1949

Sadly, I must start this column with the news of the death of Bob Swift. Swifty had a heart attack in his sleep in mid-February. Here was a guy who was truly grateful and proud of being of the Green faith, serving effectively in local clubs, the Alumni Fund and as class treasurer. And Bob and wife Phyliss made a major contribution last summer to the DOC. He will be missed. Jay Urstadt continues his quest for supremacy in Masters-level swimming. He won the national competition in the 50-meter breast stroke and it appears that he has set a national record in the event at Rutgers this past winter. He is next scheduled to compete in Indianapolis and Munich, going after some freestyle records. I am told that Gunther Perdue is his breathing coach, using onions to stimulate him. Urine checks have, so far, been negative.

Ed Graham and Claire Barnett have married. Claire is the widow of our late classmate Ted Barnett, long time friend of Ed. They invite all classmates to stop by at 257 Franklin Road, Glencoe, I11. We certainly wish them all good things in the future. Ed Krug won his club golf championship down in Lake Wales, Fla., shooting a nice smooth 80 over Joe Batchelder '39. Ted, I am going to match you against MikeMarchese at Bonita Springs, Fla., who is still sporting a single digit handicap and doing regular damage to my pension. A letter to the editor in the Grand Coulee, Wash., paper accuses Senator Slade Gorton of being "too insulated"—and this from another Dartmouth alum. It's over a serious issue, but yet it struck me that anyone who ever spent four winters in Hanover can never be too insulated. The least attractive part of this job as secretary is writing the obits, of which I have had to do too many. So, sports fans, ban the nicotine, shun the hard stuff, take your vitamins, and tuck your selves into your cribbies by 9:30. With me around, who needs Koop's advice?

Reminder No. 2: Mini-reunion weekend is October 6-8 with all kinds of good events. We hope to see the usual suspects rounded up, but also some wanderers from afar who will probably need name tags to identify them. Our long-time and faithful reservations clerk is still the ever reliable PunchyThomas, 449 Hogback Road, Norwich, VT 05055 and (802) 649-2100; and PaulWoodberry needs your recommendations for the October Gold Pick Axe Award. Chatted briefly with Jack Ransom, who is still in the securities business, living and working in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Jack spent 15 years with IBM and is now in his 3 3rd year running his own business. Promises a nice detailed novel about himself for a future column. Word has reached us that Anthony Sousa passed away some time ago. He did not complete Dartmouth and I have litde information on him, but do know that he roomed in New Hampshire with Lou Harris. That's it. Don't hesitate to send me news, you shy devils.

-Doug Thomson, PO Box 1194, Grantham, NH 03753; bjndougtoo@aol.com

Jay Urstadt wonike national Masterscompetition in the50-meter breaststroke. DOUG THOMSON '49