1937
Among the many ceremonies observed in Hanover last June was the celebration of 1984 Class Day as the Medical School graduated its first four-year class. On hand as speaker was Chick Koop, as the 60 graduates took their professional oaths from Dean McCollum. Chick's colorful career as chief surgeon of Children's Hospital in Philadelphia gained international attention when he successfully separated Siamese twins some years ago. He is, of course, now nationally prominent, having been appointed by President Reagan to be Surgeon General of the U.S., advising the public on health matters. He oversees the activities of the Public Health Service Corporation. From 1960 to 1981 he was director of MAP International, which provides medicines and medical expertise to underdeveloped countries.
The very popular New England Yankee Magazine carried the story "The Fight to Save Kevin Wessell," about a young man who eventually died from an advanced case of rabies after many months of frustrating research as doctors tried to determine what disease he had. It all started in the Waltham Hospital in early January 1983 when Doug Butman was paged to attend a young patient obviously in great distress. The article goes on to reveal the immense amount of medical detective work put in by Doug and his partner Dr. Duhme, as rabies is almost unheard of any more in this country. The boy had been bitten by a dog while in Africa and this had to come out through research. They had the full support of the Atlanta Center for Disease, but by the time they pinned it down it was too late. We regret the lack of space to cover it here, but get the July 1984 issue of Yankee it starts on page 64 and includes a casual picture of our dedicated classmate.
Doug is taking life much easier now; he and Ruth spend much of their time summers in Gloucester along with the gang down there Jane Brown, Al Grey, the Larry Brookses, and the Putnams.
Dick Sawyer is now a temporary author. Being a well-ensconced Cape Codder in Pocasset, and as this year is Bourne's centennial, he is writing a weekly column as a contribution to the historical society. The main result, he finds, is an immense volume of note material and crud heaped upon his usually tidy desk.
A nice note from Mary Lou and Bill Fallion to your secretary in the hospital last July indicated he is running five days a week with his heart doing just fine. While our class "fallreuned," they were in Greece the mainland and cruising the Greek Isles. (Your sec is much improved and as of this writing is again driving and almost back to work. All who sent cards and notes, many, many thanks; your thought fulness is much appreciated.)
Al Mayer called to give us his new address: 8 Meadow brook Manor, Agawam, MA 01001, same phone and furniture. It's a condo for the elderly, with medical facilities. Al is still on disability due to his disc operation but all retired from Milton-Bradley. His son Chris is getting married at the time of our fall reunion.
Julian Leslie filled us in on his old roomie, Ed Price. Ed has had three heart attacks and his wife a few small strokes, but they love their home on the water in Boca Raton. Back during our working years Ed took a gamble, drilling for oil in Texas. The well failed on oil but, boy, did it ever produce gas! And as the fairy stories used to end "they lived happily ever after."
We wondered lately why we had heard so little from Fred Klein, .whose expertise and travels in the carpet business were almost legend. He finally settled in Scottsdale, Ariz. Somewhere along his travels in Canada and the U.S. he picked up a partner who ended up running out on him, absconding with most of the assets! Fred just says, "He stole me blind!" Fred sees Fritz Pansing around town.
Our telethon call to Phil Swain was not too productive. Caught him on the patio, busy cooking a steak with one hand and holding a gin and tonic in the other. Maybe next time.
Rowley Bialla is not retired but is still operating out of his home. He gave up his corporate law practice and does receive a pension from the Harry Guggenheim outfit for whom he was house counsel. Says Mike Wright looks after their medical needs.
Charley Blaisdell put their lovely summer home on the lake in Maine on the market but in two years has had only three bids and none sufficient. He and Alia are considering moving to New Hampshire, somewhere in the Keene area. They don't want a condominium but do want some acreage, so the question is to build or buy something to restore. Don't hold your breath while they decide, he says.
Reported in the Carmel Valley Racquet Club News in September: "Will Gahagan '35, playing in the only men's 70s doubles event, won a deciding match against a top Canadian team in the recent Gordon Cup Trophy matches played in Portland, Ore." Gahagan also got to the finals of the combined ages-110 mixed doubles at the U.S. National Indoor Seniors tourney in August.
Robert C. Banart 10 Colby Road Wellesley, MA 02181
