Class of 1958

You may not realize how lucky you are to read this column every issue. For some reason, the Class Secretaries Association has given it top billing in its latest ratings. Merit suggests the notes by my Phi Delt brother John Cusick ’57 (above) are far more deserving. But at this point in life, we’ll take any kudos that come our way.

The virus has depleted my inbox, with a few exceptions. One that’s specially Class Notes-worthy comes from Larry Farrar’s daughter, Sabrina Nelson ’92, who volunteers to “toot my dad’s horn.” Larry, it seems, after careers in the naval and diplomatic services, is devoting his golden years to writing short stories, 80 so far. Meant to be read at one sitting, Larry’s stories are so well-crafted they can be read in almost no time at all. See for yourself at www.northoakswriter.com.

John Trimble tells of a golf cart accident that left him “battered, bruised with broken rib,” obliging him to avoid laughter. Now well-healed, he’s back in action, allegedly shooting his age. John reports a nice visit with Michelle McIssac, longtime companion of Bob Eleveld up in Michigan. He’s also texted with Dave Chapin about a “construction accident.” Says Dave: “Guess it’s time I retired.” John and Linda have also visited Carol and John Otis. But our president’s most ambitious adventure was mobilizing 30 snowbirds at an annual Florida mini-reunion April 14. Done via Zoom, and aided by Sandy Bromwell, attendees numbered two dozen—including usual suspects ranging (alphabetically speaking) from Roger Bruttomesso to Walt Vail, plus four undergrads marooned on the Hanover Plain and appearances by the likes of Myles Slosberg and Pete Durno.

Sadly, we note several 2021 deaths: Bob Rudolph, a Washington, D.C., oncologist who authored many peer-reviewed articles, on February 6; Robert Pendergast, a geotechnical engineer with residences in Minnesota, Puerto Rico, and Arizona, on February 16; Jim Meeker,who donated a valuable Edward Ruscha oil to the Hood Museum in memory of classmate Lee English,on January 24 in Albuquerque; and Glower Jones, an attorney who made Atlanta glow, of an aneurism on January 21 in the arms of Joanna at their mountain retreat in Georgia.

—Steve Quickel, 411 North Middletown Road, Apt. F-310, Media, PA 19063; steve58@quickel.net