Activities:
Friday Evening Banquet at The Historic Broetje House in
Milwaukie, OR
Saturday Afternoon Open House and BBQ at the Grahams’ home
Side Trips:
Widmer Brewery Tour
Portland Saturday Market
International
Rose Garden
We
wanted to create a special "Bruin" atmosphere for renewing friendships; enjoying old memories while making new ones.
The gathering surpassed our wildest expectations. Friday night
was lovely; even the raindrops couldn’t stop the excitement. There were joyful hugs, a few tears and sounds of laughter.
It was especially nice meeting the spouses.
Pictures from junior and senior high school lined the walls and probably drew the most
interest, along with the prices on Hody’s and Oscar’s menus.
Our program was short; Jane extended a welcome and outlined the plans for
the weekend. Carol spoke about the class of ’63 Legacy Scholarship, and both she and Wendy Archer spoke about organ
donation; as recipients, this is a topic they hold dear.
The afternoon at the Graham’s was a delightful continuation of the reminiscing
and bonding. John steamed sausage and corn on the cob, and Jolyan provided a spectacular array of healthy salads. The conversation
never stopped, nor did the food. Junior and Senior High yearbooks and Reunion Memory books were passed around, and generated
lots of questions and memories.
This was indeed an extraordinary weekend. Not everyone knew each other in the beginning, but by the end of
Friday evening, no one was a stranger. Some of us hadn’t seen each other in 46 years. With a group this size it was
possible to talk to everyone and fill in the years since graduation.
We shared contact information with each other so we can keep in touch,
and all agreed to meet again at the 50th in 2013--if not sooner--up here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest !!
Thank
You To:
George Beavis for your idea to get together;
Jeri Livingstone, aka Sherlock, who helped us track down and
contact the PNW contingent.
Gary Reid for supplying yearbook pictures that lined the walls of the Broetje House and captured everyone's
attention.
Carol McClure for the wonderful Oldies music.
John and Jolyan for fronting
the money for the Broetje House and for postage, invitations, and a wonderful afternoon. We appreciate your delicious
BBQ and all your hours of preparation.
Lynette, John’s daughter, for making the classy invitations and "eviting"
everyone.
Jane and Carol for pulling the events together with information, nametags, and too many other things to mention
And
a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who attended.
It was a perfect party--befitting our wonderful Wilson Class of 1963!!
With Big Bruin Bear Hugs! -–Carol,
Jane, Jolyan and John
