Thanks for the heads-up! Those are some GREAT resources! There is so much out there for folks who are interested or just curious about how we find ourselves here. Let me suggest some others to add to your list:
Michelle Alexander's seminal book, " The New Jim Crow--Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" gives you an enlightening look at the policy decisions over the centuries that have resulted in African Americans being criminalized.
Go to Netflix to a look at the documentary entitled, "Thirteenth," which details the policy decisions that virtually reenslaved African American in the south following Reconstruction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V66F3WU2CKk&feature=youtu.be
Read A. Leon Higgenbotham Jr.', s book, "In the Matter of Color," to understand the role that the law played in the enslavement and subjugation of blacks in the Colonial Period.
Neil Irvin Painter's "The History of White People," traces the concept of race as we know it back to 18th Century Germany, and shows how as it was originally conceived it was intended to exclude all but Anglo-Saxons, from being TRUE Americans, i.e., Irish, Native Americans, Jews, Italians, Slavs and Greeks, etc. The original concept was designed, therefore, to keep all working class people down. it's interesting then to see how it evolved to include all but people of color.
Like I said there's so much out there to inform the curious.
These are historic times. Those of us who feel moved to do something positive can find many ways to be part of the solution.
There have been many times since our 50th reunion when I have shared with family and friends how special this message forum is to me. And now, even more so. Thank you, Torchy, for making it possible. Thank you all for contributing respectful, gracious, thoughtful, and kind responses. During this Pandemic, my husband and I have been watching CBS's Steve Hartman's classes on Kindness 101. It was particularly directed to school children. However, I couldn't help thinking we can all begin with kindness for everyone. I am thankful and happy to be one of your classmates.
Richard Carl Peterjohn passed away on Saturday, October 31st at the age of 86. Peterjohn was a husband, father, grandfather, accomplished athlete and celebrated educator. He was born October 30th, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio. He enjoyed an adventurous and active childhood of playing sports, scouting and exploring the Adirondacks with beloved cousins in the summers. He graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1953, and went on to study and play baseball at the University of Michigan, where he earned multiple varsity letters.
After graduating in 1957, Peterjohn taught in Germany with the US Armed Forces. He returned to Cleveland and began a long career in education as a teacher, coach, counselor, assistant principal and principal in the Shaker public schools. Along the way, he earned a doctorate at Michigan State University, where his scholarship focused on the power of optimism in education. He found immense joy in his profession and mentored countless young people, many of whom continued to stay in touch with him in their adult lives. He had particular impact at Woodbury Junior High School and Byron Junior High School (now Shaker Middle School), where he had a combined tenure of over 30 years. Peterjohn loved nothing more than to bump into a former student out and about in the Heights and hear all about their lives.
Peterjohn married a fellow teacher and the love of his life, Elspeth Barclay, in 1962. Together, they instilled in their family his love of education, travel, and sports. He shared with them many wonderful gatherings on Deep Creek Lake, trips to Ann Arbor for Michigan football games, and thoughtful phone calls. When he saw a newspaper clipping he thought a loved one would like, he cut it out and mailed it to them. Just as he worked for his students, he lived for his family. His two children, two children-in-law and seven grandchildren continue to live by his model of positivity, hope and kindness.
In addition to being a respected teacher and beloved father, Peterjohn was an active member at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church where he worshipped and volunteered. Those who knew him can attest that he was a devotee to the city of Cleveland. He marvelled at its history, cultural institutions and its sports teams. There was none more loyal to the Indians and the Browns. And, of course, none more loyal to the Wolverines! He was a treasure trove of sports history, stats, trivia, and loved watching any competition be it rec league, scholastic, collegiate or professional.
He was a man of his community through and through. Neighborhood friends grew into lasting companions who he enjoyed having regular breakfasts with at Tommy’s and Jack’s Delicatessen. His students knew him first as a teacher or principal, and later as a lifelong cheerleader who took great interest in their stories as they embarked on their own careers and built their own families. He was known for his warm smile, his humor, and a penchant to clap you on the back and call you by your last name in true coach fashion. Peterjohn loved people and connected authentically with most everyone he met. He found his own happiness celebrating the joy of others.
Today, his family mourns the loss but revels in the magic of his life. Peterjohn is survived by his wife: Elizabeth B. Peterjohn; his children and in-laws: David and Susanne Peterjohn and Kristen and Joe Brown; and his grandchildren: Katherine Brown, Elizabeth Brown, Jack Brown, Joe Brown, Laura Peterjohn, Allie Peterjohn, and Maggie Peterjohn. Though a traditional service is impossible at this time, the family invites those who wish to honor Richard C. Peterjohn to share remembrances at www.Brown-Forward.com. Those who may wish to make donations in his name can do so to The Yellow House Community, 29 Seminary St, Middlebury, VT 05753 yellowhousecommunity.com or to The Abundance Food Pantry at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church 3031 Monticello Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Go Blue!
I want to thank Torchy and the other members of the Reunion Committee who, every 10 years, provided us with a venue to renew old friendships. As I get older, I hold high school memories in a special place. We really did have a great school, good friends, wonderful moments.
I know it was a lot of work, and I'm not sure you all have been thanked for your hard work. I am sure anyone who attended a reunion feels the same way.
Thanks Trish. We should be thankful that we had the school experiences in the years that were truly golden. A lot of things were wrong during our Systemic Years. But they were the best Systemic Years that were offered to us at the time. Now that I reflect on our reunions, I am glad that I took the time to help organize them. Your thoughful posting at this time is a great reminder..... happy thanksgiving with a small "h" and a small "t" this year. We are a party of 5.
Hi Torchy I wanted to let you know that Jules Steinberg passed away this morning. He has been ill for some time after having a stroke a few years ago. He went into a nursing home in February this year because it was getting too hard for his wife to take care of him at home. As soon as the obituary is published from the funeral home I will send it to you. Rhonda
The following message was just sent to me from Howard Falcon:
Deceased Classmate: Stuart Eder
Date Of Birth: Feb-4-1947
Date Deceased: Dec-9-2020
Age at Death: 73
Cause of Death:
Classmate City: Annadale
Classmate State: VA
Classmate Country: USA
Was a Veteran: No
Survived By:
I am sadden to inform our class mates that Stuart Eder has passed away on December 9, 2020. I am personally devastated by this loss of a very close friend having known him since my days at Moreland. Stu has spent most of his adult life working for the Department of Justice and has a beautiful wife Lilly and two children and five grandchildren. He spent most of his later life enjoying his kids and grandkids with his wife Lilly. Stu was a person that I looked up to because he was compassionate and humble. He was there when you needed him and you could talk about anything without being shut down. He never looked at success, positions or accomplishments he only cared about your humanity; he was a man among men. I will always be remembering our days playing baseball and football from sunrise to at times after sunset, going to Geraci's for Pizza most Fridays after a wrestling match or just meeting each other in Chicago, Cleveland, Outer Banks, Nashville or DC for quick weekend getaways with our wives. Life truly isn't fair, and I can't wait for 2020 to be over with.
When I first transferred to Woodbury Jr. HIgh in 9th grade, I had been an 8 year, uniform wearing outsider from St. Dominic's School. The only person I knew at Woodbury was Chuck San Fillipo, a friend of the family.
Mickie Schmittke ( we never called her Marla) befriended me, a true fish out of water, and there has always been a place in my heart for her welcoming me so graciously. She helped me learn the "modern" ways of public school girls, and introduced me to boy crushes.
I remember so well that Mickie was madly in love with Frankie Cassario, (remember the song "Frankie" by Connie Francis) She was obsessed with him, and all of us girls just loved her stories.
In later years, my sister, JoAnna, saw her regularly at Steinmart's, and Mickie never failed to ask how I was doing and to send her love to me.
Karen Chokel Rohrs passed away last night Jan 1, 2021. She died of a cardiac incident. Her son Jeff Rohrs will be providing more information. Karen was a great friend and fortunately we talked last week to wish each other a Merry Christmas.
Jackie Dudek Woods
Also... Susan Bowerman Payne contacted me about the passing of Karen.
This is a shocker. Marlene Mesnick passed away. There is no soft way to say this but deliver the cold hard facts of her demise from the news clippings and videos. It seems that Marlene was murdered by a tennant who paid rent to Marlene to stay in her house. I have posted her information in our IN MEMORY SECTION. Click on there and then click on Marlene's name. You can leave your coments here but best to also leave a comment on her page.
Here are some links to the tragic death of one of our most lively energetic classmates.
Please be advised Kenneth Rini passed on 4/13/21 . He enjoyed the reunion he attended years ago and getting the updates about the class. Simple notice and photos at https://www.forevermissed.com/kenneth-f-rini/about Thank you, Dawn Rini.
Please see posting under the "In Memory" section. Click on Ken's name and make your comment there.
Upon hearing of Ken Rini's passing and looking at the list of those we have lost from our class, I am just amazed at how many! So many familiar names from high school of which I did not know had passed. I feel very sad knowing we have lost so many but then again we aren't getting any younger! Wishing all our class good health in this age of the pandemic! Hope it is over soon!
Here is the OBIT from the Dallas Morning News. I last had lunch with Bobby last year. We were college classmates. He took my grandchildren on a tour of his Motorcyle Museum last summer. He was the youngest looking 74 year old my grandchildren commented. The Museum is amazing. He wrote a book, Shakespeare and his Brothers about his year riding with a group of Veterans in a motorcyle club. We had lunch at New York Deli near me where the motorcyle guys would meet.
I was shocked to find out that Bobby Haas had died sudenly. As you most probobaly know, Bobby and I were great friends in school. I have kept in touch with him and we continued our friendship to this day. I pray for his soulmate, Stacy, and hope she stays strong thoughout these difficult times.
Rennie
This was printed in the Dallas News. The whole article failed to print, but it's a good picture of a very smart, kind gentleman
Bobby Haas, who made a fortune in the leveraged buyout business, became an aerial photographer for National Geographic and built a world-class motorcycle museum in the Dallas Design District, died unexpectedly Tuesday after a brief respiratory illness.
He was 74.
Haas made his millions three decades ago at 41 with his then business partner, Tom Hicks, by amassing and selling a soft-drink empire that included Dr Pepper, A&W and 7UP. The pair’s take from the transactions was in excess of $100 million.
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“We were the right two people at the right time in the right market,” said Hicks, who was Haas’ partner for five years beginning in 1984. “We had unbelievable success. I will always look back at that with fond memories.”
Bobby Haas is shown in his office at the Crescent in 1993. (DMN files)
By both of their accounts, Hicks and Haas had very different personalities — both personal and investment wise — and went their separate ways amicably in 1989. Hicks said they stayed in touch, and both lived in Museum Tower.
“I’m very sad about his passing,” Hicks said, then added with a chuckle, “If you had told me that after he quit the investment business that he would have done the things he ended up doing with photography and motorcycles, I would have bet a lot of money against you.”
In 2002, Haas became the first photographer to publish a single-photographer, all-aerial book with National Geographic when he dared to take photos while hanging out of a helicopter door.
He published a trilogy of bestselling National Geographic coffee-table books of aerial photos taken in Africa, Latin America and the Arctic, and two children’s books.
This photo is Bobby Haas' most famous aerial photo, and it was taken over the Yucatan Peninsula in March 2006 for his National Geographic bestseller "Through the Eyes of the Condor." It shows flamingos aligned in a birdlike formation in a lagoon along the Gulf of Mexico near Chuburn.
Lifelong student
He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Yale University in 1969 and law degree from Harvard Law School in 1972. But he was a lifelong sponge when it came to learning new things.
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Haas bought his first motorcycle nine years ago and became absorbed with the motorcycle world — the bikes and the culture.
He bought or commissioned 232 vintage, classic and modern one-of-a-kind custom motorcycles and built the Haas Moto Museum & Sculpture Gallery in the Design District in 2018 to show them off to the public.
He was a leading patron for custom motorcycle builders worldwide.
Earlier this year, Haas added documentary filmmaker to his storied résumé with Leaving Tracks, a feature-length film that was released in 100-plus countries and 11 languages on AppleTV, iTunes, Google Play and YouTube in April.
It’s part biopic and part tribute to the biker brotherhood but mostly a road map to navigating the unnerving curves that life throws your way, he said in an interview last spring.
He spent more than $1 million making a movie that he knew would not be a commercial success.
“I never thought this would be a moneymaker,” Haas said. “If it gives life lessons and guideposts to other people, regardless if they even know how to ride a motorcycle, then that’s a worthwhile effort. The point of art is to educate, inspire and entertain, but it’s not to put shekels in your bank account.”
Tom Hicks (right), Bobby Haas (front), Doug Wheat (standing) and Wheat's partner, Peter Grauer, are shown during the negotiations to buy Dr Pepper/7UP in 1987. (Sunwest Communications)
Collapsed after workout
His death came as a shock to those who knew him best, because Bobby, as he was universally known, lived his life at full throttle and never looked his age.
Stacey Mayfield, Haas’ partner in life and business, described her “soulmate” as Benjamin Button, the character in an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story who is old when he’s born but an infant when he dies.
Haas had an aggressive case of COVID-19 in June 2020 that kept him confined in his Museum Tower condo for 42 days. But he thought he had fully recovered.
In mid-August, he began having respiratory issues and was scheduled for testing on Friday. He collapsed Tuesday after his morning workout and died upon arrival at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, Mayfield said.
“He was larger than life, shining so bright and touching everyone who he met,” said Mayfield who is director of the Haas Moto Museum & Sculpture Gallery. “I’ve just lost the love of my life. I will carry his energy, passion and love with me.”
“I’m so sorry to hear this bad news,” said Rick Fairless, owner of Strokers Dallas, the area’s leading biker hangout. “Bobby was a mover and shaker in the motorcycle industry, and we’re proud that he is a Dallas, Texas, guy.”
Nick Davis, head of Nick Davis Productions in New York, spent a year working with Haas while producing Leaving Tracks. He said his life was forever changed by the experience.
“English teachers tell you to never use the word unique, but Bobby Haas was unique. No one who ever met him would ever say they’d met anyone quite like him,” Davis said. “He was challenging, large-hearted, open-minded, tough, disciplined and so soft.”
Craig Rodsmith, a custom bike builder in Illinois who was featured in the film, said he felt like he’d lost his brother.
Last year, Haas and Rodsmith co-designed “Mister Fahrenheit,” a racing cycle with an ultra-sleek passenger sidecar that they hoped would set a world record at the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah with Haas riding it.
Those plans were sidelined by the pandemic, but the pair were planning to take it to El Mirage Lake, a dry lake flats in California, to see if they could break the record there.
“Bobby elevated the whole motorcycle world with what he did. More than that, he elevated anyone who came into his life,” said Rodsmith, who has five custom bikes featured in the Haas museum.
In addition to Mayfield, Haas is survived by three adult daughters, Samantha Haas, Courtney Haas Bauch and Vanessa Haas Hood, from his 48-year marriage to his former wife, Candice Haas, and four grandchildren.
A private celebration of life is being planned for later this month at the motorcycle museum.
Note: Story was revised Thursday evening to reflect that Bobby and Candice were married for 48 years, not 47, before they divorced.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Yale University in 1969 and law degree from Harvard Law School in 1972. But he was a lifelong sponge when it came to learning new things.
Haas bought his first motorcycle nine years ago and became absorbed with the motorcycle world — the bikes and the culture.
He bought or commissioned 232 vintage, classic and modern one-of-a-kind custom motorcycles and built the Haas Moto Museum & Sculpture Gallery in the Design District in 2018 to show them off to the public.
He was a leading patron for custom motorcycle builders worldwide.
Earlier this year, Haas added documentary filmmaker to his storied résumé with Leaving Tracks, a feature-length film that was released in 100-plus countries and 11 languages on AppleTV, iTunes, Google Play and YouTube in April.
It’s part biopic and part tribute to the biker brotherhood but mostly a road map to navigating the unnerving curves that life throws your way, he said in an interview last spring.
He spent more than $1 million making a movie that he knew would not be a commercial success.
“I never thought this would be a moneymaker,” Haas said. “If it gives life lessons and guideposts to other people, regardless if they even know how to ride a motorcycle, then that’s a worthwhile effort. The point of art is to educate, inspire and entertain, but it’s not to put shekels in your bank accounmore from tha Dallas article re, Bobby Haas
Bobby Haas, who made a fortune in the leveraged buyout business, became an aerial photographer for National Geographic and built a world-class motorcycle museum in the Dallas Design District, died unexpectedly Tuesday after a brief respiratory illness.
He was 74.
Haas made his millions three decades ago at 41 with his then business partner, Tom Hicks, by amassing and selling a soft-drink empire that included Dr Pepper, A&W and 7UP. The pair’s take from the transactions was in excess of $100 million.
“We were the right two people at the right time in the right market,” said Hicks, who was Haas’ partner for five years beginning in 1984. “We had unbelievable success. I will always look back at that with fond memories.” By both of their accounts, Hicks and Haas had very different personalities — both personal and investment wise — and went their separate ways amicably in 1989. Hicks said they stayed in touch, and both lived in Museum Tower.
“I’m very sad about his passing,” Hicks said, then added with a chuckle, “If you had told me that after he quit the investment business that he would have done the things he ended up doing with photography and motorcycles, I would have bet a lot of money against you.”
In 2002, Haas became the first photographer to publish a single-photographer, all-aerial book with National Geographic when he dared to take photos while hanging out of a helicopter door.
He published a trilogy of bestselling National Geographic coffee-table books of aerial photos taken in Africa, Latin America and the Arctic, and two children’s books.
Collapsed after workout
His death came as a shock to those who knew him best, because Bobby, as he was universally known, lived his life at full throttle and never looked his age.
Stacey Mayfield, Haas’ partner in life and business, described her “soulmate” as Benjamin Button, the character in an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story who is old when he’s born but an infant when he dies.
Haas had an aggressive case of COVID-19 in June 2020 that kept him confined in his Museum Tower condo for 42 days. But he thought he had fully recovered.
In mid-August, he began having respiratory issues and was scheduled for testing on Friday. He collapsed Tuesday after his morning workout and died upon arrival at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, Mayfield said.
“He was larger than life, shining so bright and touching everyone who he met,” said Mayfield who is director of the Haas Moto Museum & Sculpture Gallery. “I’ve just lost the love of my life. I will carry his energy, passion and love with me.”
“I’m so sorry to hear this bad news,” said Rick Fairless, owner of Strokers Dallas, the area’s leading biker hangout. “Bobby was a mover and shaker in the motorcycle industry, and we’re proud that he is a Dallas, Texas, guy.”
Nick Davis, head of Nick Davis Productions in New York, spent a year working with Haas while producing Leaving Tracks. He said his life was forever changed by the experience.
“English teachers tell you to never use the word unique, but Bobby Haas was unique. No one who ever met him would ever say they’d met anyone quite like him,” Davis said. “He was challenging, large-hearted, open-minded, tough, disciplined and so soft.”
Craig Rodsmith, a custom bike builder in Illinois who was featured in the film, said he felt like he’d lost his brother.
Last year, Haas and Rodsmith co-designed “Mister Fahrenheit,” a racing cycle with an ultra-sleek passenger sidecar that they hoped would set a world record at the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah with Haas riding it.
Those plans were sidelined by the pandemic, but the pair were planning to take it to El Mirage Lake, a dry lake flats in California, to see if they could break the record there.
“Bobby elevated the whole motorcycle world with what he did. More than that, he elevated anyone who came into his life,” said Rodsmith, who has five custom bikes featured in the Haas museum.
In addition to Mayfield, Haas is survived by three adult daughters, Samantha Haas, Courtney Haas Bauch and Vanessa Haas Hood, from his 48-year marriage to his former wife, Candice Haas, and four grandchildren.
A private celebration of life is being planned for later this month at the motorcycle museum.
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