January 3, 2025

 

Ken D'Angelo sent me an email that encapsulated some of the thoughts I've had lately.  Since I began sending out the Fry Day emails it's gotten harder and harder to find happy Colt news and I've started featuring cartoons and other humor, and featured them right up front.  I've saved the obituaries until last, and -- in between -- have shared photos and memories from our youth.  I haven't gotten any complaints, so I'll forge ahead.

John,

You’ve been the “glue” that has kept the various years of Crawford somewhat together. Your newsletter has kept me abreast of my classmates to some degree as I’ve lived around the world for some 30 years of my career.
It’s kind of like when during my first years flying in Alaska in the Coast Guard, my mom would send me the engagement and marriage announcements of numerous friends. 

Then while away for college I got the child birth announcements.
Then while overseas creating new cities for a living I got the divorce announcements.

Still overseas, but more — somewhat in these retired years — the notices of death.
My mom just turned 100 and yesterday I got a notice another passing, not hers. 

Take care John. 

Thanks for all the years of names and memories.
Keep them coming. 

Ciao, 

Ken Farmer D’Angelo ’66

Having said that, here's a passing that hit home, so I'll put it at the top.  Mike Roberts says Jim Pieri, his friend of more than 65 years passed away on the last day of 2024 after a long illness.  That's Mike and Jim above.  Details, I'm sure, will be forthcoming.  Jim was a Big Man On Campus in 1962.

Remember going to picnics at Big Oak Ranch in Harbison Canyon -- and the Swallows Nudist Camp next door?

This may be funny on TWO levels.  Most people DO think the monster is called  Frankenstein. The other part is the name the barista writes on your paper cup when they take your order.  Remember my friend Ande (short for Andrea). They always said it right, but spelled it Andi.  One day she said, "It's Ande with an 'E'!"  When she sat down with her coffee there it was on her cup, plain as day, "Endi".

Remember when we were talking about Art Huebner's Texaco Station at the northeast corner of Park and El Cajon?  When I researched the history of that corner I learned that the earliest tenant, in 1925, was the College Service Station. Montezuma Mesa is a long way from Park and El Cajon, I said to myself.  Wait a minute!! Didn't there used to be a college across the street from the College Service Station? Click HERE for more information.  Oh, by the way, it was officially El Cajon Avenue until 1937.

Arlean Buchmeyer Lane '68 passed away October 31st.  The family invites you to a memorial service in her honor.  January 11th, Featheringill Mortuary, 6322 El Cajon Blvd.  A reception will follow at 6368 Amberly Street, San Diego CA 92120