Debbie Kashino

I saw two of Karen Morisaki's cousins tonight.  Sadly both confirmed that Karen passed away from cancer shortly after our reunion.  I saw her a couple years ago and she looked so nice and seemed so happy.  Another reminder for all of us to enjoy each day and be grateful for our good health!

Nancy Raetzloff (Groth)

Thanks John and Debbie.  John, can you message me with a URL for the info on Karen, and or Debbie, any obituary if there is one, or perhaps one of her cousins would write up something for us.  So sad to lose another one.  RIP Karen.

Ric Rivera

2018 was 10 degrees above normal – Our summer had the thermal trough bringing us the smokey atmosphere around into late August.  No bah-humbug - hang-ups set aside and forgiving. We found our way through the haze anyway, what a great reunion for all to enjoy good vibes fifty years later. Dang! That was a lot of work! Though, it was well the effort of many and those who attended and those who could not. It was the most successful of any of past reunions. Thank you all, for making it a lasting memorable one. Well done! A Toast to the empowering and engaging FHS Class of '68! 

As the old year sunsets and the eve of the New Year will be on the horizon, raise a glass of your favorite flavor, a toast to those glowing fireworks, a starburst high in the skies. Here is to the past, present, and future, our friends near and dear and those departed and to our health a lasting toast. Wishing all good and positive relationships that vibrate happy ones. There is always hope all those everlasting ripples that bring harmonious vibes least expected that fill your soul going forward ever moving on. Be the teacher, empower and pass that on. Aloha-till we meet again.

Sylvia Lovegren (Petras)

Happy New Year to you, Ric.  And thanks again for all your hardword on the reunion.  You and the gang of organizers brought happiness to so many people!

Ric Rivera

Thank you, Sylvia, for the kudos it certainly was an engaging effort. The distances between did not seem to matter to the gang of many all pulling and pooling their weight sacrifices made while in retirement and working life. It was a tireless effort to make it happen Ha! Afterward, it was time to stretch out throttle back reminiscing on a hanger full of memories. Wow! what a family!! Great seeing everyone, though I missed connecting with many like ships passing in the night. 

As a reminder, the 50th 1968 REUNION GROUP PHOTOs of which are nearly 300 entries (you can view/contribute photos) on the web at 

https://franklinclassof68reunion.shutterfly.com/

or

Click here to view

STAY TUNED for developments of the upcoming 70th birthday party in AUGUST 2020, so far it's a tie on the Facebook closed group "Franklin High School Quakers Class of 68 50th Reunion Seattle" POLL between Renton's Gene Coulon Park and Seward Park Shelter #3. Although, the sentiment is for - closer to the hood.

As of 3-27-19 it is now at the top when you open the group page!

Yaela Ettlinger (Yaela Ettlinger)

Nancy Raetzloff (Groth)

This info comes from Steve and I am copying it.

Waldo King, FHS band director, died March 19. A public memorial will be on May 19 at Roosevelt High School. Details to be announced on Facebook; search "Waldo King".

Ric Rivera

Thank you. Steve Condiotty and Nancy Raetzloff Groth.

Thank you Waldo King RIP, who enlivened us to all that Jazz.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/obituaries/waldo-king-founding-father-of-seattles-renowned-high-school-jazz-programs-dies-at-92/

Sylvia Lovegren (Petras)

The poll about the 2020 70th reunion party is on the Facebook page

Franklin High School Quakers Class of 68 50th Reunion Seattle

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1848325178827455/

Ric Rivera

Good health to everyone! Summer is upon us. Sad news although, class of  '67 two notables passed away within days of each other - Honorable Judge Ron Mamiya and HS quarterback David Zauhar. 

This location popped up on the old PC. I wondered if clansman John MacLeod has a long genealogy history dating back to the 16th century of the builders, the other Clan MacLeod of Ardvreck Castle on the shore of Loch Assynt? Aye, surely you do of the Highlands rule me, lad?

Ric Rivera

What is summer without hydroplanes on Lake Washington, then came the Blue Angels as part of the Air Show that was added in 1972.

Mark Weaver

Just got some really sad news, our classmate, Bob GLover's cancer has returned and has spread to his liver. There isn't anything they can do about it. He is in hospice care and I was told he is not eating. HIs wife, Jan said he going down fast. Please pray for Bob, Jan and their family at this difficult time. This a tough one for me too. Bob is one of my closest friends.

Sylvia Lovegren (Petras)

So sorry to hear that, Mark.  Bob was always such a nice guy.  Please pass on my prayers and thoughts to Bob and his wife, and to you, too.  Holding you all in the Light.

Mark Weaver

Thanks Sly.

Robert W Talbot

I’m so sorry Mark. I just lost my oldest and dearest friend to pancreatic cancer in January. I miss him every day and find myself wanting to call him and discuss daily happenings. Hang in there and give him all the love and support you can give him.

Mark Weaver

First of all I want to start out by saying thank you to Bob Talbot, John Macleod and Sly for your comments of sympathy. Bob Glover passed away last night. Bob was a good man and a great friend of mine for many years. I will miss him greatly. Please keep his wife, Jan in your prayers. As expected this is really a difficult time for her.

John Hein

Mark, that is very sad news, but thanks for letting us know. I didn't know Bob very well, but he always seemed the perfect gentleman. Sincere condolences to his family & friends. Never a good time for such a loss, so please try to find solace in knowing his suffering has ceased. Bob, RIP

Sylvia Lovegren (Petras)

Mark, I'm so very sorry.  Big hugs to you.  Please pass on my condolences to his wife and family.  

Susan Niven

So sorry to learn of Bob's passing. I remember him as a gentle soul. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. 

Nancy Raetzloff (Groth)

Has anyone heard anything about the death of classmate Barbara Davidson?  Sandy Smith Hanson, thinks she read something about our Barbara, but can't find the info now.  If anyone has any info, please post here or contact me.

thanks

nancy

Mark Benecke

I hope this note finds you in good health and enjoying this special time of year.  Our 2019 65 & Over tennis team, playing out of Club Green Meadows in Vancouver, WA, competed earlier this month in the USTA Sectional Tournament in Sun River, OR.  Other participating teams included Robinswood of Bellevue, Jupiter of Tacoma, Amy Yee of Seattle and club teams from Eugene, Salem, Tualatin & Eastern WA.  Our team finished with a 1 - 2 record with losses to Jupiter and Amy Yee..and a win against Eugene.  Amy Yee won the tournament by going undefeated and finishing with a perfect 4 - 0 record.  It was fun for me to play against Amy Yee, knowing their home court location is on MLK Way, not far from Franklin and our old Mt Baker neighborhood.  Our Amy Yee match featured 5 of the 6 sets decided by a tie-break and two of the three matches going to a 10 point match tie-break.  In my 18 years of playing USTA tennis, I've never been involved in a match that close.  (In the USTA 65 & Over league, all matches are doubles.)  I have a feeling a few of Amy's players were likely Franklin alums or at least from Mt Baker or Rainier Valley.

Only the three kneeling players in our team photo are from Washington.  Arvid on my right is from Vancouver and Jim on my left is from Richland.  Other home states include Oregon, Illinois, Utah, South Carolina & New York.  4 players are between 65 & 69, 4 are 70 - 77 & one is 83 years young!!

Wishing you all the best!

Janice Lynn Ferrera

Hey Mark - congrats on making it to sectionals!  I didn’t play on a 65’s team this year but I think your team played against my boyfriends team from Jupiter!  They went 2-1.  Right now I’m playing on a 55’s team out of Galbraith.  Hope all is well.

Mark Benecke

Hi Janice.  Yes....I actually met your friend last November at the 2018 Sectionals in Tacoma.  He made some nice comments about how my partner and I played against his Jupiter teammates at the #1 position. We won our individual match in a tie break but lost the team match 2 - 1.  We were talking after the match and I mentioned I grew up in Sattle and graduated from Franklin.  He asked if I new you and of course I said yes.  It was a very enjoyable conversation.  We've played Jupiter several times at Sectionals and although the matches have been very close....we've never beaten  them.  I've gotten to know several of their players on a first name basis.  They're all good sports and really good players.  I'm playing in the 55 & Over league too so maybe I'll see you down the road at next year's Sectionals.  Hopefully one of these years we'll find a way to defeat Jupiter!  Thanks Janice!          

Eddie Lau

Men's 55+ 7.0 Section Finals, we lost 2-1 to Pinole, CA

Eddie Lau

Congratulation to all of us for being able to get out and play!