168th Column. 26 Oct for Jan-Feb 2009 Assembly. Happy New Year! Confession: completed on 31 Oct Halloween. Too often the case these days, this edition
of our class notes must begin with sad news.
Rae
Ramsden died 5 Sep. Our first report
via email was from Palmer McGrew
filling in for traveling CINC Obits Jack
Downing. “Sadly I must
report the death of Rae Ramsden, widow of Jim.
As I understand it, Rae has been sick for some time, but I don't really know
what the problem was. Some of us in I-2 attempted to stay in contact
with her as did the Galens and Shellenbergers who live
relatively nearby. Of late Rae was not able or perhaps willing to
respond to inquiries about her health.”
Further details:
There was a memorial service and eulogy on 9 Sep with a Mass of
Christian Burial at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church on 10 Sep followed by
a reception at Moultrie Trails Club House.
Rae will be buried at
Scribe has lost track of the source for the
following information: “(Rae was) a native of
You all know that husband Jim died
Libby
Schroeder died on 21 Sep. Background info from a website somewhere on the
internet written by John: “She was
diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma in April 2008. The doctors believe it may have started in
her lungs and then metastasized to other areas of her body (thyroid, brain, and
lower spine). No one understands how
this disease could do so much damage to such a physically fit, socially engaged
and loving lady with virtually no meaningful warning signs for months or
years. She spent three weeks at
After
her death and memorial service John updated the website: “We held
Libby’s Memorial Service this past Friday (26 Sep) on a gray and very rainy
day. The gloom we associate with such
days melted away to sunshine as her dear friends and family listened to the
service and saw the beauty of her life in the video her daughters so lovingly
put together. We owe a very special
thanks to Reverend Paul Nelson, our friend, for the uplifting service and
especially for his loving homily.” Libby
will be buried at
Bob
Tierney transitioned to the ghostly assemblage on 17 Oct. “A
Memorial Service celebrating Bob's life (was) held on
Just
in time for these notes, a report from G2 CCQ John Palmer: “Barbara and I have just
returned from
illuminating the
man who many of us have known since 1954.
The Basilica Choir sang Bob's favorite hymns and Father Griffin offered
a wonderful homily, followed by an open communion. Our Alma Mater was sung during the recessional
to a courtyard where Taps was played and Sally was presented with our country's
flag.
“Following the services, everyone
gathered for a reception in an adjoining building where our class flag was
prominently displayed. There were dozens
of pictures plus a great slideshow tracing the adventures of Bob, Sally, their
family and friends over the years. We
enjoyed a wonderful
meal and fellowship with people who had come from all over the country.
“Later in the evening Sally insisted
that classmates and their wives retire to the Tierney home where we spent some
time getting to know the children and grandchildren, and giving them a peek
into events that occurred before their time.
There were lots of great stories (and smiles) as we shared memories. Sally asked that everyone be made aware of how
much she, Bob, and the family appreciated the messages and prayers from all
concerned. She will be spending time
with daughter Patty over the next few weeks before returning to
Scribe
encourages all to read Bob’s entry in the 50th Reunion Book. His government Foreign Service and
Intelligence career and post-retirement civilian careers should be reflected in
his Register entry – perhaps a task for his roommate and CCQ John Palmer. It must be said of Bob, “Well done, be thou
at peace.”
150-pound/Sprint football. Report from John Brinson via the class email forum: “The Superintendent,
LTG Hagenbeck ‘71, was a 150 pound football player! I learned yesterday (25 Oct) that he is an
outstanding and inspirational leader (while) watching him on the sidelines
during the LA Tech game.
“As planned, he led a group of ‘
“The group marched onto the field at
Friday’s 150 game against Cornell and yesterday¹s LA Tech game. Led by the Supe, Buster Hagenbeck ‘71, player;
Jim Kays ‘62, player and 17 years 150 OIC; all five ’
“Also honored during the game was
All-American and Heisman Trophy winner Pete Dawkins ‘59. His number 24 was retired yesterday. Pete had the mike on Friday and had good words
for the 150s. I’m sure I speak for all classes
in thanking the Supe for organizing this great reunion: 51 years after our
first season and 50 years after our graduation.”
Class
son-in-law “frocking.” Scott Miller
’83, son-in-law of Dave Coury and
godson of Linc & Ann Jones was
an early colonel selectee and is a BG selectee.
Pretty sure I reported the colonel bit before our 45th, but
the new and truly exciting news is that Scott was “frocked” as BG on 3
Oct. The invitation was from LTG
McChrystal ‘76, Dir of the Joint Staff.
The ceremony was held in the Pentagon National Military Command Center
Emergency Conference Room. Scott is Dep
Dir for Spec Ops and Counterterrorism.
In addition to his ’
Election
results announced by WPAOG on 23 Oct.
At the 139th Annual Meeting of WPAOG with 1525 ballots and
proxies (absentee ballots) received, our own
From
C2 CCQ Pete Penczer. “Jody & Diane LeTowt are moving from their individual
houses now to a new (for them, as it came already furnished) oceanfront
house, since their recent marriage. Jody is now dealing with an over
abundance of furniture and four dogs.”
Out
of space. Time to add some photos and
call this column completed.
2-
Karl & Sue Oelke at 50th
Dinner
4-
John Schaffer’s Honorary Dump Truck
5-
Pete & Vimol Kullavanijaya at 50th
6-
Time Capsule Downing Proj Mgr, Perkins ’08
Pres, Bradshaw ’
7-
Burial: Downing OIC and heavy lifters John
Calabro ’68 and Joel Jebb ‘82