MHS class of 1961 celebrates 50th

The Meeker High School class of 1961 celebrated the 50th anniversary of their graduation on Sept. 13-14 at the beautiful autumn setting of the Campbell Creek Ranch Train Depot building owned by Bud Streigel who was the gracious host for this memorable occasion.
The opening event of the reunion was a memorial service conducted by Lewis Anderson who read the names of classmates who are gone but not forgotten and include: Elbert Jacobs, David Benson, Myron Dull, Bill Jones, Glenn Miller, Jeanne [Elliot] Ridgeway, Nina [Hauck] Simonson, Greg Berthelson, Earl Eliasen and Reilly Hopson. A large bell was chimed as each name was read in honor of their memories.
The 1961 seniors who were members of the MHS Northwest Conference Championship Basketball Team reunited for a team photo and included Fred Oglesby, Lewis Anderson, Mike Martin, Lonnie Shults and Jim Lancaster.
A delicious lunch consisting of barbecued ribs prepared by Jerry Seely and Lonnie Shults, with all the trimmings, was enjoyed by classmates, spouses and guests.
Several classmates brought photo albums of previous reunions and memorabilia of the class dating back to the high school years that were especially enjoyed by all.
Former distinguished and beloved MHS band director Dale Jens and his wife Pat attended and were greatly enjoyed by the classmates.
An especially respected and popular former teacher and coach, Dr. Gary Eyre, sent a special greeting to classmates and expressed regrets for being unable to attend. Dr. Eyre shared information about his national recognition for 50 years of dedicated service as an educator.
The class has proposed starting a scholarship fund for MHS students pursuing college educations to be chaired by Mary Ann Seely. Classmates also reminisced and shared stories long into the night, followed by a sumptuous breakfast before departing back to their homes in anticipation of the 55th reunion in 2016.
A prominent MHS class of ‘61 alumnus attending the reunion was Dr. Mike Martin, who is a Professor Emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley [UCB], and served as chair of the department of architecture for more than 20 years. He previously served as chair of the departments of architecture at the University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Kansas and California Polytechnic University respectively and has written many books and technical articles. Mike is a member of the Murray family of Meeker and became the third Eagle Scout in Meeker in 1959, mentored by Explorer Post 91 advisor Rich Lyttle. Mike visited Meeker High School and shared with MHS principal George Henderson and several teachers how MHS had shaped his academic career as a professor. Mike presently serves as UCB international education director and has been teaching as a guest professor at the Royal Academy in Denmark since August.
Classmates and family members who attended included: Lewis (Rita) Anderson, Larry (Sandy) Hilkey, Larry (Georgia) Sutton, Donna [Mead] Dye and sister Mary, Theralyne Dull and sister Terry, Jim Lancaster, Judy (Marion) Jenista, Gary (Becky) Dunham, Fred Oglesby, Lonnie (Peggy) Shults, Arloa (Erv) Gerber, John Green, Carol (Johnnie) Brown, Marka (Walt) Weiss, Dr. Mike Martin, Mary Ann (Jerry) Seely, Gail [Reagle] Muri, Sharon [Whalin] Jewell and Kenny and Bob Amick. Former teachers attending included Dale Jens and his wife and Pat.