1941

I am truly impressed with the positive attitude of the '41 classmates whom I have called recently. Despite the various medical problems that beleaguer our age group, these men continue to enjoy life, accepting limitations with grace and fortitude. Dr. John Reed in Gainesville, Fla., was still hopeful of attending the March mini in Florida, despite his usual practice of avoiding public gatherings after the infection that followed his heart operation almost did him in several years ago. John still plays golf, as he finds that environment more friendly.

Don Norton out in White Bear Lake, Minn., gets around with a cane because of a problem with his legs and back, but he's not complaining even though he can no longer drive a car. He also visits the Mayo Clinic for treatment of cancer in his head and neck. Since his wife died, Don lives with his son and will move into a Presbyterian home now under construction in White Bear Lake.

Another patron of the Mayo brothers is Don Knight, who went to the Jacksonville, Fla., emergency room in December with his aortic artery 90-percent blocked. The Mayo people performed a bypass and Don was able to enjoy Christmas with his children and grandchildren. Now Don is thinking of joining the crowd at the Mt. Dora mini in March.

Another classmate considering the Florida mini is Bill Aylward on the east coast of Florida at Indialantic. Bill had a heart attack last May due to a blockage of his carotid artery, but now he's recuperating with a weight loss program and daily walking exercise. Leo Grace was happily found to be in fine health out in Casper, Wyo., where he continues to enjoy the ski slopes. Like Fred Begole he worked for American Express in Europe after the War. For 40 years Leo operated his own oil and gas exploration company in Wyoming. He's semi-retired now and finds time every year to travel the globe with his wife, Barbara.

Another westerner, Robb Alexander, did his duty with the field artillery in Europe during WWII. Then he setded in Utah, working in sales of structural steel and turning to real estate from 1969 to his retirement in 1982. Healthy and happy in Ogden, he keeps an eye on all the preparations for the 2002 Winter Olympics in his area. Maybe Robb can find accommodations for his classmates?

5975 Camelot Drive North, Sarasota, FL 34233; dickjach@gateway.net