Class Note 1956

Unfortunately, some of my closest Dartmouth friends are dealing with major medical issues, either their own or those of a loved one. Given our advanced age, that is not surprising. I won’t mention any names or illnesses since that is a very personal matter, but I do want to extend my deepest sympathy and best wishes for a medical turn for the better to all members of the class dealing with such issues.

I received notification from the College of the passing of James Alexander Cochrane Jr., Richard B. Foster Jr., Herbert David Kleber, M.D.,and Frederick Sherwood Lowry. I also saw a New York Times obituary for Charles Maryan. In addition, Arv Hickerson sent me an email inquiring as to the current status of Steve Katz. Apparently, Arv has tried to contact Steve and has been unable. He is deeply concerned. If anyone knows whether Steve is still with us or not, please let Arv or me know. One last item to clear up. In a recent column I listed Clifford Geddes Chapman Jr. as deceased and that was an error. It should have read Clifford Geddes Allen Jr. My apologies to family and friends. Now, as the Barbary Coast jazz band plays a mournful tune and the procession marches up Main Street, we, the living, all bow our heads in silent tribute.

Many classmates also seem to be deeply concerned about the stock market due to the negative performance in the later part of 2018 and some forecasts for 2019. I spend considerable time analyzing market cycles and, in my humble opinion, the coming year does not look negative. As is often the case, beware of September and October. However, March and December look particularly good. Probably another rollercoaster ahead.

I close with the sixth stanza of my poetic limerick titled “Financial Rollercoaster.”

Profit thrills from your head to your toes,

Woes forgotten as prices all rose;

Track to financial health,

Rollercoaster of wealth,

You are back in the black at the close.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net