Class Notes: November/December 2025
By John M. PinneyThe periodic osprey report for this edition is brief: an intense 98-mph-plus microburst in July removed the nest from its platform, displacing the current occupants. A lone osprey has visited periodically and we’re hoping that next season we’ll see a new nest and a happy couple producing some young birds. The microburst also toppled six trees on our property but happily our 1-year-old new roof survived intact.
On the subject of survival, it appears for the time being that Yale has escaped the fate of sister schools embroiled in the attack from Washington. In other Yale developments, our very able YAA representative, Janene Castaldi, has left the YAA and we’re being supported by Heather Corbett, whose usual remit is classes 65-plus years out. Heather has jumped in until a replacement for Janene is named.
The class Zoom program continues to engage us with interesting topics and excellent speakers. On June 18, we heard from Ian Shapiro, Sterling Professor of Political Science and Global Affairs, about the extreme strains in politics in our country and the world today. On July 22, classmates Dave Martin and Bob Woodward kept us spellbound with a far-ranging conversation about the press during their careers, and what its pulse is like today. Both sessions are available on yale1965.org.
Dennis Mack reported that the Zoom team filled out our Zoom hour schedule through the end of 2025: “The September 17 talk featured Michael Crair, the Yale vice provost of research, who talked about the impact of the cancellation of federal grants upon research at Yale, and upon the New Haven community and the national health. The Zoom program was on hiatus in October because of the class dinner, at which Bill Nelson gave another fascinating presentation.
“On November 19, Jim Porter ’69 will be our speaker. We have not settled upon the topic, but we are looking at marine conservation efforts to remove bombs from coral reefs in Puerto Rico and Hawaii, or coral conservation work in Florida and predictions about shifting patterns of coral distribution along the eastern seaboard.
“On December 17, our speaker will be Akhil Reed Amar ’80, ’84JD, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science, who spoke at our reunion. His new book, Born Equal: Remaking America’s Constitution 1840–1920, came out on September 16.”
Brief notes: Bob Leich reports that he and Linda spent a lovely evening at the Los Angeles Country Club with Bruce and Susan Smathers who were visiting the L.A. area: “Among other things, during their visit the Smathers took in the Getty Museum, the Nixon and Reagan Libraries, and the Academy of Motion Pictures Museum. It was Linda’s first evening out since taking a bad fall at our reunion, and a good time was had by all.”
Mike Cole wrote: “I wanted to report that one of the real highlights of the memorable two-week trip to Alaska that my wife Bonnie and I just returned from was our Anchorage get-together with classmate Chris Cooke and his terrific wife Georgianna Lincoln. (Chris and I were law school classmates at the University of Michigan.) Both Chris and Georgiana are now retired after having enjoyed very fruitful and interesting careers.”
Kent Reinker, one of our most prolific authors, posted: “My ninth novel just came out on Amazon in print or Kindle format. The title is The Golden Eagle Saloon by AK Gunn. It’s about a Yale student working summer jobs in a restaurant in an amusement park during the early ’60s. Just send me your address. It’s a coming-of-age story and not a biography, although I did work summer jobs at a similar restaurant during college and medical school. If anyone wants a signed copy, I’ll be happy to send one gratis.”
Walt Senterfitt wrote: “I’m fully retired as of mid-2024 and moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta with husband Timo to be closer to family.” Retired Dr. Jim Krasno reported he has moved to a retirement community in Santa Barbara, California. “I published a book, I’d Rather Do an Autopsy, subtitled Whoever Thought Pathology Could be Fun. It’s available on Amazon. Rev. Fred Johnson noted: “Keeping very busy singing in the Gay Men’s Choir of South Florida. I’m also doing a lot of work as a supply priest in the Episcopal diocese here.”
The YAA notified me that Timothy (Tim) Roark passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, after several years of declining health due to a battle with dementia. The YAA also alerted me to the passing of Henry St. George (Saint) Tucker on May 16. Fred Bamber notified Jean McKillop that Michael Lydon died on Wednesday, July 30, in New York City. Jean has posted pictures and a remembrance sent by Fred. I recently received the sad news from the YAA that Arthur Foster Draper Jr., known to all as “Port,” died peacefully on August 5, in Norwalk, Connecticut. Finally, Perk Foss sent the news that Duncan Pollock died on September 15, after battling cancer for three years. Obituaries for all are posted on the class website, yale1965.org. Please visit and post remembrances.