1979
Dateline: 14 July 1996. No less than eight destroyers head out of the Golden Gate on their way to who knows where? Makes for a spectacular scene on this cool, gray, overcast morning as I write to you all from the tailgate of my Blazer with my trusted hounds, Jezebel and Simon, at my side.
The mighty Pacific provides a sweeping backdrop as pelicans, gulls, and terns flit about ever intermittently. Strains of the Smashing Pumpkins' "1979" float dreamlike from my radio. How many other classes can lay claim to a title song from a cutting-edge rock band? 'Well, we sure can. Life just makes too much sense sometimes.
Charlie Bertel had just finished a hemorrhoidectomy when we finally caught up with each other. As I squirmed in my seat Charlie waxed poetic about the natural wonders of Duluth and its environs. When he's not practicing general surgery, Charlie gets out and enjoys the lakes and waterways minutes from his front door. His children Andrew, Jackie, and Parker range in age from 16 to 1 1/2. He says it was planned so he'll always have somebody to help him carry his canoe.
Jim Hake was watching his 22-monthold son Sam develop his heavy-construction skills when I rang his phone. He and his wife, Kristy, are enjoying the sunshine of Santa Monica as he works feverishly to redesign the national information infrastructure through his company, Access Media. As always, it was a pleasure to catch up with Mr. Hake.
Tom Dustin has been the subject of much discussion between Phil Odence and I. Seems he and Buzzy Campisano did everything but sleep together throughout our college daze and yet haven't spoken a word since. Tud had just opened the vault at the Concord Savings Bank when I tracked him down. He offered no explanation save the eternal draw of the home sod. He and his wife, Tamme, are raising their two children on the same streets where he grew up. In all his spare time, Tom is coaching them to be hockey greats—He says hello to the Buzz.
It had been years since I spoke with Ernie Parizeau, with whom I share a lot of history; some hometown, high school, fraternity.. .lots of grand memories. These days, in his words: "I work, I play with my kids, and sometimes I talk to my wife." Norwest Venture Capital puts bread on his table, near his home in Wellesley Hills, and it's a good thing as now he and his wife, Kimberly, have another mouth to feed. Young Sam joined his sisters Kate and Molly and brother Doug earlier this year. Congratulations, Ernesto.
Speaking of Kimberly. I had forgotten how much I missed Kim Perry until I tracked her down at home in Santa Fe. Kim is still frustrated in her search for that elusive life partner, yet hasn't given up hope. She keeps busy with her two boys and was so kind to send me some thoughts on how to save my soul in tough times, something I've really needed lately. Thanks, Kim.
Ben Riley and I took a stroll through downtown San Francisco during lunchtime and talked about Chip Vetter's retire ment, amongst other things. Seems Chip has joined the under-40 retired club of '79s. After receiving his gold watch from Montgomery, he took his family to New Zealand for a little R&R. Sounds good to me. Ben is doing as well as ever; winning trial after trial for Cooley, Godward and relishing the country club life in Orinda with Janet and their two children. It's people like Ben that help keep me grounded, and I never get to spend enough time with them.
That's about it for now. Be good and remember: Life's short; pray hard.
765 Teresita Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94127, (415) 337-7737 (h), (800) 288-7626 x 2711 (w); 7 Griffin St., Simsbury, CT 06070, (860) 651-0085 (h), (800) 982-6810 (w)
