2024, Our 50th Dedication

Mr. Heath and Robin Reed

Our 50th reunion is a milestone to be sure.  Besides the fun and revelry, we also want to honor those who’ve gone before us.  Our In Memory page was emotional to build, seeing everyone who is no longer with us.

So we dedicate this reunion to a classmate who enjoyed our get-togethers probably more than any of us.  We also dedicate our 50th to our favorite teacher, who graced us by attending our 30th and 40th reunions in 2004 and 2014 – the only JHS reunions he attended for any class.

Robin Reed was very happy to be part of our class and reunions.  We always talked before each event, every decade, and for those events in-between.  My favorite memory was in 1994 -- time for the 20th -- and a few of us were decorating the Day Care place in Arvada, trying to turn it from a nursery school to a worthy party place.  I was up on a ladder, taping red and grey ribbons along the ceiling- an hour before show time.  “Hi”, said the voice at the bottom of the ladder.  “Hi!  You’re sure early!”  After some more pleasantries were exchanged I went about my business and finished the decorating tasks.  But ten minutes later, I couldn’t find our early-arriving Saint.  Where could she be?

    My search led me to the parking lot, where she was back sitting in her car!  “Robin, I didn’t mean you couldn’t stay when I said you were early!  Come on in!”

   The last time I talked with her was on a 3-way call with Debbie Mills.  Her recall of things outmatched many classmates I’d talked to over the years.  Robin wanted to see a copy, or get an extra copy, of our 1994 booklet that Rod Pilcher put together.  Unfortunately, things started taking a turn for the worse regarding her health.

     Robin Reed was always among the first to come to every reunion event.  She’d overcome challenges most of us never had.  Her school spirit burned brightly.  We’ll never forget her.

George Heath was our favorite teacher.  Heck, he was every class’s fave!  I recall some Heath stories in the audio section of our website.  Like many classmates who I’ve gotten to know better after 1974, George was no exception.  We became friends, and during those years as a Rockies usher we talked about a number of subjects.  His memory was Jeopardy worthy.  There will never be another one like him.  Towards the end of our party last July of 2014, Heath thanked me for inviting him, came up a little closer to shake my hand, leaned in and said, “Tom, I don’t think I’ll make your 50th.”