In the lead-up to their 30th reunion, members of the Class of 1971 were looking for a way to mark the milestone that was meaningful, memorable, and a little different from the usual golf tournament. Inspired by the success of the 2000 Chasse-Galerie canoe trip, Bev Slater proposed an idea that was both ambitious and uniquely fitting: gather classmates in the Rockies, climb a mountain together, charge a modest participation fee, and donate the proceeds to sports at the military colleges.
Choosing a Mountain with a Story
Bev’s first choice was Mount Indefatigable, named after the British battlecruiser HMS Indefatigable, which was sunk at the Battle of Jutland in 1916. However, the trail was closed due to active bear activity in the area. Geoff Bennett suggested a nearby alternative: Mount Chester, a peak with its own historical resonance.
Mount Chester takes its name from the British cruiser HMS Chester, which also fought at Jutland and sustained severe damage during the battle. One of the ship’s most enduring stories is that of Jack Cornwell, a 16-year-old Boy (First Class) who remained at his post as a sight-setter on one of the ship’s guns despite mortal wounds. His courage earned him a posthumous Victoria Cross. Climbing a mountain named in honour of such determination felt both symbolic and fitting for the Class of 1971.
The Ascent
On 21 July 2001, twelve classmates and six spouses gathered at the Mount Chester trailhead. Among them were Greg Barnes, Geoff Bennett, Ed Fitch, Ted Fitch, Jim Gumbley, Ray Hook, Bob Herbert, Ron Routledge, Grant Shewchuk, Bev Slater and Rick Williams. The group set out together on what would be a challenging but rewarding climb.
The trail proved tougher than expected, and several hikers chose to turn back at various points. But six members of the group pressed on and reached the summit, rewarded with sweeping views and clear skies. It was, by all accounts, a perfect day—a shared achievement, a celebration of friendship, and a fitting tribute to both their class and the military heritage connected to the mountain.
A Reunion Worth Remembering
The Mount Chester climb captured the spirit of the Class of 1971: adventurous, purposeful and committed to giving back. What began as a simple idea became a meaningful reunion experience, linking physical challenge, camaraderie and support for athletics at the military colleges. Like their many other initiatives, this climb stands as a reminder of how the Class of 1971 continues to shape and support the RMC community.
