Summer 2020

Bill Erdman
(407) 644-0391
1171 Willa Vista Trail, Maitland, Fl.. 32751
Class web Site:  seeoursite.org/lehigh

Received an obituary for Bill Bloomfield, dated March 2014.  He had a wonderful life and we have added the rest of his story to his page on Lehigh. Class of ‘52’s web site.

Two phone calls since last column:  One last year from Bill Murray (deceased) pointing out that I was in error on his rank and experiences in the service plus a promise to send me a letter with the correct information, I haven’t heard from him since.

Second call was from Bob Horning (deceased).  The good news:  He was able to remove a prize from his "Bucket List" for his birthday last year.  His daughter surprised him with a visit to Texas where he toured a helicopter manufacturing plant (He was a combat helicopter pilot during the Korean War) and was allowed to fly a state-of-the-art helicopter simulator.  He survived his tour and his simulated flight.  He was able to dazzle the young pilots with tales of how it was in "The Old Days" when the pilot had to do all the work.  He said in "Those Day" we didn't have time to sit back and pat our bellies as they do today - now, a helicopter flies itself.

The bad news   He hasn't been able to play golf lately as he waits for his foot to heal.  He swore me to silence as to how he hurt it but I know you guys won't tell anyone or bug him about it.  I can trust you to keep his secret.  He was putting on a new shoe!  Not too exotic but I guess he is the only helicopter pilot in history to let putting on a new shoe cripple him.

Pat Moran (deceased) you are to be congratulated again for your faithful years as Class Correspondent - You always has something good to say even when you didn’t hear much from our Classmates.

The only comment that comes to mind from me is that with today’s attention riveted on the COVID-19 virus is that I finally came to grips with the word “elderly”.  Prior to this nasty turn of world events I really didn’t consider myself as being “Elderly”.  “Older”, yes.  “Elderly”, No.  It isn’t welcome news that the “Elderly”, Lehigh, Class of ‘52 is non-essential and expendable today when it comes to medical care during the crisis.  I understand the thinking but do not welcome it.

I still ride my bike 6 to 12 miles a day, am active at church, maintain several web sites and try to reach out and help people.  Speaking of helping people, how about helping me put together an up-beat Class Column for the next edition of the Alumni Bulletin?  I’ll keep my distance if I see you, sanitize any letters received from you and promise not to sneeze into the phone if you call me.

Stay well and stay happy.  Bill <><