Return to Archives Page

168th Column


           Pictures Included

 

            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 West Point with Jim at a date to be determined.  In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Society.

            Scribe has lost track of the source for the following information: “(Rae was) a native of Annapolis, MD; she had lived in St. Augustine since 1990.  She was a devoted member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, a selfless volunteer at Summerville Retirement Community and an active supporter and sponsor for many individuals and local support groups (Rae and Jim hosted a cancer support group that Scribe attended one night many years ago).  She was a loving and caring wife, sister, mother and grandmother.  Survivors include her daughters: Kim Gerred of Street, MD and Linda Fielder of St Augustine; son: James Ramsden of Manassas, VA.

            You all know that husband Jim died 13 Aug 98.  Scribe believes their other son Michael died 5 Oct 01.  My memory is less reliable with age, but I believe that Mike was the recipient of a kidney donated by Rae some years ago.  Sadly, the ranks of our June Ladies continue to thin.

            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 Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore and returned home to Mooresville on 26 April.”  Sadly, Libby died five months later.

            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 Arlington National Cemetery on 14 Nov – more info on this next time.

            Bob Tierney transitioned to the ghostly assemblage on 17 Oct.  A Memorial Service celebrating Bob's life (was) held on Thurs, 23 Oct 2008 at 3:00 pm the Carmel Mission Basilica. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Big Sur Land Trust, or Hospice of Central Coast” (as reported on class net).

            Just in time for these notes, a report from G2 CCQ John Palmer: “Barbara and I have just returned from California where we attended memorial services for Bob.  We were joined by Brad & Janet Eliot, Lee & Marion Fay, Bob & Pat Julian, Frank Wright, and Wayne Weiss.  Carmel's Mission Basilica was filled with friends and family and we truly celebrated Bob's life.  Each of the three Tierney sons offered readings, Bob and Sally's daughter, Patty Wilson, spoke on behalf of the family, and Brad Eliot did a magnificent job

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 Carmel.”

            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 ‘58 players onto the field to be recognized as the first class to play in the 150-pound league.  We won the 1957 Championship under the leadership of Coach Eric Tipton, Team Capt and center Brad Johnson, and QB Ralph Wensinger (who entered with ’58, was graduated in ‘59 and later KIA RVN 1968.)  I’m sure Ralph was there in spirit ­as well as others recognized at the Memorial service on Friday: Luedtke and Simpson ‘59, and Coffey, Humphreys and Rowe ‘60.

            “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 ’58 starters: Brad Johnson, center; Bill Shely, left guard; John Brinson, left tackle; Dick Schonberger, left end and Jude Theibert, halfback.  Also at the reunion were seven members of ’59: Bob Demont, John Gurr, John Guthrie, Fred McConville, Jim Miller and Dick Welch; plus two members of ’60: Denny Dice and Doc Sutton.  And, over 100 players from later classes.  It was a great weekend, capped off by Army’s win over LA Tech.

            “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 ’58 connections, Scott is son of Austin Eugene Miller ’57 and grandson of Austin Andrew Miller ’33.

            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 Tony Smith was elected to the Advisory Council with 1321 votes (a landslide).  Tony prevailed over both Barack Obama and John McCain USNA58.  Too bad Tony is (was) not on the 4 Nov ballots.

            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.

 

Photos

1-     Joan & Fred Goodenough

2-     Karl & Sue Oelke at 50th Dinner

3-     Sam Myers at Machu Picchu

4-     John Schaffer’s Honorary Dump Truck

5-     Pete & Vimol Kullavanijaya at 50th

6-     Time Capsule Downing Proj Mgr, Perkins ’08 Pres, Bradshaw ’58 Pres

7-     Burial: Downing OIC and heavy lifters John Calabro ’68 and Joel Jebb ‘82