The 45th year reunion of the Class of 1961 has come and gone much too quickly. Former friendships were joyfully renewed as classmates gathered to share news of family and careers and reminisced about those times when we were all young and hopeful for the future. The memorable weekend started off with a Friday night mixer at the Sundance Grill in Waterford Harbor and continued on Saturday night at the Elks Lodge in Clear Lake Shores. Nearly 90 classmates, friends, spouses, and former teachers attended the celebration of the Clear Creek High School class that graduated on May 25, 1961. There was a warm and friendly atmosphere at both events and many remarked that the class ought to get together more often than every five years. The rock ‘n roll décor and the classic 50’s and 60’s music inspired many to run to the dance floor and enjoy a moment of dancing and memories.

We were all treated to a special honor when several of our former teachers attended the festivities on Saturday evening. Mr. Max Blansit, social science teacher and head track coach, was overheard to say that he always enjoys the Class of 1961 reunions. Mr. George Carlisle, athletic director and head basketball coach, was all smiles as he chatted with his former students and friends. Mr. Art Goforth, English teacher and football coach and assistant principal during our senior year, was as quick-witted as ever. Mr. Roy Mackey, art teacher, came to his first Class of 1961 reunion. Mrs. Marie Jager, English and drama teacher, drove from her home in San Marcos to visit with formers students and friends. She and her husband Ron have attended every class reunion since 1991. Mr. Darwin Gilmore, who many of you knew as a social studies teacher at old League City Elementary and Junior High enjoyed the evening also. Mr. Albert Kiecke, our lovable photography and journalism teacher, sent his regrets in a note in which he praised the Class of 1961 as “one with many great accomplishments.”

Several of our classmates attended their first class reunion: Alvin DuBois, Jim Gardner, Nick Holder, John Mangum, and Rock Welch. What a surprise to find out that none of these men have aged since 1961! It was so good to see them again and find out what they have been doing. Alvin DuBois is mayor of the city of Glenn Heights, Texas. Jim Gardner is a vending and amusement business owner in Tomball. Nick Holder owns a ranch near Lexington, Texas. John Mangum is currently working in shipping for a French owned company in Temple. Rock Welch has a private law practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

We were delighted to see Ann Knehans DuBois (class of 60) and Glenda Taylor. As many of you know, Calvin DuBois passed away March 1, 2005. Calvin is dearly missed but will always be remembered for his contagious laughter, positive attitude, and great joy for life. We enjoyed having the presence of Glenda Taylor, widow of Jimmy Taylor and close friend of the Class of 1961.

We lost Jimmy on November 26, 2003. The class of 1961 is forever indebted to Jimmy Taylor and Sharon Hardy. Sharon passed away on February 12, 2004. These two dear friends and classmates were instrumental in planning and executing the class reunions in 1991, 1996, and 2001. They inspired the 2006 Class Reunion Planning Committee to continue this tradition of having a class reunion every five years. We are all grateful for the inspiration we felt during the planning process for the 2006 reunion. All of us miss Jimmy and Sharon and we owe them a great debt of gratitude for their unselfish dedication to Class of 1961.

We are positive that all those classmates, friends, and teachers who came to the 2006 class reunion had a truly enjoyable experience. We encourage you to plan to attend the 50th year reunion in 2011. That is only five short years away. Watch the class web site (clearcreekclassof1961.org) during the next five years for information on classmates and events. Some plans will be made to have some local gatherings during the next few years in anticipation of our big 50th year reunion. We will notify you by e-mail with details of these events.

Please keep us informed about your address changes and news in your life. You can use the forum on the class web site or use the class e-mail address at ccclass61@aol.com

Thank you for attending the 45th year reunion and bringing a lot of joy to your classmates.

May God bless you all with good health and great happiness. See you soon.

By David Davis

And at the end of the day.... Some may remember this car.