1959

Our Classmate Support Network seems to be working, as I received several moving notes about the passing of classmates Bill Long and Bob Weston. The Rev. Dick Watson, informing me about Bob, took time to tell about his past 13 years as an Episcopal parish priest, a career that began in Zimbabwe. After a few years in Keene, N.H., directing a counseling service, Dick moved on to Xenia Ohio, where he has served since 1993. He is looking forward to an Injunaire reunion in Hanover this spring.

An article from the Herald in New Paltz, N.Y., tells us that Van Pine, at the "sprightly age of 62," gives no appearance that he is slowing down! Van, a member of one of New Paltz's oldest families, is busy renovating the 105-year-old former Pine Funeral Home business into a professional office park. A professor for years at SUNY-New Paltz, as well as a funeral director, Van is a leading expert, consultant and author in the field of death education and the sociology of bereavement. The consulting business keeps Van traveling about 80-percent of his time.

While Van remains active, several other classmates speak fondly of retirement. MikeMiller, reporting from Charlottesville, Va., looks forward to retiring from orthopedic surgery "in a year or so." Mike and Derry's daughter Heather '91 recently gave them their first grandchild, Haley. Mike speaks of seeing Hank Greer '60 Frequently.

Peter Scott, Gettysburg, Pa., retired last June from the howitzer business. He immediately joined a gym, lost 15 pounds and took up golf! Peter and Anne recently visited Jerry Wunderlich and Susie while in San Francisco—their first reunion since Jerry was an usher in Peter's wedding!

Peter Collins tells of going "of counsel" in January of this year. The founder of Paul, Frank and Collins, one of Vermont's largest law firms, Peter hopes to spend more time sailing Lake Champlain. He lives in Burlington with his "trophy wife" of 37 years, Berne, traveling and visiting children and grandchildren. Their three children, with families, have a family tradition of gathering at the Ravine Lodge each Fourth of July weekend. As they continue to climb Mt. Moosilauke Peter swears it is getting higher each year!

A nine-year veteran of retirement, AlanHurlburt has no regrets as he remains busier than ever. Residing in Lancaster, Pa., Alan has found his "passion" in volunteer work, especially working with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. He enjoys his time with the Lancaster Bicycle Club, as well as travels to Ireland and Mexico. Big events in 1999 were the births of their first two grandchildren—little girls they love to spoil.

A common thread weaves itself thru all these stories of retirement: these classmates all will now have time to attend the '59 reunion. It should be a great one! Snow is nearly gone...ice is leaving the lake. Keep re-connecting,

Middle of the Road, Newport; ME 04953; (207) 368-4319; (207) 368-5029 (fax); gilman@ctel.net

Van Pine is a leading expert and author in the field of death education and the sociology of bereavement. GOODY OILMAN '59