April 2024
Greetings, ‘56ers! I am happy to report that those classmates who responded are doing well, and let’s hope that for those that did not respond, no news is good news! Sadly, we lost two members in the last 12 months: Dave Dresser died after a long career in the field of education (like his father), as well as involvement in many community activities in his hometown of Ovid, New York. Victor Bridgman died late last year in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after a long illness.
One of the highlights of the year for nine of us was a luncheon at the Elkridge Club in Baltimore organized by Bentley Offutt and Dave Sowell. A great time was had by all, including Phil Briscoe, Dave Eaton, Bill Zeeveld, Dick Biggs, Guy Dove, Gordon Rupp and yours truly.
Leland James writes from Irvington, Virginia, that he recently added his first grandson to his family, after three granddaughters. His mobility is very limited these days, he says, requiring the use of braces, a walker full time, PT, etc., but his spirits are great, and he is “absolutely ready for a party, good food, and laughs!”
Guy Dove continues to spend each winter in Vero Beach, Florida, while living in Middleburg, Virginia.
Phil Briscoe enjoys retirement from his medical practice, and spends much of his time at home in Cockeysville reading, gardening, bicycling with a group, woodworking, and his “commitment to lifelong learning.”
Fritz Baukhages lives in Luray, Virginia, where one of his sons also lives, and spends half of each year in Southern Pines, North Carolina.
Sam Smith has completed his War of 1812 Maryland veteran burial project, yet his colleagues continue to refine the activities, having identified over 6,000 burials. He says that arthritis has slowed him down at home in Timonium, but he is otherwise doing well.
Mike Fisher remains active traveling between his home in Black Butte Ranch, Oregon, and his winter home in Arizona. He has enjoyed a recent fishing trip to Canada, and a two-week cruise to Iceland, Greenland and Eastern Canada. His 14 grandchildren range in age from 10 to 34, and he has five great grandchildren. He says, “Cheers to my Gilman mates!”
Sandy Watkins reports from Annapolis that after retiring from his oncology practice in 2000, he has enjoyed farming, fishing, retriever training, and staying busy. His son is a physician in Alaska, and a grandson is in medical school — quite a legacy!
Charlie Webb enjoys life in a retirement community in Charleston, South Carolina, where he has become engaged to a “lovely widow,” with whom he travels frequently, including a round-the-world cruise. Their moniker is “The Ancient Mariners,” and their motto is “Adventure Before Dementia!” Charlie keeps up with Bentley Offutt and Graham Slaughter.
Bill Zeeveld continues to stay busy with his home-based engineering business in Hendersonville, North Carolina.
Dick Biggs and Dave Eaton in Baltimore are occasional Zoomers with me and our wives, and this is always a great way to keep up.
Many thanks to all of the respondents! As our membership dwindles, sadly, it is more and more important that we keep in touch to renew old friendships.