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Carole Koopmann (Delany)

What a great photo! I can see why it would be a favorite! How many grandchildren do you have?

Sorry you won't be attending our celebration. You'll be missed. We had so many summer memories on Griffith Road!

Carole

Patricia Dunn (Elder)

We have 10 beautiful grandkids.  The oldest is 21 and the youngest is 3.  Thanks for asking and the comment.  We did have good times on Griffith Road.

James Kahle

Whenever someone asks me what are some of the most memorable times of my life I always answer that outside of the present day, my high school years were some of the best.  I always wondered why that is but have come to the conclusion that it really goes farther back than high school. Most of us, whether it was in Lake Forest or Lake Bluff, grew up together since as early as the first grade and built friendships/relationships that got stronger with each passing year. We seemed to develop a bond that pushed and encouraged everyone to do their very best no matter what the activity. Perhaps that is why someone like Chip Webster was so easily assimilated into our class. 

The best example for me was my one and only season of football. All of the X's and O's, formations, different plays and passing routes were way over my head but thanks to my team mates they got me though it. I managed to bluff my way through the first couple of games but then Ray Dixon got hurt and two generous acts of kindness took place.  The first had to do with my shoes of all things. Mike Lemm had given me a used pair of cleats to wear as for some reason my parents did not want to spend the money on new ones. They were a size too big but I was greatful for them and with an extra pair of socks they worked just fine. The day after Ray got hurt he walked up to my locker and said "Jake you can't keep wearing those raggity ass shoes. I won't be playing for a while so I want you to use these."  He handed me his new, top of the line, feather light Adidas football cleats. Talk about giving me the shirt off his back... he literally gave me the shoes off his feet!

The second helpful act was provided by Tim Feemster. When I took over Ray's spot I had to quickly learn yet a whole new set of plays!  Many a time Frank Barth would call a play and I had no clue what to do. When the huddle broke up I would go immediately to Tim and ask in desperation about the play. On this occasion he said "Jake, remember you are in Ray's position now, On this play you get the ball and run through the three hole!" Sure enough the next thing I heard was "hike" and Frank was turning around looking to hand off the ball to me. Each week I relied less and less on Tim but never would have made it through the season without his unselfish assistance.

Another 50 year old secret revealed.

Thomas Boese

Jake,  You hid your inexperience well. All I remember is you winning the night game for us against the Sequoits at Antioch.  Tom

Beth Shoulberg (Johnson)

Speaking of football... and Ray Dixon...  Did you know that his grandson (his daughter's son), Stephen Collier, is the only Ohio State 2014 quarterback recruit?

Stephen Collier of Leesburg (Ga.) Lee County

Tim Feemster

James, that is why we all made lasting memories playing a "team" sport.  It taught us to work together, rely on others, and play as a team.  People always ask me, since I had a career ending injury my senior year in college ball, if I had it to do over, would I still play football.  I answer immediately, yes.  While not close to each other over the years, we all can look back and recall ways the work and sacrafice was worth it in what we learned about football and life.

Michael Hall

Hey, classymates…here’s a story and a question.

Tom Wilson was in a math class with Mr. McDermand…must have been our junior year.  Mr. McD was teaching us about the logarithm tables…zillions of tiny numbers packed tightly into two pages of the CRC Handbook of Standard Mathematical Tables and Formulae.  He (jokingly, I’m sure) said he would give an automatic “A” grade to anyone who could memorize those tables and write them down.

Well, Tom took it as a challenge and spent the next two weeks figuring out how to do it.  He told Mr. McDermand he was good to go…and had the entire logarithm tables down on paper in less than an hour.

Tom never showed up for math class again…and got the “A” for the course.  Not sure how Mr. McDermand felt about the whole thing…maybe he’ll show up at a reunion event and I can ask him. 

Tom skipped senior year, going on to Shimer College in Chicago, then transferred to CalTech, where he got his BS.  So he isn’t on the ’64 grad roster.

Tom was with me when I fell off a cliff at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico in August of 1961.  He gave me first aid and probably saved my life.  Apparently, they had a priest giving me Last Rites while a rabbi invoked the Shema (the Jewish version) over me.  I was neither Catholic nor Jewish, but I guess the Philmont folks didn’t know I was Episcopalian.

I was a total basket case sophomore…and I give thanks to you all for your support and kindness during that healing year.

Last I heard, Tom was living in Boston, Mass.  CalTech has no current contact info.  And I have lost track of him.

So here’s the question:  Does anyone have any clues about how I can reach out to Tom and invite him to the reunion?  Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I’m enjoying the postings on this website…and looking forward to sharing more stories and memories with you in just a few short weeks!

Here's a photo of Tom and me on the plane to New Mexico...

Carey Smith

Isn't that Haslach behind Tom?

Robert Haslach

Wow: good call - that is me - before glasses - in the Sante Fe Chief on the way to Philmont. Mike - I don't even recall your fall .... talk about being nearsighted. But I do know you are Episcopalian.

Bob

Tim Feemster

I checked LinkedIn for both Tom Wilson and Thomas Wilson from CalTech and from Boston in a separate search and no matches, sorry.  I did not try Facebook.

Michael Hall

WAS Episcopal, Bob.  Have had a Buddhist practice for the past 20-some-odd years.  Would love to sit with any other meditators during that week.  And yes, that photo was from the train, not a plane.  Thanks for the correction.

Thanks for checking on LinkedIn for Tom Wilson, Tim.  I tried facebook and got nothing.  Oh well...   ~m~

Peter (Daniel) Bradshaw

About Tom Wilson -- I might be wrong but I think he went to Knox before Cal Tech.  I interviewed there for  early admission and we talked ... unless I disrememeber.

Carmel (Duffy) Onofrio (Boyd)

About Tom... yes indeed I did see him after his first semester at Cal Poly, and he actually asked me out for a date sorta ............, and  then  a few of us got together ....... in Lake Bluff, defintitely, most likely  at Whitt's  to hear his tales.  After that, I don't know.....Duffy

James Kahle

Unless you have been living under a rock the past few weeks you must know that the World Cup for soccer is going on now in Brasil.  I lived in Costa Rica for 10 years working with an American seafood company. I married there and two of my three boys were born there so I have a strong connection with the country through friends and family. Now that the USA is out I hope you all will root for tiny Costa Rica this saturday against Holland.

That is my wife Flora in the front with the white hat. The guy next to her is a fellow Tico we met at this sports bar and I am just noticing he has his arm around my wife!! The nerve! 

Robert Haslach

Mike - I stand corrected - but I have observed there is only a thin film between Episcopal and Buddist practice,here is an illustration of the phenomenon from my little book "On Retreat" (Kindle)

Bob

Robert Haslach

Jake (the once and former Jim) - The Netherlands will take the WC.

Oranje Boven!

Bob

James Kahle

You are probably right Bob but It's been fun watching Costa Rica getting this far. If by some miracle they should win nobody will go back to work in Costa Rica for a month. Vamos Ticos!!

Robert Haslach

Nice piece on NPR's All Things Considered with a woman in San Jose - talking about gathering at the fountain in the plaza downtown - I am adding CR to my wish list -Bob

Carole Koopmann (Delany)

CORRECTION!! I stated that the Lake Forest Day Picnic for all graduates of LFHS was at West Park and it's at South Park! So sorry for the misinformation. 

James Fullmer

Just finished Boggs' BACK FIRE  novel.  A very enjoyable read with lots of Chicago history!  The plot evolution fooled me.   Would make a great movie. I  will read his other books soon.  ( Did he miss his true calling?)

Judy Vignocchi (Harles)

Jim - I agree about Backfire - I have also read Natural Drift, which takes place in Montana - our daughter graduated from the University of Montana so the places were familiar  - as of course was Chicago in Backfire - I do think Ron should write more of these stories they are certainly very intertaining and worth reading - and thanks to his research one even learns some history!

Ron Boggs

Jim and Judt: Gosh. I think I've found a marketing department ( J& J Book Pushers!).  Thanks for the support!

I think my stories are  getting better. I'm scouting for a new plot and trying to figure out how to portray a likeable bad dude. Any ideas as to role models? rb 

Beth Shoulberg (Johnson)

This message just came in from Cynthia Willey (Lempert):

Hello, all--I have been reading comments with interest over the months, and hoping I might make it to the reunion, but I am having hip replacement surgery in the fall, and getting around has become more difficult all the time. Grrrrrrrrr! I don't think there is any form of transportation in or on which I could get to LF I condition to enjoy the reunion. Maybe flying carpet.......anyway, I'm sure it will be wonderful! Cynthia

Melody Altemus (Holmes)

Ron - have you read any of Lee Child's books. His main character "Jack Reacher" is a real "bad ass" - the kind you'd always want on your side. Might be the type you are looking for. Mel

Howard (Dee) Monroe

Greetings from Maine,

I am going through one of those reality experiences we don't want at this stage. Not horrible but not fun.

A detached retina is keeping me from flying for the next few months.  And driving from Maine to Lake Forest is just not in the cards.

Have a super time.

If you ever get to downeast Maine there is a lobster waiting for you in the front yard!  Best, Dee