Pat Moran (now deceased):

With Ruby, my four-pound Abyssinian kitty at my side seeking affection and probably food, I settle down to bring the class some news.  I'm happy to report that Ralph and SueAnn Fortney visited Wil Wilbern (deceased) at Morningside Assisted Living in Newport News, Va., while en route to their granddaughter's graduation from North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C.  Wil is doing as well as can be expected following a stroke that resulted in partial paralysis to his left side.  He is mentally alert but confined to a wheel chair, which fortunately is powered, enabling him to get around quite easily.  Wil is forever a Lehigh supporter and would love to hear from his classmates.  Let's flood him with cards and phone calls to let him know we are thinking of him.  His address is 655 Denbigh Boulevard, Newport News, Va 23608; (757) 890-0905.

Sam McClure (deceased) writes that he is still in Santa Rosa, Calif., enjoying weather, scenery and his grandson.  He summers in Chautauqua, N.Y.  Bill Smith (deceased) saw Jack  Blake  (deceased) in Seabrook, S.C., last April.  Jack's daughter, Mindy Blake, is a TV commentator here in Tucson.  Art Larky (deceased) has been a permanent resident of Ventnor, near Atlantic City, N.J., since December '02.

DAZ and I met Wally and Ceily Field in Palm Springs, Calif, the first week of February '04.  Their Pennsylvania pallor quickly turned to golden brown as their golf scores improved.  On the third day, Ceily shot 92' and Wally 78.  Not bad after a four-month layoff.  We are expecting the Fields in February '05 for golf and grub.

Class agent Randy Zehner (deceased), a hardworking classmate and good guy, is kicking off another fundraising season and reports that an additional option is being made available for classmates who wish to contribute to our Class Scholarship Fund.  The Fund currently has a book value of $40,410 and has made it possible to provide financial aid to nine worthy students in recent years.  Our goal is to bring the book value to $400,000 by our 55th Class Reunion in 2007.  This would provide a full scholarship for at least one eligible student.  Let's all support the Class Scholarship Fund with generous contributions when the appropriate time comes.

It is my pleasure to inform you that Norm Merksamer (deceased) was chosen to be the 2004 recipient of the James Ward Packard ME 1884 Distinguished Service Award.  This honor is bestowed "in recognition of an individual who has championed the educational mission of Lehigh University and acknowledges the meritorious volunteer work done for the planned giving program.  The award simultaneously honors the life of an illustrious business pioneer and generous alumnus."  Norm received the award on Volunteer Day, Sept. 11 at the meeting of The Tower Society.  Norm received help from the university when he was a student and has never forgotten it.  He is incredibly loyal and generous.  Congratulations, Norm.

The toughest part of my job is reviewing the obits when they come from the Alumni Office. This month the list included three classmates I knew well: J. Sharps Crislip, Tom Haught, and Jim Johnston (deceased).  It's sad but true that we are all getting older and our ranks are thinning.  The class and I extend our sincerest condolences to the Crislip, Haught and Johnston families.

That's it for now.  Let me hear from you, '52ers.  The class wants to know!

Deceased:

• Gordon Atkinson
• John Byerly
• J. Sharps Crislip
• Tom Haught
• Jim Johnston