Al Ovadia

Ric, Lance and classmates, so sorry I missed what looked like an amazing time. I had booked a vacation some months ago and was obligated to take it. Ric/Lance, can you name the folks in the photos please. Thanks and wishing all my classmates a happy and healthy summer.

Nancy Raetzloff (Groth)

I received word from Mark Weaver that our classmate Don Vanvick passed away yesterday.  This information will be updated as I learn more.  Sad to see another one gone.

Al Ovadia

I was deeply saddened to hear of Don VanVick's passing. Don and I became friends beginning in second grade at Graham Hill Elementary. I remember going to his house frequently in second-sixth grades. He lived very close to the school, actually quite near David Azose. He was a dear friend in those early years. I did not see him much after elementary school as friendship circles change but I will always remember how much I enjoyed his company and friendship. May he Rest in Peace.

John Hein

Words fail me... Don, RIP

Nancy Raetzloff (Groth)

Heard from Virg Descargar re tomorrow being Vic Alfonso's birthday.  I tried to copy and paste, but might have messed it up.  Let me know if I need to change info.

Also for a few of our long times we’ll be celebrating Franklin 68 yell leader alumni husband Vic’s ‘bornday’ tomorrow 6/6 at Jacks BBQ around 12:30 on Airport Way, he’ll be 73.  he’ll be 73. He is retired from from TelephoneCo, FormerTIUCal/UnionPres for OfficeWorkers Marine Corp Viet Nam Vet (disabled senior) 

Yaela Ettlinger (Yaela Ettlinger)

Looks like Vic hasn't registered here so there's no way to message him in this system.  I wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday so if you are in touch with him please pass that along.

Nancy Raetzloff (Groth)

Yaela, if you message Virg, she will get it to Vic.

Wayne Cofer

Just curious if anyone is planning on stopping by Franklin HS tomorrow ( 8/26/23 ). 

The Franklin Alumni Assoc. & Foundation is putting on an open house from noon to 3:00 PM. 

Food trucks, music and tour of the school. Open to all Alumni.  

My brother Bill and I are planning to show up. I have not even driven by the school in many years. 

OK, truth be told,  I'm only going to see where they put the cross country state championship trophy - LOL 

Wayne  

Nancy Raetzloff (Groth)

We have lost another classmate.  Friendly Mitchell passed on August 9th.  Services are as follows:

Our friend - Friendly Oscar Mitchell, Jr.

His memorial will be held at Damascus International Fellowship Church - 5261 Rainier Avenue South

Saturday, September 23rd 2023 @ 11:00am

... with a weekday final resting place at Mt Tahoma Memorial Park.

John MacLeod

Wayne.  Did you and Bill make an appearance at ou Alma Mater?  Was Mrs. Babcock there to collect, fines, on any past due books?  Did you guys find the state trophy?  Was that the state of confusion trophy?

John MacLeod

John Hein has some sort of crazy road trip for us in October.  Think towing something behind a bicycle and a deck of cards making noise in the tire spokes.  Get any particulars from the other John.

John MacLeod

Friendly really lived up to his name.  So did his dad.

Wayne Cofer

John,   Bill and I did attend the open house at FHS. Was fun to see just how much the school has changed.  I like the way it is layed out inside  with a hall way circle going all the way around. As for finding our state cross country trophy -- did not find it. They did have some sections of the 2nd floor closed due to construction and it might have  been  in that area. 

Mike O'Brien

Truly miss Don V. & Friendly M. I miss them both!

John Hein

As Sheriff McLeod vaguely alluded to in an allegorically obfuscated metaphorical fashion, there's an event made to order for elder hydro fans. The event will see vintage hydros on Lake Chelan. How old are the hydros? Well, they're sooo old they have piston engines!!! And, AND, here's where the linkage to the class of '68 ties in: One of our own will be piloting one o' those vintage hydros!!! I can't reveal his name as that would be indiscreet, but his initials are Sam Amira, hydro pilot par excellence!!! For the granular details: https://www.mahoganyandmerlot.com/       

Hope to see some of you there, peace, out...

Sylvia Lovegren (Petras)

That is so cool, John!  Lake Chelan is too far from Toronto for me to make the trip, but my very grown-up nephew lives in eastern Wash and is a huge hydro fan. Will pass this on!  Sylvia

John MacLeod

The Everest Challenge has come and gone for another year.  Our very own Judy Payne completed the 29,029 feet in under 36 hours.  Not the actual mountain, but the nearly 30,000 foot equivalent.  Too cool for sure.

Judith E. Payne

Thanks for the msg, John.  The climb was at Whistler Mountain, such a wonderful setting and my "heaven" for skiing when I was a kid.  I only made it there once.  After my climb (it is actually 8 ascents of Whistler adding up to 29,029 feet), I visited family in Seattle and had a great visit with Mayumi and Sara Thompson.  I'll be back in early December for a few days too.  Any chance I could attend a lunch with some of you?

Yaela Ettlinger (Yaela Ettlinger)

Yeah Judy that would be great.  Give us your dates and we'll see what we can set up.

Yaela Ettlinger (Yaela Ettlinger)

So sorry to hear about Friendly Mitchel's passing.  We went to Madrona Elementary together and he was always friendly.

John Hein

This past weekend one our classmates rode/piloted the Miss Wahoo U77. I can't tell you his name as that would be indiscreet, but his initials are Sam Amira. Congrats and kudos Sam, U Dah MAN!!! The deep azure sky was perfect, and the whole weekend was a great real-time walk down memory lane.

John Hein

I can't say this is Sam, but somebody's underway to the ride of a lifetime. The announcer said each lap around the course consumes $90 in fuel. An oustanding example of gallons-per-mile, eh what? 

Gary Crevling

This is not a response to John's message.  In order to settle a family "discussion", I'm trying to find out what a Prom dress would have cost between 1966 and 1968 if purchased from Seattle's most exclusive retail store, Best Apparel. Do any of our classmates remember what they paid? A ball park estimate would work or if you purchased one from another department store that would help, but it seems Best Apparel set the bench mark.Thanks

John MacLeod

A great time was on the agenda last weekend, at Lake Chelan.  The weather was outstanding.  The unlimiteds did not race, but made many laps around the course.  Two, three or four at a time.  Almost like a race, with the roar of thunder and roostertails.  Four of us from the Class of 68 hooked up and stalked the ellusive Sam.  We probably saw him many times, but did not know he was in the Wahoo.  Next year.

  Look up Mahogany and Merlot on "You Tube" to see some of the action from this year and years past.

Sylvia Lovegren (Petras)

Hi Gary,

I didn't go to the prom (too much of a hippie for such things!) but I'd guess that a party dress from Best would have run between $75-150. I bought a Pendelton wool dress that I wore for work and it was $50, much more than I would have usually paid but it was considered "good" and a worthwhile investment because of the quality. I still remember being shocked that I would spend that much for a dress at the time, but "good clothes" were a thing then.  :)