and I’ve never had a better time in my life. Leysin is the most beautiful town I’ve seen, and I’m desperate to return. Some day soon…I promise.

 

Geraldine Vaudroz (Jones) NZ – michel.    21.11.1998 23:48:58

 

Arrived in Leysin December 1979. Worked at the Vag and other places. Married a local-yokel and now I’m “originaire de Leysin”. Still in Switzerland, living in Oron-la-Ville with our 4 children. Visters welcome.

 

Tim & Jenny Smith & Sean & Graham –     19.11.1998 06:18:29

 

I knew if I looked hard enough I’d find a place for old Leysin/Feydey group. Tim and I have taken an interesting ride since leaving Leysin and now have touched down in Guelph in Southern Ontario. Sean, the Vagabond baby, who wishes Guy a happy birthday every April 4th, is now 14 going on 25. He likes to hear about wild days in Leysin, especially stories about Ty! We’d love to hear from any people who still remember us. Tim is doing well albeit a bit follicularly challenged these days. We keep in touch with Dawn Zubrisky and Steve Carroll sporatically but don’t see anyone else. Get in touch!

 

ELijah WHite    13.11.1998 18:32:08

 

I lived in Leysin and liked it.

 

Joel Savitz –     11.11.1998 13:22:16

 

Salut, I’ve moved 8 miles closer to the beach, only 1/2 mile to go.

New address…..apt. #9

106 South ‘O’ Street

Lake Worth, FL 33460

USA

(561) 582-3194

See you in Florida or Leysin next summer.

Oh, I bumped into RJ Christiano down in the ‘Keys’. What’s 22 years?

 

Judith Ryerse –     08.11.1998 03:14:12

 

My sister, Cindy, and I were at the Vag in 1970, and in ’78 we were back with Bill Ingwersen….it’s time to go back!….does anyone know if the

vag is still operating?

 

Bill Plank –     30.10.1998 02:34:10

 

1980 to 1993, five or six climbing trips with ISM began and ended with a couple of days at the Vag. The climbs with Steve Jones, Pete Boardman and Pat Littlejohn were special, but I can’t decide whether the climbing or the time at the Vag was the reason I kept coming back. One night in 1980 we hit the sack early to rest up for a day in the mountains and were woken up at 3 am by a bunch of Aussies who had set up a bowling alley in the hallway using empty beer bottles for pins. Those Aussies are bad!

 

Gary Dutery –     27.10.1998 04:15:10

 

Homepage | http://www.bocabeacon.com

 

Anyone who remembers being at the vag was never really there. In Leysin from 69 to 70 as a student, er, pupil at ACS. Now in Boca Grande, Fla., a pathetic little island off the gulf coast of Florida. Have fond memories of Leysin and the fledgling Free Republic. Am inventing new ones each day.

 

Bruce & Diana(Chan Chan) Burkhardt –     20.10.1998 04:36:42

 

Bruce arrived very green from Colorado in 77 and left totally confused in 84. Diana came in 81 to see a jazz concert and became chief vag hag and left in 84 having worked for a closeted swissy and at the bar des moniteurs. Greetings to you all. Where’s Bennie?

 

Ruth Becke –     15.10.1998 06:41:13

 

This is a fascinating page. Please, tell me more! Because I am possibly traveling to Leysin next spring, for the first time ever, to interview at a Japanese school there. I don’t ski, don’t know much about Swiss living, and haven’t a clue what adventures could be ahead of me. But it sure sounds like all of you enjoyed the place. Please send me any and all of your comments about “life in Leysin.” Thank you! Ruth Becke, Seattle, WA 10/14/98

 

Robert Kozler –     06.10.1998 19:34:55

 

Hello leysin, oh the fond memories I have of the Vag.The parties,Music,Drinks etc. I attended ACS from 84-87. Some people might remember me as the Alaskan. I would like to invite the skiing veterns of Leysin to come to Alaska and give some of our hills a try. I’m always looking to keep in touch with former leysin residents so do contact me. Currently I’m working with a cruise company so take advantage of some discounts I can offer and come visit

 

Willie Pirone –     01.10.1998 02:39:29

 

ACS 65-67 when the college and the vag put each other off limits – made it more fun. Was at ACS reunion last march, and went to the Vag. Looks the same, but is a shadow of its former self. Club 94 across from the gare was fun until late.

I don’t look the same, my former self in disguise. I have a computer company in Los Angeles. Several of us talked about doing an ACS alum web page.I have the page but not yet the domain name or any content. will post it here when its done.

Ken Brooks –     27.09.1998 06:09:49

 

Tended bar and DJ’d with an equaly direputable crew between 1974-1975.I would love to see what happened to everyone. I would especialy like to hear from anyone who was driving bikes-mine was the white BMW. I rememeber Dougal Haston

and the Eiger Sanction. Too bad ACS went the way it did lots of good memories

on the magic mountain.

 

Lee Gilbert –     19.09.1998 23:57:21

 

I have such wonderful memories of Leysin I would very much like to get back in touch with everyone. I remember such good times at the rock festival, not to mention the Vag every night. I worked at Les Fougeres and I also did a season with the ski school. I also worked at the Vag here and there for Johanne. Paragliding was my thing…is Pam Pam still around? How is Nanou, Biglus,GiGi,and everyone? I also miss a good friend, Stephanie Clensos–she worked with me at Village Camps and I hear she is still around.

I live in Lake Tahoe now. I still get to ski but I have a family now so it cuts down on the travel.

 

KEN CHILIBECK –     15.09.1998 04:27:19

 

THE VAGABOND IS SHUT DOWN. I SHOULD KNOW..MY SON KORI JUST SPENT MOST OF THE WINTER IN PARADISE..LEYSIN ..WORKING AT HEFIT SPORTS. SECOND GENERATION EMBLOYEE WITH ANDRE. I WAS IN LEYSIN 1970-73 OFF AND ON AND WORKED AT HEFTI’S 72-73. I THINK. LONG TERM MEMORY..NOT GREAT. BUT I DO REMEMBER HAVING A GREAT TIME. ANYONE REMEBER ERIC RUBY. AND IS HE STILL ALIVE. WHAT ABOUT THE APPLE PIE AT FREDDIES. I THINK WE SHOULD ALL CHIP IN AND BUY THE VAG AND TURN IT INTO A TIME-SHARE..JUST FOR US. GOOD IDEA??

 

Maggie Dugan –     13.09.1998 23:19:29

 

I came to Leyin in 1992, expecting to stay just a few weeks. I ended up staying until 1994. Peter Klein was trying to launch his radio station, ostensibly I was helping. I had, of course, other distractions. As a founding member of the “Witches of Leysin,” I’m thinking of starting a home-page for the coven. If you have photos or information on any of the witches, please let me know. Speaking of which, wild Amy Sparrow got married in August – Jen Stanley and I were there.

 

I’m living in Paris now, hanging with Barbara Brockmann when I can. Also used to run into Dermot and Julie when they were working the bar just around the corner from me – Stolly’s – that was before they eloped. Adrian has replaced them, so fortunately I have a familiar Leysin face nearby when I need a dose of Leysin nostalgia.

 

If you know how to contact Stuart Clark, I’d love to find out how I can write or e-mail him. Thanks. I’m gearing up for another ski season – I still keep my skis in Leysin, and hope to visit my favorite look-out point soon, to watch my favorite vista ever in the world: les Dents du Midi.

 

rosie – .nz    12.09.1998 12:00:09

 

here we are in nz, and despite the rumours the sanden family is in great shape including our latest addition “PASTIS”,for more info write jan and i. for some of those froffies out there…….do you trust wood?

 

ADAM FORMICA &LYNDA MACADAM – .au    06.09.1998 05:17:08

 

HEY TO ALL THE VAG AND LEYSIN PEOPLE EVERYWHERE,. I WAS IN LEYSIN IN 83 TO 86 AND WORKED AS A VAG HAG SUMMER OF 85. LYNDA [LEYSIN 90-91] ARE NOW MARRIED AND LIVING IN OZ NORMALLY IN SYDNEY BUT FOR 12 MONTHS OR SO IN DUBBO. IT IS GREAT TO READ ALL THE ENTRIES IN THE GUEST BOOK, MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF MANY WONDERFUL FOLKS …, BIG HELLO TO ALL OUT THERE….

 

Rich Stuebe and Nienke Termijn –     27.08.1998 05:03:47

 

We were students at the American College 20 years ago(??!!??) and two kids ago (1977-1979). We spent more time in the Vag than in class. We loved it there. Good booze, good music, good people. We still have a few old, unused Vag cards. We miss it all very much. Pretty much the last time we could be truly carefree. And if anyone knows the current whereabouts of our drinking buddies, Pierre Berube and Laurie-Carroll, please pass them along.

 

Joel Savitz –     26.08.1998 06:08:56

 

Hey, Most of you will remember my dog more than me, but if you want to contact her in the realm of canine spirits, I’m the ‘medium’, though I still prefer my steak extra rare. Moi

2240-C White Pine Circle

West Palm Beach, FL 33415

(561) 439-0361

or come by ‘Lake Worth Beach’ where I’m a lifeguard.

 

Beth Cummings –     02.08.1998 06:58:01

 

Hi! What fun this is,. I’m the girl that drove around in the l972 lt blue VW sq back. I was in and around Leysin from l97l to l973. I worked as a proctor at the Leysin American School and the summer camps. I remember the Vag and Fougier. Mark and I were camp counselors together and later got together in Leysin when he worked at the Vag. Where are all those good souls I knew? Diana Graham of Or, Janet Biggs of Australia, Campbell of New Zealand, Hillary Slatter of England, Marsha Anderson of Oregon. Marie Jose Guiest of Switz, Mrs. Ott, Jon Valintin of Denmark, and ,many many others, are you out there?. Mark and I have two very wonderful college age children. Alot of Leysin is still in our lives. Alot is always in our hearts. Wern’t those great times. Didn’t we just have fun. Leysin is a state of mind. Those of us who were there, we speak the language! Hi Matt Van Dorp

 

mark stewart – m.    02.08.1998 06:38:59

 

arrived lower vag (Fougier) spring ’71 & summer camped counselored w/matt van dorp,gary richards,horst baumgartner, misha kirk & beth cummings. returned to work for allan rankin & francis to build the vags lower bar/ski shop in the fall

of ’72 staying into the winter of ’73. so many great memories! every day & night

to celebrate the arrival or departure of fine friends and new adventures.

elizabeth (beth) cummings and I have lived outside seattle since ’75 on lake retreat. that didn’t slow our vagabond shoes from including an aniversary return to F.R.O.F. in sept ’96.

 

 

Sandra Sykes –     27.07.1998 23:34:55

 

Vag-Hagged for a season in ’82, or ’83?, with Jenni Deakin, the Jenkinsons, Kay & Guy etc. Presently in Fernie, BC with a four year old daughter.

 

ANDY ANDERSON & LAURA YOUNG –     25.07.1998 04:45:53

 

Andy arrived in Leysin back in ’72 and stayed until 1989. Worked at the Vag, Teleferique, and Hefti Sports. Laura arrived in Leysin in ’77 and worked at ACS until 1988. We moved to Canmore, Alberta in 1989 and now have two boys, J.P. and Nick. Andy is currently hooked on Heli-Skiing at CMH while Laura juggles her time with keeping up with the kids and a few day at the CMH office. Over the years we have visited several ex-Leysinouds around the world and we keep in touch on a regular basis with permanent Frofies as well as Bruce and Diana Burkhardt (’78 – ’83), Roz and Albert Roos (’75-’76), Keith Brown (’74-’75), Steve Sorknes (’72-’78), Bob and Leslie Hoffman, Alf and Marilyn Welsh, Ray and Kathy Polglaze, Flat Stan, Kay and Guy, Jon & Vi Travers, Adam Formica, and Deb Jolly (just to name a few). Does anyone know what ever happened to John Broderick? If anyone is ever coming to the Canadian Rockies, please look us up! We’re just “next door” to Banff National Park. Cheers.

 

Sue Evans –     15.07.1998 07:48:40

 

I am being held prisioner in Vancouver by 25 first and second graders who have little command of the English language! Something like teaching skiing to the VC kids those many years ago!!! (’83 – ’85ish) I am presently entertaining Duff and Magali from Suisse (without the wild kids whom I have not actually met). There was a mini-reunion of sorts in Seattle this past weekend for Leslie Henning’s wedding (YES… WEDDING). The likes of Jim Healy, Leila Smith, Diane Keithly, Leslie Lornan, myself, Duff and Magali. Tres fun and dancing reminiscent of the Vag days … except for the curfew of 11 pm. C’est tout!

 

David “rolf”Liechti – .nz    07.07.1998 14:08:57

 

ran into Iris the other day….Queenstown N.Z at Rene Schwaller’s

she told me about the site..it’s great ..

I was an instructor at the Chamois ..didn’t speak more than five words

of french (and those words seemed to have twenty different meanings)

that was the year the cave was closed (for being too close to the clinic

st agnes I seem to recall) and thats about all I recall..thanks vag

 

Norm Crerar –     29.06.1998 02:38:08

 

I was in the VAG in January/Feb. or Mar. of 1965. Met Hilton Cranston-Whittaker, Ruarg Findlay, Alan Rankin and a bunch of climbers from the American school that changed my life forever. I moved back to Canada, won the longest canoe race in history, became a famous ski instructor, ski school director, ski area owner and President of a world ski instructor organization (INTERSKI). Due to a greedy partner, I have done very well out of the ski business. Semi retired now and hlei ski guiding part time, have a contract with ATOMIC skis and am writing a book. You all might very well be in it!!!

 

Hilton Cranston-Whittaker (Hilly) –     24.06.1998 08:02:19

 

A resident of the Vag and leysin-f along with Allan Rankin,Rosemary Duckworth,Raurgh Findlay for many years,from 1959 thru 1967.It was us who layed the TILES so to speak for the Vagabonders to come.It was us who smashed the HOLE in wall,that all most brought the Vag down,and decided THE CAVE was a good name for our Disco.Its time for a reunion,for those of you form that era,it’s time to stand up and be counted.So sign on and spread the word.It’s now 35 years later and it’s time to return the cow bell’s.This is Hilly saying CHEERS for now from Vancouver Canada (23/6/98

 

Matt van Dorp – leo.immo.hl@t-online.de    22.06.1998 10:51:32

 

I’m the guy from Holland who lived at and around the Vag in ’72-’73.

I worked at the lumberyard in Le Sepey, at the Grand Hotel and for a while I was

DJ at the Vag. Of course I also picked grapes (two seasons) down in the valley.

After the Vag I worked in Spain for three years and moved to Northern Germany, where I still live. After a number of pretty wild jobs I have my own real estate agency in the old town of Lübeck. The Vag will always be a part of me and I hope to hear from some of the great friends I had there.

 

Betsy Caffey –     12.06.1998 21:25:20

 

I was at ACS ’77-’78 schoolyear. I’ve lost touch with the alumni association until now. This is terrible but I didn’t know ACS went bankrupt. That’s horrible. I have wonderful memories of the mountain and miss it. Some day I am going back to visit Leysin. Anyone from ’77-’78, I would love to hear from you. I’m in Nashville, Tennessee.

Peter Craig – .nz    07.06.1998 02:21:13

 

Lived in Leysin on and off ’70 -’80. Working for a liquor company (there’s a surprise) in Auckland, NZ. Just set up e-mail address so would be great to hear from old Vagabonders.

 

Peter Craig & Dave Christensen – davec..nz    02.06.1998 08:12:08

 

Left a message here a while back, accidentally put in the wrong e-mail address – should have been davec..nz. Please use the same address for Dave & Jennie Christensen (Vag barman and local cleaner for Marie-Noelle) and their daughter Briar, November 1980 to July 1981. Also extras in The Magic Mountain! Did anybody ever get to see that movie? Saw the review in Newsweek many years ago and it wasn’t too kind.

 

Rick Butler –     14.05.1998 10:46:38

 

I was a barman at the Vag in the mid 70’s when Smithie was in charge. Stan Ruch was there as was Jay Hennock and Hawkeye but it was too much of a blur to remember exactly when. Too many 2 fruits (Pomme & OJ) with Hawkeye! I am now a boring real estate exec in Sydney with a company called Richard Ellis who have just merged with a group called CB commercial from the US.

Kind regards to all and sundry.New email address will soon be

 

Joël HOSTETTLER – joelh@geneva-link    25.04.1998 17:36:08

 

Hi, back in the republic of Geneva

Been there done that, in Leysin I worked on Torrentet and at Urban’s

Called Freddy’s for the ignorants or the cat lovers

May’be I see in new years eve in KiwiLand

Kenavo

 

Sally Carter –     13.04.1998 17:32:17

 

I was a Vag Hag in Leysin for the summer of 85 (I think!). Ty, Wendy, Steve Carrol , Mike, Barbara etc were there. Someone once called me the butcher of Leysin because of my hairdressing skills!! I’ve been living in Vancouver for the last 4 years, working in hospitals, becoming an aromatherapist, reflexologist, astrologer, and witch. Pretty mundane really after Leysin!

 

Hawkeye – .au    13.04.1998 17:30:58

 

Just wanted to inform everyone about a chat program I have found that I’m sure would suit most of us Frofies. Its a real-time split screen chat program that costs absolutely nothing and can tell you when your friends are on-line, and you can send a little message to them informing them you want to chat. It’s 1.5 Mbs in size and has lots of privacy options. You go to www.mirabilis.com and click on “download ICQ”

My ICQ number is 8194739.

 

Hi to one and all, hope the snow is good and that life is treating everyone well. Jacqui sends her love as does Chris and Grant. Have one on the Bishop for me.

 

Ty Babcox –     13.04.1998 17:28:15

 

Homepage | http://www.heavensgate.com

 

Sticky, Vag bartender/DJ for some time in 80s w/ Tim Smith, Steve Carroll, Guy, Dan, Bernie, Dorse(Grant), Simon, Jim, Tinsel-head, Dave Sharrock, Steve and Michelle the Canadians, etc. I helped steal Hawkeyes badge-maker from the storage area w/ Tim Smith. Later, the badge maker was used to make “Where’s Chris” badges etc. Inventor of the Zola Budd, the Baby Faye, and other worthless drinks. Bar book total was always bigger than paycheck at vag. I don’t know anything about who stole the Leysin Gendarmerie sign off the front of the police station, honest. Ran the FROF pirate radio station that S.A Bennie and I set up for about 1 week until it blew up. Tripped at every fete. Crowed like a rooster at sun from the top of vag after acidic night. Where’s Jed? Anyway, now a computer programmer based temporarily in Salt Lake City Utah. (Karma works!) Anyway, will write more recollections when Danny gets his Tales section together. Peace!

 

Heavens Gate | http://www.heavensgate.com

 

was the bartender at their party. I guess the Jello/Phenobarbitol/Vodka mix was too strong!

 

Peter Craig – .co.nz    13.04.1998 13:58:31

 

Repete, Arrived in Leysin in 1970 – stayed 3 years then came back in 78 for another couple.Barman , cook handyman and resident drunk.Remember my old mate Black Pete (Seccombe). Actually was instrumental in setting up FROF while hopelessly under the influence of controlled substances.Aided by Bob Hoffman, Phones and the good lady wife , Catherine.(Patronne of Solacyre – 79.)

The commune wanted to close us down so seccession, and the installation of Luc as the new queen of the new Republic of Feydey (RIP) was the only solution.We hatched a cunning plot to kidnap Jean Francois Barroud (his pere was OC Teleferique)and trade him off with the commune de Leysin. They were good drugs.(merci Bill Mcleary). Total recall very hazy but will attempt to galvanize brain cells at a future date. Nom de Dieu.

 

Otto –  (changing)    13.04.1998 13:57:55

 

Beer please!, Someone got a new digital camera!

Way to go Dano! Nice to see familiar face’s!

 

CAROLE    13.04.1998 13:57:30

 

KIM KELLAR USA THANKS FOR KEEPIN IN TOUCH HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON BY WAY OF PEN AND PAPER AND NOT WITH ONE OF THESE NEW FASHIONED FANGLE THINGYS CIAO

 

CAROLE    13.04.1998 13:56:48

 

WOW MC YOUD NEVER BELEIVE IT THEY GOT CYBER CAFE AT THE VAG MAN ALWAYS WANTED TO PUT A MESSAGE ON ONE OF THESE THINGS TYPED YOUR NAME IN THIS COMPUTER THINGY AND GUESS WHAT SAW MY NAME WOW GREAT TO SEE YOU MC SORRY WE WERE ALL SO FUCKED UP CAN YOU COME BACK SOON SO WE CAN DO IT AGAIN AND MAYBE NEXT TIME WELL BE A TAD MORE SOBER HAPPY NEW YEAR HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY EASTER AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROLE (11 april)

 

Iris and GARY CONGRATULATIONS AND best wishes for your future together love carole

ackie and Hawkeye thinkin of you guys and Jackie, do I have news for youuuuuu !!!!!!

 

Lyn Bartram – .ca    13.04.1998 13:55:03

 

Homepage | http://www.cs.sfu.ca/~lyn

 

Lyn, I can’t believe i found this site late one night while avoiding work…I attended ACS 71-73, worked at the Vag as receptionist Feb-Sept. 73. Went through a lot of bar cards. (anyone else remember the brownies?) I live in Vancouver (more gorgeous mountains) ; now a computer scientist and responsible mom, what do I tell my kids when they’re old enough to party as hard as I did? Hello to all, i’d love to find Chris Fyshe (the “senior”bartender at the time…)

 

Simon Fraser University | http://www.cs.sfu.ca

 

(personal pages available on request) School of Computing Science, Simon Fraser University

 

marie-claude polglaze – marie-Claude.    13.04.1998 13:53:41

 

m-c, I was first in Leysin from 80′ to 84 and them from 86 to 96. Originally Krebs, sister of Charly, and wife of Ray. Tonight I am guest of Claude and Francoise, non-leysenouds, but with Didier and his girl-friend Michelle. To Danno, Robert, Lucia, Johanne, David, Johanne, Nanou, Jaques. Biglus, Kerry, Carole, Guy and Helen, it was so much fun to see you all in December and yearly jannuary.

 

With a bit of luck I’ll be back in july!!

 

Long live the FROF spirit. Wherever we are in the world we have fond memories of what we experienced in Leysin.

 

Otto, Here is a sucker answering back, hope all is well with you and Nanncy.

 

Lot of love to all fo you tha we know.

Marie-Claude aka M-C and Didier

 

Laurie Cragg (now Ashcraft) –     13.04.1998 13:51:38

 

I was in Leysin the winter of ’67-’68. Spent alot of time at the Vagabond. I was a ski monitrice at the Fabiola Belgian Hotel. I’m now a marketing researcher in Chicago. Remembering fondue at Profanda’s, slide shows on La Haure Route, the guys who stole the French flag during the olymnpics (with the French police in chase), parties at Davie Agneau’s. I’m now a market researcher in Chicago.

 

Iris Abaecherli – .nz    13.04.1998 13:51:10

 

FROFIES coming through Mt Cook on 24th Jan. 98, you are invited to the wedding celebration at the sheep shearing shed, or else see you at the next reunion.

 

Fred Andersen –     13.04.1998 13:50:15

 

I attended the American College of Switzerland in Leysin between 1969 and 1971. Is the school still there? Over the years I’ve had many great memories of my time there and the friends I made among students and faculty.

 

Currently living in Philadelphia and the intervening years have been very interesting.

 

Any information anyone may have about ACS, students, faculty or Leysin in general would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Peter Chapman – peter..ca    13.04.1998 13:49:25

 

Many memories of my stays in Leysin during the winters of 72 & 73 came flooding back when I found this site. Such a wonderful place and the Vag was nonstop fun. I still have a bar card in my drawer. I got a lot of mileage over the years out of telling people about Paco and his sheepdog, after discovering who he really was. He made the news again just a little while ago. I would enjoy hearing from Cheryl Yaney, formerly of Malibu CA, or anyone knowing her where abouts. If anyone is looking for Brian Skehill, just go to Jasper Alberta and it won’t be long before you bump into him.

 

Karl Costabel –     13.04.1998 13:48:11

 

Homepage | http://www.swapnow.com

 

Sheik Yerbouti, I was there 69-71. Picked grapes, apples, etc. with the best of them — I never did remember riding the cog home from the valley. Usually lived in a tent in the quarry and snuck into empty rooms at night — Sorry about that, Luc

Currently running a home exchange business out of Key West, FL. Part time scuba boat captain just to get the free diving. Moved here after 20 years in Hawaii, Palo Alto before that. Just because you’re paranoid, doesn’t mean they’re *not* out to get you

 

HomeLink | http://www.swapnow.com

 

swap homes & lifestyles with other members worldwide

 

Barbara Brockmann    13.04.1998 13:47:31

 

Hello from an X-Leysinite’86 to ’92, (Village camps, Vag and ACS) In New Zealand right NOW for 2 weeks and wishing to contact any Frofies on the North island. Stuart…are you still in Auckland?? My e-mail is .nz. Great site Dan. Keep it up!

 

Steve Carroll –     13.04.1998 13:46:56

 

Vag, LAS, Vag, ACS, Vag, ’82-’88. Miss FROF, don’t miss Miremont. No broken bones for weeks now…some kind of record, I think. Thanks, Dan, for putting this together. Take care, all.

Steve

 

Richard McCabe –     13.04.1998 13:46:23

 

I was at ACS 1988 and 1991 I spent many a fond and foggy night at the Vag and have been a vagabond myself I love this site what a great idea, after traveling asia for months I am in Singapore, if anyone is here lets do a Leysin informal meet.

 

Mary Beth Bryan-Mueller –     13.04.1998 13:45:49

 

I graduated in 1971, married fellow alumni Muhammad Shibaro in Beirut in 1973. He loved Leysin! (so did I) but he was shot in 1975, during a frantic I am now a court investigator living in So. Cal., trying to talk my No. One son, Karl, into considering ACS after graduation!

 

Cavan Candito – .net    13.04.1998 13:45:17

 

American College of Suisse 1996-70, then FROF, Vag, Grenier, and other Leysin hotspots til 1977. Aging banker in San Francisco now, wish I were back on Magic Mountain!

 

Lynn Milchin Vachss –     13.04.1998 13:44:47

 

Haven’t been back to Leysin since I graduated ACS in 1966, but I still miss it!

I’d love to hear from ACS classmates (1964-66).

 

Candice and Martin Greedy –     13.04.1998 13:43:52

 

Hi to any who remember us and all Vaglist subscribers. Martin lived in Leysin I think beginning in 1985, worked for Eric Pantillon, the Bottom Pub, etc. I arrived in 1988 and worked for Dwight at ACS. We left in 1991 and like everyone miss it still.

Thank you Dan for being the Webmaster!

 

Otto    13.04.1998 13:42:22

 

Homepage | https://www.frof.ch/gardos/

 

(see below) – hey you!, I was born a poor alien boy…

but i’ve finally found a way

or two to phone home…

take that you suckers!

 

(hissing shriek of air between tteeth) | https://www.frof.ch/gardos/

 

– ’89-’91…you know the rest. also at www.concentric.net/~gardos…hee hee hee I’m on TV!

 

karen polglaze – .id    13.04.1998 13:41:54

 

In Leysin from 1978 to 1984. Worked at the Vag, Heftis, Village Camps, etc etc. Would love to get email from any old FROFers. I’m in Jakarta for a couple of years. Any Leysenouds nearby?

 

Hawkes – .au    13.04.1998 13:41:12

 

Hawkeye, Worked at the Vag 1975 to 78 then 79 to 82. Have been back only once, in 92, the skiing, the partying and the good people of Leysin are unforgetable, I’m still recovering from too many Pommes. This is a nice way for all us to keep in touch, Sante to one and all.

 

stan ruch – .au    13.04.1998 13:40:36

 

flat, I’m sure Luc vander Kaay was the queen of feydey.

Long live the republic

Was around Leysin ’74 – ’80 vag handyman, barman and general ex-south african refugee.

 

Bernie & Martine & kids – b-m.oconnell    13.04.1998 13:39:47

 

Hi, Guys, Plans progressing well for another frof re-union down-under at Flaxmill Bay, Coromandel Peninula, NZ.

watch this space. CU

 

Kim Ramsey –     13.04.1998 13:39:18

 

@ Leysin-Feyday Fall of ’68 off-7-on ’till Spring of ’72. Funt ran me out of town.

 

Alex and Nancy Gardos –     13.04.1998 13:38:44

 

Otto, Good to see a bunch of orphans out for a bit of a surf.

They’re all waves out there…the’re just frozen.

 

Zachary Hilgers, DDS –     13.04.1998 13:38:08

 

Gandalf Mithrandir Olorin, I went to LAS for all four of my high school years from 68-72. Now, I astral travel to Feydey a few times per year in my dreams at night. I miss the place very much. Is there still the best fondue in all the world at La Prafandaz up in the middle of the ski run?- Used to be owned and run by a large blonde guy named Daniel that really did yodel while he skied!

 

Kim Ramsey –     13.04.1998 13:37:01

 

In Leysin from fall ’69 to spring ’73. In & out & under bar. Alive & overweight in So. Calif. It would be fun to hear from ‘ya, so “pull the thumb out”, (as it was once said) & dial me up. I’ll keep the foam to a min. on your next “Speaureguard”.

Later,

kim

 

Bucky Boyle –     13.04.1998 13:36:35

 

Club Vagabond, class of ’66

 

Ashby Stiff – .net    13.04.1998 13:36:05

 

1997 will mark Florida State University’s 25th consecutive spring visit to the beautiful Free Republic of Feydey.

 

Mik & Kris Oscarsson – .net    13.04.1998 13:35:16

 

Dr. Kris, Taking a life long vacation in sunny Florida, where many frofers have come come and visited us (by the way hi from Joel & Jake).

Write us a note.

Hi Dan the man!

 

Abercherli Iris and Zita –     13.04.1998 13:33:16

 

The Sisters, Both ex-Leysenouds and active members of FROF, be it editor of the famous-infamous FROF Gazette, or team member of the lamb-on-the-spit guards. Iris is on her way to Africa or Russia, returning occasionally to check out remaining Frofies in Leysin. Zita is settled for the winter in the Canadian Rockies, expecting champagne powder every day ! Contact us if you need help in organising your adventure trip in Canada.

 

Nigel Marx – et.co.nz    13.04.1998 13:32:36

 

Biggles, Dan the Man is at my elbow initiating me to the narrow world of F.R.O.F. This could be the start of something small!!!

 

Carmen Crenshaw-Hovey –     13.04.1998 13:32:04

 

Former employee of both the original American College of Switzerland and the Leysin American School. I met my husband Bill Hovey while at LAS – we now have a toddler (Sam), are very tired, and miss Leysin very much!

 

Jamie, Debbie, Casie & Jamie Jr. – .fsu.edu    13.04.1998 13:31:05

 

Homepage | http://garnet.acns.fsu.edu/~jbm4162

 

It makes us happy to see all the familiar names and fun things Dan has done for FROF. It makes us sad to no longer be in Feydey. Actually, our last two years in Switzerland, we lived in Leysin, not really in Feydey.

 

Alison Peck –   13.04.1998 13:30:24

 

Homepage | http://www.nmt.edu/~apeck

 

Dwight’s daughter. In and out of Leysin, in and out of consciousness, for a bunch of years. Still alive, now doing physics in New Mexico. Imagine that. 🙂

 

Rod Amis –     13.04.1998 13:28:54

 

Homepage | http://www.well.com/~buttrfly

 

Rodya, I’m always looking for independent republics and was directed to yours by the New York Times(of all places!). I plan to do more European coverage at my site beginnning this month and hope you’ll drop by. Also, feel free to write me about contributing. I’d love it!

 

GENERATOR 21 WORLD WIDE | http://www.well.com/~buttrfly

 

Satire and insightful Commentary for “Those Who Ultimately Pay”. A good place to see the most provocative WWW sites.

 

Jim McKone –     13.04.1998 13:26:09

 

The Old Bronc, Best wishes for you and your cyberspace independence, living up to William Tell and other pioneers of Swiss indepence and free-thinking. We share your concerns in Texas. Our U.S. government seems bent on controlling the Internet but I bet they can’t. The Old Bronc alludes to my job as sports information director for “The Broncs,” team nickname for The University of Texas-Pan American at Edinburg, Tex. Believe it or not this is a full-time job for our 15 sports.

 

Yves Guillermin –     13.04.1998 13:25:37

 

GuiGui, Back in Leysin from the Land of the Long White Cloud

 

Allan Rankin –     13.04.1998 13:24:49

 

early Feydey resident!

 

Dwight Peck –     13.04.1998 13:20:39

 

Dwight, After 16 years in Feydey, gone now, but still hovering about, never more than an hour’s drive away.

 

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands | http://iucn.org/themes/ramsar

 

Everything you need to know about saving wetlands. Some- thing, too, about why we ought to, all things being equal.

Duff, Magali, two wild children – t.ch    13.04.1998 13:19:53

 

Former Leysinoud , continually on the move, part of the diaspora expanding the borders of the Free Republic.

 

Phil Smy –     13.04.1998 13:18:07

 

Homepage | http://www.northplains.com/phil

 

Pip, What can one say about such an important organization such as FROF….<br><br>But as for me… I am the author of VRML Equinox (and Plugin) that lets PowerMac users navigate the web in 3d!

 

for more info! | http://www.northplains.com/equiinfo.html

 

A brief collection of me and my wierdness | http://www.northplains.com/phil

 

Robert Hutchison –     13.04.1998 13:17:27

 

Hutch, 10-year Leysin resident.