What fills my hours:
Still show up to work 3-4 days a week. Play men’s doubles league tennis with my son. It’s a good catalyst to stay in reasonable shape so as to not embarrass myself too much. Michelle hits the ball well too. So, it’s nice we have that in common. Between Michelle and I, we have 7 grandchildren and one more on the way.

Family:
Six years ago, I attended a CUI reunion. As the divorce from wonderful wife #1 was just about to finalize, I thought it a perfect time get together with old friends, share a few memories and tell some lies…
At Charlie’s garage gathering, Linda Stienstra approached me and conveyed that her little sister, Michelle, had gotten a divorce after a long marriage. Back in ’72-’73 whenever Linda’s sister came to CUI, I was her standing date. As I did the math in my head, I figured I hadn’t seen Michele in 42 years and what could we possibly have in common? After all, I AM a very evolved man?
Well, come this September, I will be married to Rich Stienstra’s sister in law for 3 years. Wayne Stienstra, Rich and Linda were all part of the wedding. It did take some time to acclimate into the family. First gathering, Rich kept telling me I did not have to stand at attention in a supinating position. Next family gathering, Rich made a proclamation to his sons, that if not for me, missing waking him up when I pledged, he would not have missed the “Big Test” and thus missed getting honors, was not recruited by the top ten company’s in Chicago and missed out on a life of luxury and self-indulgence. Never mentioned once that it was a damn “Urine Test”.

Awards:
Not many. But rewards, that I have!
A wonderful wife, healthy and productive kids and more grandchildren than we can keep up with. Got a roof over my head, steady work and friends. Some of the oldest being “Brothers in Bonds”. Whenever we do get together, it’s like “just yesterday”

Phi Delta Tau Memories:
New to the house, the seniors seemed so old and mature. Front porch sitting and listening to Rich and Terp spend 15 minutes talking about which row of cokes were the best out of the coke machine. And, the slam of the porch door always accounting for who came and went. Phone room, one phone for everyone and the team efforts to call for a date. Watching Todd Beveridge holding court in the middle of The Grill. Thereafter, Mike Sullivan and I carrying on the tradition.
Mid years- watching Happy Days and Mash in the TV room, dates at our sides with a quart of PBR or two to sip on.

Honorary Delt’s- Art and Diane Alt and what a part they played in many of our lives. Being hosted by Bob and Mary Gaunt in Florida. They would do the same for near a dozen of Delta Flight Crews, that would accompany me over to Indian Rocks Beach. Bob instructing everyone how to pour a beer properly with a head on it and yes, the stereo phonic train record came out a few times. Bob and Mary would move to North Carolina in the late 90’s, a couple of hours north, which afforded more visits. Mary living to a mere 96 and Bob to 101 or 102. But who’s counting?

I had a big brother that went to Illinois and LSU and participated in big a house (80 to 100ppl) Fraternity. Some of their activities were big show case affairs, but I always felt my Phi Delta experience, matched stories of good times, good friendships and came closer to the etiology of a brotherhood, that still holds up to the day.