Class Note 1950

I got a note (with a $2 stamp—the one with the upside-down bi-wing airplane—philatelists take note) from “big spender” Joe Medlicott advising me of the passing of Sally McCrillis Eldridge (widow of Newc, who passed in July 2015). Our gal Sal was certainly an exceptionable member of our class, as was Newc—a giant in the 8th Mountain Division. (Joe also cited the passing of Richard F. Ledyard, a ’49er who graduated with us in 1950.)

Still remembering their “charmed life together,” Jilly Harned sent a heartwarming picture and note citing Jack’s last moment February 8, “with his granddaughter playing Bach on her violin, Jack slipped away with all of us around him as the snow moon set in the west, peace at last.”

Joel Leavitt keeps some of us regaled—email fashion—with some funny items (and others). Also I heard from Lee “Sak” Sarokin, way out West, with a note regarding Eric Clapton and Wynton Marsalis “playing the blues.”

I guess we are all stay-at-homes in our respective pandemonium prisons. Personally, my last month (April) was spent in splendid isolation at eldest daughter Rebecca’s Cayuga lakeside retreat in upstate Aurora, New York.

I enjoy (feed on) hearing from any (all) of you, and most of all from Jilly Harned with an Easter salute wearing a wacky bonnet.

Keep October 30-November l in mind for our all-expenses-paid 70th reunion. I’ll be there (like Jack the bear). Will you?

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8 Concord Greene #5, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr@aol.com