I’ve gotten some nice notes from classmates about other classmates, but before I get into that I must tell you that another tree in our forest has fallen. Jacques Harlow, a longstanding member of our executive board succumbed to a heart attack in December. Past president, treasurer, fund cochair (with Bill “Carp” Carpenter) Jacques moved to Quechee, Vermont, years ago to be nearer the College (and the class). He will be very much missed. Doug Smith has agreed to take over the reins of treasurer that Jacques so capably handled. Speaking of Doug, his note to King Kenny revived King’s tale of the liberation of a small town not far from the Normandy beachhead and King’s recent return to celebrate the 75th anniversary of same. Joel Leavitt writes of an incident he and Ruth shared with Frank and Joanne Dickinson out antiquing. It seems Ruth fancied an item that she thought the price was too high. Frank put on his best “down East” accent, approached the owner, and said “Tell me friend, do you dicka?” The man answered, “Yes, we dicka,” and Ruthie got a deal. That was so Frank. Bob Kirby writes of an email with Ken Rothschild about mutual pal Ben Johnson and the discouragement of their lack of conversation with Ben, who is in a Maryland veteran’s home. Ken’s attempt to reach Bob Kilmarx met the same end. Bill “Carp” Carpenter has survived a bout with cancer (operation and all) enough to play tennis and enjoy his17 great-grands. Frank Lion’s Dorothy writes of his passing from their shared life in a Bridgewater, Virginia, retirement community. A note of great sadness for me is the passing of my former roomie and lifelong best pal Joe Ely. Other deaths to report include the passing of Leonard N. Radio, Monte F. Huebsch, Donald E. Krueger, Conrad R. Bohuslav, John E. Wulp, William E. Tallow, Glenn L. Fitkin Jr., Richard L. Johnson, John J. Cobb.

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