Contact Information: Change existing to the information provide here
Norman I. (Skip) Lee
Tel: Home: (425)882-0968 Work: (425)237-4118
E-Mail: Home: 54wrs@msn.com Work: norman.i.lee@boeing.com

Class News: 1963, Spring 2004

This time we must note the passing of two of our classmates. Immediately after the Winter Class News went to press we were notified by the AOG that Henry Horton died January 21st in Pensacola, FL as the result of cancer. He was buried on January 23rd in the Barrancas National Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to his wife: Mrs. Suzanne Horton 2036 Downing Dr, Pensacola FL 32505-1601. Memorial Donations may be made to The Organ Fund, St Luke's United Methodist Church 1394 E Nine Mile Rd, Pensacola, FL 32514.

In mid-February Ron McCollum alerted me to the news that Roger Sims died at his home in Everett, WA on 2 Feb 2004. After talking with Chuck Bush and the AOG it was confirmed Roger died of cardiac arrest. We were also told that Roger's lawyer sent his ashes to Hawaii - in care of Roger's friend Wilmer Miller (808) 373-2283 - to be scattered there. As far as anyone knew, Roger had no next of kin.

One of my first thoughts upon hearing about Roger was the ceremony conducted at the Academy during our reunion in November. Jim Gaston apparently had the same thought and sent me the following note: “I received an email last week saying that Rog Sims had passed away on February 2nd. I wanted to let you know that I have a video recording of the ceremony during our reunion last November when Roger, Chuck Bush, and Ike Payne were honored with Pathfinder tiles by the cadet Way of Life Committee. It was a very nice event, and it occurred to me that some of our classmates might like to have a copy of the video on DVD. If so, and if they could let you or me know about it, I'll be glad to burn some copies and send them out.

I was able to speak with John Borling the other day and he reported less than satisfactory election results (John uses more colorful words). On March 17th, John’s Web Site had the following message: “We know it is not to be. I am diminished--not by the election results but surely by the notion that I have failed those who believed we would fly to success. I did too and for the right reason--to advance the cause of the nation. That beacon remains constant and we will all continue to march to that light. Fond of the apt quotation to make a point, I share, from Stevenson's essay 'El Dorado', these sustaining words: ‘It's better to journey hopefully than to arrive. Success is measured by having labored faithfully’." Thank you all. Just in case the site is remains available, here is the URL: www.borlingforsenate.com.

Opinion Polls from AOG: Many of you may have received a request to make your opinions known on USAFA issues. The request of interest dealt with the debate over qualification requirements for the position of Academy Dean of Faculty. The AOG Board of Directors recently concluded the AOG needed to do a better job communicating with the graduate community and its constituents. These opinion polls etc. are part of their “do better.” The Dean of Faculty question received a 45% response, which is pretty good as far as polls go but could be better.

Hank Hoffman wrote to say he was unable to attend the reunion because he was in the hospital with a blocked small intestine; a more than acceptable excuse. Check out the photo of Hank and the OV-10 he is ferrying to Columbia for their Air Force. They will move a total of 8 airplanes with the next one scheduled for mid-April. Hank promised to provide the whole story later.

Nice flight suit, eh?

If you recall in the last version of the Class News I promised a picture of the physicians from our class. Jim Hannam, Dick Slowik and Steve Savonen all sent along photographs each took of our Class Docs. Just to remind the Docs they offered to buy the wine for the toast at the 45th, the photograph of those who were at the reunion is recorded as added evidence. As a bonus the answer to the quiz from last time asking if you can determine which Thud Driver is also a Doc can be found in this picture. Hint: compare the photos from the last Checkpoints and this issue.
 

Did you find the answer?

Another follow-up from last time: due to space limitations, I was unable to include a photograph from Doug Power and Steve Suby. The picture below was taken from the waterfront side of Doug’s and Marian’s home in the Florida Keys.
 

Bill Flynn’s new e-mail address is IAct2001@aol.com. Bill adds that one of the reasons he didn’t make it to the reunion was his work. He was involved in two films and he did admit it was a tough choice. Maybe next time! Bill is becoming a well recognized actor winning awards—the December EXPOSURE Showcase “Grand Champion for 2003”, being an MC at ceremonies at the Dallas Producers Association's Annual Gala and acting in scenes for the HBO feature film, "A Killer Within." Bill says he plays Dr. Schulz in the film. The doctor is a German medical examiner, working with the lead characters to solve a nasty murder.

Gil Merkle sent a long a message from Frank Ralston’s cousin, John Young, who was hoping to have a stone erected for Frank in the memorial section at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery in Nebraska where Frank’s parents and two uncles are interred. John reported that thanks to Frank’s many friends and some help from the office of their U.S. Representative, a stone is now in place in the memorial section of the cemetery. There will be a memorial service for him Friday, May 14 at 2:00pm. For more information, John can be reached at 10135 Grover St. Omaha, NE 68124; via e-mail: sarayoung14@cs.com or by Phone: (402) 397-7987."

Quick note from Dick Slowik reporting that John Elfers continues to successfully scale some of the worlds great mountains; this time it was Mount Kilimanjaro. John says he is aiming for other mountain peaks around the world.

By the time you read this I will be within two months of retirement from Boeing. Our plans are to move to the Tucson, AZ area. We will send out a broadcast change of address and contact numbers as soon as they are firm. For now; however, the best way to make contact will continue yo be through the e-mail address 54wrs@msn.com. Take care and be careful out there.