In memory of our classmates that have passed on before us.

VICKY HINICH

Vicky passed away in the 80's, leaving behind a husband and 2 small children.

I knew Vicky from early childhood, before school. I can remember playing together from that early age. My last memory of her was from a few years after high school. I was a roady for one of Al Schlackers bands, in a bar in Manhattan getting the equipment set up for that nights performance. I looked up, and there was Vicky. I had been feeling pretty bad that night, but the moment I saw her I cheered up, and didn't feel bad at all. I went over and talked to her for a few minutes. We both had work to do, so we couldn't talk long, but it was just like old times, always a smile and a kind word. That was very important to a schmuk like me.

All the pretty girls hung out together in high school, and they all turned their noses up at us guys (me) when we tried to talk with them or hang out with them. They were all interested in older guys, or guys from other schools, anyone except their classmates. All, except Vicky. She would always talk to me. Always had a smile for me and a few kind words. I wish I'd told her how much I appreciated that.

I was working in Shorewood with her brother Darrin when I found out she was ill. I couldn't believe it. I just couldn't believe it. How could such a beautiful person, just starting a family, get sick like that? What was our Father thinking? I kept asking Darrin if he was sure, if it was the girl I had grown up with, if it was true. He had gotten a little irked with me, understandably so. Sorry Darin. I just couldn't believe it. Still can't.

I will remember this beautiful girl and all the kindness she showed me for the rest of my life an beyond.

Gayle passed away in the 90's, leaving behind her husband Randy and 2 small boys.

I knew Gayle all through our school years also. She was a very pleasant girl, always laughing and smiling. I would give her a hard time every once in a while, in jest. She always seemed to know when I was goofing around with her. I have alot of good memories of her in school and out at the beach.

I think the last time I saw her was in Essex. I think she and Randy had just bought a bar out there, and we had a little last minute class reunion.

Bob passed away in the 90's also. When he passed, he had left behind a new wife, I believe. I don't think he had any children.

I spent most of my school years with Bob also. I can't remember if it was from the very beginning of school, but I know it was most of it. I have some good memories of Bob also. I can remember in 5th grade, there was a costume party for Halloween that started after lunch. Bob disappeared for lunch, and when the party started, Bob came in dressed as a girl. His mom did such a good job on the costume and make up that nobody knew it was him. We had a hard time trying to guess who it was, until he smiled. But, he had us going for a long time.

My last memory of Bob was at that little reunion in Essex at Gayle and Randy's place. I spent a long time talking to him and his new wife. It seems like just a couple of months after that that he died. I was told that he and a friend were walking along the railroad tracks looking for old glass bottles or something like that. Something happened that his friend couldn't or wouldn't get off the tracks when a train was coming, so Bob shoved him off of the tracks. Unfortunatly, Bob couldn't get out of the way in time, and was hit. That was an honorable, and terrible, way to go. Hopefully, it was quick and painless.