William (Bill) Patrigo

Sharon - I didn't laugh immediately when I notice my name had been changed from Patrigo to Patriots. Instead, I tried to figure out what secret meaning the name Patriots possessed.  I too have my SiriusXM radio tuned to the 50s and 60s channels.  However, my favorite is the Blues Channel, which reminds me of something else.

This coming weekend, my wife and son are going on the Blues Cruise. It is a 7 day cruise which departs from Fort Lauderdale. The cruises take place in October and January or February each year. The ship is a brand new Holland American ship holding about 2600 people and has about 5 performance stages. There are about 30 nationally-known blues bands which perform throughout the cruise, with simultaneous performances on all stages, starting at about 9:30 am and ending about 3:00 am the following morninig. The passengers are generally middle-age and dress is casual at all times and at all places. You can dance in front of the stages or go to the sides of the stages where you are only a couple of feet from the performers. You can even swim in front of a couple of the stages. If you don't want to leave your room, you can watch the various live performances on a big-screen TV in your room. The food is delicious and served throughout the day.  The experience is like having a constant backstage pass because the performers eat with and chat with the passengers throughout the day.

My wife did not historically like blues music because she seemed to be unaware of electrified blues. We went on a blues cruise two years ago.  Thereafter, my wife became infected and insisted that we go repeatedly. That is not unusual because most of the people we met on the last cruise had gone between 6 and 18 times. As I said, like them, my wife became infected. First timers on the cruise are called "virgins". We are no longer virgins.

A lot of the Blues Cruise performances are on YouTube. Merely look up "LRBC". That's my life for now - Most importantly, it is now confirmed that I am not a virgin.

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Bill: The Cruise sounds fantastic! Suffice it to say you will get your fill of Blues Music by the time you get off the ship! We love Holland America and have done three of our 7 cruises on Holland ships! What is the name of your ship? I’m sure while on the ship you will be a “Patriot”! I thought you might get a chuckle out of that one! Have a wonderful time! Tell us about your son the next time you are on our website! Also are you retired now?

SAFE TRAVELS!👍👍

William (Bill) Patrigo

Sharon - I doubt if I will have my fill of blues music when I get off the cruise as I intend to be a blues guitarist when I grow up. The name of the ship is the Nieu Statendam. It is a new vessel, christened recently by Oprah Winfrey.

I am still employed full-time by Witt O'Briens, LLC, a disaster-related consulting company, Witt was a consultant to the State of Louisiana relating to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and several other disasters. I was a consultant to the City of New Orleans for 2 years beginning two weeks after Hurricane Katrina. Thereafter, I worked in Baton Rouge for another 10 years doing FEMA-related appeals and arbitrations for the State of Louisiana. During that time we recovered through the appeals/arbitration process approximately $1.5 billion which the State and its various subapplicants would otherwise not have received from the FEMA.  I now work primarily full-time from home on FEMA-related appeals for Witt clients throughout the United States, 

My son, Will, is 26, about 6'5" and quite athletic. He graduated from Oklahoma University School of Law about 2 years ago. He has been employed since his graduation with a local Oklahoma City law firm which specializes in energy-related title opinions. He went to undergraduate school at Oklahoma City University where he was a pitcher on their No, 1 ranked NAIA baseball team from the time he was a freshman until his graduation. He received 2 non-sports scholarships while at OCU and 1 scholarship for law school. Needless to say I am proud of his accomplishments.

Joyce Casady (Sheumaker)

Hope I am on the Message forum---does not look the same!

I got back from visiting my brother Charles and wife Mary Lou last week in Meza, AZ.  Missed some of the bad weather but made it back for the -13 weather.  I did not take my lap top and had over 80 emails to read--mostly the Message Forum.  My dad worked on Saturday's at the barber shop in the Anthes Hotel--then I think it was owned by a man named White.

Yes, do I ever remember the rodeo's. My mom made me a cowgirl outfit for the very 1st rodeo red with white fringe.  I have a picture of me in it standing in front of the fence of the arena.  I was also in the parade wearing it. My girlfiend Abby Paschel's folks managed or took care of the Anthens Hotel. Abby and I got to see and talk to all of the stars while at the hotel. They moved to a hotel in MN--do not remember the date. After that I did not get to see or talk with any stars.  I had a lot of pictures signed by most of the early stars, but my mom threw them all way.  Can not remember when though.  I have been to some of the rodeos since my daughter works at the hospital and gets free tickets for Wed night.  Been awhile though. Sounds good to me to have the 60th reunion during Rodeo weekend.

Nan Nelson (Hays)

Joyce...wonderful seeing your post.  Glad you got out of some of the brutal temps we endured. We were relieved it didn't last long. 

Enjoyed your memories of the rodeo. I loved going to the rodeo as a kid, starting with Gene Autry. Last one I went to was Tana Tucker.  I, too, think having our 60th reunion at rodeo time would be great!  

Nancy

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Hi it’s me again! Bill, congrats on your son! I’m sure you are proud of all he’s accomplished! By the way sounds like you keep really really busy yourself!

Joyce, you are definitely on the message forum! Good to hear from you! By the way I am always at the Wednesday night rodeo so maybe this year I will see you! I’m also up in the Suites as I’m a Director on the Board  Great River Entertainment (aka) Catfish Bend Casino and we have a Suite right down from the hospital! Glad you had some winter time in a warm climate!I’m getting great responses from the class and it seems that everyone likes the idea of the reunion at Rodeo time! So we will see!

Nancy, good to hear from you too! Glad to know you’ll have a March luncheon! I hope to make the April luncheon!😀 I talked to the ticket chairman of the Rodeo and she said she might even be able to give us VIP seats if we come on Thursday night! I’m thinking since we are mostly  retired that might work! We will see! Later, kids! ❤️❤️

Charlie LaFrenz

Yesterday, I ran into Ted Holland again at the post office.  I told him about our web site and we would all be interested in hearing from him.  He said he didn't have a computor and he also mentioned his brother Bob had died of a heart attack.  I do not know the details.

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Good for you Charlie! Sorry for Bob and sorry for Teddy who doesn’t have a computer! Where are all of you? Everyone stopped writing! I miss reading what you are all doing! WRITE WRITE WRITE 

Believe it or not I’m going to be in my 5th style show for Chicos here on Marco Island on Monday the 25th! Hard to believe anyone would want a 75 year old woman to model but I’m excited! 

Brad Wiedmann

Robert Holland's obit was in the Daily Democrat this past week:

Robert L. Holland, 77, died Feb. 17, 2019. in Oklahoma City, Okla.

He was a 1959 graduate of Fort Madison High School.

He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 30 years as Chief Master Sgt and was stationed around the world.

He is survived by his wife, Sovilla, of 45 years; one daughter, Lori Holland, Vernon, Texas; one step daughter, Diana Lynn (Paul) Rogers of Oklahoma City; five brothers and sisters, Ted (Charla) Holland of Keokuk, Michael (Belinda) Holland of Franklin, Patti (Bob) Boyd of Pekin, Ill., Carol Ellis of Fort Madison and Paula (Dave) Kropp of Fort Madison.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Parvin Holland and Alice Gen Egley, and one daughter, Lynn Holland.

A military burial is planned at a later date.

Condolences can be sent to 3701 Brougham Way, Oklahoma City, OK 73179.

Well, Sharon, enjoy the Marco Island weather as the snow just won't stop up here in Northwest Wisconsin.  Supposed to get another 5-8" tonight and 40 mph wind gusts.  Not sure how much we have had this month, but, the Twin Cities( 2hours away) has had about 34-35" this month so far.  Set a new all time February record.

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

The above photo is an outfit that I modeled for Chicos in Marco Island Florida on March 25th!

it is really a lot of fun!

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Brad, thanks for the information about Bob Holland’s obit! I hope you had a safe trip to Colorado!

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

I remember Bob Holland real well...every time the song DONNA played at the Dock, Bob asked me to dance. He was a very smooth dancer.

Nan Nelson (Hays)

🤗Classmates

The March class luncheon was held today at the Palms restaurant in Fort Madison.  There were 17 there...a good turn out!  Weather was great...springlike!  38 degrees, sunny 🌞& dry!   We all had a good time catching up!  Next one is 1st Friday of April, on the 5th.  Any who can...come join us!

Nancy. 🤗

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Am so sorry to hear about Felx. My heart goes out to his family. Praying God's peace & love is with everyone.

Jack Sears

Prayers for Felix Sanchez and family. Privileged to have a few of his works of art hanging in our house. He is very talented. I have a memory of one his pieces hanging in the Fort Madison library. I think it was a large pen and ink drawing of the head of a tiger. 

So sad to hear this news of his declining health. 

Jack Sears

This is too sad to hear about Felix. Does anyone have a mailing address to send sympathy cards?

Georgia O'Donnell (Merschman)

So sorry to hear this. Prayers for Felix’s family.

Charlie LaFrenz

So sorry, we and the world have lost a great artist. Thank you Sharon for posting this information. I tried to reply to your second posting about his passing, but it wouldn't send.

Sandra Buckley (Matthews)

Bill and I were saddened to hear about the passing of our classmate, Felix Sanchez.  Sharon, if you or any others might have a family address where we could send a note of sympathy, we would gladly send our condolences.  Many Thanks. 

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Ask and ye shall receive:

Felix Sanchez, wife Jessica, two sons, one granddaughter, e-mail jessicahartsanchez@comcast.net.... web page www.felixsanchez.com

Address: 12043 25th Avenue, Seattle, WA. 98125

I hope a lot of you send cards to Jessica and family! He was a wonderful person!

His info said he was the artist for the Seattle Times and retired in 2001!

Farewell Felix! May you Rest In Peace!

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

BIG MISTAKE   BIG MISTSKE

Felix’s website is www.felixsanchezart.com

SO SORRY!

Cyndy Day (Savage)

Remembering Felix's family. I was so priveldged to live in the same neighborhood and begin kindergarten with him at Richardson. Special, that was Felix

Brad Wiedmann

Blessings to Felix and his extended family.  I, too, started Kindergarten at Richardson with Felix.  He was always softspoken and kind.  Having just reviewed his website, I realize there was so much more to Felix than I realized.  He is leaving a wondeful mark on this world of ours through his art.  So long, Felix.