Goto Pictures at end of Column
161st Column. 31 Aug for Nov-Dec. Due today, but (1) being late is not new and
(2) puny b-ache is not wanting to address bad news. Extenuating circumstances include drumming up
votes for Hank Larsen ’59 H2 to become President of Red Sox Nation. Unfortunately this activity got me in hot
water with Lists Moderator Dick Buckalew. Dick’s email said I should have used the class forum, therefore, with
neck well in I have rejoined the forum.
Bad news does not improve with age.
Those on email were stunned with the news that Don McCullough A2 was murdered on 9 July. Our hearts ache for Margaret Mary and their family.
Here are excerpts of the
John
Nun provided the following report on Don’s burial at West Point and the photo
came via Chuck Hansult (left to
right): Stan
Toney, Chuck & Pat Densford,
Hansult, Bill Cooper, John Holecek, Nun plus Garry Roosma (in A-2 June Week of Plebe
Year when H-2 vacated the Lost Fifties for old grads). “Was sad, but very nice. WP did their
usual great job. There was a reception at the AOG hall after burial and
James McCullough, USAF Ret presided over the retirement of his brother Michael
McCullough, USAF officially retired 31 Aug 07. Very touching to say the
least. Don had a great family. Margaret Mary is doing better than
could be expected but she also agreed that the kids and friends have kept her
so busy that she hasn't had a chance for the loneliness to set in yet.
She is looking for a break with some relaxation but I am sure the quiet house
will get to her worse than the bustle.”
And the class can say about Don: “Well done, be thou at Peace.”
Another jolt of bad news via email from Bill Edwards
(read by those 21st Century classmates on the class lists). “Noreen
Victorine called to inform me that Cliff
died on Tuesday July 31. He had been battling for several months what had
originally been thought to be leukemia, but turned out to be Myelodysplastic
Syndrome. He had been hospitalized for the last week of his life and died
shortly after having been transferred to hospice care at Franciscan Hospice
House in
Another email from Bill: “The class was well represented with seven
classmates and five wives in attendance: Tom Davies, Bill & Jan
Edwards, Tom & Betty Maliska,
Tom Morgan, Dick & Judy Oberg, Harry
& Claradell Shedd, and Gene
& Ellie Wilson. The eulogy given by a long time family friend
emphasized Cliff's fun-loving nature and sense of humor as well as his service
to his community and church. At the reception in the near-by fellowship
hall there was a slide presentation celebrating Cliff's life. It had been
put together by one of Cliff's daughters with assistance from the entire
family, showing his childhood, cadet days, his military career, and family
life. At the graveside service at
More sad news with
few details. M2 CCQ Ash Haynes and finder-of-lost-classmates
George Lawton have
been on the trail of an M2 Jun 55 victim of Plebe English. Sadly
Good
news - two G2 former cadets located.
CCQ Lawton has a secret weapon: Claradell
Shedd. She located Carl Smith, a turnback from ’57 who
joined us
Sad
news. Ann Reeder Riggs, Dodie Hruby’s sister, died 31
July. Many classmates knew Ann, an
Episcopal priest in Virginia and Army widow.
Her funeral was officiated by Bishop Peter James Lee of
Follow-up on Bob
Huskinson. His memorial service was on 24 Jun in
Follow-up on Paul
Johnson. On 31 July, many classmates
and Paul’s colleagues from Defense Mapping joined Paula, their children and L2
files to celebrate his life at the Ft Myer Post Chapel (standing room
only). The Old Guard led the way to his
inurnment in the Arlington Columbarium with full military honors. Paula hosted a reception at the Officers Club
(photo).
Two grandfathers were at
Far too much info – 162d was begun
tonight with info cut from this one.
Seven photos and it’s on the way to my Assembly
boss.