 |
Battle Creek High School Class of 1955
|
|
|
Battle Creek High School Class of 1955
|
|
| Senior Pictures | Deceased Classmates | Get a Directory |
| Where They Are Now | Lost Classmates | Site Map / Index Page |
Click Here to submit (or update) your own personal biography
I graduated from the University of Michigan (BSE in Science Engineering) in June 1959, and married Kathleen Ann Davenport (BCHS '55) in September 1959. I worked as an Industrial Engineer for the Kellogg Company, 5 years in Battle Creek and 3 years in San Leandro, California. I joined the Commission for Administrative Services in Hospitals (a consulting group focusing on health care productivity and cost control for California hospitals) as a Senior Consultant in 1968. After 14 years, an unfriendly takeover convinced me to go to work for a client, a small group of hospitals, nursing homes, and home health organizations. This job was in the Sacramento area, and I spent ten months commuting before convincing the board of directors that I could do just as effective work as an outside consultant. So I started my own consulting firm, focusing on hospital staffing productivity, and spent twelve years working all over the country. I joined MECON (since absorbed by GE) as Data Products Operation Manager. We developed comparative operational and cost data for client hospitals to use for improvement, using the process of "benchmarking." I transitioned into their consulting division and spent three years, everywhere but home, teaching the benchmarking process and managing hospital downsizing (not a lot of fun). I retired in 1996 with a mission: build furniture, grow tomatoes, and use a computer as little as possible.
I went to Holland High for most of my HS years, and lived in Holland with my dad and stepmother until spring of 1954. I then went to BC to live with my mom and stepdad and started going to BCCHS for the last 6-7 weeks of school. My senior year I spent going to five classes (one during lunch time) and working at Consumers in the program that gets you a couple of HS credits for working.
After High School I continued to work at Consumers and planned on getting married to a guy from Holland (we were engaged) the following summer (1956). The guy misbehaved while I was out of town and got himself unavailable. Bummer. Well, I waited a couple of years and ended up marrying a guy I met on a blind date.
We had four children, then I caught him misbehaving. We divorced and I married a guy from GR, where I'd been living for a few years. I hardly ever saw him because he worked all day and tippled all night, so that ended after a few years. Not one to give up, I married again, and that one lasted about seven years. I've been 'single' now for about 18 years, and this suits me just fine. I have six fine children, that I raised pretty much all on my own, eight biological grandchildren (lots of steps) and four great grandchildren.
I've worked at Spectrum Health Hospital in Grand Rapids at the downtown location for almost 19 years. I used to be a Unit Secretary (do the doctors orders, order everything for patients, do all the scheduling for tests for patients, etc.). A year ago in January I changed to the Admitting Department and dumped a lot of the stress.
Someone asked me once if I had it to do all over again, what would I change. I said probably nothing because I probably wouldn't have known that I was doing it wrong. Everything's just great now.
I married Hazel Bundy (BCHS '57) June 16, 1957. We have son Bob who lives in Munising MI, daughter Tami living in Battle Creek, and son Jon also living in Battle Creek. These 3 have given us 7 grandchildren and 1 great grand daughter with twin great grands on the way. I attended KCC 1964, transferred to Adrian, graduating in 1970. I became a pastor in 1966, moving all over the state, and I was two years in OH while attending seminary. In 1990, we moved back to Battle Creek (living in the house where Hazel grew up), teaching wood carving classes and working for contractors. We've been to Haiti 1981, Costa Rica 1996, 1998, and Paraguay 1998 where we built a church. We were again in Paraguay April 2000 beginning a 3 story building where the children who live in the dump attend daycare. We returned in December 2000, taking Christmas to these children. We'll be returning October 2001 to construct another church. I'm still teaching wood carving classes and siding houses for contractors. I'm an active member of Dexter Lake Church of God in Battle Creek.
Update 2/11/2002: Bill is headed for Punta Arenas South America April 6 to help build a church in the southern most city in the world.
Graduated from W.A. Foote Memorial Hospital in Jackson, took Michigan Boards in 1959, could then write R.N. after my name. Met husband Lou that fall, married him in January 1960. Had 3 kids, 2 boys, 1 girl. (Also have four grandchildren, which are awesome!) Worked many years at Battle Creek Community Hospital in nearly every department they had. Liked ER best, spent the most time there. Fall of 1988, went back to school at WMU, and graduated (cum laude!!) in 1989 with a degree in Health and Nutrition. Haven't worked a real job since. We had a 35' sailboat for 15 years, then sold it and bought our "retirement home", a 42' Grand Banks, in 1994. In 1998-99, we traveled the "Great Circle" on our boat, Sea Niche III, which was a VERY long and adventurous trip of 5500 miles! We also enjoy traveling by train, plane, and car. Have visited Europe (Ireland twice!), Hawaii and Alaska, etc. Coming home at the end of a trip is the whopping greatest!
I attended BC schools until the end of 11th grade when my family moved to CA. I finished high school in Long Beach and graduated from LB State with a BA. I taught school, married Jim Reed, took time off and had two lovely daughters. I went back to teaching when my daughters were in junior high and also went back to school to get my Master's. My husband and I are both retired and enjoying the good life. We're hoping one day to be grandparents, but neither daughter is married yet - one is engaged! I stay active with water painting, golf, AAUW, and Assistance League.
I retired in 1987 after working 15 years as a receptionist in an oral surgery office in Grand Rapids. Ed retired in 1997 after 28 years as a territory manager for Pfizer Corporation. We have three children and six grandchildren, all in the Grand Rapids area. We live at Cowden Lake in Coral MI in the summers, and the Villages in Lady Lake FL in winters. Ed loves to golf, I love genealogy, and we both love Florida in the winter!
I graduated in Communications Arts, Michigan State University, in February 1959. I worked in radio and TV, and then married John 41 years ago. Can you believe it? We have two children, Beth 37 (with three children, 7, 4, and 2) and Allison (two children, 4 and 2). All are VERY ACTIVE and inherited my genes to be "into everything." I taught school for 20 years (English, drama, speech, and debate). When teen-age hormones on debate trips got to be a bit much, I decided to become the oldest criminal lawyer. I went to Santa Clara University and got a paralegal certificate. It took me two jobs to realize that this was a big mistake and that I was drowning in paperwork. I spent two years part time with the Public Defender's Office working in mental health and sure learned lots about mental illness. I saw an ad for a job with a women's domestic violence shelter and took it. I spent several months training volunteers and when they opened up a PR job, I grabbed it. We had 31 speakers and volunteers and it was great. When my boss transferred to a smaller agency, I followed her there and now run a small speaker's bureau. I got bored this year and added what is called "Read Santa Clara." I teach an adult class in Public Speaking and also tutor a student two times a week. So, even though John and I technically retired four years ago, I am always on the run and love it. But ... the best part of my life, other than John, is the two girls and the five grandchildren ... 2 girls and 3 boys. WOW! They are my pride and joy.
After graduating, I worked two years for Michigan Bell, then moved to California in August 1957. I met and married my husband within one month. We have one daughter and one granddaughter. I worked for Southern California Gas Company for several years, then worked for the Chairman of the Board of the Gas Company's parent company as his Administrative Assistant. I retired in 1992.
My husband and I enjoy traveling, collecting oriental antiques, and entertaining. We enjoy renewing friendships with former classmates at the reunions and appreciate all of the hard work done by the reunion committee. Thank you.
I graduated from Western Michigan University in 1959 with a BBA degree. I own and operate supermarkets in Douglas and Niles, Michigan. My hobbies are golf, boating, and travel. I'm a member of Elks and Moose, and I'm a licensed pilot. I married Dee Scott in 1999. Dee lived in Battle Creek and was Teller Operations Manager at the Omni Family Credit Union. We both still enjoy reasons to return to the Creek.
After graduation, I went to work at the US Register Company and worked until I was 21. Then I joined the Battle Creek Fire Department. In 1983, the city annexed Battle Creek Township and they offered anybody with 25 years of service an early out with full benefits and a bonus. I took the retirement, moved to Florida, and we've lived in Brooksville ever since.
When I graduated from BCHS, I wanted to grow up to be rich and famous. Now I just want to grow up.
I love to write. In the time I can devote to it, I write humor pieces, "people" features, and environmental articles for local newspapers and national magazines.
Race horses are a very bad idea. A barn full of lame race horses, pregnant brood mares, yearling stallions, and undisciplined weanlings, which all need to be fed and groomed and have their stalls cleaned, is not Glamorous. Stallions have room for two things in their minds: Breeding and Feeding. So you'd better have food when you approach one. Being in the winner's circle is a real high, but the myth that winning horses make money is just that .. a myth. For your education: Harness horses have Drivers, not Jockeys. They do not run. They pace. Or, with luck, they trot.
Going whitewater rafting, participating in archaeological digs, tracking wolves, and monitoring wildlife at Yellowstone, Wind River, and the Tetons are lifetime highs. Everyone should do an adventure vacation at least once.
I have the best job in the world, with thrills, laughs, surprises, and constant variety. I am a school psychologist in a large urban school system in Toledo OH. I serve the high school, career and tech center, and seventh and eighth grade buildings.
My students have included a top OSU draft running back, outstanding athletes in basketball, volleyball, golf, and soccer, one or two talented artists, a scholarship winning actress, a good auto technician, a computer whiz or two, and even an ace residential construction student.
But I also have close acquaintance with students who have been featured in newspapers and on TV, including the "Buried Alive Killer," the "Cop Rapist," and a kid who set out to annihilate several class members with three knives and an ice pick.
As part of the faculty in the workplace program, I spent a week with the Toledo Police, riding in cruisers for three days. During the time I was with the CID, the detectives, carrying big black guns and wearing thick bulletproof vests, served a warrant on a local drug entrepreneur. While they jumped out of the car and surrounded the house like a hyperactive version of "Cops," I sat in the car .. quaking. The highlight of the week was the day I spent with the scientific investigation division. Bodies, Blood, and Fingerprints. Right up my alley.
One of my most embarrassing moments was the night I was busted with some of the school's prominent women staff members, including an attorney, guidance counselors, and two principals, while we were attempting to catch a performance of the Chippendales.
I look forward to every day and as long as I can continue to have fun in my job, I think retirement is for wussies.
Donna and I have been involved in Ministry since graduating from Bethel College, in Mishawaka IN, in 1960. I served as Pastor in Missionary Churches in Walled Lake, Alpena, and Lansing through 1971, then was Michigan District Youth Director for the church into 1977. I attended the Rio Grande Language School in 77-78 to prepare for missions in Latin America, then served a mission in the Dominican Republic until 1987. We came back to lead the church in Mishawaka until 1994, then returned to our mission in DR, where we are now, in early 2001.
We came back to establish a Bible Institute. This has been done, and we now have about 110 students. About half are in Theology and Bible Study courses, half in music classes. I turned over the direction of the Institute to a Dominican director in 1998, and have been teaching Bible, Theology, and Missions since.
Donna and I plan to return to Michigan in the summer of 2001, to a home on the St. Joe River. I will travel for the Mission and the Church, working with Spanish training in Mexico, Puerto Rico, DR, Cuba, Venezuela, and different parts of the US.
We have two children: Steve lives in Traverse City, has four boys from 4 to 6 years of age, and is studying engineering in the University. Michelle has two children, and is an English teacher at Mishawaka High School.
I have had an interest in cars all my life, and since I am retired now, I am in the process of restoring my 1964 Corvette. I have owned this car since new. It doesn't need a lot of work but my goal is to keep it as original as possible and make it a show winner. I entered it in the B.C. Drifters car show at the Battle Creek Balloon (and rain) Festival. I will be at the Battle Creek Cruise the Gut on August 12 (2006), the Gilmore Red Barn "Elvis" car show at Hickory Corners August 19, and the Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival car show at the Paw Paw middle school on September 9. I am a member of the Kalamazoo Corvette Club and The National Council of Corvette Clubs and like to participate in other events such as parades, drive and dine tours, and charitable events such as one where we take young people who are victims of Spina Bifida for rides in the Corvettes. The joy we bring them is priceless.
My husband Vern Herzing and I have been married for 40 years. We have two daughters, two great sons-in-law, and three wonderful grandsons. My husband has retired as a Facility Manager at Post Products in Battle Creek and I have retired after 25 years as a Registered Nurse at Battle Creek Health System. It has been a great life, and we feel Blessed!!
I'm a retired RN. I enjoy my involvement in professional and faith-based activities. A shared a love of travel with my husband (also retired) has prompted trips to numerous interesting destinations. An appreciation of God's blessings of health and home prompts a desire to entertain long time (and more recent) friends. Let us know if you plan to visit our area.
No profile here, but you can go to Roberta's Web Site.
I've worked for the Michigan Department of Treasury in Kalamazoo for 32 years. I served five years in the US Air Force, and worked eight years at the Battle Creek Post Office. I graduated from Argubright's Business College with a degree in accounting. I'm a member of American Legion Post 298, and Master Mason in Richland Lodge 217, F&AM.
I retired from Ralston Purina in 1996, after working there for 38 years. Maggie was an RN for the BCHS for 24 years, and retired in 1999. We both remain active in the Bellevue Community Theater. Maggie was Director/Producer, and I was Technical Director, both for 28 years. I like to travel, fish, hunt, garden, and I play lots of golf.
Hello class of 55: We live in Apache Junction AZ about 8 months of the year and lately have traveled the states the other 4 months. Last summer we toured the state of Alaska in our motor home with another couple from Washington, who also spend winters here in AZ. We keep very busy here, lots of activities and at least 2 or 3 days of golf!!!!!! Thanks for the update on our class. I enjoy hearing from everyone.
Three husbands later, my (4th) husband, Jim, and I will celebrate our 25th this August 4th. We have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. I retired in '99 as I wanted to pursue a career in writing children's stories and working with my wreath/centerpiece/machine embroidery business: Imagination Garden. We live in Westminster CA and have two time shares, so we travel a lot. We are going to Aruba for two weeks in September. I haven't been in contact with anyone from BCHS since the 30th reunion. I love the computer and all it can do. Would love to hear from any of you. Does anyone live out this way?
Update: November 20, 2001
Since our Aruba vacation was to begin on Sept. 13th ... and the terrorists
strike was on the 11th ...
and my mother died on the 13th, needless to say we cancelled the trip
... maybe another day. My email has
changed to: shirlstew@socal.rr.com.
I've written to all California resident classmates to set up a California reunion in February 2002. There are about 20 out here, plus mates, but I've only heard from 5. We'll be having a get together here in Westminster, the 23rd/24th of February. Anyone in States close by is welcome to attend ... please contact me at my email address or 714-897-1200.
Update: April 2, 2005
Well, the mini reunion went great, but haven't had much contact with the attendees since then. I am researching the airlines for down to earth prices for the trip to the reunion. My husband is excited about going with me. We plan to arrive in Detroit on the 11th, rent a car and drive to BC... and stay until the morning of the 15th... that should give us some extra time to tour around and see the many changes that have occurred since '55.. and even since '85 when I was there for the 30th. I am excited to see how everyone has changed over the years and will we recognize anyone?? Of course there are so many that still live in BC or the area that have had contact over the years with each other.
See you in August for the 50th.......
Besides raising a family of five, I was an administrative secretary for several years, then branched out to try the advertising and public relations field. When I was asked to interview for Judges Ryan and Coleman (Calhoun County Circuit Court), I nearly refused, having had little or no legal experience. But this led to law school and my future niche in life. My first husband had taken a long walk to oblivion, and I met my one true love, Bud Gray. He had just returned from two years in Nam, and he was headed for Korea. I quickly snatched him up! We married, and he adopted the four children from my previous marriage, plus, we added a little girl of our own.
After Bud's return from Korea (yeah, he still had to complete his tour of duty), we were transferred to Fort Lee, Virginia. We sold our Michigan home and bought a home in Petersburg, a city full of history and charm in the '70s. I worked with the Planning Commission in Chester, VA, then left for a civil service job at Fort Lee. Only eighteen months later, we were off to Italy, where we spent three interesting, memorable years. I began working with the Corps of Engineers, as a part of the contracts division. Our negotiations included construction contracts for Turkey, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Italy and Germany. I do not recommend travel to Saudi. At least, my own encounter was unpleasant. But, that's another story ...
Bud retired from the Service in '79, and in '81, I received an offer from a major oil company in Texas that I couldn't refuse. Our next eldest daughter was married to a local contractor, and our sons were in the military - the eldest in the Marine Corps, and our youngest in the Navy Medical Corps. So, off we went, with the "baby," who was now 11, to make a new life in the Lone Star State. For ten happy years, we worked and played in the western setting. Bud became a long haul truck driver - a childhood dream - and I pulled hair over oil diggings and riggings. Then, my health dropped a hole in my plans. I was forced into early retirement and, for a few years, it was doubtful if I'd have a future. These were difficult times for my family. But, with optimism and the benefit of modern science, I'm back! We returned to Virginia and bought a small home in a quiet retirement community, and here we've been, ever since 1991.
I have a new "career" now: I am rediscovering old classmates and finding new friends. In 2000, Bill Myers "found" me, and I thought his quest was important and exciting. I joined the search. Since I already have a small graphics studio in my home, where I work with local schools, libraries, Scout troops, etc., I also had a yen to create something for our classmates. Ergo, the web site! And, you know the rest of the story ...
Still living in hometown. Attended MSU for 2 years, WMU one year. Then married in October 1959 to Daniel Patrick Westcott. Dan passed away March, 1997. Have three children, 2 oldest, daughters, and my one and only grandson, live in Battle Creek. Son Jay lives in Falls Church, VA with my new daughter, Reiny. I have worked several part time jobs through the years, including sub teaching, medical assistant, church secretary and now as switchboard operator at Kellogg Company. For eight years I raised and showed Doberman Pinschers. I play in the church handbell choir, love to read, quilt and make and collect teddy bears. My collection now numbers well over 600. Love to travel, especially cruising with my Mom. Our latest cruise, October 1-10 took us from Boston to Montreal, visiting New England and the Atlantic Canadian provinces.
BCHS ‘55, USNA ‘59, Naval Aviator ‘61, USNPGS ‘67, Naval Flight Officer ‘68, UCB ‘76, Retired ‘83
I joined the Michigan Air National Guard, 172nd Fighter Bomber Squadron based at Kellogg Field, in the fall of 1953. I was still a junior at BCHS. I was an engine mechanic on P51 Mustangs and F86 Sabres and participated in a training deployment to Alpena during the summer of 1954. I had big plans to be in the first class at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs or remain in the Guard and go to Air Force pilot training after graduating from UofM, MSU, or IU. All of these, among several other universities, wanted me to play football for them. My plans to attend the Air Force Academy went awry when the stringent Air Force flight physical exam revealed that I had a heart conduction defect. I knew that such a condition would torpedo my Guard and Air Force plans. I began looking for Plan B.
The United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland wanted me to play football for the Navy team. In those days, the Air Force and the Navy didn’t share anything, much less information on physical examinations; so I sat for the USNA entrance exam (Thanks to the tutoring of Hazel Wakefield, I passed.) and a physical exam at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. The latter was arranged by the Annapolis Athletic Director. I received an appointment from Congressman August Johansen and entered Annapolis in July 1955. Four years of intensive training and education at the “old Naval Academy” went by in a flash. I graduated and was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy in June of 1959. I played football during my plebe (freshman) year and for a month or so of youngster (sophomore) year, however the knee problems that had dogged me as a Bearcat wrestler and football player finally forced me to stop playing the sport that I loved so much. I reasoned that I would rather be a naval officer than a broken down ex-football player. Bearcat team co-captain Dick Donnell and I even had the rare opportunity to play against each other when Dick was playing halfback for Bullis Preparatory School. Dick was a very special guy, and it was a sad day when he left us.
After graduation from USNA, I went through flight training at Pensacola and Whiting, Florida and Kingsville, Texas. In Florida I had all propeller training in the T34 Mentor and the T28 Trojan. While in Texas, I did advanced training flying the F9F Cougar and the F11F Tiger. I was awarded the wings of a naval aviator in early 1961. My training as a nuclear weapons delivery pilot followed. I then flew the FJ4B Fury, the navy version of the Sabre, from the deck of the USS Lexington and the A4C Skyhawk from the USS Constellation. The Constellation was a brand new super carrier that had just been commissioned. I made three deployments with a light jet attack squadron to the Western Pacific in Lexington and Constellation. I left the Gulf of Tonkin bound for the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, just a month before our air strikes in North Vietnam began.
After three years at the postgraduate school I received a masters degree in aeronautical engineering in 1967. During my last summer of postgrad education, I worked for NASA on the supersonic transport competitive wind tunnel tests between Boeing and Lockheed. Those tests were run in the supersonic wind tunnel complex at the Ames Research Laboratory in Palo Alto, California, not too far from Stanford University.
For the next six years, I was back in the Skyhawk cockpit (for a year), training as a radar intercept officer, launching navy navigation satellites, flying with a Navy experimental squadron, and making two long combat deployments to Vietnam in a fighter squadron aboard the nuclear aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise. Eighteen months on Yankee Station off the coast of Vietnam brought me 1000 hours in the F4 Phantom and 175 combat missions over North and South Vietnam and Laos. I was airborne coming out of a bombing mission into Laos when the Vietnam ceasefire went into effect (January 1973). I was also airborne several weeks later over the northern Gulf of Tonkin on a combat air patrol mission when the first USAF Starlifter transport lifted off from Hanoi’s Gia Lam Airport bearing the first American POWs to repatriation. (Among them was a friend who was the first American shot down on the first strike mission into Hon Gai Harbor after the Maddox incident.) He had been incarcerated in the Hanoi Hilton from August 1964 until that day in February 1973. On the happier side of that long and costly war, my wife Alice and I were married at the Cubi Point Naval Air Station in the Philippines in 1971. She was a Navy Lieutenant stationed in Hawaii, and I was a Lieutenant Commander by then.
Upon returning to the United States during the summer of 1973, the Navy sent me to assume the post of Associate Professor of Naval Science and Executive Officer at the NROTC Unit at the University of California - Berkeley. I spent three years there helping to reestablish ROTC and taking business courses. I also had the sad duty to close down the NROTC unit at Stanford University. I am an alum of Annapolis and Berkeley, a strange combination indeed. During that three year tour of duty, I was selected as an aeronautical engineering duty officer and as a weapons systems acquisition manager.
After leaving Berkeley in 1976, I reported to the Pentagon. I was assigned to be the Satellite Surveillance Branch Head on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. While there, I was also responsible for liaison with the Navy astronauts in Houston, Texas. During the next four years, I coordinated a number of space surveillance programs, participated in the formulation of a national space policy, planned for the newly developed Space Shuttle, and moved to the Navy Research Laboratory as the deputy program manager of a highly classified space surveillance program.
After four years in the Washington, DC pressure cooker, I was selected to lead the Naval Avionics Center in Indianapolis, assuming command in August 1980. What a rewarding three year tour that was! To have been the CEO of the top aviation electronics research center with 2500 engineers and scientists working to solve the Navy’s thorniest electronics challenges was a great way to complete my Navy career. I chose to retire after thirty years in uniform (1953-1983) and was relieved of command in August of 1983. My retirement to civilian life in Indianapolis as a Captain US Navy became effective in December of that year.
A decade of transition from uniform followed. I was the CEO of an architectural and engineering firm, director of program development at the Indianapolis Center for Advanced Research, Director of Development for the Christian Theological Seminary, special assistant to the president of the Electronics Manufacturing Productivity Facility, and an independent consultant advising private companies on how to do business with the federal government. In 1993, my wife Alice and I saw our son enter Annapolis just before moving south to a condo in Bradenton, Florida.
I have spent the last twelve years (1993-2005) easing into full retirement, decreasing the amount of consulting I did each year. I have now ended my consulting trips to Washington, DC. Alice and I moved to Sarasota in 1998, and I concentrate my time working on church projects, writing a monthly column for our local Military Officers Association, assisting a Kosovar refugee family, teaching part time at the Sarasota Military Academy, getting regular workouts at the YMCA, playing golf, and goofing off. I am so fortunate to have my loving wife of thirty three plus years, three sons, three grandchildren, and my health.
If anyone wonders whatever happened with my heart conduction problem, it was not discovered until I had my aviator’s wings and was preparing for my first deployment to the Pacific. By then the Navy had invested so much money in my education and training that the medical board at the School of Aviation Medicine in Pensacola chose to overlook the defect. I went for annual physical electrocardiograms each year for the four years at Annapolis and during the two years of flight training. On every visit, I found the machine out of order and was told that they would catch me “next year.” It was 1961 when I was finally hooked up to a machine that worked. I have always considered the faulty machines as divine intervention. I do have heart arrhythmia problems now, but I keep them under control with very effective medications.
Growing up in Battle Creek prepared me for what has been and continues to be an exciting and fulfilling life. Not many people are given the opportunities with which I have been blessed - especially service to our nation. My thirty years in uniform were a privilege and a challenge for a kid who was born on Arthur Street and raised on West Goguac. Roosevelt and Jefferson elementary schools, Southwestern Junior High, and Central all played a role in preparing me for what lay ahead. We all look back nostalgically and see the Fifties as a simpler time, and I suppose that it was more black and white. We worried about being vaporized by an atomic bomb from the Soviet Union. Then, ironically, as a young naval officer, I found myself as a delivery pilot who would respond and carry such a weapon into the Soviet Union or China if the unthinkable happened and we were attacked. Mutually assured destruction was a national policy that was successful for the long and arduous Cold War that lasted for half a century. I believe that the world is a much more complex and dangerous place now with the threat of militant Islam, asymmetrical warfare, and weapons of mass destruction in the hands of rogue nations and terrorists. The trump card that the United States holds right now is that it is the only superpower on earth and holds that position by a large margin. I am honored to have had a very small part in bringing this nation to its present position of military dominance. I pray that Americans will stay the course and not lose resolve in what will be a very long and bloody war against terrorism.
I worked for Canteen Service for 45 years, then retired in 1998. After several moves to other Michigan cities for the company, we returned back to Battle Creek to Condo living, and we've been spending the winters in Florida.
No profile here, but you can go to Gordon's Web Site.
My husband has been retired over six years from the federal government. We're enjoying retirement and we still live at the same place. I'm working part time, and I'm our church's pianist. We've been married for over 42 years and now have four granddaughters. One son lives in the Dallas - Fort Worth area and the other lives in Hampton. We continue to have good health. We travel, mostly to BC to visit Don's dad, and we assist our church where we are active members. Our greatest joy comes from our granddaughters' visits.
I worked for the US government for 34 years, then retired in 1992. Then I worked part time as a Captain, Operations Manager, for Viper Security in Kalamazoo. I retired from that in July 2002.
I'm retired from General Motors after 38 years. I was a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Sheet Metal Dies.
After graduation from BCHS, I entered the U.S. Marine Corps on Dec 28, 1955 and became an avionics technician. Became known as “Red”. I retired Jun 30, 1975 after working as a technician, instructor, quality control and avionics chief. Served two tours in Japan (1959-60, 1970-71, one tour in Vietnam as a helicopter door gunner (1966-67), and went on numerous cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Had a great time and am sorry that I’m too old to do it again!
Married in 1957 to Helen Mathis (BCHS ’57) and divorced in 1974. Have two daughters, three grandkids, and a great-grandson.
After retirement from the Marines, I remarried in 1975 to Mary Ann (Tilford) Albert, a widow with two sons. We bought a house in Pasadena, CA and I went to work in the aerospace industry in Southern California. Worked in electronics for aircraft (military & civilian), ships (military & civilian) and Trident submarines. Retired Dec 12, 2001 and now do consulting and some contract work. She continues to teach 3rd grade full time.
My hobbies were/are: Touring Motorcycles (rode in all states except Hawaii, all Canadian provinces and Mexico), scuba diving, in-line skating (roller hockey), skiing, poker, travel trailer, beer & wine.
After college graduation, I taught in United Fruit Company schools in Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador for three years. Returned to BC. Married. Taught at Lakeview High School until retirement. My husband died in 1996.
Photography has always been a hobby. It has taken me to the Canadian High Arctic, to Tierra del Fuego, across the Pacific to Japan and SE Asia, and to the Middle East. I have done some architectural work in Europe, but prefer the natural subjects. East and South Africa are favorite places. My photos are usually done by commission of an author. The books are children's texts and are not readily available in book stores. Other photos have appeared in Colonial Homes, National Wildlife, Outdoor Photographer and Ranger Rick.
Several trips are made to the West each year, and I have a winter "retreat" in a canyon near Green Valley AZ.
The last 45 years - wow lots of things have gone on. I did not go on to college, but decided to get married right out of high school. Married my high school sweetheart, Garry Millard. We had two daughters, Sherree and Natala. That marriage ended in divorce. I remarried and had two more daughters. My current husband, John, and I have been married 25 years. I worked for Price Waterhouse for 28 years, retiring in 1988. When John retired from the Automobile Club of Michigan we moved to Sarasota, FL in 1991. We had vacationed there for the past 30 plus years and loved the area and climate. We have numerous friends from the Battle Creek area who are seasonal visitors. John and I have eight children between us, he had two daughters and twin sons. With all our children we have 16 grandchildren. Our oldest grandchild is 24, and is with a ballet company in New York. We have 9 granddaughters and 7 grandsons. With this big a family we have a lot of company, which we enjoy immensely.
We go back to Battle Creek each summer to visit family and friends. We have a travel trailer which we go camping in. Last year did about 30 states and were gone most of the hot summer. We have a buff colored cocker spaniel who is a very very spoiled dog. Her name is Bo-Daisy, and she goes everywhere we go. John's 50th Class Reunion from Battle Creek Central is this summer and we will be coming back to Battle Creek. We recently just finished building a new home, which took a lot out of us.... not as young as we thought, but we love the house and the new area.
I still enjoy swimming. We had a lap pool in our latest home, but sold that this past winter, so have to go to the Y-Center in Sarasota, which is beautiful. They have an Olympic size outdoor pool which is beautiful. I keep saying that I'm going to get back in the Master's Swim Team, but never find the time to go to the 6:00 a.m. practices... maybe some day before I get too old. I enjoy golf, gardening, quilting and of course swimming. Not a very exciting bio, but it has been a very interesting life. I am still very healthy and very happy.
Upon graduation, I attended McConnel Airline School in Minneapolis MN. I flew for Braniff International out of Dallas Texas. I returned to Battle Creek in 1957 to marry my sweetheart of 44 years. In 1959 we moved to Danville IN, outside of Indianapolis, where Joe worked as an air traffic controller. I took a job with a Financial Institute in Indianapolis where I did Local TV commercials. In 1962 we adopted our first child. We then adopted two more, and I had a little girl in 1969. We had 2 boys and 2 girls. I then spent the next 17 years as a homemaker and mother. I did volunteer work for the American Cancer Society, Little League, Hendricks County Hospital, and anywhere they wanted me. In 1982 I returned to the work force in a Law Office where I just retired January of 2000. We built a home at Heritage Lake in Coatesville IN where we enjoy the good life. I love antiques, Indianapolis Colts (daughter Jodie cheered for 5 years), NASCAR RACING (Dale Jarrett my man), and the visits with my classmates, the "Urbandale Brats", over the years. But most of all I enjoy my 7 1/2 grandchildren who are the spirit of my heart. God Bless the Class of 55, And Especially the Committee for the endless work.
After graduating from MSU, I joined the Chicago Tribune, married and had a son, Mark, and a daughter, Alyson. I became a copywriter for an ad agency in Louisville. Becoming weary of the hassles of agency life, I became a buyer in retail. It's a gypsy's life, retail, moving to Richmond VA, then Jacksonville, where I became the corporate gift buyer for the May Company in the European market. My wife died at age 38 while in Jacksonville. Atlanta beckoned me, where I opened a showroom in the Merchandise Mart, bought rental houses in the metro area, and retired early. I've lived here since 1974, have a grandson 12 here in GA by my son, and a grandson and granddaughter in Scottsdale AZ by my daughter. Today I try to keep up with the demands of rental property, do a lot of writing (fiction and children's stories), travel when I can (back to Europe and recently Singapore), and take care of my 2 dogs, Beaulah and Buckwheat.
Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State and Colorado, worked 25 yrs. for GE Nuclear Energy retiring in 1989. Gave up being "forever single" in 1986. Enjoy with Nancy: tennis, golf, party bridge, cooking on the grill, Lancaster Symphony, and a cabin in the woods in SW New Hampshire. Toured British Isles, New Zealand, China, Nova Scotia, Alaska, and Germany and Austria - and found the best part of any trip is getting home.
Right out of high school I worked for the Federal Civil Defense Administration in Battle Creek (the old Percy Jones building). I married a classmate (Richard Eugene Templeton) in 1957. We had four children in five years, three boys and one girl. Gene started Kellogg Community College after our third child on a part-time basis. After completing two years there, we moved to Kalamazoo where he completed his BA degree, and then we moved to Ann Arbor to the U of M where he completed his master's degree. He landed a job at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan in 1967. Being the wife of a teacher allowed me to take advantage of going to college and I started in 1968. I got my BS degree in 1973 and began teaching that year for Jonesville Schools. I taught, cared for children, etc. and did a Master's Degree part-time and finished in 1978. Gene and I were divorced in 1981.
Now a new life in 1982 with husband Ronald Boone. He had one daughter who lived with us until she graduated. We have 13 grandchildren and 2 and 1/2 great-grandchildren.
We retired from teaching in 1993 and began wintering in Bradenton, Florida. We really like our life both here and in Michigan. We are very active in our church (Ron was a minister before a 1967 accident left him a paraplegic). We also love spending time with our children and grandchildren.
We are currently residing in Clearwater, Florida. I worked For Clark Equipment for 30 years as a Capital Investment Analyst, retiring in 1985. My wife Diane and I also owned and operated Morgan Senior Care, Inc., a private adult foster care for the elderly for seven years. Diane and I have been married for 40 years. Children - six from a first marriage - two boys and four girls , two children with Diane - one boy and one girl. Grandchildren twenty-seven, Great Grandchildren twenty-one. We relocated to Clearwater, Florida in 2003 and enjoy the Florida Lifestyle. I enjoy spending time with my children Dan & Linda who reside in Florida and their children - attending their many activities. Love the Grandpa thing. Also, have a pet "Murphy" - Yorkshire Terrier, a wonderful companion. Never thought I would be crazy about a dog but it happens. No teen years and no back talk.
After an extended childhood (which seems in retrospect to be a continuing condition), and after graduation from BCHS, I spent over ten years at the University of Michigan getting degrees in mathematics and nuclear science.
Mary Jo Campbell (Saginaw Arthur Hill) and I met in Ann Arbor in 1958, were married in Saginaw about a year later, and have been learning about each other ever since. Michael was born in Ann Arbor and turned out to be a brilliant child and a good mathematician. He developed a serious handicap before finishing a PhD at the University of Utah. He died in October 2002 after a long illness. Michael got us two brilliant grandsons, Maxwell (15 yo) in Salt Lake City, and Charles (10) in Spokane. Rebecca was born in Idaho Falls, earned a BSChE at the University of Idaho, and is now a business process consultant for an energy company in Tulsa OK, a ranch wife in training, and a new mommy.
We spent about 30 years in SE Idaho where I worked for a series of Department of Energy contractors and Mary did some teaching and (lots of) volunteer work at schools and hospitals. I did research in molecular spectroscopy, and then got into the computing disciplines through development of nuclear instrumentation using early minicomputers. I got to be a real computer whiz (way out of date now) developing assembly language data acquisition software for spectroscopy, related instrumentation, and nuclear reactors.
I drifted into the management of an instrumentation development group, minicomputer applications in general, and on to other roles in computer applications, computer security, factory automation, and project management. I took an early retirement in 1995 after a few years of frustration in the DoE's spent nuclear fuel management games.
Mary and I spend six months way up north on Drummond Island, Michigan, and six months, in the cooler times, in Bonita Springs, Florida. Friends and family visit us plenty often in both places, and we maintain our old vacation cabin up north to encourage the visits. Mary likes to fish. She catch 'em, I clean 'em, she cook 'em. I eat 'em.
I got involved a few years ago in searching for our 'lost' high school classmates after finding that our reunion committee had lost track of more than 120 of the 450 1955 graduates. This became a challenging, absorbing, and compulsive hobby. Roberta Hill (Gray) joined me a year later and, with other help, we've pared the lost list to just 10 as of September 2002. Robbie talked me into helping her develop the class web site as a tool in our search and to help people keep in touch, and this developed into a rewarding pastime.
I'm a seasonal, once a week, volunteer with the Naples Free Net, a non-profit all volunteer community service internet service provider in Naples, Florida. As a member of the Help Team, I work with interesting people, meet new and interesting people every week, and get a few interesting problems to resolve. I've also built a personal web site to entertain our friends and family, and to keep them informed of our activities and plans.
Please visit us at ~> http://toadisland.tripod.com/
(addendum November 2004)
I had to end my volunteer work with Naples Free Net last year when the offices were moved about 20 miles, and an hour driving time, out southeast of Naples. I've been keeping busy in my slack time (among other things) keeping up with classmate locations. Now that the preliminary announcement are out for the 50th reunion, I'm going to stop the proactive tracking and depend on classmates that care to keep in touch to keep in touch.
I retired from John Deere after working there for 34½ years. I was a Special Investigator for Quality Control. I retired (also) in 1990 from US Army Reserves School, where I was an instructor, after 20 years. I've been in all kinds of businesses, I was a Scout Leader for 18 years, I was Iowa State Amvet Commander for 1997-98, and I've been married for 43 years. I'd like to keep in touch. I'd like a call or an email from any of the classmates.
(and November 29, 2004)
I volunteer for the Dept of Defense as an ESGR rep. ESGR = Employer Support of the Guard & Reserves. I’ve been doing this for over three years now. If a member loses his job anytime, he comes to us. It is very enjoyable. I get to talk to CEO's and the Dept of Labor. 1997-98 I was Iowa State Amvet Commander.
I’m now collecting computers to give to the families of national guard & reserves. I’ve given out approximately 120 so far, and I’m looking for 500 more to give out. This is state wide in Iowa. If you hear of any other state that would like to do this type of thing, let me know. All the companies that give us computers usually have a news release.
After 34 years as a college professor, I am now fully retired (professor emeritus) and I hang around the house and drive my wife crazy. I have a full restoration shop under my house where I restore old automobiles and motorcycles. I have finished a 1966 Corvair Corsa Convertible; a beautiful driver if ever there was one. I also did a 1959 Triumph TR-3 sports car a few years ago that my wife and I drive everywhere.
After graduation I joined the Michigan National Guard. After some intensive training, I was assigned to the Michigan National Guard HQ in Lansing as a full time adviser. In the meantime, I met JoAnn, my wife now of 41 years, while roller skating at the Skateland rink at Kellogg airfield. We've been "going around" ever since; we became a dance team and skated all over the Mid-West and Florida.
We moved to Florida in January 1980. Our 3 girls hated us for doing that, as we took them away from all their friends, but they later forgave us.
JoAnn is a full charge book-keeper for a large landscape company. I retired from the county and the electrical trade October 2000, after 45 years of fixing everyone's electrical problems . "TIME FOR A REST" - and I think I've lost my spark, anyway.
We have 5 grandchilden, 4 boys 1 girl, some in SC, some in NC, some here.
We are semi retired. Ralph is an electrician, and I'm a substitute teacher. We travel some, have a cat, and attend Fairview Baptist Church. We visit in Michigan two or three times a year.
I attended KCC while my children were in school. Later I worked in several doctors' offices, then retired from the BC Health System after 14 years of service. Altogether, I spent 35 years in medical employment, and I retired in 1993. I was widowed twice in ten years, after my children were married and had their own homes.
I've written some poetry and I started a book some time ago that never got finished. I married again, five years ago. I never did give up easily.
I moved to Florida in 1993 because of health problems. We live in Michigan in the summer so we can be near our children and grandchildren. We're active in our churches in both Michigan and Florida, and we're active in our Park in Florida. We enjoy growing roses and other flowers and traveling, too. The children, their spouses, the grandchildren, the family, are our greatest attraction.
I graduated from WMU with a BS in Paper Science in 1959. I married Sheila Allen (Lakeview HS) "Would you believe 42 years". In 1959, I joined Simpson Paper. I was Manager of Sales and Marketing, and was with them for 38 Years, living in Kalamazoo, then moving to Atlanta in 1972. We're currently residing in Alpharetta GA. I retired, but consulted for 18 months, helping the sale of Simpson. I then joined Plainwell (Shasta Paper), managing their Specialty Paper in Sales & Marketing. And I'm still working.
We have three boys residing in Atlanta, St. Simons Island GA, and Meeker County, and five grandchildren. I enjoy playing golf and, because of my job, I've had the privilege of playing some of the finest courses in the US. When not visiting the family, we enjoy Puerto Rico, California (Napa Valley), and, this year, Alaska.
To the Committee "JOB WELL DONE"
Ray retired in 1991 after 35 years of flying with the Air Force and Trans World Airlines. He spent his Airline career in Kansas City and we have stayed in this area. His first order of business was to build a shop where he enjoys cabinet and small furniture making for family and friends.
Nancy was a stay at home mom, since dad was gone a lot, while our two sons and two daughters were at home, then worked part time in a small office after they were grown. We are also proud grand parents of two grand daughters and one great grand daughter.
Bob and I are enjoying the chance to do a little traveling. We live at Garfield Lake and we enjoy the lake activity, especially fishing and swimming. We have a lot of wildlife on our property, so I enjoy feeding the birds and trying to garden around the deer. I help my granddaughters with their 4-H projects, and I do volunteer work at our church. I belong to a garden club and a genealogy club.
I retired from Post Cereals April 1995 after working there for 37 years. Joyce, my wife of 32 years, was very ill with respiratory problems at the time. On my doctor's recommendation, to get an outlet from the house and related domestic duties, I got a part time job at ASMO at Fort Custer. This got me out of the house for four hours a day but still allowed me to take good care of Joyce until she passed away with congestive heart failure.
I have since remarried (to Donna) and now live at 50 N 27th Street in Battle Creek. Donna and I together have 3 children, 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. We have a cottage at Silver Lake, Michigan, where we spend time in the summer, and we go to Lakeland, Florida, in the winter. We're on the Battle Creek Days Picnic Committee again this year and find that a lot of fun.
After High School I pursued a career in Nursing and worked as an RN in the medical field for 40 years. I retired in l998 but work on occasion in the profession I love. I married in l958, had 2 sons and 1 daughter, and now 5 grandchildren. I've lived in Sturgis, Michigan, except for 7 years in Florida, since graduation. Got the big D in l982 and remarried in l990. I love refinishing furniture, gardening, reading, and traveling. I've been fortunate to be able to travel to Europe on 4 occasions and take several trips in the US. Since retiring I seem to find myself spending lots of time babysitting grandchildren, doing volunteer work, and things family members don't have time to do! Guess that means I'm needed .. right?
No profile here, but you can go to Joe's Web Site.
Retired! Traveling, tennis, golf, gardening, grandparenting - ALL - while we can still remember what we're about - which at this time we feel fairly certain we know. But we really do have moments of uncertainty. We're getting tired of grocery shopping, laundry, cooking, dishes, and housework. I guess I somehow missed these joys in the first 40 years of marriage, and now realize paybacks are hell!
To the Committee: Thanks again for your tireless efforts on our behalf.
Moved with my family to Chicago immediately after graduation. Lived there for a while and moved to NYC for a period of time. Met my "one and only" who lived in Indiana, married him and moved to Indiana. Got the big D in 1971. We have one son and one daughter and after separation, we decided we were tired of the cold, so moved to Southern California where we have been ever since. I have been a legal assistant/paralegal almost forever and although ready for retirement, am not able to do that yet. Soon, soon, I hope. My son (Steve) and his wife, Jennifer, have given me three beautiful granddaughters. They live in Wrightwood (local mountains of Southern California). I spend a great deal of time enjoying them. My daughter and her significant other just bought a house in Riverside, California. Was not able to attend this year's reunion, but definitely plan to make it for the 50th. How can it be approaching 50 years? My dad is alive and doing just fine in Sun! City, AZ.
Yes - It's Bert not Herbert! (Herbert went away when Karol (Bunker) and I were making arrangements to be married in 1956). I told the minister that no one out there knew my real name except (maybe) my mother. He said it was a legal ceremony so he had to use my legal name. So I legally changed my name. After graduation I attended Tri-State College in Angola IN. I graduated (first in my class) in December 1957 with a BSME degree. I went to Chrysler where I attended the Chrysler Institute of Engineering, graduating in 1960 with a Masters Degree in Automotive Engineering. Later (1975), I also got an MBA degree from MSU. I worked for Chrysler forever! I started in Chassis Design, spent a year (1964) in the NASCAR race program, then moved on to Product Planning, Cost Planning, Marketing, then back into Engineering as an Operations Manager (that, in Chrysler talk, means responsible for the "business of engineering" (budget, schedules, personnel, vehicle fleet, facilities, advance plans, etc.).
Karol and I did a lot of trailer traveling during the 60s and I wrote several semi-technical articles for various RV magazines. We had two children (Suzanne Karol, 1958, and Timothy Ford, 1960). Somewhere along the line (after go-kart racing), I got involved with motorcycles, snowmobiles and ATVs (in spite of Joe Schwarz). I later became a (part time) safety instructor for each. I took an "early out" from Chrysler in 1991 and launched a second career as a safety consultant and expert witness specializing in motorcycles, snowmobiles and ATVs. I've done that for 12 years and am just now working my way out (I currently have just a few cases pending and I'm turning down most new ones).
After 40 years in "Motown", in 1997, Karol and I moved to Houghton Lake. We designed our own house and I have a great "barn" (heat, bathroom, telephone, intercom, cable TV, compressed air, hoist, refrigerator, coffee, the whole nine yards). Needless to say it's full of toys (seven motorcycles, four of my snowmobiles and currently three of other people's), a lonely ATV, a lawn tractor/snowblower and a few rakes and shovels). We keep cars and trucks in the garage, but I don't let those vehicles in my barn. The fifth wheel (also carries two motorcycles) and (3) trailers have to stay outside. Now that I'm getting away from the expert witness stuff, I hope to have more time to play motorcycle (I've ridden in 49 states, Mexico, Canada and Europe), snowmobile (I ride with the Wertz Warriors for Special Olympics every year), and RV traveling.
Our daughter, Sue, graduated from MSU, is married (no children) and lives in Granite Bay CA. She is a financial analyst for a division of Rand McNally. Our son, Tim, who never married, passed away in 1997 in Florida from a rare sudden heart failure (remember the Russian figure skater, Detroit Lion Chuck Hughs and others?). (No one said life was fair or understandable.) If you ever find yourself in Prudenville, aka Houghton Lake, Michigan, look us up. We're in the phone book (Look for Bert, not Herbert!).
I taught school in Royal Oak and Madison Heights for several years then worked for Michigan Bell for 20 years. I worked for Target Stores for 5½ years, and Penney's and S S Kresge, too. I retired from Michigan Bell in 1990 and from Target in 1999. I've maintained an interest in swimming, and I officiated at swimming meets for 6 years. I inherited circulatory problems, and I've had heart surgeries and arterial grafts, but I'm doing well, and I expect to be around for the 50th reunion. I'd like to hear from the old classmates.
(and November 26, 2004)
I moved to Georgia in 2000 because of health problems. After 3 angioplasties and a bypass and a triple repair, I am doing fine. I am living in a senior residence. I really enjoy living here and I love the Georgia climate, but I do miss Michigan at times. I am planning to attend rhe 50th reunion and looking forward to it. My email address is john_sleight@yahoo.com. I would love to hear from my old friends.
(and November 8, 2005)
I was very disappointed to have missed the reunion but my health wouldn’t allow it. It looks like everyone enjoyed it. I’m living near Denver in Lakewood with my daughter and family which includes two great grandchildren. I had an artery in my neck cleaned out in May. I recovered but ended back in the hospital with a bad infection in the bone in my leg. I was treated for 8 weeks. They did not exercise in that period of time. I am slowly rounding back in shape. I got a walker with a seat on it. That helps. I had dinner two weeks ago with Ken Kenworthy, He was in Grand Junction with his brother Joe and visited his mom who is in a nursing home. My mom passed away labor day weekend. She was 96. There will be a memorial service in BC this summer. Hope everybody is well. My address is 2667 Lakewood CO 80214 and my phone is 303 248 3514. Everybody take care. Keep in touch.
I worked at C F Burger Creamery for 45 years. I'm retired now, but I still work there part time.
I'm divorced and have a daughter. I would be glad to write or e-mail to anyone as a chance to catch up after all these many years. I never attended a reunion. Please use my right name in correspondence, Elizabeth Clark. My e-mail MAY change as I am looking around to see what is better and/or cheaper.
My husband of 45 years, Jim Farrell, and I had 3 children after his Navy stint, built a house, and went to school. Jim's degree moved us out of Battle Creek and on a safari into Tennessee (twice), Illinois, Connecticut, and Oklahoma. I attended 3 universities en route and have just now completed Oklahoma's Master Gardener course. I did secretarial, administrative, radio dispatcher, and property management work daytimes, and Bible instruction and Christian counseling nights and weekends.
We're retired now but still undaunted enough to look Westward toward another possible relocation in OR or WA. Why? I'm addicted to gardening, and OK turns out to be the nation's purgatory for wannabe gardeners. (They sent all the bugs, droughts, damaging winds, heat waves and impenetrable clay soil from YOUR area to this one.)
Our two unmarried daughters are World Wide Web engineers, our son is a chef with his own artisan organic bread bakery. He and his MD wife have given us one (1) only and lonely but beautiful grandson, Michael, age 2.
I am now retired from teaching at Kalaheo High School. I taught for 22 years and worked with the youth at risk. I truly enjoyed the challenge and especially loved seeing the students graduate. What an accomplishment for them! I have three adult children and four grandchildren; the youngest, 3-year-old, keeps us very busy.
At present, I'm exercising like crazy getting my knees ready to take on the world. I had both of them replaced this past year, and am doing well. I will soon be the bionic woman participating in the next marathon!
I retired from Ameritech in 1990. I live on Anna Maria Island, Florida, with my wife, Gail.
I married approximately one year after graduation. I had two beautiful daughters, Diana & Dawn. Diana gave me two very talented and handsome grandsons, ages now 18 and 24. Moved to Pensacola, Florida in 1968. Immediately went to work for Chrysler Corporation as Customer Service Supervisor. Got the Big "D" in 1974. Remarried to Chris in 1978 and we are still together. I retired in 1991. Chris works for your "Uncle Sam" and will retire this year. We love to travel, been on 6 cruises and going again in September. We have a home in Sautee, GA (Mountains of N.E. Georgia). We will be there for six or seven months and spend winters in beautiful Pensacola. I have been out of Michigan for so long, can't stand cold weather.
I'm retired from the Post Credit Union, and I spend my winters in Florida and summers in Michigan. I do a lot of traveling, as much as I can.
Retired, Avid Motorcyclist , Road Captain, Abate of Florida, 585 members, Do it yourselfer, home improvement and boat builder. Charity work such as Toys for Tots, Teddy Bear Runs, Toys to All Childrens Hospital, St. Pete, Helmets for Bicyclists, School Supplies for needy young students at our local elementary, and Food for the needy at Thanksgiving for Needy Families. All through the Peace River Chapter, Abate of Florida. I keep quite busy.
After BCHS, I spent four years letting the Navy introduce me to Europe and South America, as a hair-brained writer for "Navy Times". Loved every day of it, but it wasn't a career, so I ditched it and went to Michigan State to polish off the education Uncle Sam had given me .... which included two years of college work. I completed East Lansing in '61 and was hired by a Detroit bank, of all places. One year of the big city stuff (boo!) and I moved to Albuquerque, NM, transferring to a First National (sister) Bank (where it was just a whole lot smaller ... and warmer!!). I spent the next 28 years with them, quietly making commercial loans. In 1990, they offered an early retirement program, and (when she heard about it) so did my wife of the same number of years! I accepted BOTH, and moved to Kaua'i. Hey, I was ALONE, not STOOPID! To keep active, I spent the next ten years supervising outside work for Kaua'i Nursery and Landscaping. I 'retired' from that job December 30, '00.
Now, I enjoy my small island world, lucky enough to be fit and healthy enough to do so. I haven't returned to the Mainland, since 1990, and STILL haven't found reason to do it. I think "I'm where I wanna BE." I never got back to a class reunion, either. Sad, but I guess I was 'busy', those weekends. I donno. And island-type bachelor guys aren't real adept at making long-term plans, either. We do "ideas", but we're too, uhh, spontaneous for "plans". But, we're fond of saying, "Yeah, I'll make a note of it!" Uh-huh. Kaua'i is a very special and beautiful place. It's ... what?, tranquil ... and so are the people and our 'rural' values. It's not Heaven, but it IS a warm paradise (small 'p').
I fish a lot. Hike the jungle. Enjoy my friend's company, "talking-story" over an afternoon beer. Volunteer at our library. Play my bass to CD music - mostly country and Hawaiian. Wind-surf, once in a while. Enjoy our beaches with a book ... and a six-pack. Sometimes, I even clean my home! (Humor, but kinda true.) Oh yeah, I also spend some time inventing reasons why I can't accept dinner invitations ... from married friends who "want you to meet someone special". Hoo-boy, is THAT an event to PASS on!
Anyway, I'm enjoying a quiet life, surrounded by the Aloha Spirit. It ain't much, but it beats whatever's in second place, nowadays! But, hey, what does an old-young bachelor know?
After one year at WMU I moved to Southern California where I studied engineering. Got married, had two boys. Spent most of my 40 years in California as a design engineer in the medical instrument field. When the company decided to move from the beautiful Santa Barbara area to Largo, Florida, I decided to take early retirement and remain in California. I worked for a small start-up medical device company for two more years, then, with both boys gone, we moved to the "cool" Arizona high country. Have been here since June of '97 exploring the Grand Canyon and trying to make trees, etc. grow. Very tough being a gardener in this state.
I attended BCHS for only one year (relocated from NY), therefore did not get to know many people. After graduation I served two years in the US Army, received my degree in Electrical Engineering from U of Arizona, and lived in New York and Long Island up to the present time. I married my wife, Ines, who was residing in Venezuela, in 1966. We have two sons working in LA in the movie industry. I spent my life designing electrical systems for high rise buildings in NY, the Trade Center being the pride and joy. We own a travel agency and have done extensive traveling, including many times back to Latvia, the country of my birth and my wife’s, since we kicked the communists out.
| BCHS '55 Index Page | Lost Classmates List |