1950

When my dear friend Gordie Hood asked me to become the author of this bimonthly column, I little thought that it would become my sad duty to write his obituary. What began as a joyful summer during our 60th reunion in June was soon overshadowed by his death on June 20. I am so very glad that he was able to attend reunion and to receive the Class of 1950 Award.

During a call from Frank Harrington, another class award recipient, we spoke nostalgically about his departed roommate Gordon. Frank, like yours truly, does not travel anymore but enjoys a quiet life in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with Rosemary.

Newly minted president Jim Birney writes that he and Bobbie plan to spend time with JoAnn Hood in Vero Beach, Florida, this winter. We look forward to visits with them and JoAnn.

Dave Grinnell writes that, although he has not attended our class minis, he looks back fondly at our undergraduate days. Five years ago he and Barbara moved from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Stamford, Connecticut, where, after 57 years together, they live close to family members.

Tom Green, having read my allusion to spinal stenosis in the column, thoughtfully writes to share his experience with surgical relief from the beast, which now permits him to “walk quite well.” Tom wryly observes, “I’m afraid we’re all getting pretty old and our remaining parts aren’t working as well as they used to.” A masterful bit of quiet understatement.

Paul Canada, who completed a three-month round the world trip in March, is writing a compendium chronicling his life. He hopes to eventually have it published on the Internet. Paul plans to cruise from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, via Panama in December. From there he may cross Florida to Naples. I asked Paul if he knew Nob Hovde, who lives in Naples. “Knew him? Are you kidding? I was riding up Park Avenue in Manhattan years ago. The cab approached a bicyclist—the bicyclist was Nob!” I observe: Not too many successful photographer’s reps commuted by bicycle in Manhattan. Nob did.

1835 North Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@aol.com