Category: Classmate Connection

Kevin Megan Update

Hi Dave,

Kevin and Lynne here!

First off we hope Christmas was great, as it sounded like you had lots of family around and stayed busy! Lynnie mentioned you were interested in posting a recent pic of the Hirts and us from Tracy and Faye’s sons (Chase) wedding to the WH site. We had a great time getting caught up with the Hirtsko’s and it has been fun watching their kids grow up! Happy New Year to you, Bobbi and the kids! THANKS for all you do in keeping us all connected and engaged!

Kevin Megan

Faye Hirt, Kevin Megan, Lynne Megan, and Tracy Hir

Mark Ferguson Update

Dave,

I thought I would report about West High’s first football loss of the season. They had been rated 2nd in the state. Last night they lost to CR Prairie 49-28.

Last weekend Susan and I went to Iowa State’ 100th Homecoming celebration. I marched in the alumni marching band. I also had a chance to meet up with Julie (Kent) Larson at Alumni Hall where her office is.

Thanks,

Mark Ferguson

Pat Vaughan Update

Hi Dave,

After three weeks in Coralville & Iowa City with my family following my mother’s death my wife and I have returned to Burbank, CA.  I was overwhelmed by the kindness and sympathy expressed by many of our mutual friends and classmates.  In particular, Dave Kacena, Bonnie Weldon, Missi Strub, Kevin Kelly, Karen Liebold, Bill Ackerman, Ted Hyde, Tracy Hirt and Mark Zanger.  It was very comforting to have their support.

On a lighter note through my wife’s search for vintage fabrics (in particular cloth seed bags) we were able to take time to explore Iowa.   We went to several auctions (thanks Bill Ackerman!) toured the amazing State Capital, enjoyed the “Antique Walk” in Walnut, Iowa and battled the mosquitoes and bumble bees at each of the Bridges of Madison County.

Attached is a photo of my wife and me at the Hogback bridge.

Best,

Patrick

Patrick and Selina Vaughan at a Bridge in Madison County

Martin Andersen Sheldon Smith Update

Dave,I thought I’d pass this news on to you if you want to post it.

Sheldon Smith, who some classmates might know, lost his father last weekend. Sheldon, like myself, attended West the first semester of our senior year in order to be able to take fourth year Latin. He works for HP and lives in the Twin Cities area with his wife Corrine and two (now fleeing the nest) children.

Thanks,

Martin

Bonnie Tappan Weldon Update

Everyone,

I just wanted to thank all of those involved in helping with the reunion.  Obviously, there were may other executive decision makers through out the process.  Everyone did a great job of pulling together and making it happen.  I especially want to thank everyone for the gift card.  From what I could see and hear, we all had a fabulous time.  I know I most certainly did!  City High has asked that we do it again with them.  I think that is a great idea.  They also seemed to have a great time.

As all of you know, the last eight months has been the absolute worst time of my life.  Losing Larry is still the hardest thing I have ever had to go through and it will take me a long time to maybe even start to get through it all.  He was the love of my life and the one thing I can be grateful for is the love we shared for over 34 years.  I realize may people will never ever have that type of love.  So thankfully, I was given that great gift to cherish forever.  I also know Larry  was at the reunion with me in spirit.  Thank you to all the wonderful friends I have that have been there for me every step of the way.  Brenda calls or stops by on a daily basis and many other people call, e-mail and stop by to make sure I am okay.  I can now call many people from the class  new found friends  that have shown up out of the blue to be there for me.  You all will never know what that means to me.  I truly appreciate all of the support.

Thanks to Dave Gerlits for all he does.  He has made this all possible by his great work done on the web site of keeping us all connected.  It was great that he and Bobbie got back for the reunion.  It was great to finally see him in person.  And thanks to Bobbi for  making the suggestion in the first place.

As I have learned in the past few months, we need to cherish every moment in the day we have with our family and  friends as we never know what the next second will bring.  Be kind to each other, never be afraid to say I love you to those you truly love and enjoy each moment as if it were your last.  You will never regret it…….  ever.

I hope everyone did have a good time.  And I just want to say I love you all.

Bon

Keith Gormèzano Update

I had a chance to talk to Bob Funk who has an account on America Off Line. He got married, still has some sculptures in his garage, worked as a LPN for a number of years before going back to school and getting licensed as a RN. He has been active as a union leader at his hospital.

Robin Shapiro still is a social worker here in Seattle.

I last saw Betsy Hale a few years ago. I had a chance to interview for an office manager/web page designer/technical writing position last summer for a landscape architecture firm and told her husband (a architect) about it in case one of his friends was in the market.

Keith