What happened at the last two reunions. From the pictures it looked like the same people were there. Were they all from Western Washington? Needless to say, because I have not gone to reunions, except for the 50th, I cannot identify anyone who is not listed or has a big enough tag to read. As I approach my 50th for WSU, I assume I will have the same problem. Put some names in as some are recognized but others like me, changed a great deal.

I am trying to find Sandra McCarroll. She graduated from Highline in 1956. She married a man by the last name of Steputis then a Mr. Abercrombi. The last I knew of her she lived in Bellevue. Nice to have a Guestbook Maybe someone can read this and help me. Thanks Janice

Glad to have found this website. It can't be 52 years since graduation.

I hired on with the phone company in October of '56, Pac Tel & Tel then, working at the Main central office in downtown Seattle. While working there I took evening courses at the old Edison Techical School, now Seattle CC, then took leave from the phone company in '60 to attend the UW.

In August of '61, I was drafted in the Army during the "Berlin Crisis", and spent the next two years stationed in Hawaii, working in the Scofield Barrack's phone exchange.

After the Army I returned to work at Ma Bell, now PNB, and met my future wife Judy there, and we were married in 1966. We had a daughter and son. In 1974 we moved from Seattle to Enumclaw where Judy was born and raised, and built a home with a spectacular view of Mt.Rainier. In '84 Judy and I traveled to East Germany to visit my relatives. Two years later I lost her to cancer. Our daughter was 16 and our son 13 at the time.

I met my present wife, Vicki, while we both sang in the Enumclaw Community Choir. She, being a single parent, also had daughter and son that were the same ages as mine and attended Enumclaw high school as well. We started dating in '87 and married in September 1990 after our sons (the last of our brood) had graduated from high school.

I retired from USWest in 1999 with 42 years of service, and ten days later hired on with a startup telephone company, ATGI, based in San Jose CA, that was building a central office in downtown Tacoma. The company went Chapter 11 after 9/11, and was eventually bought by General Electric. When I hired on I promised to stay for 5 years, and retired under GE's flag.

After retiring again, Vicki and I decided to downsize and moved to Eugene,OR. We had been coming to Eugene every year since we've been married, visiting Vicki's family and decided that would be an ideal place to retire. We have seven grandchildren, Three girls and a boy in Enumclaw and a girl and two boys in Hawaii. We have made several trips to Hawaii and one to Japan visiting my son and his wife Rieko a Japanese citizen, who are now living in Hawaii with their children.

We are adjusting to the more laid-back pace of living in Eugene, and have become avid fans of the U of O "Savage" Ducks, mortal combatants of the UW Dawgs.

I recently found this web site, it has
many interesting additions to our most
recent class info.....

Check out HighlineAlumni.com

After not seeing anyone for 50 years, I gave out my e-mail address at the reunion and for the book. Now I have changed providers and decided on my Yahoo address as my official one. It is now grandmamgrinch@yahoo.com

Note new email address! New system to keep out spam looks good.

Note that we now have spam protection on this guestbook. To post please enter the squiggly letters at the bottom of the entry page in the space provided. Computers cant do that, and spam is always mass posted by computers.

voice out of the past. .. Alden Esping, here... AKA Punky, but not for many years. ;)

Linda and I are retired (ha) here in Anaheim. Been here 43 years. Have continued to be involved with youth... Directed camp for years,
took trips with kids to Mazatlan ( l5) , served on The Planning Comm. for Anaheim, also Conv. Cntr. Board. Presently Vice Chair of Budget and Finance Comm. and an Ambassador for the city through Anaheim Chamber.... also of Taste of Anaheim Comm. and Anaheim Beautiful and involved with Orangewood Foundation for abused and neglected children , and of course the YMCA.

We spend Christmas in Zihuatanejo, summers in Hawaii and hit the cruise ships 3-4 times a year. On our way to New York this week to see Jersey Boys , visit several former students, hit the hot spots and then get on The Noorddam to cruise the Eastern Carrib. I will be on the ship the day of my 70th. Love it.

Great fun to see all those old names.. You had super people in your class. I am of course in touch with Jon O. ( no finer man). Hear from Sandra Hayes at Christmas and of course my old roomie from college and another gem of a human being, Phil Solscheid.

I must tell you that this old bird is new to the computer stuff. I know, I know.. ;) I can mail, forward and print. That in itself is quite amazing as you are hearing from a man that will tell you that a screwdriver is Vodka and Orange Juice. Have maybe been to a Home Depot twice. The good Lord, however, did give me other talents.

Sending warm regards. Do share with anyone you think might like hearing from us and keep in touch.

Thanks Chuck for the pictures. I wish I had gone to the picnic but I did not know what to expect at the reunion since I never kept in touch with classmates. I wrote two letters after the reunion. One was to Gary Morgan with whom I went to school at Sunnydale, Highline and WSU. Iguess that was him at the picnic. I sent another letter to my old debate partner at Highline, Pete Leslie. It turns out that his is living in Cashmere. Strange world. Happy Holidays to one and all

I'm class of 54 but was curious about an old friend named Jan Snyder before she got married. Love to hear about her or from her for old time chat.

Coop already posted a bio from our annual report, but in brief: after graduation I completed a BA in Political Science at Seattle University, given the slim pickings at the time, immediately accepted a Regular Army commission which turned into a 20 year career. My assignments included 3 years in Vietnam (as evidence of not being able to keep my head down I ended up with 2 Silver Stars and 2 Purple hearts). My Army career, as an airborne armor colonel, ended with a failed marriage and 3 kids. The next "career" was as President of Mott Community College in Flint Michigan for the next 12 years. With the kids through college I changed jobs and careers by accepting the Preidents job of a for-profit college in southern California. That move opened a new door and a new career, hopefully my last. In 1995, I started a for profit college company which eventually grew to a market value of $3.6 Billion and 153 colleges in 27 states and Canada. I am writing this well after the reunion, but the above may partially explain my lack of time to hit the party

Dave McElroy called today so is no longer lost. He has been with his 4th wife 25 years. Three dogs, all rescue. "Lucky" was found alongside the road starving and saved. Buys and fixes up houses and sells, living in each while in process. Was sorry to have missed reunion. maybe next year!

I'm sorry I thought about the 50th anniversary of graduation only after the reunion had taken place! Clearly, the class of 1956 is filled with energetic self-starters, so I'm not surprised the reunion occurred - I was just a little tardy in doing the math. It would have been good to see those of you who attended, but now that Chuck Cooper has brought me back into the fold, I hope for more opportunities.

The Reunion was great fun. I hope to miss no further ones! But I would have liked to talk to more people. I especially would like to phone or email Bob Smither and also Betty Collelo. But have not been able to locate them. Bob said he was in the South County phone book, but I can't find him. Anybody?

I asked Darryl Johnson how he came to be in the foreign service, ambassador to 3 countries and more (see his info on Classmates on the Web). He smiled and said "I took the exam". He said he didn't have any job plans and a friend suggested he take the foreign service exam, so he signed up. He had some doubts while taking it, as it was the hardest exam he had ever taken, and there was a football game that day. He passed, and also passed the oral exam some weeks later, and was assigned to an embassy in India. It was small, only 8 personnel, so he got more than the usual diversity in his work, and the rest you can see on the Web. The reported speeches are good too. I will have to ask him if he wrote his own material.

I wanted to post this because the 50th reunion was so great. Yet, there was still not time to talk to everyone. I was a little worried about attending since I do not keep contact with the class of "56 (except for two people and that is limited) I had a great time meeting former classmates. We have all gotten older and mellowed. I was sorry to have missed the picnic. Interestingly enough, my husband's reunion was the same night 150 miles away and he showed up at the hotel shortly after our reunion broke up. I figured ours was a lot more fun. I hope this website goes on forever. We are older now and I think if all our dreams have not been achieved, we realize it and now want the company of old friends. A big thank you to Chuck Cooper and Georgina Wicklund for all of their work, but you expect that of Sunnydale people!!

When I first heard of the reunion it seemed so far away but here it is!
I'm looking forward to connecting with people I haven't seen for 50 years!
We will be staying with my daughter on Vashon so won't be at the Marriott until Sat. See you all then!

Dennis

Really sorry i can't make it to the "50th! Wow..that's a long time ago!My husband and I are avid RV'ers and will be gone most of August and September. I'm sure a good time will be had by all. Upon graduation, I moved to Portland and went to work for Portland General Electric Co. In 1958, Russ and I were married and I stayed with PGE for 30 years, leaving in 1986. My husband, after surviving colon cancer, retired in 1990 and we started RVing. We have a 37 foot Motorhome and do a LOT of traveling, including spending winters in Arizona along with the other snowbirds. We have lived in Oregon City, OR for 36 years, except for a 5-year period when we lived in Beaverton, OR. I hope you all have a great reunion...I hate to miss it. Please know I'll be thinking about you.
Jean (Shields) Bailey

I was very shy in high school and if no one remembers me, I am not surprised. Now I am more extroverted and have had a wonderful life as a 40-year resident of California (SF Bay Area). I have an Associate of Arts degree in Electronics Technology and a BA in Sociology. Before I retired, I was a Technical Writer on Lockheed's Trident Missile Program. I was a motorcyclist for 25 years but gave it up a few years ago because CA traffic had become too fast and furious for comfort. I collect a type of glass called opalescent hobnail, and work out at a gym to keep in shape. The only person from the class of '56 I am still in touch with is Jeanette Sweeney, who lives in both WA and AZ. Another friend from the class of 1956, Marilyn Rice, died in the early 1960's.

After graduation, I enlisted with the Marines for two years with Dave Dena and Richard Anderson(Hugh Wiseman from the class of '57 or '58 joined with us). After I escaped from there, I Married the love of my life Martha Cooper; Whom I am still enjoying life with today. We were bless with two Daughters, Debbie; Now 44 living in auburn and Cathy; 40 who is our neighbor in Lakebay, and training horses. We also have 4 grandchildren and one great grandson (who are all smarter and cuter than any of yours ). I retired from Seattle Tacoma Box Company in 1998 and spend as much time as possible on the road with Martha and our dog Jazzy(also cuter than all of yours). We will see you at the reunion.

Retired from our Lighting Manufacturing Business in 1999 and moved to the sunny California desert. Larry Parker tracked me down thru my sister in Normandy Park. We are looking forward to the reunion.

Does anyone know where Frank Gibbs is? We got his reservation card back. Last address 22221 35th Pl So, Kent, Wa. Phone went unanswered with no voice mail.At last count we have 59 reservations for the Marriott, 36 for the picnic and 39 for the Memory Book.

Married Jadean 1965..Happily married 41 years 6 grown children, 16 grandchildren, 4 great grand children
retired from the moving and storage industry after 45 years.Transportation director 1990 Goodwill Games

Busy withe my photography business
See you all at the 50th

Hi to everyone, I'm looking forward to seeing you all at the reuion.

Back in 1954, did you know that Ferd Kist won a parakeet, cage, and three panda bears. Bill Ahrens won a duckling whose murmerings throughout the night hindered the boy's sleep at the Wenatchee Fest.

At a Art Festival in Auburn, Brenda Soderquist came in first in a sketching contest. Sonja Johnson took third place.

And last of all Patty Banks, Nancy Johnson, and Diana Carson were choosen as models for the spring fashion show.

I was reading the High Lines dated Friday, April 13, 1956. They had a party Line column, which stated that "Seems Jim Leopold (the brave fellow) went swimming at Gail Lucas' home at Angle Lake...and got in her bathing suit".

The next one says, Speaking of embarrassing moments...Tex was entusiastically talking the other day while he was waiting in the lunch line and he swung his hand when he shouldn"t have and knocked Mr. Johnson's lunch off his tray.

As mentioned in my original posting, Georgina and Chuck are clear winners in the 2006 High School Reunion Website National Competition.I'm not certain of their technique but will strongly recommend they leave it switched ON.

hey, JANICE DOSCH, would you repost your entry? I was cleaning off the spam and accidentally deleted yours.

Nice to hear that some of us are still alive and able to kick. Retired here in 99. Somehow the sunshine is better than the normal crud of the Great Northwest. Don't know if I can make the big doings in August as my wife is still gainfully employed. Dennis Keene, now that is a name out of my past. Maybe it is best that we remember what we used to look like and not what Old Mother Nature and Father Time have done to us. E-mail me and we will get reaquainted with each other. Thanks George and Chuck for all you are doing.

Retired from "Mandatory Work" only to find that Golf can also be a "Work in pr ogress". Never too much sun, blue sky or short green grass!!! Looking forward to seeing all of you!!

For those of you who graduated in 1955, does anyone know where Robert Precious is? I have a classmate (female '56) that is interested in contacting him.

This is a picture of Alan ,Don, Gordy, Mick and Kieth on a fishing trip in 2oo4 in SE Oregon.
Looking forward to the the 50th.
Alan Bahrenburg

Hi gang. After graduation, my father had a bad accident so there went my college savings. I joined the Marine Corps. A year later Diane and I were married and started a family; boy did we! Seven wonderful children, one after another. That was good and bad. I was busy supporting us all and being a great mom Diane was busy with the kids.

Just out of the Marine Corps with our first child, I went to work for Boeing. Soon five years went by. I was up against a two-year college requirement in order to progress economically; but with five children and working two jobs already, that was not possible so we went into the service station business. Big difference in a gas station and a service station and we flourished fast. Soon bought out two more stations closeby in the Federal Way area, which was growing fast. Things were great at this point. Then the devil took after us. Three armed roberies. Two cars caught fire. Suddenly Exxon decided they wanted us to close up our backroom to service and just pump gas and sell bread and milk in the office(7-11). I protested. Exxon sued for $350,000 and locked us out. Somewhere in this mess Diane and I lost each other. Really a hard time over the next few years. I lost everything dear to my heart and everything I'd worked for all my life.

My sister called from Montana, abandoned with three kids in backwoods, no money, nothing. I got her out to Olympia with me in a little cabin. Quite crude but shared what little I had at the time. I'll tell you it was slim pickens then. I had started working as a construction Laborer for a client from the service station who was building Panorama City Retirement Home. I tried hard to patch things up between Diane and me but it just wasn't to be and one night the drunk who abandoned my sister almost two years earlier came to our door wanting my sister. I left to give them some privacy and just from the grace of God came this beautiful creature into my life. I was not looking or economically ready for a relationship but after just one dance we never wanted to be apart again. A year later we married 1972; got two of the boys and raised them, maintaining a relationship with all the others. Four children live here close to us in Olympia now.

I suffered an industrial accident in 1996 on the Key Arena and haven't been able to work since. Then in 2000 State rehab stressed me into a stroke. It really took a lot out of me and there
are still some effects.

Started a craft business just to offset the boredum and had a lot of fun with it but not much money. We quit that business.

We had a lot of time shares already and have just completed a year and a half going from one condo to another all over U.S.A. We just returned yesterday from a seven-week stay in beautiful Mazatlan Mexico. Just home for Christmas then off to Vegas for the fifth time this year. Then to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, then Carlsbad, CA, then to Sedona AZ (where we spent three months in 2005), then off to Lake Tahoe, and then an inside passage cruise to Alaska. Things are looking up. Hope to see you at the reunion.

Thank you Georgina and Chuck for all your work on the website.
Carole and I are enjoying life in the foothills of the Sierra in Northern California just 20 minutes from Yosemite National Park.
I retired without the great burden of fame and fortune. This allows me the freedom to do what I want without interruptions from investment bankers, developers or hangers on.
To avoid boredom, I declared myself a "Folk Artist". This classification includes guys who carve huge bears with chainsaws, people who make dolls with dried orange peel faces and those who weld sculptures out of stuff from the dump.
My artistic medium is Bondo auto body filler. It's cheap and has lots of potential. I'll let you know if I finish something.

I have been "lost" to you all for the last 50 years, virtually. Mick Stewart tracked me down, here in Calif where I have lived for over 30 years. I have 4 boys, 2nd marriage, my own business which runs itself, and great interest in relational Christianity (as opposed to organized religion), which focuses on New Testament style house meetings such as are prevalent in the third world.

I graduated from WSU, grad, work at CWU. Married in college, 4 over educated kids. Karen, in CA in Bio terriorism work, Steve,is deceased, but was a full time Air Nat. Guard Captain, Christopher a "fed" with GAO, Barb in Mt.a budget analyst with the Montana. Legislature. 3 grandsons. Husband was a math/science teacher and coach in Wenatchee Schools. My career was varied from college teacher to Ex.dir. of YWCA to Dir. Big Brothers/Big Sisters. and other jobs. I belong to Kiwanis, Amer.Assoc. of Univ. Women and was state president. I am on the board of Good Grief Center and facilitate a group of people who have lost some one to suicide. I am chair of our parish council,and have done various other things. In spare time we travel in US and Europe. Hope to be at the reunion. I went to Sunnydale with some of you and we were the last class of Highline Jr. High.

Hi everyone, looking forward to seeing you August of 2006. I married Pat Kinnear (55) in 1958. We raised 3 great kids, at Three Tree Point and now have 7 wonderful grandchildren. Pat and I sold our home at the point in 1998 and became full time RVers, traveling the U.S. in our 5th wheel. Saw lots of Nascar races and enjoyed our time together, discovering America. Sadly I lost Pat to cancer 14 months ago. Picking up the pieces as best I can after 46 years of marriage to my best friend.

Like many of you I haven't moved to far away. I have two children that live close by, and two that live out of state. I am really enjoying retirement, and the 11 grandkids keep me real busy, dance recitals, scoccer, swim meets and baseball. Spread the word about the web site, we need to keep Charles Cooper busy.

I am looking forward to the class reunion and seeing "old classmates"
Ron Almberg

Got this from Georgina. Cooking school is pretty cool! She emails:
" I am heading for Albuquerque on Friday and will be gone until the end of October. Vacation, conference, and a week long of cooking school."

I married Levi Lucero before graduation in 1956. We raised 3 sons and we now have 3 granddaughters (who are absolutely beautiful). I never left the area where I was raised - only moved a few miles south. I have worked for the school district since 1979 and have been an executive assistant for the Assistant Superintendentfor 12 years. I am still working but plan on retiring soon. I hope to see all of you at the 50th class reunion. I haven't been to one since the 20th.

Married 1963-2 children. Remarried 1980-2 stepchildren. Five grandchildren. Widowed 1998. Owner of Mercer Island True Value Hardware. Worked at Boeing 7 years, banking industry 25 years and now full-time at the hardware store. Just signed a new 7-year lease w/3-year option. Retirement is not in my immediate future. Looking forward to our 50th. How did we get this old this fast?

Hi to all who may remember.
It was really great to find this site and go through the pictures again. I have not had any connection since 56. I joined the Airforce and after that we moved on to Alaska, the Philippines then to Africa. My wife and I have been back in the states since 91. Thanks to you Georgina and Chuck for all the work on this site.
Georgina, don't we go back to the second grade in sunnydale?

Correction in Mick Stewarts e-mail address: famlistarz@aol.com

I play tennis with Mick Stewart's wife, Trudy. She has let our group know that Mick suffered a milk heart attack last week, is back from the hospital and is doing fine. If you want to leave a message for him, his e-mail address is familistarz@aol.com. Mick was in the Class of 56 and I knew him as "Mickey"
at least from elementary school on!

Hello to all - this is such a nice way to meet old friends and catch up on their lives. 7 children later, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great grand children I am now retired from King County Judicial but,as my kids say "mom, you are not retired" Now have my own music business. Good Time Music/Home of the Good Time Fiddlers
Have students of all ages and love every out of tune note they play.Ring me up some time

Hi Everyone! This is Janice (Finch) Belmore. I live in Gresham Oregon. Have been here for 30 Years. I haven't got much time tonight as I have to get to bed to go to work tomorrow. I'll be back with more updates and anyone that remembers me get in touch so we can have a great reunion. That all for now Jan

What a wonderful idea for all of us to get caught up. In 1960 I married Gary Newbury and we have been married 45 years this coming December. We have 4 grown children and 8 grandchildren. Both Gary and I are retired. He was a speech and hearing technician and a second grade teacher in the Renton School District. I graduated from the UW with a BA in Elem Ed but I also was in the speech and hearing field. After the children were born I went to work as a medical receptionist and worked for 16 years. I retired in 1997 to take care of my daughter's son and since she has become a stay home mom I am simply "gramma" and happy to be so.
We will not be attending the Gabfest but think it is a great plan. We will be attending the 50th next year.
Hello to all my classmates. Let's hope I see you next year.

Retired Airline Supervisor
Widowed in 1991
More busy now than when I was working.
See Ingrid Erben and Don Garrison regularly at west coast dances.

We now reside in Maple Valley and Curt is a consulting chemist in his own business.
I am his administrative assistant and bookkeeper in charge of trying to collect
money from his clients, which, (why wasn't there a class in this at Highline) is
sometimes very interesting.
We now have 3 grandchildren, Alex (6), Samantha (2) and Logan (3). We don't plan on
retiring soon, just longer vacations . . . . and we're really having fun in life!!!

Hi Carol Dee Dunning Glad to hear you are still in the state. Do you remenber, Bonnie King and Beverly Seikel and Larry Stewart Chuck Whitmore if so please get back with me.

Three months after graduation I married Ken Sweet. 4.5 years and 2 kids later we seperated. I was in Anchorage in '64 during the Earthquake. In '70 Charlie Lockhart, his 2 kids and my 2 kids became a family. 1973 saw our 5th child born, in '76 we moved t a 5 acre farm in Jefferson County. We raised most of our own food. While there I taught Cake Decorating, had a supply store in our home and sold many wedding and other cakes.
Centralia has been our home since '95. Toastmasters is a major interests as well as being active in 2 different churches. I teach Bible Study every Wednesday morning, am an officer is PAX Outreach Ministry, reaching out to those trying to escape the addictions of drugs, alcohol or prior prison life. Life is good and fulfilling, as long as I choose to keep close to God and allow him to guide my steps.

I live in Surprise Az. in Sun City Grand. Dick and I were married in 58. We started going together when we were 16. My husband and I traveled in our R.V. for 10 years, after he retired from Boeing. My Husband of 46 years passed away of Cancer in Feb. of 2004. We have a daughter 43 in Maple Valley and 2 grandsons 15 and 13. I play golf about 3 to 4 times a week. I go to Seattle in June, July, Aug. and leave in Sept. for my home in Az.

Wow! good to hear from some of you folks hope more write in.
I got married my senior year to Carol Linde (57) So finished up at Edison going at night. Did many years of night school and ended up mostly self taught... Have had a very interesting life so far. And the beat goes on... My oldest daughter Debra lives in Gig Harbor, Kelly llives in Wisconsin and Denny lives in Arizona... Carol and I don't speak. I am married to my sole mate Becky who puts up with my wierdness.
I teach Business seminars all over the world. I have been to Australia and New Zealand 13 times and the UK 8 times. Also have journied to Korea and the European Continent. We are avid sailors and have a 34 Ericson that we are currently restoring. Becky sells Yachts in the Newport Beach area and does quite well. Would love to here from old friends.. Anyone know about Ted Bakke? Last I heard he was a Seattle cop. How about Jerry Korn?
Can you believe bald and 66 ????
Dennis

BA in Business Adm (Accounting) from the UW. Married Jennifer Brinck, class of 55 in 1964. Working on their 50th reunion. Worked for the same outfit that Dave Klein did. Retired in 2000.

Hey, Chuck... Good job on the website...I hope you keep up the progress. Take it easy on the Klein kid, he's a mainstay on my site. You guys (class of 56) were just little kids
when us'n (class of 52) were strutting
around as seniors impressing ourselves.
After our graduation ceremony practice we all rushed down to our lockers to put away the cap and gown...standing there in mine, fumbling the combination, two very young underclass
kids came up to me. One said "Look...
he's a priest." The other said, "No, silly. He's a SENIOR!"
Ah, well. Respect comes a bit harder these days. Later, RogerV

I'm out shopping. Will add more to this later.

I've been instructed to sign the guest book by Georgina. I'll write more later.

Retirement is great, golf, fishing, hunting and travel.

I practiced law for a while and then got into life insurance company management. I am now a consultant and modestly web publish "Managing the Life Insurance Company" which is really boooooring unless you are into that sort of thing. Except for "Stories", which are vignettes of corporate foolishness (Dilbert stuff) everyone can relate to. I still go to my office every day, which keeps me married, and try to restrict my out of town consulting to stuff that is either fun or promises to give me more Dilbert stuff for the site.

I can't believe that we are only one year away from celebrating our 50th year of graduation from Highline.

Still in the same place and still
cutting hair.