This past Saturday, I attended the Memorial Service for Lou Ristine. Lou passed away earlier in July. Lou and Dick Ristine are Wabash College and Indiana legends.
The service was spot on – tough to do when there’s so much to celebrate and remember…balanced by the big loss so many feel. There was a great balance between genuine laughter and quiet reflection.
My favorite memory comes from my high school days here. I was in a band with Tom Ristine ’72 and his parents would allow us to practice in their family room – how they put up with that noise is beyond me.
At the reception following the Service, I had a chance to talk with Professor Bill Bonifield. Bill was a economics professor here from 1964 to 1980. I hadn’t seen him in 43 years. I wasn’t shy – I didn’t want to miss an opportunity to thank him. You see, I think I took every econ. class Bill taught…at least in my days. He was a great teacher and he brought the best out of this mediocre student. I told him that. He didn’t remember me (why should he?) but I felt good telling him he had an impact on my life that still exists. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity – he turns 80 this year…and my warranty ran out a long time ago.
As my son Chris often says these days: “Dad, time is not on your side.”