Front row left to right: Roberta Guy, Patsy Root, June Bishop, Barbara Hayden, Julie Grangetto, Sharon Lissey. Back row left to right: Ron Utter, Hal Townsend, Dennis Vanderheiden (Thanks Barbara for names)

2006 Graduation Reunion (Class of 1963)

>Hi Sam,
>
>I didn't make it to the reunion either.
>
>And I DO remember you, although I can't recall if we
>had any classes together. (Probably because I worked
>on the yearbook?)
>
>Kathy McElhiney
>(now Lutes - married Steve Lutes, another class of '63
>graduate from Escondido High School, in 1972.)

Kathy,
I remember you.
I went 2 years to Escondido HS and then
2 years at SMHS.
We grew up in a great time.  I used to hang
out with Denny Richards.  I remember our
Principle Mr. Biven and English teacher Mr. Simmons
Biology Teacher Mr. Barrios, and Science teacher Mr.
Whiteman.
You are the first one I have made contact with since
the 20 year reunion.
I am married to Linda from Philadelphia and live in San Diego.
I have served in the Navy, been a real estate broker and now
work hospital security in the Emergency Room.
Visit my website at: ussprovidence.org
Warm regards,
Sam

Sam - I also missed the reunion. I have been living in British Columbia since 1980. I will be traveling thru San Marcos/San Diego in April for the start of a 5 month trip across north america. If others want a mini reunion count me in!
Mike Vanderbeck
mtvand@shaw.ca

Sam!   I remember you.  You were the very laid back kid who was easy going and very fun.   You were always very nice to me, and I considered you a friend.  I remember you with great affection.   Unfortunately I was not able to attend the reunion either.  I heard it was pretty good.  I hope things have gone well for you in your life.  My life has been interesting.  I have a 35 year old daughter who is married, no grandchildren, and I will be retiring from my job on 1/4/07.   I'm married to a great guy and have been living in Torrance, California since 1980.  Drop me a line if you want at
blstrode@aol.com .    Beckie (Gifford) Strode

Dear All,  Thank goodness for sent e-mails features on computers.  I replied to Sam and neglected to send to “all”.  I thought I would have to rewrite my life’s history.  It feels like old home week to open my e-mail and see other familiar names.  Hope we can get together again soon.  I believe that we are on what they would call the downhill slope of life.  Every morning I get up I check to see if I’m still breathing (just kidding).
You all have a great Christmas Season!
Larry Gertner                                                          

Sam,  I graduated in 63 also but wasn't able to make the last re-union either.  I do remember you but can't exactly picture you.  I'll have to get the yearbook out and look you up.  Glad you are among the living and healthy, hopefully.
I went into Construction in 71 after wasting several years in college and then being drafted.  I then went into Carpentry Apprenticeship out of Vista and worked in that until 79. I moved to Oregon in 79 and went out on my own as a contractor.  My timing wasn't very good ( as usual ) and Oregon went into deep recession from 79 to about 85.  I basically made enough to put beans on the table but learned a lot during that time.  I then went to work for the State of Oregon as a carpenter at their main Juvenile Detention Facility.  I worked as the carpenter for 8 years and loved it.
I then was asked if I was interested in teaching construction skills and careers to the boys ( we only have boys at this facility ).  The pay and advancement were better than carpentry so I agreed.  I have been teaching construction skills and careers since then.  I have also branched out into teaching Drafting and Autocad as well.  I love my job but am hoping to semi-retire in a year or two and go to half time until I reach 65 or 66 ( if my health keeps up ).
I have 3 wonderful children who all live in the area and are married and doing well.  I am on my second marriage ( going on 8 years ) and met my wife at work.  She teaches reading & writing to our students.  We are very happy.  I have 4 grandsons and a granddaughter due in January.  We love being grandparents!
Well now that you know more than you really wanted to about my life I'll stop.
I'd enjoy hearing from you about what's gone on in your life also.  Hope you are doing well.
Sincerely,  Larry Gertner

Hi everyone,
This is Francie Kolb Overstreet.  I missed the reunion because I was in Jordan and then Egypt for my ministry work.  It was good to  see Sam Villa’s name again….those are good memories (Sam, you used to be a track runner, as I remember).  If any of you want to get in touch with my brother, Leigh, his e-mail is lkolb@placerville.net .  Last year he retired from flying for Southwest Airlines for decades.  He and his wife Alyse live in Placerville and love it there.
Merry Christmas to you all.   Mike V. the old neighborhood has changed a lot off of Redwing…not even certain which was your house anymore.
Kathy, good to hear from you..been a long time!  Glad you wrote to everyone.
Francie