Linder Armitage ’52: A Visit Rooted in Legacy, Friendship, and Gratitude - Issue 35

Last week, King’s-Edgehill School had the extraordinary privilege of welcoming back one of our treasured alumni, Linder Armitage (KCS 1948–1952), for a visit that celebrated history, friendship, generosity, and the enduring impact of a great educator.

At 91 years young, Linder travelled from Calgary to attend the unveiling of a portrait he commissioned in honour of his former Headmaster, John Hebb. The portrait now hangs proudly at KES in the Stanfield Dining Hall as a tribute not only to an influential educational leader, but also to the profound impact Headmaster Hebb had on a generation of students.

The portrait unveiling ceremony, held on Thursday, May 21, brought together a remarkable gathering of family, alumni, students, and friends. Among those in attendance were members of the Hebb family, including John Hebb’s daughter, Jane Hebb Hartling (Edgehill 1947–1952), her daughters Anne, Eve, and Alice, son-in-law Mike, and close family friend Myrna.

The celebration also welcomed current and former recipients of the Headmaster John Hebb Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship established through the generosity and vision of Linder Armitage and his dear friend and classmate, the late Orville Pulsifer (KCS 1949–1952). Current recipient Noah ’29 attended alongside former recipients Ava ’24, Kail ’25, and Thane ’22, and their families. Jane Hartling has also been a dedicated supporter of the scholarship over the years.

One of the most touching moments of the afternoon came when Linder himself became the recipient of a surprise honour. To recognize his extraordinary loyalty, leadership, and generosity to KES, the School announced the creation of The Linder Armitage Scholarship, an annual award that will support a student who demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit, character, and community commitment. The inaugural recipient, Altyn ’29, was present to receive the very first scholarship from Linder himself.

Because opportunities to have Linder back on campus are so precious, the School made certain to “fill his dance card” during his visit. Following the unveiling celebration, we headed to the Spitfire Arms Alehouse, where Linder was delighted to reconnect with alumni who happened to be back on campus for the School’s Annual Cadet Review weekend.

The evening concluded with attendance at the inspiring Annual Cadet Review, an especially meaningful event given that Linder himself served as Head Cadet during his graduating year at King’s Collegiate School.

The next morning, the celebrations and storytelling continued. Faculty member Pat LePoidevin arranged for two Grade 7 students, Tim ’31 and Meadow ’31, to interview Linder about his experiences at KCS and his lifelong connection to the School. A video of the interview is currently in production, please stay tuned!

When reflecting on his visit, Linder shared that his favourite part was spending time with current students and reconnecting with alumni. It was a beautiful reminder that while buildings and campuses evolve over time, the heart of KES has always been its people and the lifelong bonds formed here.

Linder’s visit was more than a return to campus; it was a living example of how the values of kindness, leadership, friendship, and generosity continue to echo across generations at King’s-Edgehill School.

Heather Strickey
Executive Director, Strategic Growth