Ray Parker, Charlotte Doyle!

An RSVP from Ray Parker! Thanks much, we're looking forward to seeing you.

And, oh, what an update from Charlotte Doyle, one of the out-of-state residents who will be joining us in September. You'll have to read the reunion book for her entire report, but here's part of it. SO impressive!

"In 2013, a friend sent us an email about the Giant Concrete Arrows Across America.  Never having heard of them, I started researching where they were and created 'Arrows Across America' to share their locations.

"Brian [her husband] and I decided to see how many of the arrow sites we could get to and take pictures of.  We have been on 4 arrow quests and logged over 22,000 miles since we started. We have visited 19 States and photographed 94 arrow locations.

"Our website about the concrete arrows and beacons had 14 million hits last year:

www.arrowsacrossamerica.com

"The concrete arrows have given us our 15 minutes of fame repeatedly. Daily Mail Travel Online featured some of our photos, which caused us to be contacted by producers out of England to film a segment for the TV show  'What on Earth.'  We filmed in the Nevada desert at 2 of the arrows in Aug. It was grueling, the segment about us was shown on February 16, 2016 on the Science Channel. It was called 'Large arrows in America's Badlands' (Season 2, Episode 4 Who Built Supervillain Island?).

"We’ve had photos in the Smithsonian Air & Space Magazine and phone interviews with many different news agencies across the country, even one from France. CNN Travel interviewed us in 2018 and published some of our photos.

"It’s been an adventure of a lifetime. We have met so many wonderful people along our journey."

Editor's note: isn't that true of all of us? We've met so many interesting people over the past 50 years!

Fabulous Central Avenue Class Photos from Dave Dahlin

What's better on a dreary rainy day (so much for the "rain shadow" on the Olympic Peninsula) than an e-mail box full of delightful grade school photos? Thanks to Dave Dahlin for some fabulous old photos...and now it's your turn, to ID those for whom Dave's late mother didn't provide a list of names. Some photos are too wide for the blog, so to see the entire image, click on the photo. 

Were you in Mrs. Miller's first grade class? Then you were a classmate of, starting in back from left, Dennis (surname?)), Dave, Judy Harte, Mary Scalph, Bill (Dave) Clowers, Mary (surname?) and Linda Coile. In the middle, Sally Jo Wiggins, Dennis Bauer, Sherry Coons, Ken Maiuri, Matt (surname?), Ronnie Lucas, Sharon Morris and John Rave. In front, Steven Halmstead, Dennis Koval, Dennis Iverson, David (surname?), John Yotty, Wendy Ward and Ray Parker. 

Second graders in Mrs. Wood's class included, top from left, Dennis Iverson, Matt, Fred Arbuckle, Mary, Christine, Sally Jo Wiggins, Marjorie. In the middle, Margaret Kenth, Ronnie, David Howard, Doug Cail, Tom Sundquist, Jeannie, Linda Coile. In front, Debbie Langenfeld, John Yotty, Ray Parker, Wendy Ward, Marcia Moland, Carla Hansen and Sherry Coons. 

Third graders of Mrs. Miller (same Mrs. Miller or a different one?), starting with the top row: Fred Arbuckle, John Yotty, Hank Krysiak, Dennis Koval, Terry Jacobson, Ray Parker, Gary Fagersedt and David Spears. In the second row, Ken Maiuri, Dave Dahlin, Dennis Forsberg, Susan Schuster, Melody Dean, Wendy Ward and Alisa Becklund. Third row, John Rave, Ronnie Lucas, Shelley Morris, Debbie Langenfeld, Linda Coile, Judy Harte and Sandra Almont. Fourth row: David Howard, Sharon Morris, Patty Fraidenburg, Mary Lee Scalph, Margaret Kenth, Marie Holmes, Steve McKanna, and Steven Anderson. 

Starting at the top, these fourth graders are Leota Nelson, Sharon Morris, Harry Bartley, Hank Krysiak, Carla Hansen, Roseanne Loe, Patty Fraidenburg, Jimmy Bartett and Ray Parker. Next row: Ross Ratcliffe, Steve Webster, Janet Armstrong, Christine Nelson, Dennis Bauer, Melody Dean, Dale Morey. Third row: Hal Lemmer (twice), Steve Anderson, Margaret Kemp/Kenth, Dennis Koval, Susan Schuster, Debbie Langenfeld, Bob Ashworth and Shelley Morris. Bottom row: Miss Strong, Mike Jankanish, Jim Fleming, Gary Fagerstedt, Dennis Forsberg, Dave Dahlin, Cindy Hupe, Ronnie Wolfe and Tom Sundquist. 

Fifth grade with Mr. Larson! Back row, Dave Dahlin, Harold Lemmer, Dale Morey, Kris Taft, Christine Nelson, Janet Armstrong, Linda Coile and Roseanne Loe. In front of them, Fred Arbuckle, Mike Dyson (?), Rodney Richardson, Mary Scalph, Adrienne Rayeski, Dennis Bauer, Ronnie Stratton (?), Ken Maiuri, and Pat Fautenberry (?). Front row, standing, Alice Craton, Melody Dean, Shelley Morris, Wendy Ward, Alisa Becklund, Linda Schmidt, John Yotty, Steve McKanna, Ray Parker and Charles Bartley. Kneeling in front: Bob Adler, Dennis Forsberg and David Spears.  

Here's another photo of Ms. Moffat's sixth graders, a better scan than we had previously. Thanks to Dave Dahlin, we have names! Front row, Tom Sundquist, Mike Dyson (?), Steve Slavens, Steven Webster, Fred Arbuckle, and Rodney Richardson. Behind them, Dennis Iverson, unknown (Francis?), John Yotty, Ray Parker, Steve McKanna, unknown, Wendy Ward, Eva Bowen, Linda Schmidt and (unknown.) Third row, (unknown), Jeanette Leach, Mary Scalph, Roseanne Loe, Pat Fautenberry, Shelley Morris, Alisa Becklund, (unknown), Charles Bartley and Ken Maiuri. Back row, Kris Taft, Janet Armstrong, Linda Coile, Bob Adler, Dennis Forsberg, Harold Lemmer, David Spears, Dave Dahlin, Adrienne Rayeski. 

Franklin Pierce Bantam champs, the Yankees, in 1964. Front, from left, Byron Moye, Steve McKanna, John Yotty, Steve Halmstead, Bob Matson, and Chuck Celmer. In back, Dan Helt, Doug Cail, Vince Weber, Dave Dahlin, Ross Ratcliffe, Gary Fagerstedt, Steve Slavins, Dennis Iverson and (unknown). 

Some of the same guys, a couple of years earlier, the Rookies as champions! Front, from left: Byron Moye, Don Torbet, Charles Bartley and (unknown). Second row: Dave Dahlin, Ross Ratcliffe, Gary Fagerstedt, Doug Cail and Dennis Iverson. Third row: Bob Matson, Tom Sundquist, Dennis Bauer and Steve Slavins. Fourth row: (unknown), head coach, (unknown), Greco (?) and assistant coach. 

Thanks, Tom! Thanks, Dave! Thanks, Tony!

Taking advantage of the low, low, LOW ticket prices for out-of-state residents are Tom Fletcher (Texas), Tony White (Oklahoma) and David Renn (Oklahoma). And thanks, guys, for your updates for the reunion directory. 

Thank you George, Rose, Steve!

More RSVPs for the reunion---from George Cowan, Steve Elske and Rose Russo! Delighted to know you'll be with us in September. Both Steve and Rose have provided some of the grade school class  photos on this page. Now, if you're reading this, please scroll down and see who you can identify in the photos!

April 21 Memorial for Dennis Rutt

George Cowan kindly forwarded this obituary written by a sister of Dennis Rutt:

Dennis W. Rutt passed away on Feb. 28, 2019 while on vacation in Manzanillo, Mexico.  He was 67 years old.  For many, many years Manzanillo has been his favorite place for R and R while his fellow Oregonians were in the icy rain and gray skies.

Dennis was born in the small town of Aberdeen, Washington on May 6, 1951 to E. Bernadine and William H. Rutt.  He attended elementary and high-school in the Parkland area of Tacoma, Washington.  After graduating from high-school he moved to Portland, Oregon.  Early on he worked at a golf course and became friends with his co-worker Michael Scaicotti.  They kept the golf course trimmed and green in the short time they worked together but continued to be friends for over 40 years.  Dennis later worked in the window cleaning business on those tall, tall buildings downtown.  He was a celebrity for a day when he and his coworker were rescued after the scaffolding malfunctioned and the Portland Fire Department's big ladders were called out to help them get down.  He decided that kind of fame wasn't for him and he went to work with Multnomah County Facilities Management where he could keep both feet close to the ground.  He worked there for over 20 years.  He sincerely enjoyed his "work family" and the many friends he met while working with Multnomah County.  

In his younger days, Dennis played bass guitar with a band and sometimes he would even sing!  Who knew?!  He was always the artist painting pictures with oils, acrylics or watercolor for his friends and family.  He was especially talented with pencil and ink sketching.  His pencil portraits were amazing.  He was an avid reader of history and action-suspense.  But music was his love, all kinds of music since he was a teenager.  He was keen on Miles Davis and other jazz artists, rock music from the 60's and 70's, and old timey country music.  He collected music for over 50 years using all applications, vinyl to CD's to iPod.  His custom playlists on cassettes were awesome for traveling.  He was never without his music.

Dennis is survived by his sisters, Sheryl Rutt Leckliter, Sun City, Arizona and Sandra Rutt Westfall, Tualatin, Oregon and by his good friend (more like a brother), Pat Tarbell, Klamath Falls, Oregon.  His nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and his merry friends from The Yukon pub will miss his sense of humor and the songs he would randomly sing.  He's dearly missed by his family and long-time friends.


Denny would be a little embarrassed by the stories and love we want to share about him and he would probably shake his head and have that well-known grin on his face.  So, a casual Celebration of Life gathering for friends and family will be held for Den on April 21st  from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at McMenamin's Old Church restaurant and pub in Wilsonville, Oregon, just south of Portland.  Together we can remember his grin.

Christensen Pictures: Thanks, Becky!

Becky Stevens Gagnon sends us these two charming photos from Christensen. Who can you identify?

Debbi Selden says that the girl second from right in the top row is Barbara Bradley. Another girl in that row is Peggy Ellsworth, she thinks. (Second from left?) In the bottom row, she thinks the third face is that of Ron Torgeson, and the fifth is Jay (surname?). 

Central Avenue Kindergarten, Mrs. Parker's Class

Steve McKanna sends us this Central Avenue School photo. Are you in it? ID's needed for this bunch of cuties!

No Cruise

Remember that Steve McKanna had suggested he might host a cruise in July? Tom Fletcher reports that it's a no-go: "A combination of personal and business-related circumstances has caused Steve to devote his time and energies to family and business activities. With his focus diverted, Steve cannot dedicate resources to make the cruise a success for his fellow classmates. If you require any further clarifications you can contact Steve at pac_rim_energy@hotmail.com."

Jackie Alexander's family photo

Three special guys in this photo sent by Jackie Alexander!

Don Becker, David Bailey RSVP's

David Bailey says he and Robin will be with us for both reunion events in September, and here's his update: 

"I am still working, semi.  I just purchased another building and have been remodeling it for our new wood finishing plant.  It’s taken two years and seven months due to the special permits and so many subcontractors are very busy.  I will be overseeing the new venture and working three part time days a week.  Robin and I have been married 50 years this December, time sure flies by!"

Just a day after Dave's note arrived, we received a check and brief update from Don Becker, who you will recall provided door prizes at Karla Parker's for the 45th. Don's retired, has a part-time job, kids, grandkids, even a great-grandchild. More to come once the photo is scanned. 

Jennie Kimmel and Gary Louderback!

Delighted to report that Jennie Kimmel has bought her ticket for the reunion dinner dance and Gary Louderback says he's sending in HIS check. Steve Elske has a comment on the Parkland School Facebook page...he appears to be the super-cute little boy in a bow tie.

Crystal Stern Obituary

The more work we do on the class database, the more obituaries we find. Here's one that's five years old:

Crystal “Cris” Stern Bradshaw, 63, of Gearhart, passed away on March 10, 2014, after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in the Lord, and the prayers of many helped her through the battle.

She was born in Tacoma, WA, on February 15, 1951, to Richard and Florence Stern, and graduated from Franklin Pearce High School. Cris lived in Tacoma until moving to California in 1973. In 1981 she moved to Reno, NV, where she lived until coming to the coast.

Cris lived in Seaside and Gearhart for the past 10 years, and worked for William D. Cote, CPA, until her retirement in December 2013. Her lifelong dream was always to retire at the Oregon Coast. Cris loved watching the ocean at the Cove and the drive to Tillamook.

In Reno she attended Granite Hills Baptist Church, and she attended Believers Family Fellowship in Warrenton with Pastor Mark Carlson. Her Bible was never far from her side. Cris enjoyed crocheting and often made hats for family and friends. She also crocheted knockers for breast cancer patients. Cris’ kind heart touched many throughout her life.

Cris is survived by her sisters Karen Shaw of Spanaway, WA, and Diane Stern of Bonney Lake, WA; daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Rusty Barrett of Seaside, OR, and daughter Cristen Bradshaw of Reno, NV; grandson Aaron Bradshaw of Aubrey, TX; and a number of nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Kindergarten at Midland, Third Grade at Parkland

Midland kindergarten: who can you identify? Don Becker says he's in the middle row, the boy on the far right. He thinks that's Gary Louderback left of him (plaid shirt) and Mike Zitka in the front row on the left. 

More Midland kindergarten students. Can you help with names?

Third grade at Parkland School: from top left, here are the names and spellings provided at the time (your corrections are welcome): Dave Rogers, Jerry, Dan Swanson, Steve Olson, Ben. Second row: Russell, Larry, Rebecca (Soukup?), Rita, Carol Scafturon. Third row: Rita, Emily (Reigstad?), Barbara Wold, Linda Cheetham, Sharon Severeid, Theresa, Christine. Bottom row: Debbie Smith, Dianne (?), Cathy, Elaine, Eunice.

Parkland Fifth Graders: Clothier

Who was who in Mrs. Clothier's class? From top left, John Lee, Dave Rogers, Ron Sheppard, Jim Mitchell, Barbara Houk, Joy Tatro, Patty Lee, Jennie Kimmel, Jorja Peterson. Next row: Linda Carlson, Pauline Goodman, Byron Lotshaw, Dennis Hutchins, Larry Johnson, Paul Oldencamp, Susan Hoges (sp?), Liz Yarbrough, Marcia McCormick. Front row: Carol Scafturon, Elaine Johnson, Martin Yideli (sp?), Steve Elske, Jim Richardson, Linda Cheetham, Tom Marks, Wayne Ross and Rose Russo. A note indicates Sandra Brinton and Marcia Kirk were absent. Your corrections are welcome! (Postscript from your blogger: about 20 years ago she was sitting at Seattle's Queen Anne Pool, watching her daughter swim, and the mother next to her was Pearl Clothier's niece! She later brought a photo of Mrs. Clothier late in life, and she looked almost exactly as she does in this photo.) 

Parkland Fourth Grade: Ida Berntsen's Class

Thanks to all of you who submitted this photo. Let's see if we can get everyone's name correct! Top, from left: Marcia McCormick, Rose Russo, Steve Bertucci, Dave Rogers, Ron Sheppard, Debra Bowman, Barbara Houk, Wilma Principal, Becky Soukup. Next row: Sharon Severeid, Sally Gilbertson, Paul Keuthe (sp?), Harriet Willard, Rhonda Setbacin (sp?), Mical Schuler (sp?), Chuck Courtwright, Rob Wichern, Paul Fritts. Bottom: Jorja Peterson (who later moved to Gig Harbor), Karen Larsgaard (who moved, too), Tim Hendrickson, Norm Ando, Jim Hogberg, Ron DeVany, Robin Engl (sp?), Christine Neuens, Catharine Carlson. There's a handwritten note re: Sharon Furlong and Mike Johnson, but no indication if they are pictured. 

More Brookdale Second Graders

Thanks, Steve Elske! He provided this photo of Mrs. Stephenson's second graders, but we need your help identifying the kids. 

Steve says that's Steve Olson in the middle of the back row (Is that Leanna Weaver left of him?). On the right end, it's Cheryl Weber and then Steve making a face next to John Nelson. The girl in the middle row with the white shirt is someone named Elkins, says Steve. Is that Rolayne Simpson in the middle row, third from right? In front, near the placard, are Johnny Johnson, Jim Kraft and Scott Buchanan. 

Thanks, Larry Both!

Larry Both, who lives in Idaho, has taken advantage of the early bird pricing for OUT OF STATE residents. Thanks, Larry, we look forward to seeing you! Now, the rest of you who live outside Washington, how about buying your tickets? Only $25 per person for those outside the state. 

News from Sally Gilbertson

Besides buying her ticket for the reunion, helping to complete our grade school photos from Parkland and get us started on James Sales, Sally sent a personal and professional update:

"I’m working for the Environmental Services Department at the City of Tacoma.  I do budgets, bonds, and utility rates.  I said as long as I enjoy my work, I’ll continue, although I think my time to retire will be in a couple of years, God willing.  My son is Spencer [Cowan] who lives part time with me and part time with his dad.  He’s a really good person, I enjoy his company, and we get along well.   

"I’ve been doing landscaping primarily at the house and cabin.  I didn’t quite get my waterfall in before the rains came so I will finish that and then I plan on building a pergola.  I am still and always have been interested in house plans;  I’d like to design and build a cabin at the Hood Canal.  (Our old cabin has bats!)  Oh, yes, and I’ve done my DNA testing and keep discovering more of my Norwegian relatives, both  in Norway and the U.S.  I’m building a family tree on MyHeritage.com and staying in touch with several of my relatives on Facebook.

"My motto:  All is well, life is good!  So enjoy yourself!"

Thanks, Pam Wiklund! Brookdale Second Graders

OK, let's have some names to match with these faces! Your blogger recognizes (back row): Ruth Olsen and (front row) Barbara Houk. Pam provided this photo, so she's in here, too. 

Brookdale Fifth Graders

Thank you, Mike Fagerness, for this photo! Here are the names as shown on the photo folder, starting at top left: Lynn Soine, Chris Loyer, John Nelson, LaRay Garner, Robert Richardson, Mary Briant, Marilyn Nagel, Lance King, Mary Matrix,Tom Harvey. Next row down: Stanley Harkens, Brenda Keller, Lynn Shumway, Gary Larson, Sharon Olive, David Boshers, Ruth Olsen, Doug Moore, Fred Towe, Cathlene Wiitala. Sitting on chairs: Teresa Turner, Mike, Johnny Johnson, LOrrie Bader, Grant Barnett, Marjorie Taylor, Charles Parish, Randy Barry, Cathy (surname?). In front, Leslie Briseo (sp?), Robert Marroquin, John Thompson and Royal Harris. 

Thank you, Mike Fagerness! Brookdale Photos!

Mike Fagerness took a trip to his attic, and along with Sally Gilbertson, has made HUGE contributions to our grade school class photo collection and the children's names. Thank you both! Here are among some of the newest photos they've sent. Come back often to see what else has been submitted! (And check your own attics for more photos. We still do not have a single photo from Collins.) 

Here are the names we have, starting at left in the back: Darrell Rogers, Debra Goshorn, John Begallia, Lynn Smith, Ruth Olsen, Bonita Conley, Dave Smith, Leonard Thomas, Karl Barttels, Becky Hardwood. Middle row: Barbara LeMay, Richard Burdick, Ken Halucha, Lance King, Marilyn Nagel, Truman Sylling, Doug Hewitt, Shirley Carmin, Melvin Short, Tommy Valentine. In front: Mike, Eddie Cox, Mike Birchfield, Vickie Kalahan, Kim Trimble, Sharon Olive, Leanna Weaver, Rita Friesz (sp?), Janice Luckie, Mickie Barnett. 

Here are the names we have. If you spot an error in a name or in a spelling, please let your blogger know! Starting at top left, Faleing Sibly, Sharon Olive, Lois Barnes, Jimmy Long. David Boshears, Wayne Hammerstrom, and Paul Ward. Next row: Karen Eley, George Ford, Karl Barttels, Grant Barnett, Mary Matix, Richard Burdick,  Mike Fagerness, Johnny Johnson, Chris Loyer. Next: Sherry Wilson, Barbara Calk, Peggy Mix, Rolayne Simpson, Judy Harris, Vickie Thompson, Wanda Rataeyk, Scott Buchanan. Last row: Royal Harris, Lynn Soine, Sandy Keeling, Eugene Willoughby, Robert Graves and Mischelle Waddell. 

Again, your help is appreciated! From top left, the fifth graders are: unknown, Sharon Furlong, Sharon Severeid, unknown, unknown, Chuck Courtwright (?), Jami Sales, Maureen Fletcher, Debbie Mowell. Next row, unknowns (4) and then Barbara Wold (?) and Steve Olson. Who else do you recognize? Front row, who is that cutie on the left? Then it's Sally Gilbertson, and after three unknowns, Marlene Potter, Norm Ando, Marcia McCormick and who? 

Lutheran Confirmation Class Fall 1967

Many of us were among those confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in autumn 1967, when we were juniors in high school. A few members of the confirmation class were not Franklin Pierce students so will be especially challenging to name. But can you help identify those marked unknown? So many look so familiar but your blogger cannot put names to all the faces. (Click on the photo to see the entire image.) 

From left, in the back: Wayne Ross, Randy Wellan, Rob Wichern, Phil Johnston, Morry Milsten, Mark Korsmo, Doug Cail, John Nelson, Kevin Cady, Dan Swanson. Next row: Ruth Olsen, Mark Buchanan, unknown, Mike Fagerness, Paul Skones, Jeff Ragan, Tom Bondo, Steve Olson. Third row from back: unknown, and the next girl Lynn Shumway, Cathy Wiitala, Leanna Weaver, Chris Wellan, JoAnn Anderson, unknown, unknown, Harriet Willard, Lois Barnes, Pam Wiklund. Front row: Linda Carlson, Sandy Archer, Lynn Soine, Sue Tommervik, Marlene Potter, Sally Gilbertson, Sharon Severeid, Carol Scafturon, Diane Billet, Denise Drane from Eatonville, and unknown. In front, pastors Earling Thompson and Robert Drewes (later to be Becky Wise's father-in-law). (Where is Becky? Had she been confirmed prior to coming to Parkland?)

Midland Kids!

Rose Russo and Connie Kazda provided several names for this photo, but we need your help in ID-ing everyone else! (Spelling corrections are welcome, too.) Fourth person from left in top row is JoEl McDaniel, and then there's JoLynn LaPlante (or is it Cindy someone), Marilyn Theno, and Jackie Alexander. Which of the two boys on right right is Mike Zitka and which is Alan someone? Middle row, second from left is Francis Gichard, and fourth from left is Doug Cail next to Linda Gates and Connie. Who is the next girl: Patty Quenell? On the right end of the row it's Gloria Metcalfe and Denise Fleming. In front, in the middle, Barbara Rodrick. Next to her is Chris Lorance, and then is that Linda Anderson? The boy is Mark Vetter, seated next to Judy Crawford with Rose at far right. 

Parkland Little Kids!

Thank you, Rose Russo, for some wonderful vintage photos! And identification of many classmates! Even more appreciated!

Mrs. Christopherson’s kindergarten class at Parkland School: Let’s see if you or some of your friends are in the photo! Top row, Rose’s long-ago notes indicate a Marilyn on the far left, then a Randy, then Harriet Willard and a Byron. Next row down, Sharon Severeid on far left, a Joseph, Michael, Deborah, Jeffrey Hartley (who graduated in 1970) , Holly, Julianne and Larry.  Next row, Paul, Steve Olson, Dewayne, Cheri, Linda Cheetham, and Georgia. A couple of unidentified boys and then is that Barb Houk on the far right? First row, Becky Soukup in the middle in white boots? Rose is third from right and she reports that this class also met in the church next to the school. 

Rose also provided the photo of the second graders taught by Mrs. Wesley at Parkland. From the top left: JoAnn Anderson, Jerry R, Harriet Willard, Bruce, John, Kathy, Linda Cheetham and Mike. Next row, Bryon Lotshaw, Jeffrey, Billy, Robin Wichern, Barbara Wold, Loretta, Rita Payne and Marcia McCormick. Next: Brian (Johnson?), Nancy, Mary, Rebecca, Gail, Gary, Rose and Becky. In front: Holly, Jerry L. and Gordon. 

Which of these Brownies can you identify? From left, we know that's Rose Russo, and then is that Joy Tatro next to her? Barbara Wold, Linda Cheetham, Becky (?), Joann Anderson, Harriet Willard, and Gail.

News from Mike Fagerness

Mike Fagerness and wife Carol have retired and are enjoying time with their first grandchild, a waterfront cabin and some travel. He writes: "We have been retired since 2013 and usually travel to places where there is lots of sunshine. The last place I worked was Fircrest Pre-Fit Door Co. where I did purchasing and inside sales. In 2014 after living 30 years in Gig Harbor we downsized and moved to west Tacoma. My son and daughter also live in Tacoma. Our daughter gave birth to our first grandchild in April 2018. We are so lucky to have our grandson only 5 minutes away. We usually take 2 or 3 long trips in the winter, spend spring in Tacoma and spend the summer at our cabin at Birch Bay. Can you tell, we really like retired life."

Ronnie Wolfe Reports In

It looks as if Ronnie Wolfe lives in Kodiak, but all he sent us were a "then" and "now" photo, and regrets re: the reunion. He'll be in Reno at an air show, not with us! 

New Kindergarten Photo, Early Faculty List

Wander on over to our Facebook page and help ID some of the little kids! And guess what else your blogger found: a short-lived weekly paper called the Parkland Times, which describes the newly-formed Franklin Pierce district and how cramped the original schools were. Parkland first-graders were even in the Sunday school rooms at Trinity Lutheran! Here are snips from articles about faculty in 1949 and 1950. You may recognize some names, either from grade school or from when the instructors moved to the new junior highs or high school. (Sorry, there's some overlap in the Parkland school lists.)

Third Grade, Mrs. Sannerud, Parkland School (Thanks, Sally!)

OK, classmates, your blogger needs some help with ID's. Here are the names she either knows or is guessing at. Please e-mail what you know or can guess at! Top row, from left, is that Debbie Hyman? And who is the blonde girl next to Tom Meade? Then there's Sally Gilbertson next to Debbi (then Bowman) Selden and Marlene Potter next. And is that Steve Bertucci on the end? Middle row: Jim Hogberg in glasses and Paul Fritts next. Chuck Courtright on the end. Next row, Rob Wichern on the left and then, per Debbi, it's Liz Yarbrough and after the boy with glasses, it's a girl named Ann. Next to the last on the right, Wendy Lunde. Bottom: Marcia McCormick, Gregg Wilder, Jami Sales, and is that Karen Larsgaard? On the left, JoAnn Anderson and Janice Berntsen. 

Wonderful new school photos from Sally Gilbertson!

Thanks, Sally, for photos including kindergarten AND sixth grade. Here are several of us as sixth graders, preparing to leave Parkland School.

Starting with the back row, on left, a Mr. Kistler (student teacher, I assume), Sally, JoAnn Anderson, Jennie Kimmel, Gail Phillips, Barbara Houk, Dan Swanson, Ron Sheppard, George Ford, and teacher Dale Storaasli. Middle row: Dave Rogers, Margaret Kimp, Wendy Lunde, Joyce Davis, Mark Korsmo, Lynette Borchardt, Paul Oldencamp, Robert Ingram. In front: Becky Soukup, Betty Jo Smith, Karen Brinten, Marlene Potter, Greg Wilder, Paul Fritts, Tony White, Chuck Courtwright, Harriet Willard.

Don and Beth Torbet, Warren Foster, Denise Fleming, Glen Carter, Marsha McCormick

Shout-out to Don and Beth Torbet for sending in the first reservation for the Sept. 14 dinner dance! Thanks so very much. Now, Don, got grade school photos? Group shots or your individual head shots? Love to have scans of them. 

And another shout-out to Warren Foster, the second, and to Denise Fleming, the third to send in a reservation! Many thanks. 

And the rest of you, follow their example and get your checks in...also, spread the word! Let's see how many of our 400+ classmates we can get together for the 50th. 

Glen Carter says he is not coming, but sends this update (no photo yet):

"Since 1969...went into Army, got out and graduated with Master's Degree in Geology, spent until 2012 as a Geologist, now retired and living in Reno, Nevada. My wife is a Geologist as well, also retired. Have four kids, one grandchild, and have been married for 35 years now. I'm in good health, and enjoy riding my bike 4000+ miles a year, plus some mountain bike ultra-endurance races of up to 1,700 miles every other year or so..."hi" to all."

Finally, where is Marsha McCormick? If you have her current address, please send it...the address in Portland is apparently outdated. 

POSTSCRIPT: Important! Take off your sunglasses when you take a selfie for the reunion book and blog! 

Meeta Markham, New RSVPs

Mark Smith reports that he heard of Meeta Markham's death from her son. We have been unable to find an obituary. If you have more information, we will be glad to post it here. 

Lee Ann Jackson update

Several of you have visited Classmates.com the past week or so, and Lee Ann Jackson added an update. It says she and her husband have moved to Enumclaw. After high school, she attended South Seattle Community College and worked at FishWorld and Sarasota County Schools.

New Year's Update from Stan Willliams

More news from classmates we haven't seen recently! Thanks so much, Stan! Here's his report on 1969-2018:

"Was in US Navy four years out of high school, where I served in Vietnam aboard USS Ranger aircraft Carrier. Job was Avionics Tech on A6 jet aircraft. Was honorably discharged in November, 1973. 
"1974 - Began my business: Academy of Guitar, which I still own and operate. 
"1984 - Moved to California and attended Cal State Fullerton. 
"1985 - Married (and still am) to my wife of 33 Years. 
"1986 - Moved back to Puyallup. 
"1989 - Graduated from Pacific Lutheran University; BM Music Composition/Theory. On adjunct faculty at PLU teaching Contemporary Guitar. 
"1993 - Had daughter, now a 25-year-old in graduate school at Seattle University. 
"2010 - Completed Masters in Music/Music Education from Boston University. 
"2014 - Opened Studio G Recording Studio." 

Barbara Calk updates us!

There's nothing like holiday greetings from old friends! Here's what Barb Calk tells us about life since 1969:

"After high school, I went to Clover Park Voc-Tech in the Video Production class. I married a fellow student in 1972 and we moved to Boise when he got a job at a station there. I couldn't find work in that field, so I went to Boise State and worked at a 7-Eleven. We moved back to Tacoma in 1974, and I was hired by KTVW as an on-air switcher.
"KTVW went out of business in 1976 (very poor management; our paychecks would bounce), and the frequency, Channel 13, was bought by the Clover Park School District and the call sign was changed to KCPQ. A year later it was purchased by Kelly Broadcasting, becoming the KCPQ we know today.
"I got a job in the Video Tape department at KING-TV. My first husband and I divorced in 1979. I became a news editor at KING and eventually a microwave engineer on live shots. I left KING in 1985 and went freelance, editing commercials and training videos, eventually taking a full-time gig at Boeing in their Video group in 1992. I married my current husband in 1995. He had custody of his 10-year-old daughter, whom I raised once we were married. He also had two sons from another marriage.  

"I spent 27 years working a second job with the Seattle Mariners, doing the headshots of the players, Music Trivia, player notes and other info on the in-house screen. In 1997, I was offered a job as a Media Processing tech at Microsoft in their video group. I did asset management (pushing files around on servers) and eventually ended up in Operations doing 3rd-party Application Support and Data Integrity validation. I loved it. Finally found my true calling after working for 40 years. After surviving 5 rounds of layoffs over the 17 years I was at Microsoft, I was RIF'd in 2014. We had just moved to Puyallup from Everett to be near our daughter and her kids, and I was so happy to be done with the commute. Now I take care of grandkids, volunteer at their schools and help with my Granddaughter's Girl Scout troop." 

LeDuc and Johnson Visit Bondo

Tom Bondo has moved to an assisted living facility in Federal Way, where he welcomes visitors from the class. Mike LeDuc and Brian Johnson recently stopped in for conversation and a photo. 

Update: Bob Gallagher

Reports Bob: "I attended WSU for all my degrees and certifications. Taught at Franklin Pierce HS for 10 years, Yelm High HS for 8 more then went into administration there for another 4 years.  Then Superintendent of Schools for 4 years in Waterville and another 4 years as supt in Zillah.  Retired in 2004 after 30 years in education. Later worked in administration as Safety/Environmental Coordinator for Longview Paper and Packaging plant in Yakima. Retired a second time in 2013." He and his wife live in Goldendale when the weather's fair, and head south to Sun City when it's chilly. One daughter, now working with the FDA. 

Cindy Stefani Tripp's Continued Health Issues

Linda Carlson has Cindy's e-mail address if you are not friended with her on Facebook and would like to send a message of support. Here's her most recent FB post regarding her continuing health problems:

I have tried to keep my health issues off of here knowing there is always something. I truly am sorry to bother you but I believe in the power of prayer 🙏 so much and again I am asking for it. I have had some lesions on my pancreas that they are watching. Apparently they had grown last time and now it has been two months and they are doing what is called an MRCP scan to see what is going on. If they have grown, there is no option but surgery. Yuk. Definitely not an easy one and kind of scary because my abdomen is full of adhesions and scar tissue. So if this surgery becomes necessary it would be 5-7 hours. I pray to God to please spare me of this. But if needs to be done, 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏. Anyway I have the imaging tomorrow at 8 am and then will need to see my oncologist for results. Thank you all so much. I love 💕 you all! I will let you know.

Contribute Ideas for Reunion Trivia Contest

Got ideas for a reunion trivia contest? Send them our way in an e-mail to Linda Carlson. We'll go through the high school yearbooks for ideas, and we'd especially appreciate your suggestions for elementary and middle school trivia. For example: who taught band and choral music at each of the elementaries? What were the elementary and middle school colors? Did each of the elementaries have someone who played Santa Claus? Who were the tallest and shortest kids in your second grade class? Sixth grade? What was your elementary bus route and who rode with you? 

And do you want to have a favorite teacher contest? Send in your nominations and we'll create a ballot for this page and to use at the reunion. (Probably not fair to have a least favorite teacher list...) 

Greg Kendall, Kiwanis President

As the search for names and addresses continues, we turn up publicity on classmates. Here's a photo from early 2018, when Greg Kendall represented the Ferndale Kiwanis Club in honoring a high school student. 

Found: Rocky Vasquez!

With help from our friends in the Class of 1968, we located Rocky Vasquez in Morgan Hill CA. He's on Facebook for those of you who want to touch base. (Remember, his real name is Harry.)

Central Avenue, Midland Photos from Tom Sundquist

OK, gang, who can you identify? Many thanks to Tom for scanning these photos and sending them in. We'll be sure to have them on display at the reunion next September, too.

New Publication for Your Blogger

OK, classmates, a little (12,000 words) e-book by Linda Carlson now available at Amazon.com's Kindle Store, for your desktop, laptop, tablet, e-reader or smart phone:

"Upscale Retailing in Wartime: Seattle Department Stores and the Challenges of World Wars I and II is an excerpt from a not-yet-published manuscript that covers how Seattle's grand old department stores created cultural, self-improvement and social opportunities for women late in the 1800s and early in the 1900s. This research grew out of what I learned when researching Company Towns of the Pacific Northwest (University of Washington Press, 2003, 2017): through that work I learned how major department stores (as well as Sears, Roebuck and other catalog stores) served far-flung communities. Upscale Retailing provides a directory of the most important department stores in Seattle in the era 1914-1946, and discusses the challenges the stores faced, especially during World War II. I was aware of federal restrictions on so many materials and products---most metal and rubber went to defense, for example. And I knew about clothing styles being limited by federal edict: shorter, slimmer skirts, less leather for shoes, no double-breasted suits or coats. But I was astounded by the price ceilings, high sales taxes, ever-changing regulations on sales prices, and the significant difference in wages for department store employees vs. those in defense plants."