1943

After improvising an initial column for November as your new class secretary, without benefit of any available copy, I found that Binney Tower had already prepared class notes for December—obviously a well organized guy! Hence, except for my reminding the "H's" (Art Handy, TedHaskell, and Jess Holton) and the "I's" (Ed Ingraham and Jose Infante) that we hope to hear from them, the following notes were authored by our Binney just before his passing.

The "G's" deserve four cheers. All four responded!

Fritz Geller checked in from Keene, N.H. Fritz and Nance are enjoying the good life, siding, canoeing, and semi-technical mountain climbing. They cover the country visiting children and grandchildren and combining lots of outdoor activity. He sees "Popular" BobClark and ran across John Hyde at the Manchester Airport where he was "meeting a Russian striptease artist." Fritz and Nance were close neighbors in Wigwam Village after WW II, as were Dick and Jean Wood and Hankand Helen Kidder. $90 per month didn't leave much for parties, but we had great fun anyway.

Jim Gilbert writes from Jackson Hole, Wyo., where he and Pat summer. Jim was one of those who believed the marine recruiter who promised he'd spend Christmas at home. He didn't know the recruiter considered Paris Island, S.C., "home." After two years in the Pacific, he returned to marry Pat Burnell, Smith '43. They have four children (a university professor, doctor, lawyer, and bilingual teacher), and 12 grandchildren. They hike and fish in exotic places, and since retirement Jim has taken three assignments with the International Executive Service in Mexico, Indonesia, and Thailand. They live in their original home in Woodbridge, Conn.

Jim Gilfillan claims, from Mountainside, N.J., that he has no excitement, but his note covers many rewarding moments. He's been with Merck for 40 years helping make it Fortune's "Most Admired Company." His last assignment before retiring involved cholesterol-lowering agents including Mevacor a real winner! Jim's first wife, Betty, passed away in 1980, and he married Eve in 1982. They summer in Londonderry, Vt., where golf has replaced skiing as a hobby.

Howie "Pete" Geer of Darien Conn., sends an enthusiastic note about retirement, which he had dreaded. He and wife Jeff fish, sail, play tennis, and own a farm in Fairlee, Vt. Their activities have forced postponement of planned trips to Europe and Australia/New Zealand. Pete and Jeff have three children, all Dartmouth grads The girls live in Vermont, one a nutritionist, the other helping her husband in a high-tech business manufacturing oars for competitive rowers (Larry Noble and Hud King please note). The son manages a mutual fund in Boston, and four fabulous grandchildren round out the picture. Howie planned to attend the Cornell game.

Bill Seidman is finally retiring after a distinguished career in both industry and government. He is known for his honesty and forthrightness, two qualities in short supply nowadays. John Sununu told Bill that, once out of the government service, he can visit New Hampshire without harassment. Sununu might even provide the airplane!

We have regretfully learned that GeorgeMason died August 17 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

In his September column, Binney urged JimAdams to organize a mini-reunion "at his favorite tavern in Venice, Fla," and Jim is happy to comply. He and Clarisse will be at the Best Western Sandbar in Venice January 18-February 2, and the mini will be at the Crow's Nest Bar and Restaurant. "Once a date is decided upon, I will make all of the necessary arrangements," he says. "Let's make it a big one in memory of Binney! "Jim can be reached at 415/366-8888.

Box 3326, Sunriver. OR 97707

Jim Gilbert believed the marine recruiter who promised he'd spend Christmas at home. He didn't know the recruiter considered Paris Island "home." BINNEY TOWER '43