I hope you are all well and, if you are not in the warm weather all year round, I hope you are enjoying some part of this winter somewhere where it is warm!


The holidays are now a memory—and I hope they were both happy and blessed for all of you!


I really have no news; however, I did learn of the passing of Runnie Colie. I do not have any official obituary on Runnie so I will offer what I can from memory. Runnie and his dear wife, Betsy, were one of our regulars, who would participate in the yearly mini-reunions that took place. He lived in New Jersey and often spoke of the Princeton games he would attend. He was an avid sailor, to say the least! I had spoken to a member of his family (a daughter, I believe) just prior to the 75th reunion in 2013. There was never any doubt that he would attend, health permitting, if at all possible! However, he had the impressive and prestigious honor of being inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013, the first amateur sailor to be so honored, the same weekend. I do know that he had been a member of the yacht club in his hometown for many, many years—and to have this honor was a lifetime achievement fulfilled on his part. Like all of the class members who attended the reunions, I could sit and listen to Runnie regale of stories from years back. I can remember vividly the stories told by Fred Hollingworth and his football days, most especially the win over Harvard! I think back to this present time of the year (Halloween) and the bus trips to Phil Leach’s home on the lake for our reunions; he and Ginny made such grand efforts to entertain us!


So, again as you read this, we will be in the throes of winter here in New England with all it has to offer! Stay warm and stay healthy. You are so very important to those who love you!


—Jean M. Francis, 2205 Boston Road, O139, Wilbraham, MA 01095