April 08, 2009

THS/WCHS Clssses of 1965 - Quarterly e-mail, April 08, 2009
From: "WCHS/THS Classes of 1965"

Hi,

-------------------------- Reminder --------------------------------

45th Reunion is just next year. Ideas? What do you want to do? Please help us save postage via getting every classmate you know to go to our website and enter their e-mail address at http://www.tmes.biz/williamchrisman/classes/1965/FLMP_sign_up_list.shtml. Maximum savings is 900 X 42 cents + envelope + printing cost = get it? Thanks. If you help the committee do this, maybe we can keep our low reunion cost in-place once again.

------------- Yes You Can Submit Information To The Committee ------

This applies to just about any information you wish to submit to include information on yourself and information on other classmates - health, retirement, lotto wins, vacations, or whatever. You can also help us a lot via copying and pasting known obituary information into this form and submitting that. We do try, but we miss folks from time to time and you can help us show every classmate the proper respect. Go to the submission form via clicking on http://www.tmes.biz/williamchrisman/classes/1965/classmate_submittal_form.shtml.

------------ 2nd Quarter 2009 Classes Official Outing --------------

Our Shakespeare in the Park date for 2009 - Saturday, June 27.
The Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, "The Merry Wives of Windsor"

June 16 - July 5, 2009From 2008 information (2009 not yet posted) Gates open 6:00 pm, puppets at 6:30 and 7:15 pm Show Talk starts at 7:00 pm Show starts at 8:00 pm I will keep my big mouth shut this year and I am taking food I like to eat to the show. Also, everyone needs to bring a chair to sit in or blanket to sit on. Maybe we can get Randy to share with us the treats he brings to eat at the festival (Wine and cheese and finger sandwiches - me thinks.)(The family sitting in front of us last year had carryout pizza.). Definitely not buying tickets to eat dogs this year. They do ask for a donation at the gate - so that should work for everyone.

If you missed it, I apologize to every classmate who attended the 2008 event and had to purchase food tickets to eat. Bring treats you like to eat this year.

------------------- Nancy Zimmerman's Brother ---------------------

Keith "Alan" Zimmerman, 60, of Independence , Mo. , peacefully passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family. Memorial Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, at Speaks Suburban Chapel. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, in the chapel. Cremation to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the KU Med. Cancer Center or to GALA. Alan was born Oct. 13, 1948, in Independence to Keith D. and Mary Lou (Barnes) Zimmerman. He graduated from Truman High School in 1966. His love of music led him to KU, graduating with a degree in Music Therapy. Mr. Zimmerman was an Eagle Scout and was a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Alan was a High Priest and former pastor of the Raytown Community of Christ Congregation. His world revolved around his family, and he had a special bond with his grandsons. Mr. Zimmerman was passionate about diversity, acceptance, inclusion, and he was known for his generosity to all. Alan is survived by his life partner, Richard Kent-Jordan; former wife and best friend, Fran Zimmerman; son, Geoff Zimmerman and wife Jennifer; daughter, Jenny Jewell and husband Ben; grandsons, Bryce and Connor Zimmerman; his parents, Keith and Mary Lou Zimmerman; sisters, Nancy Weber and partner John Holmes, Becky Queener and husband George; and by a host of extended family and friends. Online condolences at www.speakschapel.com Arr.: Speaks Suburban Chapel.
Published in Kansas City Star on 3/29/2009

---------------------- Jerry Vance's daughter --------------------

Kelly Jo (Vance) Claibourn, 38, of Kansas City , MO , passed away, Thursday, March 26, 2009 in Kansas City , MO. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 2, 2009 at the Carson-Speaks Chapel. The family will greet friends prior to the services from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday evening, April 1, 2009 at the chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her children's education fund in care of Hawthorn Bank, 220 W. White Oak, Independence , MO 64050 . A reception at the Mike Onka Hall in Sugar Creek , MO , will follow immediately after the services. Kelly was born January 9, 1971 in Independence to Jerry G. and Joanne (Johnson) Vance, Jr. and has been a lifelong area resident graduating from William Chrisman High School in 1989. She was a devoted mother, sister, and daughter who was fun loving and enjoyed woodworking and crafts and had worked as an office manager for Elf Machine Shop. Kelly also enjoyed going to the casino's with her grandmother, gardening and outdoor activities with her kids, and riding motorcycles, and being in the sun. She is survived by; her mother Joanne Tevis and her husband John of Kingsville, MO; her father, Jerry Vance, Jr. of Independence, MO; a son, Tyler Mullins; 4 daughters, Jessi Claibourn, Hannah Claibourn, Charly Claibourn, and Alex Claibourn and their father, Jeff Claibourn of Sugar Creek, MO; 2 sisters, Kacy Vance and Lindsey Vance both of Independence, MO; a brother, Kip Vance and his wife Amy of Independence, MO; her grandmother, Mary Goodman of Independence, MO, and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com. (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel)

-I know this is an exception, but HE taught one day at Chrisman ---
------ Robby Robinson's Uncle -------

Side note: At a little get together on March 31, after clearing the air about Robby being in town to dance in a contest - similar to dancing with the Stars - and then following up with a second round in St. Louis the following night - which I bought hook line and sinker - especially after learning Robby is a member of the State of Nebraska championship bowling team -- I discovered that Robby was really in town on his way to his Uncle's funeral. This was no ordinary Uncle as you will see below. This Uncle was Robby's Mentor and that was a personal pleasure and an honor to learn. This Uncle explains why Robby became so well educated and so profitably employed in the Pharmaceutical Industry. It is why right in the middle of a simple conversation Robby can correct a medical diagnosis based upon the illness being discussed. So, for me, I am most pleased to know who it was that made Robby the PhD. We all already know his sense of humor or lack thereof via our long standing friendships. End of side note.

For those of you that were fortunate enough to be in Mrs. Whittar's Advanced Chemistry class of 1963-1964, you might remember the visit of a former student of hers that presented a session on creative thinking to us. The session involved 'thinking out of the box' to identify what candidate technologies might be behind carbonless carbon paper. That individual was my uncle, Dr. Robert E. Sparks.
Bobby had been one of Mrs. Whittar's favorite students and had graduated from William Chrisman sometime around 1948 before moving on to a brilliant career in bioengineering.

Anyway, he was my last living uncle and died after developing incurable leukemia. I hope some of you remember the day he attended our class. It truly was the best class day we ever enjoyed.

Here is his obituary:
Robert E. Sparks, Professor, bio-medical researcher, entrepreneur, internationally recognized scientist, pharmaceutical consultant and vocalist died Saturday, March 21, 2009 of acute leukemia. He was 78 years old.
Born in Marshall, Missouri, Dr. Sparks graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence and received his BS from the University of Missouri at Columbia. After serving in the Army at the Edgewood Arsenal Chemical Center in Maryland during the Korean War, he graduated in 1960 from Johns Hopkins University with a Doctorate degree in Chemical Engineering. After working 3 years for Exxon, he joined the faculty at Case Western Reserve University where he completed key research leading to the development of the artificial kidney. In 1972, he joined Washington University as the Director of the Biological Transport Laboratory and eventually led the Biochemical Engineering Department. In 1994, he founded Particle and Coating Technologies Inc., a St. Louis based research and development firm which developed and advanced many forms of technology for the pharmaceutical industry until being sold three years ago to KV Pharmaceuticals. During his career, Dr. Sparks collaborated with many of the world�s top pharmaceutical companies in developing many widely recognized products.
A life long lover of music and talented tenor, he sang with the Handel Choir in Baltimore as well as the Cleveland Orchestra and St. Louis Symphony Orchestra choruses.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dr. Adna Eitemiller Sparks, sons Christian and Mark of St. Louis, David of Denver, and two grandchildren, Luke and Tory of St. Louis.

Interment of his ashes will be in Woodlawn Cemetary in Baltimore, Maryland.

A memorial service and celebratory concert will be held on April 1st at the First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, 10 West Lockwood, Webster Groves, Missouri, at 4:00 PM.
Donations can be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

---------------------- From: Gary Krohm ------------------------
Hi, Cecil:
Thank you much for accepting this most unpleasant, but important, task. I don't know how others are affected, but earlier this February I went to Phoenix to have a reunion with 5 others. We were all good friends when I worked there back in the 70s. Some of us hadn't seen each other in many years. But once we saw each other, it seemed like only weeks had passed, instead of decades.

It was receiving these notices that prompted me to suggest this coming together before it was too late. We all had a very pleasant time and shared our stories, to each other's delight.

Now there will be no regrets that we didn't do this.

I encourage others, that have this same gut feeling, to act when appropriate. It leaves a indescribable peaceful feeling inside everyone involved.
Thanks again.

Sincerely,
Gary Krohm

---------------------- From Wayne Roberts ----------------------
Hi Cecil

I just entered the new email & it seemed to take it after I unsubscribed myself & re-entered it again. It wasn't the gremlins that deleted me it was a brain thing. They seem to occure more frequently all the time?

We retired a year ago in October & have been really having a great time traveling & just doing things when we want to. We've been so busy our friends haven't been able to keep up with us. We thought we would have more time but it seems there is something always going on.

Jenny our youngest just got married last summer. She lives in Overland Park. We'll try & catch you one of these times when we are in the KC area.

Remember you are always welcome in St. Louis. I make great bisquits & gravy. The first time I ever had them for breakfast was at you house when we were in the 5 th or 6th grade. Have a great year.

See Ya!
Wayne Roberts

-------------------- Thank You For Working --------------

Personal thank you to Tom Corum and Kenny Van Tuyl for helping at the 49th Annual Running of the Bill Summa (Chrisman) Relays. Yep, you read that correctly -- next year is the 50th year and they want to make it a special event. So, make a note on your 2010 planner to keep the 1st Saturday of April open so you can be there.

What's new with Tom Corum? Well, he is here to stay until a better offer comes along. He is currently employed by Waddell and Reed if you need any financial advice. Don't sweat it. Tom is professional enough he only giggled when I confessed my poorness.

Kenny is into violence control behavioral changes. He could not make that simple enough for this old man, so here's the link to what Kenny is into these days: http://www.liveatchoice.com.

For me, seeing Peggy Summa at the Relays turned out to be a big deal. You remember before last reunion when Margie Stark reminded us that we have been pathetic at keeping in touch with our former teachers? Well, Margie did say that and well she should. Bob Bergin grabbed the opportunity and we had teachers at our last reunion. But, reunions only come around once every five years and so we all need to make a concerted effort to contact our former teachers (at least the ones we liked) and maybe do a bio sketch on them so it can be posted on our website.

Me, being at a loss as usual, just flat out asked Peggy Summa what the secret was to getting our former teachers to give us bios for the website. Peggy - my first teacher to ever give me the big "F" - went through the same routine we have been using -- get a form with fill in the blank questions. Name, birth date, schools attended, years teaching and where, retired when, etc. etc. - and then Peggy gave up the secret to getting cooperation -- we add a note that if you do not want to fill in the blank -- it is Okay! Thank you Peggy Summa!

Now for us'ns .. the new news submit form is working. You see a former teacher, interview them, get the info and type it into the submit form on the website, hit submit and we will get her posted. Thanks. Submit form is at: http://www.tmes.biz/williamchrisman/classes/1965/classmate_submittal_form.shtml.

------------------ From Robby Robinson --------------------

After reading Randy Halsey's news concerning my recent retirement (October 2008 newsletter), I regretfully must submit the following update concerning Randy's condition:

It is with great sorrow that I alert Fellow Classmates to the passing of Randy's next-to-last neuron sometime immediately prior to or coincidental with his last communication in October of 2008. Although unclear as to whether a valent fight to live was conducted or else the little sucker simply went AWOL to join President Bush's 1000 Points of Light, the 50% reduction in Randy's remaining capacity to think and relate current events is nevertheless real. Thus, let me set the record straight concerning recent events in my life. And no, Randy, this isn't proof that I'm finally 'coming out'!

Yes, I've retired from Pfizer after 26 years here, 6 earlier years with Burroughs-Welcome in KC, 4 earlier ones with Litton Bionetics at Ft. Detrick and 2 even before that with Sargeant Rock (alias Sgt. Randall �John Wayne� Halsey) in the Republic of Vietnam.

I�m now pursuing my second career of golf, scuba diving, bowling, pool, traveling and, yes, drinking copious quantities of beer at Old Chicago in downtown Lincoln, NE. For more information, interested classmates can review some of my extracuricular activities at "oldchicagotour.com" - a website maintained by one of my friends at Schering Animal Health. Visitors to his website can click on the News link to view a 'suitable-for-framing' New Year's Day photo of me and some of my friends from Pfizer and Schering.

I completed my tenth World Beer Tour the same day and received the pewter mug in the photo, appropriately engraved with ROBBY, which I can now fill with ice cold Blue Moon for the rest of my life (or Old Chicago's) for same price as a single bottle of what is surely God's nectar. Yes, there turned out to be a God afterall.

Anyway, Marilyn and Jeannie, you know where I'll be the next time you stop by Lincoln on your way to another antique show in western Nebraska! Any other takers? See you, too, at Old Chicago in our Hay Market district.

And donations in memory of Randy's departed neuron? Please forward them to me here in Lincoln and I will ensure they are all appropriately disbursed or transferred to a suitable concern.

Cheers to all!
Robby Robinson

----------- From Pinky Stinky Red Hot Mike Baird's spouse -------

Binghamton ShootingsFriday, April 3, 2009 12:23 PM

Hi Everyone...

In case any of you are watching the news right now, I wanted to let you know that we are all okay here. All our surgery cases for the day have been put on hold, the ER is packed, so that any of the shooting victums can go right into surgery. A co-workers husband is a policeman, so we are keeping him in our prayers. I've got to get back to work, but I wanted to let everyone know that we are just fine.

Love...
Adrienne Kaminsky, Mike Baird's Soul Mate
Note: It truly is a small world.

------------------- From Randy Halsey ---------------------

Two Stories BOTH TRUE - and worth reading!!!!
STORY NUMBER ONE
Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago . Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.
Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone's lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.
To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but Eddie got special dividends, as well. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block.
Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him.
Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object.
And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was.
Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't give his son; he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example.
One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done..
He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So, he testified.
Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street . But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he could ever pay. Police removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from a magazine.
The poem read:
"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour. Now is the only time you own. Live, love, toil with a will. Place no faith in time. For the clock may soon be still."
STORY NUMBER TWO
World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare.
He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.
One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank.
He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship.
His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.
As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold; a squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding its way toward the American fleet.
The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet.
Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent.
Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible, rendering them unfit to fly.
Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.
Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier.
Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft
This took place on February 20, 1942 , and for that action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Medal of Honor.
A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.
So, the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.
SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?
Butch O'Hare was "Easy Eddie's" son.

----------------------- Speaking of Randy ---------------------

Let us know if you want to go sit on the back row. Randy's folks owned the Mugs Up. Randy made some of the root beer we consumed back in the day. So, one evening when it works - a bunch of us might just go with Randy - park on the back row - put our Nancy McMullen napkin under our mug so we don't get our pants wet - chug a mug - ask Randy if it is as good now as when he mixed the root beer - chow down on a Whiz Burger and most importantly - tell those wonderful lies we love so much. Like the year two of the carhops were former Ms. Missouris. And, can we sneak up to Preator's place? Well, it may happen. Actually it will happen - so if you want to be included - make sure Randy knows you want to go. Want my favorite sick story? My Mom bought herself a gold 65 GTO and the very first day she had it - she whipped into Mugs Up and if you remember those diagonal roof supports - well she centered one in her new hood. Beat that......

--------------------- From Robby Robinson -----------------------

Did you ever wonder what was the number one song on the day you were born. Click on the following to
find out. http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/07/0712.htm Link provided by Robby Robinson.
----------------------------------
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See ya!
Cecil

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