May 2023

Like the days in “September Song,” the roster of 1954 classmates “dwindles down to a precious few.” Just a couple of weeks before my May 1 deadline for submitting these notes came news that John (Johnny to us) Sherwood had passed away.

Head of School Henry P.A. Smyth sent us all his obituary and since I have only 100 words, I will simply add that he can rightly be called the Class Commodore. His love of sailing was in his soul. I last saw him two years ago in the house he and Lisa own on Nantucket, an island where he won many trophies. They were gracious hosts to my daughter and me. One detail in his lengthy obituary caught my eye. The beautiful Sherwood Gardens in Guilford were planted by his grandfather and now provide Spring fever pleasure to thousands each April and May. I never knew.

Other than a serious problem with my remaining eye which kept me housebound and unable to read or watch TV for 10 days I seem to be OK. The eye has recovered and I walk a daily mile which is a big step down from my 53 years of running four to five miles a day. But it’s something.