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SEPTEMBER 2001
YNGVAR’S BACK!!!!
The subtle threats contained in the July newsletter have borne bounteous fruit and the editor’s in-box is overflowing with Greencards! While each has its own character and sculpted word flow, the missive from YNGVAR HVISTENDAHL (the man with virtually no vowels in his name) was so energetic that I decided to make it the lead story. I also determined to write this one in a first-person perspective (PAUL MARTIN - is this an appropriate use of a hyphen?) as, after seven years, I have discovered that I can do anything I want in the newsletter short of profanity and out-and-out blasphemy - Wah-Hoo-Wah!
As you may recall, Yngvar joined us in our junior year at the age of 22, got Dartmouthized, MBA’d and returned to Norway to run the family ship business. He writes a great postcard: "To my great surprise, I am finding myself out of retirement in la belle France and located in Natick, MA as CEO of a high tech company in which I and a number of Norwegian investors own shares. The previous management had done a lousy job, steadily losing money over several years, and tried to entrench themselves with poison pill plans, changes in the bylaws and prohibitively lavish executive severance agreements - all without the benefit of shareholder approval and were finally caught with their hands in the till. People are dismissed for cause, the lawsuits multiply, the financial drains and leaks must be plugged, confidence in the leadership and profitability must be restored and I love it! Five years ago, I would have sworn that ten wild horses could not drag me back to another managing director’s job, but idle retirement changes your outlook. Also, the siren song of your old associates begging you to help them out is irresistible. So please note for the next six months at least, I will be at the following address and hope to find time to attend a mini-reunion, the golf tournament and my first homecoming game in 45 years - Dolphin Interconnect Solutions, Inc., 24 Prime Parkway, Natick, MA 01760; tel (508) 652-7775; home (617) 923-2935; hvistendahl@dolphinics.com" Give him a call.
Dr. DICK DEANER sees few ‘54s in the badlands (Bakersfield, CA), but he and BEV ~ encounter BOB and ALICE LEVY last year when they wandered off-course. In a continuance of their compulsion to girdle the earth, the Deaners have signed on for the College-sponsored sojourn in Tuscany November 13-21, 2001. Other ‘54s planning on the trip might contact Dick and Bev.
Long-silent DON WHEATLEY finally checked in from British Columbia: "Howdy! Enjoying retirement life at its limit. Keeping physically and mentally fit - walking and reading. Am into fly-fishing, bird-hunting (train my own dogs), cross-country skiing and caring for eight grandchildren from five children (all employed!) Hear from a few ‘54s over time. What am I doing on my 70th birthday? Sipping some red wine and giving thanks that I live in North~ America ... and am still alive! Watch some rugby on television and cannot believe that I actually played that game!" Don is likely remembered for his flagrant use of his British accent to charm away the dates of his DTD brothers. 2389 George Court, Westbank, BC, Canada V4T 2K4; (250)
768-0209; wheats@S1LK.Net.
From Haverford, PA, BOB DURHAM has discovered the pluses and minuses of retirement: "I retired this year after 45 years of estate practice and immediately found myself in a funky mood when my hobbies simply didn’t sustain me emotionally or spiritually. But then my law firm dropped a few executorships on me to keep me active on a part-time basis. Funkiness dispelled. Even though I have not been active in alumni affairs, I loved my four years in Hanover and the wonderful friendships I made. In particular, I have missed ED HAYES and YNGVAR HVISTENDAHL and hope to contact them soon." Bob - see above.
I don’t know about other ‘54s, but I am reminded daily of HARRY CONARRO and BOB SOKOLSKI as I head to town with a mug of hot java in a D’54 mug. Hal’s the one who checked m "Hal Conarro and Bob Sokolski are alive and well, having both lived in Warren, PA for the past 40 years. We are both still working at Whirley Industries, a manufacturer of plastic-imprinted thermomugs and carmugs of many sizes. We employ 400 people and are fortunate to have a number of our children involved in the business. Life is good in this small town in northwest Pennsylvania. We have great wives. We have been married to SALLY and MARY for forty-plus years. They are super lifemates who have reigned over our total of eight children and a ton of grandchildren. We enjoy golf, platform tennis and bridge." An unparalleled story of a lifetime partnership.
How many classes do you imagine have two members nicknamed "Skip"? From our pair, EDWARD ABBEY has a certain, individualistic postcard style: "Just a little update. No matter how far away I ran, Father Time still caught up with me. The big Seven-O arrived on June 16th in Malta - one of our stops on a 15-day Renaissance cruise. Wife LULU loves cruises: unpack once, then do your thing! Three this year and two booked for next year, plus a possibility of Bermuda out of Boston after a visit to daughter Trisit in Plymouth. Just completed a small ‘vanishing edge’ pool that drops off into the lake behind our house.
Feeling much more relaxed about reaching 70 now that I’ve established an escape route in case things go bad. ‘The Lulu’ now up to an 18 handicap (I’m 24 from the whites.) If I can live long enough, maybe I can dose the gap. Nahhh! Probably won't happen. Looking forward to SEAVER PETERS’ return for the winter so he can teach me to putt with the ‘claw’ grip. Cheers."
CHARLIE MORRISON reversed his usual plea for Tuck School news and became a contributor: "A first! Can you believe it? I’m writing you! Last evening, FRANNIE and I had a delightful dinner with HUGH and DEBBIE NOLIN on the terrace of the Hanover Inn. They came over from Pomfret, VT and we from Sunapee to break bread - our first visit to the Green this summer! Hugh reacquainted himself with Ben Thompson, the Petty Officer at NROTC when Hugh was there, a fellow-diner on the terrace. Earlier, saw LO-Yl CHAN who was on campus for a Trustees’ meeting."
Another ‘54 has been stung by the retirement asp, DICK BRACE: ‘1 have retired from Financial of Canada in Wellesley, MA, so I can no longer annoy classmates at the mini-reunions by claiming to be on a lunch break. I am recovering from shoulder surgery (left rotator cuff) and trying to figure out what’s next." Perhaps some of us who have been out "here" for a while can help Dick.
Life runneth over for DICK SHELLEY: "Had the rare and happy occasion to convene my entire extended family for a week’s romp at Atlantic Beach in July. One wife, three kids, three in-laws and eight (count ‘em)
grandchildren. Fun times! Returned home on Day Eight pleasantly exhausted and thankful they all live at least one time zone away. Retirement makes you a creampuff - but very appreciative of peace and quiet." The man makes a lot of sense.
Reverend DAVE RANSOM always has commentary that makes you look inside yourself: "Sad to read about BILL DUTTON, JIM FiSHER, KEN PULLEY and DICK ARMSTRONG. Their deaths seemed very early in life. Dick’s reading at the ‘54 reunion memorial service was much appreciated; some folks can convey their grace with a few words heard. JANE Armstrong’s death raised the question in myself of how Dick and Jane and others may best be remembered and recalled in forthcoming directories which are available to all classmates. Forgive me if I may be ‘pointing a laser beam at the moon’ as some will be doing in a few days - some accessible spot of ink may be helpful. The cancer-related, heart disease and clot-related deaths also inspire us to encourage folk who are involved to explore potential alternatives (‘emerging hopefuls’) -evaluations which practicing physicians generally have no time to explore because of the lack of time."
Like Job, JOHN GILLESPIE is constantly challenged by, in his case, his body, to keep getting back up and charging at life. On November 1, he will have his second hip replacement operation, knocking him out of attendance at several Class functions (his spirit, however, will continue to pervade). This time around, the condition rose in a short six weeks. John is frustrated by the time it’s taking to get him into surgery. Drop him a note. Imagine what a dull bunch we would be without his party-giving skills!
Also on the health watch, JOEL LASKY had a dose call, avoided by JUDY’s tenacity and wisdom under fire. Following surgery for unknown-caused torn stomach muscles, Joel had excruciating pain in his stomach and below his shoulder blades. After ten days of morphine and IVs, the problem was diagnosed as a gangrenous gall bladder, but only after Judy demanded that a gastroenterologist and an infectious disease expert be brought in to displace the surgeon and internist. First dealing with his blood-thinning therapy (Couinadintakers arise!), they removed the offending part, washed out his system and, after a bunch of intensive care, turned him back out onto the streets of Dallas. The condition was deadly and we still have Joel among us because of Judy. Huzzahs! (Note to Coumadin-takers. Log onto www.Coumadinsettlement.com to get a piece of a class action suit against DuPont).
New Addresses
Grab your ‘54 directory and make the following entries:
-JOHN FAIRFIELD -
1326 Windwalker, Prescott, AZ 86305-5168; (928) 776-8280
-DOUG HOSKINS - hojodo@msn.com
-CLARK DAVIS -
2406 Bomca Circle Erie,PA 16506-6454; (814) 836-7037;
Dart54@adelphia.net
-PETE KENYON - PeterMKenyon@aol.com
PETE and LYNDA SCHENCK are luxuriating in the bringing of their Santa Barbara home into the 21st century: ‘We were finally able to get the necessary building permits and have started remodeling our home. Perhaps ‘destroying! would be a better word since they have spent the last three weeks tearing the place apart, taking out walls, tearing off rooms, ripping up roofs, etc. There is just barely a shell of a house left for them to start to put back together .... I call it Motel 3 because it’s nowhere dose to being a Motel 6. Apart from that, all’s well." Good!
The Summer 2001 issue of "Bermudian Business" features BOB CLEMENTS’ face with a Mephistophelian grin. The article inside sings the praises of Bob for his pioneering schemes for the handling of excess insurance and reinsurance. Must be great to have entire resort island grateful to you.
Dr. BILL and SUE GOULD immersed themselves totally in ten days of Italian with Prof. John Rassias in Hanover in July. On their next trip to Italy, they will dazzle the natives with phraseology and accent. They recommend the experience to all Classmates. The "reGreening" was exhilarating. Bill continues his dermatology practice and has had the joy of having partnered up with daughter Beth eight years ago. Quoting Sue: "I couldn’t work with either of them, but they’re like two peas in a pod." Bill has rediscovered the joy of jazz and has been playing piano with the San Francisco Feetwarmers - festivals and three CDs to their credit!
His Scandinavian location gives PETER ROBINSON the fodder for a fascinating note. He was not able to join LO-Yl CHAN and ED IORTON at the Hanover High 50th, but did rrange to have a borrowed protractor eturned to Ed, some half-century late. Ed and BETTY left the reunion early to catch a plane to Norway: "He called me at home Saturday at 6:3Oam local time to consult over his coming rip north to south (Kirkenes to Bergen) on the Norwegian Coastal Express steamer. No - I could not be in Trondheim when his ship would be passing through later in the week about 5 minutes drive from where we live), because SUZANNE, Sandra (then 8) and I were due to leave the next morning for field research i the outer islands of Lofoten, well north of the Arctic Circle. However, we would be staying bout an hour’s drive from Stamsund, Ed’s last ort-of-call in Lofoten on Tuesday, so we arranged to be there on his arrival. It was a nice sunny Arctic evening around 2100 hours when the big modern ship glided up to the wharf and the Hortons disembarked. A great one hour reunion ensued on the wharf before the call was made and the great ship glided off southward across the open waters of Vestfjord while we made our way by narrow road and tunnel back to our lodgings on the outer island of Mosknesoy." A lifestyle and life’s work that as little semblance to most of us - most intriguing.
At a recent meeting of the Cape Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees, among hose elected as new members was on SHELDON WOOLF. ‘White Bucks" Woolf???
The society pages of the Greenwich Times (CT) reported the marriage of Scott Jova to a beautiful and talented young woman. Scott is a cum laude graduate of Dartmouth ‘87 and the son of BARRY (not cum laude) and SUSAN NOVA. The elder Novas re so active in the community that they got tore lineage than the happy couple.
HARRY ROBINSON, in his role as resident of the Dartmouth Class Treasurer’s Association, is in Hanover quite often. The changing character and areas of interest of younger classes have created financial
catastrophes relative to affording things like Alumni Magazine subscriptions, newsletters, etc. Several classes have no newsletter and seldom generate a column in the Magazine. It’s a different world out there today.
Golfer TOM SAYLES was given a tour of the reconstructed Hanover Country Club by SEAVER PETERS and gave it top marks. Tom forwarded an article by Delaware Chief Justice NORM VEASEY about the increasing scrutiny of the actions, deliberations and responsibilities of independent directors of corporations. It’s no longer "vote Yes! and lunch." If you are fortunate enough to serve in such capacity, contact your editor for a copy of "Reflections on Smith v. Van Gorkom."
In our 25th year book, "Reflections", ROGER GILMORE began: "After assorted jobs in social work, factory and office and pursuing, never finishing a Phd in theology, and having five years of administrative experience at the University of Chicago,, I found myself working for a professional art school - ended up as Dean." His choice of careers proved to be a good one. At the June meeting of the Dartmouth Club of Portland (ME) Roger was feted on the occasion of his retirement following fourteen years as the President of the Maine College of Art (see last page). He and the Rev. ELIZABETH now get to smelling the roses.
DON AUSTERMANN and Dr. JOHN STEEL have discovered the joy of forwarding email humor. Be very careful of opening mail from either of them - it may not be funny.
There are only six Class of 1954 Awards left. Think about it and send your nominations to Chair BOB ADNOPOZ. In addition to service to the Class and the College, pertinent life’s work may be a consideration.
The Class of ‘54 starred in this month’s Alumni Magazine with letters from two of us published. JERRY GOLDSTEIN wanted to know where the College’s organic farm was and DICK WATT gave a strong endorsement of the prior issue’s lead article about Beth Robinson ‘86 and her leadership in the passage of legislation in Vermont which permits and recognizes same-sex unions. Dick equated her courage and dedication with "the spirit of
Lexington and Concord, William Lloyd Garrison and the Abolitionists and of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr."
Jerry Goldstein was kind enough to suggest that L your editor, attend a screening of "Wet", a 30-minute submission by BOB RAFELSON to the Erotic Tales exhibition at the Museum of Modem Art in New York City.
Originally produced for German television, the 24 submissions had to adhere to three guidelines: no violence, no pornography and no videotape. I was not able to attend, but if director Rafelson would send me a tape of his 1994 production, I’ll share observations with the entire Class.
In the July issue of Money magazine, an article lists the six "Best Places to Retire" in the U.S. TOMMY THOMPSON claims to have lived in all of them, including Hanover. One would wonder, cause-and-effect wise, whether the Thompsons’ planned move from Tucson to Bellingham, WA would automatically put it on Money’s list next year….
Adhering to a fine line of ‘54 accuracy, DON KELLER abandoned his intended posture of humility to declare that he and DICK LEWIS had won the annual Naples golf competition with PHIL CHRISTOPHE and ROLUE HAYNES, versus the misreported reverse. Sorry - I guess. Don appended that he does not favor the "new" approach to fund-raising and that he opposes the College taking anything away from fraternities and sororities.
Noting the addition of two new names to letterhead of DON BERLIN’s law firm, PERRY DAVIS ponders whether he may have a scoop on an approaching changing of the guard ??
An incredible story from proud father RON DUNTON: "My daughter, Leslie, has written the librettos for three operas, two of which have been produced in the US and Europe (she lives in Paris). She is working on one called "Kashgar", set in Central Asia, of course. The Aga Khan heard about it and thought it would be a good idea for her to experience the music and dance of that region at first hand (his purpose in life being to assist understanding between non-Muslims and Muslims), so he sent her on a private excursion to Badakhstan - Eastern Tadjikistan (just north of the Afghan border) - for a month, with interpreter, guide, jeep, flights among the Paniirs, the whole thing. She videoed a lot of the most interesting stuff which she showed me and, in addition, has brought back to Paris an extraordinary singer and a couple of musicians. A French government-sponsored production company decided to sponsor a show involving Leslie’s operatic characters to some extent, including a reincarnation of Sumi, etc. - and it is being presented in Paris next month with the Tadjikiies being supported with some well known French actors. Wild stuff, especially at this moment.
MIKE MORRISSEY (who’s not even in the Class directory!) called about specs on the ‘54 skiing activities in Aspen; He has just bought the perfect house in Jackson Hole, WY and is abandoning Southampton, NY forever. Mike retired from his plastic surgery practice four years ago - our litigious society had taken all the pride and satisfaction out of being a highly qualified physician. He mentioned seeing BILL BRIGGS (the "Brigger") a lot in his new hometown. Runs into Harrison Ford a lot, too. P.O. Box 432, Teton Village, WY 83025; (307) 733-1768 (for the skiing cognoscenti, he’s in Moose Creek).
Well, it’s time once again to report on the annual ‘54 fly-fishing outing. I know... but there are two reasons for doing it (1) JIM ADAMS’ wry, laid-back writing style and (2) the fact that each year, new ‘54 initiates join the group and make it more interesting. This year’s foray was to British Columbia. Prior to their jumping off, they joined ISABEL and ED SCOTT for dinner in Vancouver. Audacious Ed wrote a letter to the recently elected Premier of BC, Gordon Campbell 70, inviting him and his wife to break bread with the group. In his politely worded "no way, Jose", or its Canadian equivalent, the Premier waxed warmly about his days on campus and wished them a fine time. Jim picks up here: "On July 10, we returned to the site of our first ‘54 Fly Fishing Team’ trip in 1997. The site was Stuart’s Lodge, Nimpo Lake, BC. There were four original and four new faces at this venue. The originals were LEWIS, PAGE, ANKENY and ADAMS. The new attendees were SHELLY WOOLF, STAN KLIPPI, WIL WILKINS and BOB WORKUM. The rookies were Klippi and Workum.
"McLAUGHLIN and LEVINE had originally signed on for the trip. Dave was worried about the quality of fishing in BC due to a low snow pack. He therefore accepted a modest job (Chairman of the American Red Cross) in lieu of fishing.
"Bob Levine had found some hi-tech satellite phones which could be used easily by aged, sick fisherman in remote locations. Each phone had the capacity of reaching Katmandu as well as the main fishing lodge. After committing the team members to buying these devices, Bob came down with a several case of shingles and couldn’t attend.
"Some of the memorable happenings included: Dick Lewis, who follows a low-fat chicken and fish diet, broke training on the camp’s rich fare. As a result, his cookies once again saw the light of day and one day of fishing was missed. The new chest-waders of Adams split at both his knees the first day. His departure form the stream was comical as each water-filled leg weighed 175 pounds. Shelly saved the day with the loan of a spare pair for the rest of the trip. Bob Workum, who has lived in Canada for many years, lent a dear-cut Canadian aspect to the group. Unlike the previous trip, Dick Page was able to avoid the quicksand at El Tuzucko. The reason - we simply didn’t fish in that area.
"In the area of contests, the large fish prize was taken down by Pete Ankeny for the second year in a row. Shelly was second and, for third, Wil edged rookie Klippi by only 1/4". Woolf kept a firm grip on his Trash King title by landing a 21" squaw fish.
"On the first afternoon, the co-founders floundered in Nimpo Lake. They were boarding the boat near the dock. Co-founder Lewis was in the boat and judged that Cofounder Adams need assistance and shifted his weight. As a result, Lewis ended up fully immersed in the lake and Adams only partially in a boat now half-full of water. Other than damaged pride, the only loss was Disk’s new fishing hat.
"Dick Lewis often says that camaraderie fellowship are the bedrock of our fishing trips and should supersede any discussions of the quality of fishing, etc. The write says that both ingredients will make for a truly great trip. Quality fishing and good fellowship came together this year in British Columbia and a good trip was enjoyed by all."
Following his brief encounter with the group, Ed Scott has been searching for the proper term for their "condition". Topping his current list are the descriptive "piscomania" and "pisconecrophilia."
Class Activities: We are truly a Class that does a lot of stuff
Get a load of this:
Oct. 19-20 Homecoming (Columbia)
19- Drinks-Hayward Lounge (Inn) 5:45-7:15
- Dartmouth Night Parade 7:30
20- Class Meeting-Tindle Lounge/Thayer 8:30
-Lunch-Tent/Alumni Gym 11:00
-Post-Game Reception/Faculty Lounge 4:00
-Drinks/Dinner -New Boat House 6:30 $54 each (see Gillespie mailing)
Nov 6-7 Executive Committee Meet - Cape Cod
Dec 11 Boston Holiday Lunch-Boston Marriott / Quincy
12 New York Holiday Lunch-Yale Club
Jan. 14-15 Vermont Skiing
Apr 22-23 Gettysburg -- if minimum 8 couples sign up
? Greek Isle Cruise
Sep. ? ‘54 70th Birthday Party
? Montreal/Quebec tour
? New England Literary tour
The Terrorist Attacks
At this writing, there has been no news of direct or indirect personal tragedies within the Class. Our age and our generally retired phase of life kept us safe from the potential dangers of the Financial District, the Pentagon, and early morning business travel. It makes it no less devastating, but serves to remind us of the luck-of-age that kept us from WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Retired airline pilots ARONSON, HITCHCOCK and TITUS agree that. (1) under current security, a dedicated hijacker will succeed, (2) no pilot would deliberately fly a plane into an inhabited building, regardless of threat, (3) the Pennsylvania crash resulted either from crew/passenger resistance or a deliberate crash to avoid inhabited areas, (4) new security measures will be strict and will change the face of consumer flying. The "old" rules required pilots to accede to hijacker demands, not anticipating suicide intentions.
Condolences to those who lost family/friends/ associates. Courage to all of us.
COMING ATTRACTIONS:
Pete Barker attempts Soto-Makkomi against Lawrence Taylor ineffectively (see next issue)