Ralph Hitchens

My beloved older brother Phil died at the age of 69 from mesothelioma (asbestos poisoning) in December of 2013.  Phil enlisted in the US Navy after graduation from Academy High, and then attended the US Merchant Marine Academy.  He worked for many US flag carriers as a ship's officer, retiring shortly before his untimely death.  He saw most of the world, something for which I truly envied him.  "Home is the sailor, home from the sea . . ."

I remember my classmate Terry Hostetter very well.  A great football player -- he made Varsity 1st String right off the bat as a sophomore, & was All-Conference for two or three years, and All-State at least one year, as I recall.  Offensive guard, defensive middle guard, an aggressive hustler on the field and the nicest guy in the world off the field.  Whatever the circumstances of his death, he was way too young.

Duane was my next-door neighbor in Douglas Valley for three years, & we were both backstrokers on the swim team.  Sad to hear of his passing, far too young.