Jamestown Post-Journal story/tribute for Gordy Puls

   
   JAMESTOWN, New York - Given that I often criticize the Post Journal's news coverage, I have to say the newspaper did a nice job on a story about the passing of Gordy Puls. 

   LINK: Post Journal story and photo 

    It's not often I am interviewed for a newspaper story. In this case, the reporter/writer must have had a good recorder running when we talked.

   Below is the photo that ran with the story - classic Gordy.

Gordon Puls, Jr., former SWCS teacher - and my cousin - has died

   CANTON, Ohio - Former SWCS teacher Gordon (Gordy) Puls, Jr. died last night.
     He was teaching math in the junior high wing of Southwestern the last few years of our time at high school.
     I once committed the nearly unpardonable sin of calling him "Gordy" in the hallway as classes were passing. He was my cousin, after all, so the slip was given a pass.

Gordy Puls, Jr.

     He was 79 when he died. And that age difference as kids made him my cousin, but also sort of a grumpy older brother, too.
     From the time my mother and I moved to Lakewood in 1959, Gordy got stuck often with me - taking me fishing, hunting, and boating. All the things a 10-year-old kid from Brooklyn (me!) knew nothing about.
     But he also taught me how to sail, which oddly enough is connected to the post/news yesterday about Lakewood Beach.
     Gordy and his older sister Barbara were lifeguards at Lakewood Beach. And so it was some years later that Kathleen McAvoy (also my cousin and Gordy's cousin) worked at Lakewood Beach as a lifeguard. I joined the ranks about then, too, making Lakewood Beach kind of a family business.
     But after several years of working at the beach I got sideways with the legendary Harold 'Doss' Johnson, father of late SWCS Class of '66 classmate Pam Johnson Berglund and teacher at SWCS.
     I ended up getting suspended for one week without pay for not getting permission from Doss (who ran Lakewood Beach every summer as an administrator) to take a day off from lifeguarding. I had a substitute lifeguard (my cousin Kathleen) step in.

'Doss' Johnson

     The punchline to this too-long, Lakewood Beach-Gordy Puls anecdote is that Gordy let me borrow his Snipe sailboat for the week. He simply said, "Just go have fun." He'd had his own run-ins with Doss.
     I did just as he said and fun cruising all over the lake, including a few passes back and forth in front of Lakewood Beach while Doss watched me from the shore.
     That week, Gordy's sailboat, and his generosity was the start of a life of sailing for me, capped by cruising to Mexico on my 48-foot sloop Sabbatical in 2002.
     Gordy and his dad Gordy Sr. were both good friends of Flash Olsen and Harold Burgard from SWCS. Many times after high school I sat in the kitchen of the Puls house and sipped a beer with the group. Not with Flash - he didn't drink. But the others sure did. Whatever beer was sale.
     My cousin Gordy married and moved to Ohio where he and his wife raised his children. He had a career in education. But we lost touch over the years. The last time I saw him was at his brother-in-law's celebration of life in Lakewood some years back.
     R.I.P. "Mr. Puls." And thanks for letting me borrow the Snipe. It changed my life.

Lakewood Beach won't reopen this summer - thanks a LOT coronavirus!

   LAKEWOOD, New York - Lakewood Beach, the scene of innumerable adventures for our class (legal, illegal and perhaps illicit) will not open this summer, village officials have announced.
    Here's the story from the Jamestown Post-Journal: Lakewood Beach.
    Many thanks to Sue Siecker for sending it along.

Lakewood Beach today

    The beach when the Class of '66 was in its heyday featured a massive slide on a derrick just off the end of the dock.
    It was a dangerous damn thing. At least once a week someone got hurt on it, I remember.
    I remember it vividly because I was a lifeguard there for four years and sometimes had to patch up people who got hurt.
   That doesn't count the people who swam there at night and jumped off the top of the tower.
    But is was a very cool, popular apparatus that gave me two extra weeks of work per summer - one to put it together, the other to take it down.
   The village got rid of the derrick and slide decades ago. Too dangerous to insure, I understand. And, predictably, use of the beach dropped off.
    If anyone has a photo of the slide and derrick, I would love to publish it here.

A 55th SWCS Class of '66 reunion in 2021? Maybe

   
   JAMESTOWN, NY - At this point the idea of a 55th reunion of the SWCS Class of '66 a year from this summer is just a ginned-up thought. 

   Ginned up is probably inaccurate. It was more likely the product of the imbibing of some volume of beer or wine. I don't know anyone who drinks gin anymore.

   But this week Randy Carlson contacted me and floated the idea, asking me to sent out a missive to all of you.

   So, here it is... Missive accomplished.

   One caveat right out of the box. Randy suggested that any reunion NOT be held on July 4 or closely thereabouts.
   Agreed!

   In any event, if you think a 55th reunion a good idea, have suggestions for when the reunion might be held - or anything else, please contact Randy, Jim Lindell, Barry Harris, Louie Acquisto - or me.

   Emails are here: Randy, Barry, Louie and Michael.
   I am missing an email for Jim Lindell. If anyone has one, please let me know and I will update this posting.
   I hope to see you all in 2021 - if not before.

Classmate Kathy Baker has passed away

      


   JAMESTOWN, NY - Classmate Kathy Baker passed away last Sunday.
     Her obituary from the Lind Funeral Home is reprinted below.

----------

Kathleen A. Walz, 71, of 110 Liberty St., passed away Sunday, January 19, 2020 in her home. She was the wife of Joseph R. Walz whom she married August 31, 1968. Kathleen was born in Jamestown January 25, 1948 and was a 1966 graduate of Southwestern Central School. In earlier years she was employed by Jamestown Sterling and for 25 years by Heritage Park Rehab & Skilled Nursing, formerly Fenton Park. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy. She loved to cook and bake and host family gatherings, and also enjoyed her soap operas and shopping in Erie, Pa. In addition to her husband, Joe, surviving are two children: Christopher Walz of Jamestown and Jennifer (Cody Aten) Mabes of Sinclairville; two grandchildren: Jessica (Andrew) Dies of Ashville and Casey (Ryan Sadler) Mabes of Warren; and her great-grandson, Blake Penhollow of Warren. Also surviving are two brothers: Duane (Emily) Baker of Jamestown and James Baker of Falconer; a sister, Karen Austin of Findley Lake; and sister-in-law, Vonda Walz of Jamestown; as well as all of her friends and co-workers at Heritage Park. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard W. Baker who died Sept. 16, 1975; mother, Beatrice M. White Baker Emules who died Dec. 9, 2019; step-father Michael Emules who died Feb. 25, 2012; a great-granddaughter, Harper Judith Dies; mother-in-law, Betty Walz; and grandparents, Clarence and Melda White. The funeral will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Gerald A. Haglund, Chaplain of Heritage Park, will officiate. Friends will be received from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday prior to the funeral service in the funeral home.

To plant a tree in memory of Kathleen Walz, please visit Tribute Store

Visitation at Funeral Home

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Lind Funeral Home, Inc.

805 W. Third Street

Jamestown, New York, United States

Funeral Service

5:00 pm

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Lind Funeral Home

805 W. Third Street

Jamestown, New York, United States

Obituary & details about SWCS classmate Dan Sundquist

   NORTH SUTTON, New Hampshire - Obituaries from our late classmate Dan Sunquist appeared in New Hampshire and the Jamestown Post-Journal.
     The full obituary from the PJ is printed below.
     Here is the direct link: DAN SUNDQUIST

SWCS Classmate Dan Sundquist has passed away

    NORTH SUTTON, New Hampshire - Classmate Dan Sundquist passed away this morning at his lakeside home here.
     He told me in October he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
     His wife Sara told me today he died very peacefully and without any pain.
     Dan and I were friends and track competitors in our years at SWCS. But it was in the last six or seven years that we reconnected, discovering we had led somewhat parallel lives.
     I visited Dan and Sara's New Hampshire home several times. He loved the place but was planning a major move to Wyoming when he discovered the cancer.
    Losing any of our classmates is hard. This one is tragic for me.
     And if I may be permitted to let my professional journalism guard down, I have to admit I am so goddamn tired of writing obituaries for all these good people we went to high school with. I weep for all of them. 
     I know we all have to - in Dan Sunquist's words to me - "cross the Rainbow Bridge" someday. But it doesn't make it a scintilla easier.
   For tonight, rest in peace Dan. And "duerme con los angelitos..." - Sleep with the angels.

Tom Priester honored as USA Track & Field official

   JAMESTOWN - Tom Priester was recently selected the USA Track & Field Niagara Association Official of the Year.
     A big thanks to Class of '66 classmate Dan Beckstrom for calling this to my attention so I could post it.
     Below is the story/caption that appeared in the Jamestown Post-Journal.

FROM THE P-J

     Tom Priester of West Ellicott holds the trophy he was presented upon being selected the USA Track & Field Niagara Association Official of the Year. 
     The honor is in recognition of his dedication, outstanding contributions and positive accomplishment to the Niagara Association. Priester’s responsibilities include officiating

P-J photo by Scott Kindberg

meets from area high schools to international competitions.       
     His officiating prowess has taken him to the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships; the Olympic Trials three times; the USATF Indoor and Outdoor Senior Championships; the USATF Outdoor Junior Championships; the NCAA National Championships for all divisions; the New Balance Nationals for 25 years; and New York state high school meets. In addition, Priester was awarded the Outstanding Service Award for the Niagara Association in 2011 and 2013; and received the National Officials Committee Chair Award in 2016, and the Dick Ferziger Memorial Award for distinguished service to high school track and field in New York. 
     Priester was inducted into the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. P-J photo by Scott Kindberg

Classmate Linda Carlson Larson has passed away

     Over the weekend I received word that our classmate Linda Carlson (who married classmate Steve Larson in 1965) passed away Friday.
     Linda was a neighbor of mine when we were at SWCS. She lived just up the street on Gifford Avenue in Lakewood.
Steve's address is:

Steve Larson

8696 Bergman Drive

Nineveh, IN 46164

     Below is the obituary from the Jamestown Post-Journal:

FROM THE POST-JOURNAL

     Linda M. (Carlson) Larson, 71 of Nineveh, Ind., passed away Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, at Franciscan Health in Indianapolis, Ind. 

     She was born Aug. 27, 1948, in New Rochelle, Westchester County, N.Y.

     She married Steven D. Larson on Nov. 13, 1965, in Lakewood, N.Y., he survives. 

     She had worked for the Bartholomew County Clerk Treasurers office in Columbus, Ind., for 14 years.    

     She previously had held various positions in the floral industry. She loved working with flowers and plants, gardening, cooking, traveling, and the music of the Beach Boys. 

     She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She also was past treasurer of the Lakewood Fire Department Auxiliary in Lakewood, N.Y. 

     Survivors include her husband, Steve D. Larson of Nineveh, Ind.; three sons: Scott S. Larson (Courtney) of Indianapolis, Ind., Christopher J. Larson (Dayna) of Hinsdale, Ill., and Jeremy P. Larson (Sara) of Nashville, Ind., eight grandchildren: Erin Lapota (Michael) of Indianapolis, Ind., Courtney Lynn Larson of Indianapolis, Ind., Cody Larson of Indianapolis, Ind., Katelyn Larson of Indianapolis, Ind., Gabriel Larson of Hinsdale, Ill., Elizabeth “Libby” Larson of Hinsdale, Ill., Tristan Larson of Nashville, Ind., and Foster Larson of Nashville, Ind.; a great-grandson, Clark Lapota of Indianapolis, Ind.; two sisters: Susan Lantz (Dave) of Busti, N.Y., and Janice Wheeler (Howard) of Goose Creek, N.Y. 

     She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Harold L. Carlson Jr.

     Father Joseph Moriarty will conduct a service on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, at 11 a.m., at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, Ind.

     Friends may call on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019, from 6-8 p.m., at the mortuary. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, Ind. 

     Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Systems Atrophy Coalition 9935-D Rea Road 2112, Charlotte, NC 28277 or at www.multi plesystematrophy.org/ msa-donation. 

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738- 0202.

Classmate Jack Nobbs has passed away

   SPOKANE, Washington - SWCS Class of '66 member Jack Nobbs passed away July 9. His obituary from the Jamestown Post Journal is printed below.
     Most of my memories of Jack were from his participation on the SWCS wrestling team where he was a great competitor, often pointed to by Coach Flash Olsen as someone the rest of us should emulate.
     He was one helluva wrestler. And in my memory, a good guy.
     Rest in peace, Jack...

FROM THE POST JOURNAL:

Jack Allen Nobbs was born in Jamestown, N.Y., on March 15, 1948, to Jack and Catherine Nobbs. 

Growing up in Jamestown, Jack attended and graduated from South-western Central High School in 1966. In 1966, Jack enrolled at Edinboro University where he participated in football and wrestling. This is also where he met the love of his life, Linda Mitchell of Finleyville, Pa. Jack and Linda married on Aug. 9, 1969 in Finleyville, Pa. A year later, in 1970, Jack was drafted during the Vietnam War and enlisted into the U.S. Navy. While in the U.S. Navy, Jack attended the Naval Nuclear Power School and was certified to work on nuclear submarines. In 1976, Jack left the U.S. Navy and turned what he had learned into a life long career in nuclear power. 

Jack and Linda had three children: Mark, Laura and Matthew. During much of Jack’s adult life he traveled all over for work, allowing his family to see much of the United States. Jack retired in 2011 from the Hanford Nuclear Site. After retiring Jack was able to spend his free time perfecting his passion, fly fishing, as well as spend as much time as possible with his family and two grandchildren. 

Jack passed peacefully on July 9 surrounded by his wife and children in Spokane, Wash. 

Jack is survived by his wife Linda; children, Mark Nobbs (Caryn), Laura Habersetzer (Josh), Matthew Nobbs; and his two grandchildren, Brynnlee Moore and Ethan Nobbs. Jack is also survived by his five siblings; Frank, Sherry, Bob, Patty and Cathy. 

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to Now I Lay Me Down Ministry, c/o the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe, 108 Washington St.. Monroe, Mich. 48161. 

A memorial will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10, at 11 a.m., at Life Tributes in Kennewick, Wash. 

Please leave online condolences at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by Mueller’s Funeral Home, 509-783-9532.

Classmate Melanie Robertson has passed away

   
   The obituary below appeared earlier this week in the Jamestown Post-Journal for SWCS Class of '66 classmate Melanie Robertson.

FROM THE POST-JOURNAL

   Melanie Ruth Reynolds, 71, of Jamestown, entered into eternal rest on Monday, May 20, 2019, at the Garden Gate Health Care Facility in Cheektowaga, N.Y.
   Melanie was married to Norman E. Reynolds on December 18, 1982. In addition to Norm, she is survived by her son, Sean (Courtney) Reynolds, and her grandsons: Ian and Timothy of Tonawanda, N.Y., to whom she was deeply devoted.
   Melanie was lifelong Jamestown resident, born here on Feb. 16, 1948, to the late John W. and Elizabeth Olson Robertson.
   An attendant of Fluvanna Community Church, Melanie enjoyed knitting, reading, crocheting and spending time with her family.    She had a varied employment career, working at Walmart, JoAnn Fabrics and the Adult Day Care Center in Jamestown.
   The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 24, in the Lind Funeral Home. Friends will be received on Thursday, May 23, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
   To leave a condolence for Melanie’s family, please visit www.lindfuneral home.com. 

Class of '74 reunion set - all SWCS grads welcome

JAMESTOWN, NY - The SWCS Class of 1974 has made plans for an August reunion at which all SWCS grads are welcome.

The announcement below gives the details...

Classmate Van Swearingen has passed away

   
SHERRILL, NY - Classmate Van Swearingen died Sunday, it was reported in the Jamestown Post-Journal.
   The obituary with full details about his life is at the bottom of this posting.
   I don't remember too much about Van, except that some of us would talk about what it was probably like to have your father as principal of the high school.
   We were sympathetic. At least I hope so.
   Until I looked in the SWCS yearbook today and saw his picture, I didn't remember that his first name was the same as his dad's: Cloise. 
   To most of us, he was always just Van. And he did smile a lot, just like in the photo.

   He was also one busy guy during high school, evidenced by the yearbook entry of his activities. The cropped photo that is tucked under his yearbook list I believe has images of classmates Marianne Jim and Diane Delancy.
   Classmate Jim Nelson had this to say about Van:
"He was a really good guy who I knew quite well during our SWCS days, but, sadly, he really disappeared after high school.  Every now and then, I would try to locate him, but was unsuccessful.  He never came to any of our reunions, so maybe he just didn't want to re-engage with his old classmates.  Being the son of Mr. "Cheese" Swearingen was probably a heavy cross to bear, but he was always cheerful and, as you pointed out, was involved in many activities.  The two things I will alway remember about Van:  We were managers of the varsity b-ball team and spent a lot of hours shooting hoops together during practices.  Secondly, we spent a lot of time playing silly games while swimming at Lakewood Beach.  Van could hold his breath longer than anyone I knew.  The funny things you remember about people..."
   Rest in Peace, Cloise Van Swearingen.

OBITUARY FROM THE POST-JOURNAL

A new novel is out and a road trip being planned

   
   POINT RICHMOND, Calif. - Last month my third novel finally was published, I say finally because it was more than two years in the writing, editing and eventually making it to print. Some of that was my fault, some blame can be attributed to a publisher in New York City.
      But The Devil's Pipeline is out there and I hope some of you pick it up and give it a look-see.
     The pre-publication reviews were all good. I'm waiting for people to start posting their comments on Amazon.com. Perhaps I should say nervously waiting?
     The book has a strong Kent State connection - specifically a connection to the shooting in May of 1970. That horrible incident is probably burned in your brains as firmly as it is into mine. 
     It wasn't until I was done with the book and was writing an author's note prior to publication that I realized I had fled Lakewood/Jamestown August 1970 in part because the toxic political climate where I was working that May became unbearable after the Kent State shootings.
     It was no accident I landed in California in 1970, or that the politics nearly 50 years later still seem a good fit. At least for me.
     But for the last three years I've criss-crossed the country three times, stopping often in small towns, out-of-the way spots and with a lot of touristy places on my itinerary. 
      Actually, to say I ever have a real itinerary is probably a stretch. I have a general idea when I travel but try not to let progress toward destination destroy the journey.
     

Possibly the only photo in existence of me holding a water bottle

The journey this summer, dragging The Red Writer travel trailer again, is planned (ouch, another word I rarely use!) to be a long looping trip across the Southwest, Deep South, then up the Eastern Seaboard into New England. 
     Possibly that will also include a sojourn into Nova Scotia and the Maritime provinces of Canada. Then in late August, after going to (and writing about!) Woodstock 50 in Watkins Glen, the balance of the trip is likely to be up across the Northern U.S. with stops Michigan, the Dakotas, Montana and, well, who knows.
     Somewhere in all these miles I hope to catch up with some of you. 
     Really.  I don't know about you, but I wonder how many of these cross-country jogs I have left in me. Best not to think that way.
     Last summer I had a great visit with Dan Sundquist at his lakeside home in New Hampshire. Then as I was skedaddling back across country I stopped and swapped lies, er tales, with Bud Hooper in Lakewood.
     Unbelievably, I forgot to take photos of us together.
     I'll try to do better this summer.

Stay safe and healthy, classmates.

'Well, you know. A man of your age?'

   
     POINT RICHMOND, Calif. - The recent passing of Bill Taylor and my impending 70th birthday in July have been a one-two punch to the belly in thinking about mortality.
     And punches to the belly - where a month ago I had two hernia repairs done - are very, very unwelcome, thank you very much.
     Anyone else notice that all that I seem to be able to post on this Class of '66 website are details about which classmate has just passed away? Jaysus!

   This past winter I caught a cold (and probably pneumonia) that almost did me in. Same thing happened two years ago. But my emergency room doctor, (Doogie Howser's older brother) used an expression that my wife Sylvia is soooooo sick of hearing me repeat.
    It does get a good laugh from my kids and friends when I throw it out there.
   I was in the ER getting the once over with symptoms of flu - high fever, some nausea, aches, pains. After nearly buying the farm two years ago with a bout of pneumonia, I don't take any chances with respiratory stuff.
   After being poked and prodded, the doctor shoved a long cotton-swab tipped instrument into my sinus cavity that went so far up I thought he was trying to take a brain cell sample. (Hold the brain sample jokes for the moment.)
   At that point, I thought he had to be done.
   But after retracting the probe, he pushed and prodded some more and then ordered an EKG.
   Say what? EKG?
   I bristled slightly, given that he could see on his computer I had had full heart workup done just a few months before when I had landed in a different ER with chest pains. (Acid-reflux can be a real bitch, friends.) I passed all the heart tests with flying colors.
   But in a move no doubt taught at medical schools, he put his hand on my arm and very paternally explained he really had to do the EKG.
   "After all," he said, "well, you know, a man of your age?"
     A man of my age. Doesn't that about about sum it up!
     So stay healthy classmate amigos - as healthy as you can. And anytime to you need a get-out-of-jail-free card to avoid something?     
    Just say, "You know, a man (or woman) of my age..."
    Did I say stay healthy? I did. Well, one more reminder can't hurt.

Class of '66 classmate Bill Taylor has passed away

   
   WATERVLIET - Class of '66 Classmate Bill Taylor passed away in April, apparently of a heart attack.

     Bill was 69.

     According to his younger brother Pete, no services are planned and as per Bill's wishes he was cremated.

     Bill was not doing well - health-wise - and was living alone at the time of his death.
     
     That's all the details we have at the moment.

Class of '66 classmate Chris Henderson has passed away

   ROCHESTER, NY - Southwestern Central Class of '66 classmate Chris Henderson passed away January 23. His obituary (listed below) says it was "following a lengthy battle with cancer."
   Chris was the editor of The Trojan (school newspaper) our senior year. And if I remember correctly, he was instrumental in convincing faculty advisor Calvin Hanson to allow John Rupp and I to write a gossip column called "The Eavesdroppers."
   Rupp and I had a great time writing it, though more than once we were threatened with bodily injury for what we had posted about some goings on at the Lakewood Drive-In.
   Chris could have nixed that column at the outset. But he seemed to have a rebellious side to him that didn't show very often, except in quiet ways.

   My other memory of Chris - one that still makes me smile, was during some kind of end of the year show that the class put on. 
   In the skit, Chris played Tom Priester. At the time, then Mr. Priester got a ration of ribbing all the time for teaching girls' PE.
    On one side of the stage was a curtain with bare arms waving and voices saying, 
"Oh Mr. Priester, Mr. Priester, I need a towel, please!!!!"
   The arms and voices, of course, meant to represent the girls' shower room - and just another day in the locker room with the high school girls in his PE classes.
   Chris came on stage from the opposite side, wearing a blindfold and baseball cape, walking tenuously all the across until he clumsily tossed the towels to the waving arms.
   But when he turned and walked back across the stage, you see his blindfold only covered ONE EYE.
   And as Chris walked back across the stage - with the audience just roaring with laughter - Chris had a grin on his face I can still remember.
   Rest in peace Judge Chris. Rest in peace. 

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

OBITUARY 

     Christopher Charles Henderson, formerly of Indian Head, Maryland and St. Thomas USVI, passed away in Rochester, NY on January 23, 2018 following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born in New Rochelle, New York on May 27, 1948. Chris had a great sense of humor and enjoyed playing practical jokes on family and friends.

     You always knew he was up to something by the twinkle in his eyes. He loved travelling to various parts of the world, spending his winters in St. Thomas, keeping up with political news and the stock market and was always willing to share his opinions. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles F. and Jeanne R. Henderson, and his favorite aunt, Frances Henderson. Chris is survived by siblings Candace Larson of Lakewood, NY and Timothy P. (Susan) Henderson Sr. of Pittsford, NY as well as nieces and nephews Kerstin (John) Kenty of Clearwater, Florida, Shannon (Stan Horan) Larson of Kona, Hawaii and Deirdre (Blake) Luvon of Twisp, Washington, T. Parker (Jessica) Henderson Jr. of Hilliard, Ohio, Christopher (Frances Miller) Henderson of Chicago, Illinois, and Laura (Matthew) Dudek of Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition, he has nine great nieces and nephews. Chris is a 1966 graduate of Southwestern Central High School (Jamestown, NY), received his BA from Dartmouth College in 1970 followed by his attainment of a JD degree from Georgetown University Law Center (1973). Upon graduation, he was the law clerk for the highly respected Judge Herbert Stern in New Jersey. Chris then served in the US Navy JAG Corps from 1975 -1979. 

     Chris was a partner in the law firm of Digges & Henderson in LaPlata, Maryland and was named and elected Associate Judge in the Seventh Judicial Circuit for Charles County from 1996 until his retirement in 2008. 

     Of note, he presided over the longest criminal trial in Charles County history. Chris was a member of the District of Columbia Bar, State Court of Military Appeals Bar, Maryland State Bar Association and Charles County State Bar (President 1994). He was also a Director of the Charles County Freedom Landing (1990 - 1996) as well as Mattawoman Creek Art Center (1996). 

     A Celebration of Life will be held in LaPlata, Maryland with his remains being scattered at a later date in his beloved St. Thomas. Memorials can be made to the Mattawoman Creek Art Center (www.mattawomanart.org) of which Chris was an avid supporter.

Dan Harp, SWCS Class of 1964 passes away

   PROVIDENCE, R.I. - I just received word today that Dan Harp, SWCS Class of 1964 and older brother of Class of '66 classmate JoAnne Harp passed away in October.
    Dan and I worked together at Lakewood Beach as lifeguards the summer of 1966.
    He was sort of a gentle giant, it seemed to me. He taught me the ropes of what lifeguards really do. And he was a good mentor about what college would be like.
    I'll probably write more about him at another time. 
    But for now, RIP Dan Harp. 

LINK to Obituary.

A class of '74 SWCS classmate passes away

VALOIS, New York - I received notice today that an SWCS grad from 1974 - Bob Storms - recently passed away.

https://swcs1974.wordpress.com/2017/07/22/bob-storms/

Bob Storms was the son of the late Bud Storms of Lakewood, a fellow I worked with in 1970 at the old Crown Dental Laboratory in Jamestown. Bud was a clever, outspoken guy and lectured me from time to time about, well, everything. I was 21, he was in his 40s.

We sparred about politics endlessly until the Kent State shootings in May of 1970. He didn't understand why the students would protest and put themselves in harms way. I didn't understand how he couldn't understand.

I learned a lot from him though and I knew how important his family was to him.

One little odd note, a comment on genetics.

In the photo of Bob Storms, there is a reflection - kind of a glint - from a front tooth, as if he had a gold or metal crown on his tooth. His father Bud had a front tooth - right in the same spot - that had an issue. Plus, Bob looks just like Bud in the photo.

RIP Bob Storms, tell your dad hello for me.

Classmate Terry Jenkins has passed away

LAKEWOOD, New York -  I just received notices from several folks that our SWCS classmate Terry Jenkins passed away.

Classmate Bob Swanson sent along the full Lind Funeral Home write up linked below.

I didn't know Terry well. But I do remember that he was first person I ever saw who wore one of those metal key clips on his belt with his car keys and assorted other items.

I remembering thinking, "How cool!"

RIP Terry.

LINK TO TERRY JENKINS' OBITUARY