1954

Dick Eaton writes "to update you with what has been going on. Nancy Lee and I are finally empty-nesters as our daughter Janice was married this past September. Bill, Rick, and Gary are all married and doing great. We have five grandchildren and, with the exception of Rick, all five live nearby; so family takes quite a bit of time, which is wonderful. We still live in Needham, Mass., and have a year-'round home on Cape Cod where we spend most weekends.

"For the past 22 years I have been in the investment business. On February 1, 1991,I made the big move and opened my own financial- planning business here in Needham. I am happy to report that the business is off to a good start." If you could use some sound advice on retirement planning and want to probe Dick's many years of experience, try contacting him at 800/722-1184.

"Things are great with us, as well they should be after four years of retirement," writes Bob Jeffrey from Reddington Shores, Fla. "Our two children followed us and are close by and single, so no known grandchildren to boast about. We vacation to get away from the children, whereas most vacation to see theirs." As you read this column, Bob and wife Punky, Gus and Susie Wedell, and Alan and HelenStaley will have returned from some serious sailing in the British Virgin Islands. "The six of us have gathered in various places each year for several years, and I'm sure almost every member of the class of '54 has been mentioned at least once." Bob was worried that Alan's 33- foot sailboat might not hold all the needed refreshments.

Bob sent along a letter from Ruel Smith's son, Ruel III: "It's been close to eight years since Ruel's stroke and he continues on, cheerful, resilient, and without loss of hope. He still gets around in his motorized wheelchair, watches a lot of TV, and his speech is mostly good." Ruel III stresses the importance of letters to his father: "they are crucial in providing Ruel with that extra link to the outside world." He hopes that his old friends will visit him if at all possible. The address is Country Manor Nursing Home, 16 Whitesville Road, Toms River, NJ 08753, 908/341-1600.

The St. Louis Children's Hospital has recognized the many contributions made to the institution by our late classmate, Neal Farrell. Penny Farrell sent to Dick Barker a copy of the hospital's fall 1991 issue of Children. "Countless children have benefitted from Neal's devotion, and countless more will benefit in the years to come," said Alan W. Brass, president and chief executive officer of the hospital. "His efforts Jed the way to strategically position this hospital for a challenging future and a leadership role in pediatric healthcare." Gifts to the hospital made in memory of and in tribute to Neal made possible the commissioning of an audiokinetic sculpture by artist George Rhoads. Penny notes that Neal's support for and dedication to the hospital helped him in his own battle against cancer, providing him with the determination to make the most of his time.

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