I first met Fred in 1969 when I came to teach at a school he taught in. Fred was forty five. I remember when I first met him, and in my 28 year old ignorance, I thought, "This guy's a real old fart." Little did I know that it could get worse. Fred would have another forty five years and still going.
Fred was one of those energetic gung ho kind of guys. Fred was forceful and expressive. He worked hard for kids attention and demanded that they work to their potential. He was always humorous and full of mischief.
I guess Fred liked variety as he went from farm boy to teaching ,to business and back to teaching. Retirement was another thing. He was always active and spent many winters in the south.
Many community organizations benefited from Fred's efforts and expertise.
Fred never saw a party he couldn't like. One of Fred's specialties was to recite "the Cremation of Sam Magee." He was good at it. Today he still recited "The Cremation of Sam Magee" He was always humorous and full of mischief. In the days of smoking, he would rush to the staff room for a few puffs during class changes. One day he came back and stood beside me. I noticed smoke rising from some place. It was coming from his pocket where he had put the butt. His language was colorful and I can still remember an outburst. The only damage was a hole in the pocket.
So today was something to really celebrate. Many more , Fred.
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| I wore the School hoody for old times sake. |
Now that is VERY cool! My Dad passed away October 3rd, and he was 92 - just a month shy of being 93.
ReplyDeleteEven if they look good at ninety they are pretty fragile.
DeleteThat's quite a milestone, and he looks younger.
ReplyDeleteHe looks good but is pretty fragile. The big smile is a winner.
DeleteWonderful, I hope he enjoys many more.
ReplyDeleteWe take one day at a time.
DeleteNinety, that is a respectable age, he stiil looks very well and happy.
ReplyDeleteHe's got a great smile.
DeleteAnyone that can quote the "The Cremation of Sam Magee" has to be awesome. Happy Birthday Fred. B
ReplyDeleteWell yesterday's recitation was a bit adlib in places. He's forgotten some of it.
DeleteOh, what a good story. Hope I will be around to enjoy turning ninety!
ReplyDeleteIt seems there are many more people now who live into their nineties.
DeleteI had a 89 year old friend over yesterday and we ordered him a new camera online.
ReplyDeleteCool. People have to keep active . If they stop they're dead.
DeleteHappy Birthday Fred and I love the hoodie. Gee, Red, I still have my School Sweater.
ReplyDeleteThis one was given to me when I retired 17 years ago. I'm so old my school didn't have sweaters!
DeleteReaching 90 in good health and sound mind is fabulous! Happy birthday to Fred! He looks amazing, and very happy.
ReplyDeleteHe has a winning smile.
DeleteWow, Red, he looks fantastic, nowhere near his actual age. I also wish him many more wonderful years. He sounds like a great guy. :-)
ReplyDeleteHe was a character and had many stories to tell.
Deleteoh, so very sweet! loved that photo of the two of you. :) two characters, for sure!
ReplyDeleteHe had a lot of experience in his life.
DeleteOh what a great story. How wonderful to celebrate a 90th birthday with wonderful friends and memories.
ReplyDeleteNinetieth birthdays are great celebrations. My Dad was pretty excited to have a ninetieth birthday.
DeleteHow wonderful! 90 is an accomplishment and being with it is an added plus! Snowing here today Red you must be letting snow escape:)
ReplyDeleteI've got lots more snow to send your way and some really cold temps.
DeleteI agree with those who say he looks young for his age. Sounds like quite a guy.
ReplyDeleteThe smile and twinkling eyes help to make him look good.
DeleteI love that photo of you two! It's wonderful that you have been friends so many years and share memories. 90 and healthy: a great blessing indeed.
ReplyDeleteThat's terrific that you could celebrate with him all these years later. That's a fantastic photo of the two of you.
ReplyDeleteWhen we moved up here to the boonies, last year, we discovered that one of our neighbours (a few houses down) was one of Frank's high school teachers almost 50 years ago. If you, Fred and our neighbour are any indication, I think teaching keeps you young.
Many more happy returns to your friend!! Great photo!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great photo and Happy Birthday Fred! He sounds like quite a character and one I would be delighted to meet. My father-in-law is 94 years old and still in the thick of things. More power to them! I always tell my husband that his dad is like the energizer bunny :) I only wish I had half his energy.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I had a similar friend and role model as a young teacher. Unfortunately cancer took him was too young....
ReplyDeleteYou're both looking darn wonderful! Love the smiles!
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