Tag: 1954

Gentlemen: Thanks for prompt responses from six of us regarding your latest news . . . So here goes: Carl Bufka, while fully retired from his investment business, is still active in taking care of family investment needs. Carl moved full-time to Naples, Fla., two years ago. Health good; flies around the country quite a bit in own plane, but with a professional at the controls these days. Carl’s children are scattered across the country; he’s still surprised when grandkids call him “Grandpa.” Only thing that bothers Carl is the occasional hurricane or Category 4 storm that goes by or through Naples. Carl says he will make it to our 65th!

Shep Johnson officiated at the wedding of their third grandson and will soon baptize their first great-granddaughter. Shep concludes: “All is well.”

Dick Matthews is still working at something he enjoys: being an entrepreneur. Dick and Bjorg traveled last year to Iceland, England, and Tenerife. And they very much enjoy being great-grandparents.

Bud Johnson and bride Lynn are back in Florida enjoying the warmer weather. In early June they are joining friends on an Alaskan cruise. Glacier Bay is their key destination—an iconic destination, says Bud—one they want to see before it melts away.

Len Stolba says that Bud’s Navy pilot memoirs reminded him of “we few draft dodgers,” who entered naval aviation and got to land on an aircraft carrier. Len was a Reserve Marine helicopter pilot for 30 years, plus an architect for 50 years—all thanks to the G.I. Bill. It was all made possible by a Wes townie scholarship, and loans leading to an arts major. (Len says he could get A’s only from the art department.)

Norm Stuessy gets around with a walker these days, following a fall and fracture of two vertebrae. Otherwise he and Ruth are doing OK—except for the loss of oldest son Kevin, who died suddenly earlier this year. Norm says he and Ruth have yet to get over it. Their four other kids are doing well, along with their nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Sadly, also, Norm tells me that he and Ruth will not be able to make our 65th in May.

Meanwhile, your scribe, Bob Carey, remains happy in Greenwich with Libby, his bride of 18-plus years. Bob is still a volunteer driver for Call-A-Ride as well as Meals-on-Wheels.

Reunion weekend is Memorial Day weekend in May 23–26, 2019. What a special time, guys, to return to Wes for our 65th!

All the best to all of us!

BOB CAREY | popscarey@gmail.com
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831 | 203/532-1745

Gentlemen of ’54: Thanks for prompt responses from eight stalwarts as we approach our 65th next year . . . Here’s what you told me: John Binswanger is doing OK, plus a lot of traveling—recently to Australia, the Bahamas, and Aspen. John’s company has been reorganized with a minority interest going to the sales staff. John’s been retired for nine years, but still goes into the office four days a week.

Bud Johnson and Lynn have three grandkids out of college, four still in, and one being teed up. Bud’s Navy pilot memoirs (unclassified version) were published in June. Their “reward” was a Baltic cruise to seven countries, then London.

Rod O’Connor writes that at 85 he’s finally stopped actively working and has given up his longstanding passion for golf—so as to be able to spend more time at their house in Aiken, S.C. Rod’s two daughters and four grandchildren are planning a major Thanksgiving fiesta there with 20 relatives from around the country.

Chuck Davis proudly reports that his granddaughter, Caroline, was a member of the U.S. Women’s World Junior Ultimate Frisbee Team that was undefeated in the championship games played in Waterloo, Ontario, in August. Caroline attends Dartmouth.

Ken Davenny has recently been through the flu, two types of pneumonia, and heart failure! His heart has been repaired, and Ken is now undergoing a lengthy rehab process, and, he writes, “I seem to be recovering well.” Go, Ken!

Jeff Lockhart’s two youngest granddaughters are at college in the Carolinas—one at Chapel Hill, the other at the College of Charleston. Both had mini vacations during Hurricane Florence.

Jules Schwaber and Evelyne, at this writing, are staying in Israel, in an apartment near two of their married sons and eight of their 10 grandchildren. Jules, who has been retired from medical practice since 2012, sends his best wishes to all his former classmates and their loved ones.

Lenny Stolba is still wandering around his refuge: 1.6 acres with seven structures, two horses, one pony, one dog, and a box turtle. His kids, grandkids, and one great-grandchild are all healthy. Len send cheers to all “WESU remainers.”

Finally, very sorry to report the passing of Bob Schnuer this summer.

Your scribe, Bob Carey, has been busy in Greenwich with volunteer work, which includes driving for Call-A-Ride as well as Meals-on-Wheels, and manning the phones at Community Answers. That’s it, guys. The 65th is practically upon us. Get ready!

Best to all,

BOB CAREY | popscarey@gmail.com
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831 | 203/532-1745

Gentlemen of the Class of 1954, thanks for prompt responses from seven of you. And so, here’s the latest:

Bill Drury, who resides in Nashua, N.H., was off to his beloved Eagle Camp on Lake Champlain for two weeks, taking a lovely lady with him! Per Bill: “Anything can happen!”

Lynn and Bud Johnson returned from graduations of three of their eight grandkids: Georgetown, Wake Forest, and Brunswick School in Greenwich. Bud reports that the commencement speakers advised the graduates that they’ll be 30 or so before they’ll be on a real career path, and they should remain open-minded, and should speak up and be heard and try to build strong relationships.

Nancy and Shep Johnson are “nursing various ills of the flesh.”

Jeff Lockhart and bride were back on Nantucket for the spring and summer after first visiting their 9-month-old great-granddaughter.

Curt McLaughlin just published, with son Craig McLaughlin ’79, the third edition of Health Policy Analysis: An Interdisciplinary Approach.

In June, Rod O’Connor was a spectator at his fourth U.S. Open tournament at Shinnecock Hills since joining the club 50 years ago. Rod greatly enjoys his four grandchildren (all more than 20 years old), their views on life, and their personal ambitions. Finally, Rod is shifting his interests to his historic house in Aiken, S.C., recently named “Best Small Town in the South.”

Vickie and Bob Schnuer traveled back to Long Island, N.Y., in late May. Bob welcomes any classmates traveling in the area to call 917/862-5141 for a BBQ.

Finally, your scribe, Bob Carey, and Libby traveled to Asheville N.C., in April to visit a granddaughter at UNC Asheville, then to Columbia, Mo., for Libby’s 60th reunion at Columbia College, where she completed two years before matriculating to the University of Missouri in Columbia. In late May, early June to London, then Portugal’s Algarve area (beach coastline facing North Africa), staying at Pine Cliffs Resort, and finally to Lisbon (Lapa Palace Hotel). In early August we are off to San Diego to visit our two youngest grandkids.

That’s a wrap, gentlemen, and muchas gracias for your news. On a sad closing note, we’ve recently lost two of our classmates: Art Spada and Myron Poliner. Next year: Our 65th Reunion! All the best to all of you.

BOB CAREY | popscarey@gmail.com
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831 | 203/532-1745

Hello, Class of 1954. Here’s a recap of your responses to my recent email.

Bill Drury reports he’s getting older and more mellow each day in Nashua, N.H., where he’s still into “genealogy, railroads, and opera.”

Terry Hatter is still on the bench as a federal district judge, but manages to keep his eyes on his four grands, as follows: Eric, the oldest, will graduate from Georgetown Law School in May, while his sister, Lauren, finishes her first year at Penn Law. Their cousins, Leah and Wilson, the younger grands, are still in college. Meantime, Terry is recovering from a fractured kneecap after a fall when leaving a USC-UCLA football game he attended with youngest son Scott ’92. Heal well, Terry.

Dave Hodgin reports working a full schedule plus serving on nine boards (officer on four). Dave spent a month this past summer in Salamanca, Spain, working on his Spanish. He’s thinking about Ireland in 2018. Says, “Life is busy and good.”

Bud Johnson reports three grands in the workforce, plus five in college (Georgetown, Notre Dame, Wake Forest, Chicago, and Colgate). Special news from Bud: “My heavily classified post-Korea memoirs are on the press, carrying selected Navy patrol boat moments across the shores of both Chinas, all Philippines, north to Okinawa and Osaka, Japan…and early ’58 Kwajalein/Eniwetok-AEC special duty. Five years in the making.” Good job, Bud.

Rod O’Connor says he’s somewhat retired and living in NYC and Aiken, S.C., as well as Southampton, Long Island. Rod reports that “golf is disappearing in the rearview mirror,” so he needs new outlets. Rod’s oldest grandchild graduated from Wesleyan a year ago, with accolades, and is working in a Chicago children’s hospital doing research. His second oldest, Morgan, is in NYC and has moved from modeling to music production. He writes, sings, and plays instruments with a growing number of fans. Rod’s last two grands (fraternal twins) are in college: Alex at Rollins in Florida, and Max at the New School in NYC, working part-time in designing.

Bob Schnuer (only 85 in March 2018) and Vickie are still commuting between Florida and New York, and doing “reasonably well”—as are their kids and grandkids. They eagerly await the imminent arrival of their first great-grandbaby.

Finally, your scribe, Bob Carey, and bride Libby, sojourned to Sanibel Island, Fla., for six weeks in February and March. Of their 12 grands, four are happily employed, five are in college (Indiana State, Georgetown, UNC-Asheville, UNC-Wilmington, and UVA), two are in high school, and the youngest, Judy, is in middle school.

That does it, guys. Thanks very much for your news. All the best to all of us as we prepare for our 65th next year.

BOB CAREY | popscarey@gmail.com
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831 | 203/532-1745

 

Greetings to the Fighting ’54s. Thanks for your prompt responses to my recent e-mail regarding news of you and yours. Here’s the latest.

Chuck Davis and bride recently went whale-hunting on a cruise to the San Juan Islands. Cruise was a blast, Chuck reports, but only one whale sighted. They have a grandson at Swarthmore and granddaughter at Denison.

Bud Johnson reports their Stuart, Fla., home came through Irma with only minor damage. Five of eight grandkids are in college (none Wes). Bud and Lynn were off to Malta, Rhodes, and Crete in late October to finish Bud’s research on the Knights of Saint John. Finally, the Navy has invited Bud to D.C. to open classified aviator records for his memoirs project.

Jeff Lockhart and Donna learned in late July that they had become great-grandparents of a baby girl.

Curt McLaughlin writes that his wife of 32 years, Barbara, passed away in June after a brief illness. Curt says he’s fortunate to be among many friends in a caring retirement community in Chapel Hill, where he is continuing with his latest writing project.

Jim Yashar says he’s blessed to be healthy, and therefore lives a very active life, going to the gym three to four times a week, and playing golf. They do a lot of travel, including Italy this past summer. Jim is taking his entire family of 24 on a vacation to celebrate his 85th birthday! Jim and his bride live in Boston during the summer and Palm Beach over the fall and winter. Finally, Jim’s oldest granddaughter graduates from Penn next year.

Sad news, guys: Al Flynn passed away on Aug. 30 from complications related to Parkinson’s. Al is survived by his wife, Emi, son Al Flynn III, daughter Sarah, and five grandchildren. We all remember Al as a terrific guy and good friend. Farewell, Al.

Finally, your scribe, Bob Carey, enjoyed an East Coast 85th birthday bash in Greenwich, Conn., in July. Then Bob and bride Libby traveled to Wilmington and Ocean Island, N.C. in September (visiting a nephew at UNC Wilmington). In late September/early October, Bob and Libby traveled to London and Lyon for visits to children and grandchildren. Finally, in late October to Charlottesville, Va., to visit granddaughter at the University of Virginia to celebrate her 19th birthday.

That’s a wrap, guys. E-mail me anytime with new developments in your lives. All the best to all of us.

BOB CAREY | popscarey@gmail.com
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831 | 203/532-1745

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Hello, ’54 Classmates. Many thanks for prompt responses from eight of you…Here’s what you told me: Terry Hatter denies being 85 (yet!). He and bride Trudy are recently back from a wonderful European trip, having visited their son, Scott ’92, and “putative daughter-in-law” in Positano, Italy, followed by Belfast to visit oldest granddaughter, who is getting a master’s in conflict resolution there before starting Penn Law School in August. The Hatters wrapped up their trip with a visit to Edinburgh, prior to heading home.

Terry said they attended a very special memorial service for our beloved classmate, Bill Christopher, in Pasadena. “Many of Bill’s cast and crew from M.A.S.H. came from across the country to show their love and respect for this fine man.”

Bud Johnson and Lynn are well into high school and college graduations. This year it was two high-schoolers, the gal off to Colgate, the boy to Notre Dame. Next year: Wake Forest and Georgetown.

Jeff Lockhart and Donna are blessed to have one daughter and son-in-law—the Reverend and Mrs. Jon Robbins—living near them in Vero Beach, Fla., where Pastor Robbins is building St. Paul’s, a new Anglican church, a block from the beach! It will be finished in September, and we’re all invited to the dedication ceremony!

Sad news, guys. Carol Ann writes that Dick McCray “left this world on Feb. 24, 2017, with me by his side in our home in Massachusetts.” Dick was buried on Apr. 28 (their 27th wedding anniversary, and Dick’s high school football number) in Chester, Pa., his birthplace. There was a memorial service for Dick at St. Luke’s Hospital in NYC in late May. He had spent 40 years practicing and teaching there.

Bob Schnuer and Vickie migrated back to NYC on May 10 after a “wonderful Florida winter in Boca Raton,” which included a private Wesleyan gathering at a Miami art museum managed by a “spirited” graduate, including a breakfast with President Michael Roth ’78. Bob and Vickie will be back in Boca in late October. Don’t hesitate to call if you’re in the area (917/862-5141).

Lenny Stolba married off his equine veterinarian daughter in March. Len’s “boast/roast/toast” was well received.

Ann reports she and hubby Bruce Storms are well and happy, having especially enjoyed their swan-song-cruise last December—a “wonderful part” of their lives. The Storms’ daughter, Katy Storms Denman ’89, has three teenage sons, one an Eagle Scout. Bruce and Ann recently saw Win Richmond, who is looking forward to summer in his Rhode Island home.

Dr. Jim Yashar and bride have spent the winter in Palm Beach over the past 10 years. Jim is in good health and thus is able to take advantage of much Palm Beach offers. They traveled to Morocco this year to experience a totally different culture. Their grandson is off to Emory College in the fall, and granddaughter will be a senior at Penn. The Yashars will be spending the summer in Boston, except for a trip to Italy in July.

Finally, your scribe, Bob Carey, and bride Libby (Callaway) again enjoyed Sanibel Island, Fla., in January and February, then traveled to Jonesboro, Ark., in mid-May for a granddaughter’s high school graduation (off to University of North Carolina at Asheville), then to Charleston in early June for a Callaway family reunion, and finally to San Diego in mid-June for two grandkids’ graduations and an 85th birthday bash for Bob.

That’s it, guys. Please don’t hesitate to e-mail me any time with developments. My new e-mail is popscarey@gmail.com. All the best to all of you.

BOB CAREY | popscarey@gmail.com
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831 | 203/532-1745

Gentlemen, thanks for your response, and here’s what you sent me:

John Binswanger and bride are busy traveling and tracking their grands. John reports that travels to Aspen, Greece, Italy, and South America have “kept us very busy this year.” Their last granddaughter is off to U. of Maryland. Four others have migrated to San Francisco and LA; others are close by, but one received a Fulbright and is now in Germany.

Ben Cope writes that he and his bride are enjoying an active, eventful life in retirement. 2016 saw their 60th anniversary. Prior to retiring, Ben had spent 41 years in banking. They have seven children and 15 grandchildren. Ben claims to be physically and mentally sound—at 85!

Mary Ann and Chuck Davis celebrated their 60th anniversary with a family gathering at Seven Springs Resort in Seven Springs, Pa. Bill Drury remains happy, healthy, and enjoying the easy life in Nashua, N.H.

Terry Hatter writes that “we lost a wonderful classmate with Bill Christopher’s passing. He was one of Wesleyan’s finest.” The Hatter’s youngest son, Scott ’92, is spending a year in Spain and Italy with his girlfriend before returning to law. Their older granddaughter, Lauren, is working toward a master’s from Queen’s University in Ireland, and she’ll be going to law school at Penn in the fall. Her brother, Eric, is in his second year at Georgetown Law. The Hatters’ two younger grands, Leah and Wilson, are 12 and in middle school in Santa Monica and Sacramento, respectively.

Bud Johnson notes two more grands are in college app mode, with one set for Colgate, the other, okay for Notre Dame, but wants Princeton. Three others are now in college, and another just graduated from UChicago. Bud and Lynn remain happy and healthy.

Jeff Lockhart reports attending a charity reception at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Club in Palm Beach. Quite an estate, Jeff notes, originally built by Marjorie Post in the 1920s.

Barbara and Curt McLaughlin went on a tour of Spain in November, returning to Chapel Hill just in time for Thanksgiving. They’re doing well in their apartment in a retirement community.

Rod O’Connor’s big news is that his granddaughter, Cameron Arkin ’17, will be graduating from Wesleyan with two majors completed: neuroscience and art. Rod believes he is now clear of melanoma stage IV after two years of immunotherapy. Rod still goes to his office often, and golf is now a drink at lunch followed by nine holes at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island.

Norm Stuessy tells of his daughter, Helen, happily married to a middle school teacher in Cinnaminson, N.J., and of his four sons: Ted, chief of police, Haddonfield, N.J.; Kevin, living in Chery Hill, N.J.; Bill, who teaches and lives in Westminister, Mass.; and Bob, living and teaching in a community college in Columbia, S.C. Norm reports that he’s been diagnosed with dementia. Ruth is helping him manage the situation.

Bob Muir reports that he has seven grandchildren, with one on the way. “I had the joy of holding our youngest granddaughter on my lap. As she slept there I felt the warmth of holding one of my progeny who is four decades removed—thanking God for that opportunity.”

Sadly, Doris Swain reports that Jim Swain died on Nov. 28 of pancreatic cancer. We also got word that R.J. Dunham passed away on Jan. 18, and Dick Bertini passed away on Jan. 27 from complications of vascular disease.

In our last class notes, I asked for any remembrances of Marshall (Mike) Umpleby, who passed away last October. I am very appreciative that two of you responded as follows:

George Ray wrote that Marshall was a modern renaissance man in his remarkable life as an aviator, author, educator, and family man, in addition to being a nice guy and loyal classmate. Graduating from Englewood School for Boys, where his father, a Wesleyan graduate himself, was the headmaster, Marshall was an English major at Wesleyan, and played on the squash and baseball teams. After flight school and a stint in the Navy as a pilot, Mike lived the rest of his life on the West Coast, first as a beloved English teacher at Burlingame High School in California, then as principal, and finally living in retirement sometimes as a teacher at the local Oregon State College in Ashland. He also wrote a novel and short stories about two of his abiding passions—flying and baseball. One of his former Burlingame students regards Mike as “one of the finest teachers and individuals associated with the long and illustrious history of Burlingame H.S.”

Marshall’s father would be proud of him, and those of us who knew him at Wesleyan are, as well. We mourn his passing and send our heartfelt condolences to his widow, Mimi, and his daughters, Amy and Sarah.

George Klein tells of Marshall’s novel, On Falcon’s Wings, one of the best George has ever read. George had done a review, writing that “this compelling and gripping novel about five teenagers’ lives during the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia is hard to put down…”

One final word about our dear friend Bill Christopher; we all will miss you! That’s it for now, guys. Stay healthy and be happy!

BOB CAREY | bobcarey@optonline.net
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831 | 203/532-1745