Nancy Raetzloff (Groth)

Received this information from our friend Marvin Hamanishi about Howard Lee.

Howard passed away at home on Feb 29, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. 

John Hein

This just in....  There's more pix @ the link. RIP Howard  

https://obituaries.seattletimes.com/obituary/howard-lee-1089453815

John MacLeod

Howard Lee.  What a good friend.  Had that fancy 52-53 Olds in school.  About as big as a house, but really nice.  He lived in Bryn Mar, so I used to see him occaisonally around the south end. 

Farewell friend.  Smooth the road ahead for us.

John MacLeod

Speaking of big cars.  Think it was Greg Wold who had a 38-40 Chrysler.  I remember it being as big as a boat.  If memory serves me correctly.  It had a semi-automatic four speed on the column.  Used the clutch to start and stop.   If I am wrong, I don't think I can delete that memory.  Just don't ask what happened yesterday.

Greg Wold

John, you were close...sort of.  It was actually a 1949 Desoto.  (See pic.)  You might recognize the background also.  The transmission was called "Fluid Drive". I'm amazed you remembered all of that. Way to go!  Greg

John MacLeod

Greg, et al,

Man oh man,  I am smoking it on all sylinders. I got the century correct, narrowed it down to the first half of the 20th.  Indicated that it had a steering column, shift lever and a loose nut behind the wheel.  There was a loose nut riding shotgun from time to time  Thanks for the photo of your DeSoto  and shot of the Boulevard behind the school.  Only thing missing is an impromptu drag race from the back steps and up 31st Ave.  Dave Maki, Dave Eberharter and Lenny Rose.  Only the names are not changed to protect the guilty.

John MacLeod

Seems to me that Fred Westergaard's dad was fan of the Chrysler/DeSotos.  Remember going to Cannon Beach, OR with Fred's family in 62 orf 63 during spring break.  There is a long straight away on Hwy 30 between Clatskanie and Astoria.  I recall that his Dad put the pedal to the metal on that stretch of road, at Fred's request.  Blowing the dust off, so to speak.

Philip Anderson

I remember many a sweet ride in Greg's Desoto....

Reunion Pictures Aaaaaa

Attention Classmates Lance Akutsu has contacted me to see about trying to set up a get together with our class this summer. Unfortunately because of Covid we never were able to plan anything for our 55th. Lance has done this before and the suggestion is to get together Friday August 2nd for lunch at "The Feast Buffet" located at 485 Renton Way in Renton. The suggestion is to arrive around 11:30am. This restaurant is Asian inspired but has many food options.  There is plenty of parking and the restaurant is very large and can handle big groups.  Our hope is to get a large turnout to reminisce and reconnect. No RSVP is necessary just show up but please pass on this message to other classmates. Lance and I look forward to seeing everyone.

David Azose

Sorry the invitation message was written by Dave Azose

Dorothy Rodes

I was at the last alumni event at The Feast. It was easy and swell to connect.

Jim Blyth

I spoke to Lance yesterday and confirmed that I will be attending the lunch get together on August 2, 2024.   I will be in Seattle from August 1 to September 4, 2024.  Looking forward to seeing my friends from the class of FHS 68.  If anyone wants to reach me in advance, feel free to contact me on my mobile at 828-734-4444.  

Mark Weaver

Glad to hear you are going to be in town at that time. It will be great to see you again Jim.

Jim Blyth

It will be great to see you as well Mark, looking forward to it.  

John Hein

For all you hydro fans, on May 14th, 10am-2pm the vintage hydros will be 'testing' at the Stan Sayres pitts. So far only a few alums have said they'll be there, but it'd be great to see anybody from our class or any other(s). For more info please contact the hydro museum in Kent. Hope to see ya there! (Maybe bring earplugs) Ciao

Ric Rivera

It's crucial to note the potential through-way traffic area congestion during the weekend period of August 2, 2024, for our 11 am FEAST BUFFET 485 Renton Center Way SW, Renton, WA 98057 CLASS GET-TOGETHER. This advisory is particularly important as it allows you to plan your journey effectively. Please note that traffic congestion is clear of obstruction in front of the Buffet.

• Please note that from 3rd St to Renton Ave S | Airport Way, for more details see the link below. The Feast Buffet is a block south of the Construction Phase. RAINIER Ave corridor Traffic/Utility improvements until mid-2025.
• If you're coming from the north and taking 1-405, please use “exit 2, 167 & Rainier Ave S.” This clear direction will help you navigate your way to the event without any hassle.

For those of you coming from the North through Rainier Valley, it's important to be aware of the potential traffic congestion. This is especially true during the snake pit congestion of SEAFAIR. (NOTE: Seafair Friday, Aug 2, is free entry). Being prepared for this will help you manage your travel time effectively.

• Southbound traffic on Rainier Ave S narrows down to ‘Road Diet One-Lane,’ with a second lane for the ‘Right of Way Bus Only’, beginning at Rainier Playfield and ending in Renton.- Renton Ave S | Airport Way.
• Northbound traffic on Rainier Ave S narrows down from Renton through the Rainier Valley ending at the ‘ol Chubby & Tubby location S Walden St

https://www.rentonwa.gov/city_hall/public_works/transportation_systems/projects_and_programs/current_projects/rainier_ave_s_phase_4_-_s_3rd_st_to_n_w_3rd_pl

John MacLeod

Senior hint.  This hint is aimed towards those of us who have finally admitted, to themselves, that they have obtained senior status.  Those who suffer from CRS (Can't remember schtuff).  Or.  Here after syndrome.  Usually occurs when going from one room to another and not remembering what you are herefter.  It has been noted that wearing memory foam insoles can be aids in dealing with any of the above conditions.

 

Nancy Raetzloff (Groth)

Thank you John.

Ric Rivera

John MacLeod

1/2 of 68 is 34.  Good number.

Ric Rivera

Ah! Good Numbers indeed, John! And I/2 of 34 is 17.

The number 17 is a good prime number.

Ric Rivera

Coming up!  August 2, 11:30 am - Class coming together at the Feast Buffet 2024 - BE THERE!! WHAT SAY YOU?

Al Ovadia

Hope to see many of you there.

Yaela Ettlinger (Yaela Ettlinger)

Hi All,  So sorry to hear about Howard Lee.  In school he seemed quiet and kindly.  Unfortunately I didn't know him well.

Ric, thanks for the updates on August 2nd.  I look forward to seeing everybody.

I enjoyed the car memories.  We had a De Soto (spelling?) in the 50's.  It had a wonderfully puffy and comfortable back seat.  (Just to show you how much I know about cars!)

Ric Rivera

What was posted to our Facebook Class page:

Just adding this for the 👍Seafair "FREE FRIDAY" to the events at Genesee Park👍 after or before the FEAST Buffet gathering.