Old Guard

Reginald H. Colley '09 will be celebrating his 101st birthday on May 27 at the Pine Rest home in Paramus, N.J. Recently he wrote the following letter for family, friends, and fellow alumni:

"I want to respond to all of you who have been so generous with your letters, cards, and warm wishes during this past year.

"I am doing all right, and I say 'all right' in a positive sense. No one at 100 years and nine months can say he is doing great. Let's face it, certain things happen to the body at that age which make living easily a difficult task. Legs, eyesight/and general mobility are just a few of the areas that are failing. Fortunately, I am comfortable here, my room is large and pleasant, the staff is generally efficient and caring, and the food is good.

"I went to Rowena's [his daughter] for my birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. These trips were accomplished by loading me, in my wheelchair, into a van or ambulette, so called—efficient but expensive transportation.

"I have my radio, TV, books, the largetype New York Times, and wood preserving news by letter and report. Rowena calls and visits me regularly. She keeps me supplied with things like peanut butter, corn doodles, and gin. Family and friends visit, and all this adds up to a feeling that life has definitely not passed my by. That's not bad.

"To you all, my best wishes, and know I appreciate your thoughts."

We might add that Reg is one of about a half dozen alumni who are right around the century mark. To the best of our knowledge this illustrious group also includes GuyBlodgett '08 who is 103, Raymond Sheets '10 who will be 99 in June, Fred Golden '11 who will be 100 in August, and HaroldBurtt '11 who just turned 98 in April. If anyone has further information about this list, please write to DAM.