Guidance counselor Royce Mallory passes away

LAKEWOOD, New York, USA - I received news today from Bob Swanson that former SWCS guidance counselor Royce Mallory has died.

I didn't know Royce very well, though I saw him around the guidance office plenty. I needed lots of guidance.

Interestingly, his next door neighbor in Lakewood was a fellow named Bud Storms, who told me (when I worked with Bud at a downtown Jamestown dental lab) that Royce was ruined by going to graduate school and learning to play the guitar.

I say interestingly because music and guitar playing became his passion. So much for the wisdom of Bud Storms.

Rest in peace Royce. Sing a duet with Joe Rushin for all of us.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Royce McKay Mallory Royce McKay Mallory 2/24/2008 - Royce McKay Mallory, 74, passed away Thursday, February 21, 2008 at Select Specialty Hospital in Erie, Pa. He was born in Erie on September 18, 1933, to the late Royce Ryan and Nancy McKay Mallory. He grew up in Edinboro, Pa., where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and golf for Edinboro High School. He was an all-state football selection his senior year in high school as part of an undefeated team. After high school he attended Edinboro State Teachers College where he again excelled as a four-year letterman for their football team on his way to graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history. He continued his education receiving his master’s degree in education from Columbia University in New York City, where he made many lifelong friends and memories while living a full year at International House in 1968. Royce married the love of his life, Jane Ellen Offensend, in June 1954. Together, they raised two boys, Sean Mallory of Edinboro, Pa. and Brian Mallory of New Fairfield, Conn. He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters-in-law, Terri and Patti, and five grandchildren that he loved dearly: Connor, Cailin, Ian, Garrett and Shane. As all that knew him would attest, he had a true passion for people. After starting his career as a history teacher, he soon found his calling in helping highschool students prepare for their future. He and his family moved to Lakewood, N.Y., in 1964 when he secured a position in the Southwestern Central School District as the guidance director. After two years as the principal of the SWCS High School in the early 1970s, Royce assumed the role of Director of Student Services for the balance of his career. He retired in 1988. In addition to his family and profession, Royce loved music and the great outdoors. He was an accomplished guitarist that was always ready to play for his church, a retirement home or a friendly neighborhood party. With his family and friends he traveled to every state on the U.S. main land and also drove to Alaska four times. His four- to six-week “summer journeys” were opportunities to spend time with those closest to him, meet interesting people in campsites across our wonderful country and fly fishing in some of the greatest streams in North America. Royce loved nothing more than getting young people excited about traveling and fishing. He and Jane spent the month of September fishing and hiking in Montana each of the last ten years. He was a member of the Lakewood United Methodist Church where he led the music portion of the early morning service for many years. He now joins his family and friends that have passed before him into the hands of the Lord. Those closest to him will think of him often particularly when they are on his beloved lake Chautauqua or on any fishing stream that in his words “brings us closest to God”. We love him dearly. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Lakewood United Methodist Church, 164 Shadyside Ave., Lakewood, N.Y. Friends may gather at the Glunt Funeral Home, 210 Erie St., Edinboro, on Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Edinboro Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 3524 West 26th Street, Erie, PA 16506; or the Mallory Run Project c/o Sparky Jorton, 12069 Lay Road, Edinboro, PA 16412, or the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Athletic Department, McComb Fieldhouse, 455 Scotland Road, Edinboro, PA 16444-0001. To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.

Coach - and teacher - Joe Rushin dies at 85

PORT SAINT LUCIE, Florida, USA - I received word today from Sue Siecker and also from my sister Evelyn that Joe Rushin has passed away.

Last year I wrote a piece about Joe, and how he had influenced my life - in good part by giving me a verbal boot in the ass on numerous occasions when I was slacking. And I was slacking. And his boot was pretty gentle, actually, all things considered. He knew my father had died and provided some of that stuff that dads do - like tell their sons maybe trying a little harder is not such a bad idea.


Joe Rushin in the early 1960s

I knew him mostly as coach of the track team, arguably the only sport at which I had much success in high school. He wanted me to do everything and once insisted that I try the pole vault. He neglected to check out my biceps which were not up to the task of lifting my scrawny body over anything that high. So then he decided I was a hurdler. That didn't work that well either, but eventually he realized I could run like hell - for a short distance - and so I did the 100-yard dash and the 220 for four years.

I still have the ribbons I won.

Joe always brought his young son Randy to practices - he was just a little kid when we were in high school - and looking back, it was a measure of how good a dad Joe was.

After his first wife died, he married SWCS librarian, Beverly Brownrigg, who I note from his obituary had been with him every day since.


Miss Brownrigg, later Mrs. Rushin

I wrote to Joe last year at his Port Saint Lucie address but never heard back. I'll bet though, that he remembered me, he was that kind of guy.

In our yearbook, there is a picture of Vern Ahlgren and Mark Swanson racing, with Vern's legs churning out yards against Mark's determination. I was standing nearby the day that photo was taken and can still hear Joe Rushin's voice urging both of them to beat the other, just as I can hear him hollering at me all the way across the football field, enunciating each syllable of my name: Fitz-Ger-AAAAALLLLLLLDDDD faster!

Rest in peace Joe.

Racing to the finish - for Joe Rushin

OBITUARY FOR JOE RUSHIN

Joseph Eugene Rushin

2/27/2008 - Joseph Eugene Rushin, 85, formerly of Lakewood, N.Y., died in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, where he has resided since 1982. He was born August 18, 1922, in Nanticoke, Pa., the son of Andrew and Francis Maksus Rushin.

A veteran of World War II, he served as an officer in the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific Theater and was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal with three stars, and the Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars.

He attended the East Stroudsburg Teachers College in East Stroudsburg, Pa., and received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He received his master of science degree from Rutgers University. He retired in 1982 as principal of Southwestern Central High School, after a 36-year career in education. He was a member of Saint Lucie Catholic Church in Port Saint Lucie, and was an avid wood carver.

Surviving are his wife of 39 years, Beverly Rushin; two daughters: Christine Hessler of Bethel Park, Pa.; Carol Rushin of Golden, Colo.; a son, Randall Rushin of East Hampton, Conn.; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Lillian Rushin in 1967.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the Saint Lucie Catholic Church.

A graveside service will be held at Sunset Hill Cemetery at a time to be announced by the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Region Community Foundation c/o Southwestern School Education Foundation, PO Box 103, Lakewood, NY 14750.

Out scouting sites for next Class of '66 reunion

TENACATITA, Jalisco, Mexico - For the past couple of weeks, I've been scouting some places for activities for the proposed SWCS Class of '66 reunion in 2011 here in Mexico.

I've kind of ruled out Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo and think that something right around this part of Mexico would work best. We have great airport access (40 minutes from my driveway), low prices at restaurants and bars (many of us are pensioners, after all) and plenty to keep us occupied.

My connection in a local real estate office tells me we could rent several beach houses - all right in a row - and use them as a base of operations for whatever wild and crazy things a bunch of 60+ years old people would likely be doing.

We can do ATV races on the beach right in front of the houses. Ok, maybe not that.

But how about a coconut golf tournament?

Below are a couple of photos from Tenacatita Beach, where I have a beach lot that may or may not have a house on it in the next few years. House or not, we are on good terms with the restaurant owners along the beach, which features a great snorkeling spot call the Aquarium.


One beach to check out for Class of '66 reunion


Coming back from snorkeling at the Aquarium

It looks like Mexico in 2011 for some folks

LA MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico - The poll closed early this morning (early for me, anyway) that I posted about the idea of having an SWCS Class of '66 reunion here in Mexico.

And it seems like for at least 20 members of the class, it's a swinging idea.

Here's the results:


Polls results

The colors are a little hard to read, but 19 people said 'Si,' a lot of people want to do it where I live here on Costa Alegre (fine with me, and can this town throw a party!). Only two folks said 'no.' Que lastima.

Free tequila seemed like an incentive, too, and given that we have a distillery very nearby, well, lots of things are possible.

That 45th reunion is three years away - but given how time has speeded up recently, I'll started talking with the queen of all class reunions (Cathy Lindstrom Prince) about how to get this thing off the ground. Or is on the ground?

Hasta luego, amigos.

Time to vote on the next reunion

LA MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico - Amigos, I posted a poll at the left for people to indicate their preferences for a 45th class reunion.

The poll will be open for 24 hours.

You can vote for more than one category, so please vote early, vote often.

Time to plan for the 45th reunion - in Mexico?

LA MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico - Blame it on the Mexican sun, the tequila, the warm salt water or perhaps the 60-cent tacos I eat for dinner most nights (two of which make a meal...), but Cathy Lindstrom-Prince and I are concocting a plan to hold the 45th reunion of the Class of '66 south of the border.

Oh-my-God, you might be thinking.

Look at it this way: Instead of waiting for June or July, perhaps have a reunion in, say, February - arguably the ugliest, coldest, least-hospitable month in the northeast.

Think about it: In February of 2011, you could be in the top photo, or watching the waves (and for whales in the bay) in the bottom photo, sipping a special Fitz-blended margarita on my deck.


Shoveling out, again


View from the rooftop of Tenacatita Bay

I know where I'll be. (At least I hope so...)

True, it could be construed as a wacky idea. But think about this: Most of the members of the SWCS Class of '66 will be 63 or 64 years old that year. Social Security (if it's still pumping out dollars) will be going into most of our pockets. And how long do you wait to treat yourself to a nice winter vacation in a warm climate?

Lots of details to work out, of course, but given that we are talking three years from now, I don't think anything is insurmountable.

Hell, I might even have a bar & restaurant & small hotel up and running by that time out in Arroyo Seco. My son the financier has thrown in with us and wants to invest so he has a bar to go to in Mexico that he can call his own.

Good grief.

If it sounds interesting, email me - and/or Cathy, who says she's ready to get somewhere warm right now (and she lives in Georgia).

Hasta luego, amigos...

Gunny Anderson, great coach and science teacher, has died

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - I received word Wednesday from Tom Priester that Gunny Anderson has died.

His obituary is below.

I took some kind of general science from Mr. Anderson in the 8th grade and was terrified of the guy.

Later, at Lakewood Beach when I was safely graduated from high school and a Village of Lakewood lifeguard, I was able to call him 'Gunny,' just like Doss Johnson did. It was hard to do, but he liked his nickname - provided you weren't one of his students anymore.

He was the real deal and liked his students, as hard as he could be sometimes. We listened to live news accounts one of the first space flights over the radio in class - maybe the public address system at SWCS Junior High - and I can still hear him saying 'You're hearing history today. Remember it.'

Aye-aye, Gunny, requiescat in pace.

Gunnard P. ‘‘Gunny’’ Anderson

Gunnard P. ‘‘Gunny’’ Anderson

12/13/2007 - Gunnard P. ’’Gunny” Anderson, 73, of Jamestown, died at 5:15 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 12, 2007) in WCA Hospital.

A lifelong area resident, he was born Oct. 10, 1934, in Jamestown, a son of the late Carl O. and Eleanor M. Wilcox Anderson.

He was a 1953 graduate of the former Bemus Point High School and earned his bachelors degree from Michigan State University in 1957. In the following years, he attended St. Bonaventure University, where he earned his master’s degree in education.

He began his career at Southwestern Central School in 1958 as a science teacher in the middle school, where he also began coaching the eighth grade basketball team. He then moved to the High School, where he was a health teacher and a psychology teacher and also served as athletic director for several years. While at the high school, he also served as varsity baseball and basketball coach for many years, where his 1973-1974 varsity basketball team won the Section 6 championship. He retired from Southwestern Central School in 1992.

Surviving are his wife, the former Joan Otten, whom he married Feb. 22, 1958; three daughters: Kelly L. (Jim) Lesinski of Williamsville, Kathy J. (Bill) Tucker of Jamestown and Susan K. (Scott) Walsh of Pensacola, Fla.; a son, David Gunnard (Tammy) Anderson of Jamestown; six grandchildren: Taylor A. Lesinski and Alexandra N. Lesinski, both of Williamsville, Robert W. Tucker, Jonathan P. Tucker and Kate I. Tucker, all of Jamestown and John P. Walsh of Pensacola; and a brother, Carl A. ’’Charlie” Anderson of Jamestown.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Bethel Lutheran Church. The Rev. Norman R. Gauch, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Friends will be received from 4 to7 p.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Bethel Lutheran Church, 904 West Third St., Jamestown, NY, 14701

Lee Anderson's mom has passed away

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK, USA - I received word today from Sue Siecker that Lee Anderson's mom has passed away.

Mrs. Anderson was another classmate's parent I don't think met.

Our condolences, Lee.

Below is the obituary from the Post Journal.

=====

Nannie P. Anderson

Nannie P. Anderson
11/29/2007 - Nannie P. Anderson, 92, formerly of Loyalton of Lakewood, 220 Southwestern Dr., Lakewood, N.Y., and Orlando, Fla., died at 6:50 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 27, 2007) in the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born May 17, 1915, in Campbelltown, Pa., a daughter of Charles and Emily Carlson Paulson.

She had attended school in the Mt. Jewett, Pa. School System and during the late 1930’s and 1940’s had worked in the Lutheran Children’s Home.

She was a charter member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Lakewood and was a life member of the Ingjald Lodge 65 Independent Order of the Vikings.

Surviving are two daughters: Carin (Jim) Smalley of Leesburg, Fla. and Lynn (Dan) LeRoy of Jamestown, N.Y.; a son, Lee (Marge) Anderson of Harrodsburg, Ky; 12 grandchildren: Camron (Michelle) Johnson, Dawn Grant, Lori (Fred) Joyce, Cathy Evanson, Jimmy (Sarah) Smalley, Tammy (Mark) LaPalme, Thad (Anabel) Anderson, Todd (Vickie) LeRoy, Eric LeRoy, Scott (Judy) LeRoy, Tammy (Mike) Tomlinson; 20 great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard F. Anderson, whom she married June 28, 1941 in the First Lutheran Church; and several brothers and sisters.

The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Donald Carlson, will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service on Saturday in the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 1208, Fortson, GA, 31808-1208 or to Hospice Chautauqua County, 4840 West Lake Road, Mayville, NY, 14757.

Another classmate loses a parent

JAMESTOWN, NY, USA - I received the news (via Cathy Prince) about the death of Bud Couchenour over the weekend.

I didn't know him personally, but I suspect many of you did.

His obituary is below:

==========================

Albert H. ’’Bud” Couchenour, Jr.

Albert H. ’’Bud” Couchenour, Jr.
11/26/2007 - Albert H. ‘‘Bud’’ Couchenour, Jr., 80, of 142 Marion St., died at 6:25 p.m. Saturday November 24, 2007 in WCA Hospital.

He was born December 25, 1926, in McKeesport, Pa., a son of Albert and Cora Baker Couchenour, Sr.

He was a US Navy veteran of WWII.

Until 1959 he worked with his parents, who owned and operated Benders Pancake Shop and Motel. He was later employed by Quality Markets, Lakewood Super Duper as store manager and Stateside Motors as a salesman.

He loved traveling, cooking, crossword puzzles, trout fishing and spending time with his family.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, the former Margaret Jean Steele, whom he married January 19, 1944; four children: Richard (Diane) Couchenour of Jamestown, Terence Couchenour of Busti, Patricia (David) Boardman of Frewsburg and Beth (Pete) Jones of Suwannee, Ga; nine grandchildren: Richard C. Couchenour of Charlotte, N.C., Terence Couchenour II of Jamestown, Christian Couchenour of Ashville, Mark Boardman of Frewsburg, Michelle McNeal of Jamestown, Dawn Strother of Lakewood, Debra Herbstsomer of Mt Airey, Md., Megan and Hannah Jones, both of Suwannee, Ga.; 10 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Evelyn Northrup of Jamestown.

He was preceded in death by a son, Craig R. Couchenour, and great grandchildren Corrina and Cassidy Boardman.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will not be observed.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Chautauqua County, 4840 West Lake Rd., Mayville, 14757.

Arrangements are by the Lind Funeral Home.

A video to make you laugh on Thanksgiving

SACRAMENTO, Calif., USA - This video came my way from a former professional colleague of some years back who hit 60 this year.

It kind of says it all, fellow baby boomers.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Born to be Wild

Randy Carlson's Dad, Art has passed away

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - I learned today that Randy Carlson's dad, Art, has died. Lee Anderson passed along word from Sue Siecker. Art's obituary is listed at the end of this.

Art was a great guy and pivotal in my growing up, much like Sue Guertin's father, Chuck.

My father died when I was nine-years-old, which was why I moved to Lakewood from Brooklyn. My mother and sister and I had family around. And my mother knew Lakewood would be a good place for us to grow up.

Art was one of the reasons it was a good place. I remember lots of great Art stories, perhaps the funniest when he launched his air boat at Gifford Avenue - one of those things like you see in the Everglades with a huge propellor mounted on the back. He took off and lost control of it, smashing into a cabin cruiser moored over near Craig Fransen's house, a boat owned by someone we called Pike.

I can still see Art reaching into his wallet and giving Pike some cash as compensation for the damage to Pike's boat.


An airboat in Florida

Art was always keeping an eye on us when we were kids - but without begin obtrusive. I last saw him about 10 years ago and he was still quite alert and remembered me - and, ever the insurance man, he even asked me the same the question that he had asked me many, many, years before:

Who was really behind the wheel of John Rupp's Mustang when it went off the curve east of Snug Harbor that summer night in 1968? Rupp or me?

Rest in peace, Art. All your questions have answers now.


Art Carlson, Randy's Dad

Guidance counselor Gene Munson passes on

JAMESTOWN, New York, USA - Sue Siecker sent along the obituary today for Gene Munson, A.K.A. Mr. Munson, a guidance counselor to many of us in high school.

He was my guidance counselor and in my early junior high school years intervened with an English teacher who chewed my ass daily for not working hard enough (she was right, I didn't work much, but still...). Later, he got me transferred out of a Math 11 class taught by Milton Harp and into one taught by Ethel Goller.

I still failed Math 11, but I got to sit next to Shelley Kales all year, though I never got up the courage to ask her on a date.

I recounted in a posting last year how it was Gene Munson helped launched my professional career.

When I was doing poorly in a variety of classes, my mother came in for an appointment and had Gene tell her that "the world needs truck drivers, too."

Good God, did my mother make me crack the books after that! She had a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees and wasn't about to let me (also the son of a attorney and linguist) not graduate from college.

To his credit, Gene Munson helped me sneak my way into Villanova and always had a good word for me when I stopped by the office - usually without an appointment. When I dropped out of Villanova, he greased the skids for me to get into JCC without any problems, too, though it was past the deadline.

Rest in peace, Gene, and whack a few golf balls around heaven while you are at it...


Gene Munson

FROM THE JAMESTOWN POST-JOURNAL

8/26/2007 - E. Eugene Munson, 92, of the Frewsburg Rest Home, formerly of 124 Aldren Ave., died unexpectedly at 3 p.m. Friday (Aug. 24, 2007) at his residence.

An area resident since 1950 he was born Dec. 31, 1914, in Sheffield, Pa., the son of John and Theresa Dennison Munson.

He was a 1932 graduate of Sheffield Area high School and after a short stint in the working industry he returned to school at Gannon University in Erie, Pa. where he received his bachelor’s degree and in later years received his master’s degree in education from St. Bonaventure University.

He began his teaching career working for one year in Sagertown, Pa. before coming to the Jamestown area in 1950 where he taught at Southwestern Central High School from 1950 to 1980.

Everyone who knew Gene knew that sports were his passion. In earlier years he played independent baseball for several teams in the Erie, Pa. area. He was recruited by the Philadelphia Phillies, only to be injured and unable to play professional baseball. He also played basketball at Gannon University and also for various teams in the Erie area. He did play one year of semi-pro basketball in Erie. Gene was also a well known basketball official in New York and Pennsylvania where he had served as president of the PIAAS Board in PA. and was also the rules interpreter.

He was the basketball coach at Southwestern from 1950 to 1958 and the assistant football coach from 1950-1954. He also had a great love for the game of golf. He was the golf coach at Southwestern from 1957 to 1975. He thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of his coaching career, but his proudest moment was when the Southwestern Golf Team won the New York State Championship in 1975.

He was a charter member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Lakewood and was a past president of the local chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons. He was also a past member of the Lakewood Golden Agers, and a member of the New York State Retired Teachers Association.

Surviving is a daughter, Sally Benish (Tim) of Lakewood; his grandson, Kyle Benish of Ellicottville; a brother, Lawrence Munson of Emporium, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, the former Virginia Carlson Munson, who died Oct. 30, 2006; and four sisters: Florence Munson, Charlotte Hibbard, Marian Schmidlen and Maxine Kosinski.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Lakewood. The Rev. Timothy J. Hoyer, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Building Fund, 35 West Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.

More photos from the SWCS 10-year soiree

LAKEWOOD, New York, USA - As promised here's the balance of the photos I received from the SWCS 10-year reunion held July 7.

These photos were all taken by Randy Carlson. (Thanks Randy!)

You might want to check with Randy about who is who in these... I started to write captions and then realized I was about to make some blunders.

Larger versions of these can be viewed by clicking on the photos which will take you to the photo page (flickr.com) where I posted them... You can make them larger for viewing on your screen.

If anyone else has photos they would like to see posted here, please send them to me at: mikefitz@csus.edu.

If you do send photos, PLEASE make them smaller than 1MB... about a third of that is plenty for good viewing...

Photos from the 10-year SWCS reunion

LAKEWOOD, New York, USA - The following photos and captions were passed along to me by Patricia (pbm@madbbs.com) from the 10-year SWCS reunion held last week.

As soon as possible, I will post some other photos sent by Randy Carlson...


1. MarilynMoore Sundeen, Polly Carlson Halfkenny and Mary Flynn Gokey


2. Mona Carlson Laughlin and Nella Logan



3. Polly Carlson Halfkenny & Mary Flynn Gokey


4. Mona Carlson Laughlin & Nella Logan


5. Sharon Erickson_______?, Janice Peterson Giltinan & Marilyn Moore Sundeen


6. John Sundeen, Lyle Jensen, Tom Pike & Richard Logan


7. Jim Laughlin & Mr. Giltinan


8. Eileen Groves__________?

Classmate Jesse Doud has passed away at age 60

CLASSMATES:

The following was sent to me by Lee and Marge Anderson. I believe it was published in the Jamestown Post-Journal.

==========

6/21/2007 - GREECE, N.Y. — Jesse M. Doud, died suddenly, Monday, June 18, 2007, at age 60.

Jesse is survived by his loving wife, Joan Doud; sons: Jacob (Robin) Doud and Adam Doud; daughters: Peggy (James) Menard and Sarah Soud; brothers: Niles (Phyllis) Doud, the Rev. Richard (Donna) Doud, Calvin (Marilyn) Doud and James ‘‘Archie’’ (Jennifer) Doud; grandchildren: Jessica, LaChelle, Veronica and Austin; sister -in-law, Roberta Doud; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Wilbur Doud.

Jesse was a truck driver for Waste Management, an avid hunter and enjoyed time at his camp in Ellington with his Boy Scout troop.

Friends may call Friday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Vay-Schliech & Meeson Funeral Home, 1075 Long Pond Road. His funeral service will be held Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at Valley View Cemetery in Ellington. (Please meet the family at the entrance of the cemetery.) In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make contributions to Good News Community Church, 4797 Ridge Road West, Spencerport, NY, 14559 or Boys Scout of America Troop 173, 1924 Maiden Lane, Rochester, NY, 14626 in his memory.

For more information or to sign Jesse’s online guestbook, please visit www. Meeson Family.com


Jesse enjoying himself at last year's 40th reunion

The reunion of reunions coming in July

LAKEWOOD, New York, USA - I'm still struggling with my other life committments to attend the July 7, 2007 reunion of the SWCS classes from 1960 to 1970.

Right now, I'm not sure about getting out of Mexico to even get back to Seneca Lake for the summer.

But Randy Carlson reports that the reunion is on track and that people who want to try to jam in at the last moment should contact Brad Zimmer or Ron Ducat...

I hope you make it.

Here's the flyer for the event...


Reunion notice

Obituary - Keith D. Flanders, 1969 SWCS grad

JAMESTOWN, N. Y. - I received a note today that Keith Flanders, Class of '69, died last Friday.

His obituary from the Jamestown Post Journal is reprinted below.

===============================

3/20/2007 - Keith D. Flanders (‘‘Flan”), 55, of 58 School St., Panama, passed away at 11:30 p.m. Friday (March 16, 2007) in the M.C.V. Hospital in Richmond, Va. He was born July 5, 1951, in Jamestown, the son of the late Lewis W. Flanders and Carol S. Ecker. He was a 1969 graduate of Southwestern Central High School and had also attended Jamestown Community College.

Keith was employed by Hagemeyer as a store coordinator and also by the Town of Busti as a court officer. He was previously employed by Quality Markets for many years. Keith was a volunteer fireman for the Village of Lakewood for more than 11 years, answering close to 2,000 alarms. He was also an EMT for seven years and a dispatcher for the Lakewood Police Department. A devoted husband and father, Keith loved to travel and was an avid outdoorsman. His son and his love of the outdoors led him to be an active Boy Scout Leader. He had fond memories of his hike in the Alps with his daughter and also part of the Appalachian Trail. In earlier years he had toured the country camping at most of the major National Parks in the Rockies and western states. Keith loved watching the Bills games with his family and was a devoted Minnesota Twins fan.

Keith was a resident fixture at Erickson’s Restaurant where he spent much of his time chatting with the regulars or just enjoying quiet time over a cup of coffee. Keith loved a wide variety of music, his most recent favorite being that of Big Leg Emma.

Keith’s compassionate, caring ways were a comfort to countless people. He showed others an unconditional love that literally changed their lives. He will always be remembered for his ready smile, open arms and kind heart.

Surviving are his wife Candy, whom he married Nov. 25, 1976; his son, Sean Bernhardt of Jamestown; his daughter, Keylyn Flanders of New Bern, N.C.; two brothers: Jeff (Patti) Flanders and Neil Flanders, all of Jamestown; three sisters: Shelley (Fred) Sundheimer of Canton, Ohio, Laura (Jimmy) Smith of Lakewood and Denise (Pete) Eyler of Sugar Grove, Pa.; his grandmother, Martha Carlson of Lakewood; his a stepfather, Norm Ecker Sr. of Sugar Grove, three stepbrothers; a stepsister; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Lakewood United Methodist Church. The Rev. Violet A. Davidson, pastor of the church, will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Ashville.

Friends will be received by the family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Falconer Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Lakewood Volunteer Fire Department 2 Packard Way, Lakewood, NY, 14750, or to the Lakewood Memorial Library 12 W. Summit Ave., Lakewood, NY, 14750.

Diane Delancy's email and a photo of the Ruppies

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - My email contained this brief missive yesterday:

Diane DeLancey Nolly
e-mail and street address:

Streamside2000@aol.com

Diane Nolly

8525 White Rabbit Trail

Littleton, CO

80127

So we can guess it's the same Diane Delancy we knew from the Class of '66, who signed my yearbook "I hope we will always be good friends and drinking buddies."

Considering that I haven't talked to her since 1966 - or shared a beverage (that I remember) - it's safe to say that I didn't keep up my end of the bargain.

Diane! Come to California, the drinks are on me...



While I was rummaging around in the yearbook, grabbing a copy of Diane's photo, I also kept getting frames of Linda Davidson (isn't that a great shot of her?), so I'm including her photo from the yearbook, too. Linda was at the reunion last summer and I have lots of photos of her dancing up a storm...with the rest of us.



In other class-related news, I'm happy to report that John Rupp's wife Paula and their daughter Noelani are safely ensconsced in a new condo in Vermont. Paula sent along the shot below of the two of them, titled The Ruppies.

Paula said that she and Lani will be visiting Mexico at the end of April - Puerto Vallarta of all places! I will miss them by about a month, but it's nice to know they have passports and we can time the visits together in the future.

Oh-my-God! This just gave me a great idea for a class reunion.

How about holding a reunion in Mexico? The food is cheap, the margaritas intoxicating and the weather gorgeous, nearly year round. And I bet I can find hotels a lot cheaper than Webb's Resort to stay in. For the price of a weekend stay at Webb's, I think I can find you a beachfront palapa for a week or more, complete with a guy who brings you cold beer and cooks any fish you catch.

Of course, there is the small matter of airfares, I suppose.

Details, details...Don't bother with details. Let's start planning una fiesta right now.


Paula and Lani - The Ruppies

The reunion this summer will be exactly when?

JAMESTOWN, New York - So it's February and in the East - from reading the weather reports out here in California - it's unlikely dreams of summer have started yet.

Wait, let's think about that. Maybe dreams of summer are all that anyone is thinking about.

Whatever...

But by all accounts the July 7, 2007, 10-years-worth-of-SWCS graduating classes is still on.

My plans are still in flux (Where is flux, anyway?) for the summer with job stuff, Mexico stuff, Seneca Lake stuff and, well, just stuff...

Whatever...

But I hope we get a good Class of '66 turnout at the July 7 soiree. If other people have some dates in mind in addition, let me know and I'll post it here. (Even if you are simply going to be in the area, give a shout, si?)

The July 7 date looks unlikely for me to be in Lakewood - at least at this moment - but everything that far out from today's date is certainly subject to change.

In case you forgot how much fun last summer's party was, here's a few photos to remind you.

Later amigos.


Dance fever



See Zurh House scene



Lee Johnson


Dan Flanagan, class president and First Lady


The skating crowd

A special announcement about the next reunion

JAMESTOWN, New York - Here's the latest announcement for this summer's July 7 class reunion for the 1960-1970 grads.

If you can't read it in this format, click on the notice itself.

==================

Obituary for Roger Seiberg

JAMESTOWN, New York - I received this email this morning from Gayla Swartzman, sister of Dana Bolles and the late Rhonda Bolles.

Roger's obituary from the Post Journal follows her missive.

=====================

Hi mike, this is Danas sister Gayla Swartzman. Wanted to let you know that Roger Seiberg passed away on sunday 1/21/2007. He was 55 yrs. old and graduated with my sister Rhonda. He was living in North Tonawanda. His obituary is in the post journal, tuesday 1/23/2007. If you need more information, please let me know. Thanks.

=====================


Roger Seiberg's obituary from the Post Journal

The Class of '66 is still looking for classmates

JAMESTOWN, New York - Randy Carlson sent along the following list of folks who the class just hasn't been able to locate yet. Have you see these people or have any idea where they might be?


Bob Fulcher

I was in touch with Bob Fulcher's sister Terrie a few years ago, but her email suddenly went out of service and so that was that. She was living in Florida.

I had photos of these two classmates close on hand from the list.


Debbie Stabler


Tom Wrinn

Here's the entire list:

HELP NEEDED WITH UNFOUND CLASSMATES 2007

Mailed and returned or no current address Last known address

Kathy Bowman Scott
Diane Delancey Nolly Newport News
Linda Foster Cross
Bob Fulcher Cabot, Ak
Cubby Gleason Cortland NY
Linda Hetrick Gill
Ellen Hurt never had address
Pamela Sue Johnson
John Limberg
Roberta Lindbeck Knight Aurora, Co
Denise Norell never had address
Doug Pillsbury Hasbrouck Hts, N.J.
Melanie Robertson Reynolds
Debbie Stabler Melec Essexville, Mi
Ann Sivi Johnson
Diane Thorpe Hackett
Thomas Wrinn never had address

Please send email addresses to Mike F. mikefitz@csus.edu
Street addresses should go to Randy C. carlscus@netsync.net

Bob Swanson sends full lyrics for that drinking song

JAMESTOWN, New York - Classmate Bob Swanson has sent along the full chorus & lyrics to the drinking song I referenced yesterday. Thanks Bob!

Here you go:

Cheers, Cheers, to Southwestern High
You bring the whiskey, I'll bring the rye
Send the freshmen out for gin
And don't let a sober sophomore in
Juniors never stagger
Seniors never fall
They sober up on wood alcohol
While the royal faculty
Lies drunk on the bar room floor.

Also, Bob noted that Gunnie Nelson, owner/operator of the Pastime Restaurant in Lakewood (across the canal from the Rod & Gun Club) has passed away.

I spent many hours and many dollars at the Pastime, which had pretty good bands back in those days. I actually met my first wife there, now that I think about it. I'll leave all that for another day.

The seven graduations were looong, but good

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The seven graduations - even lugging the university 'mace' went as well as such things can, with only a few goofs in the program and more than a few students whose exuberance was fueled by alcohol.

If I had been a student (and not sitting up on the platform) and had any advance warning about how dull some of the speeches would be, I might have dosed myself with a little Grey Goose before the ceremony.

Interestingly, one group that graduated at 8 a.m. probably had the highest percentage of smashed students marching up to get their diplomas.

What was that song we used to sing?

Seniors never stagger,
Juniors never fall,
They sober up on wood alcohol,
And the loyal faculty,
lies drunk on the bar room floor.

Or something like that.

I only muffed my lines one, stumbling over the pronounciation of Dean Sanjay Varshney.

Oh sure, it looks easy from where you are sitting right now. Try saying that name in front of 2,000 people while your goofy hat is falling off your head.


Standing post with the university mace

Christmas greetings from Dianne Hagglund

JAMESTOWN, New York - The following Christmas missive goes out to all classmates from Dianne Hagglund, to whom I apologize if I misspelled her last name - I'm in San Francisco on my way to Mexico to celebrate Christmas on a surfboard with a margarita in my hand.

Here's Dianne's note:

I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.You talk of the cold and the frozen lake.Not this year ! It has been very mild ,the lake isn't frozen and today the temperature is about 44.

I was also thinking how different the holidays are now from 40 years ago.Then we wanted that new sweater or shirt, money or any other gadget we thought out friends might be envious of.Today we all want about the same thing.We want health,happiness for our children and granchildren.We also want health for ourselves so we can enjoy the time we spend with them.So that is what i wish to all of you this Christmas season, health and happiness!

I had earlier this year suggested we all write in Mike's blog. Since i didn't get to talk to everyone at the reunion, maybe you could write and tell us a few of the things you have done since we walked tha halls of SWCS.

We know what Mike is up to and Alan,and a few others.

Another time i will let you in on my 40 years after SWCS.

Take care everyone, stay safe this holiday season and enjoy your family to the fullest. Until we meet again in the summer of 2007,

Dianne(also known as Hag)

Diane and her three amigas last summer at Bemus Point

So, would you like to sit through 7 graduations?

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The end of the semester is a magical time for most people who teach college, largely because there will be no more term papers to read, no more lectures to prepare and no more campus politics to get your blood boiling.

But it also means graduation for many universities, even in December.

And at California State University, Sacramento, it means seven graduations: one for each college.

As chair of our faculty senate, I'm the designated chief marshal, which means I get to attend all seven and at each lead in the procession of faculty and students and say important things like: Please stand for the national anthem.

I'll probably be able to say that quite well by the fifth or sixth time I utter in front of several thousand people. (I wonder how many times you can listen to Pomp & Circumstance before you go completely mad?)

I remember our high school graduation only faintly. We were all lined up and had to walk across the stage in the auditorium to get the little folder that would eventually house our diploma. I don't think we actually were given the diploma that afternoon/evening. I think that arrived later, but I could be wrong.

What I do remember is a wild night of carousing afterwards and driving home at dawn from Lake Erie with the sun rising and the song "Red Rubber Ball" playing on the radio.

More than 40 years ago and I can still hear that song and still see how red the sun was coming up that morning as I came down West Summit Avenue, hoping to make it home before my mother, grandmother and sister rolled out, at which time they would have realized I hadn't been home.

Not that I didn't stay out all night many, many evenings long before graduation - they just never knew. Thank God for that downstairs window.

College graduation is different, of course, because for most of the grads it means going to work at whatever they have studied. I shake a lot of hands at graduation. Parents are usually so proud they are bursting. It could also be relief over not paying tuition and room and board any more.

So, I'll do my duty, starting tonight with one college, then four on Friday and then two on Saturday.

Please stand for the national anthem.

There, I've got my lines down cold.