Milton Chung 1947-2024

 In the summer of 1967 after my sophomore year at Asbury College I attended "summer school" partly, I think, to try to repair my academic standing which started so poorly my first quarter that it never went down in four years. I really enjoyed that summer and learned a lot. The academic atmosphere was more relaxed. Class numbers were low and professors had more time for us. Also there was a high school group on campus (National Science Foundation special program???) and we college sophomores had a temporary exalted social position. 

Just for that summer I arranged to room with a student I had not known well, Milton Chung. He was a great guy and I enjoyed knowing him for those few weeks. He left Asbury after that summer and transferred to another school, I presume Ohio Northern, since that is mentioned as his alma mater in his obituary. Milton had been the roommate of Solomon Lasoi the previous year. Since Solomon and I had both had roommates transfer we decided to room together our last two years at Asbury. This was a great boost to my academics. Solomon was a dedicated student and influenced me to become more dedicated to my studies. 

Today I thought of Milton because I noticed the picture below in an old album and thought I'd see if I could find him online. Once again I was too late. Milton died just a few months ago. I would have enjoyed talking with him again. 

He ended up a college professor in Spanish. Despite his Chinese heritage Milton had grown up in Uraquay so he was fluent in Spanish. 

It saddens me to know he is gone. 

This is the third time in the last week that I have learned of the death of a friend from the sixties. In all three cases it had been a long time since I had had any contact with the friend. 

I don't know how I happened to have this childhood picture of Milton. I suppose it was left in our room when he transferred. I never knew where he went or saw him again after that summer. 

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Milton Chung Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hankins & Whittington Funeral Home on Jun. 19, 2024.

Publish in a newspaper

Milton Chung, 76, from Tega Cay, SC passed away on June 13, 2024. He was formerly from Coram, NY.He was born October 16, 1947 in Canton, China. He was the son of the late George Chung and Lucila Chung. Milton grew up in Guayaquil, Ecuador and graduated from Homer High School in upstate New York, class of '65. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio. He also received his Masters of Arts degree in Spanish from Bowling Green State University, Ohio in 1973. Milton was so proud to become an American citizen and served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam conflict. Milton had many different jobs in his life but his greatest satisfaction, besides the Air Force, was being a Spanish professor at Suffolk County Community College, Selden, NY, where he worked for approximately 20 years. His hobbies included soccer, cooking, traveling, aviation and watching the history channel and World War II and Vietnam movies. Milton is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Donna Chung, his son George M. Chung and his wife Danyeale and his grandchildren Landon, James and Allison Chung. He is also survived by his brothers Robert Au and his wife Hilda and Richard Tang and his wife Ada and his brother-in-law, James Hiatrides and all his beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Graveside services will take place at 11 am, Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Boulevard, Salisbury, NC 28144 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers or Folds of Honor. Online condolences may be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com
Hankins & Whittington Funeral Home

Gary Veale 1949-2024

Gary Veale has died. 

Today's mail brought us the Asbury Ambassador (alumni) magazine, and there was Gary on the page of memorials. 

Gary was a good friend to me and to Sheila during our college years, worked with us on the college newspaper staff (the Collegian) and was our friend Bob Gipson's roommate. In 1971 Gary served as one of the groomsmen first at Bob and Sharlee's wedding, then at mine and Sheila's.at our wedding.

Being Bob's roommate could be a challenge, Gary said. Bob worked UPS at night and tried to sleep in the afternoons after classes until time to head to Lexington and work. Gary was charged with waking Bob in time for the job. Gary said he had to be careful because Bob sometimes woke swinging at him!

At our wedding, August 8, 1971. Gary is third from the left.

Gary in the Collegian office 

Gary, Bob Gipson, Sharlee Caister at the Cincinnati Zoo.

At Bob & Sharlee's wedding, May 1971

Gary at Asbury graduation 1971

Sheila, Gary, Sharlee at Asbury graduation 1971

Sheila and Gary May 1970

Sheila and Gary May 1970

Gary in the Collegian office

Bob and Sharlee's wedding May 1971

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OBITUARY

Gary Veale

NOVEMBER 8, 1949 – JUNE 21, 2024

 Gary was born in Owosso, MI on Nov. 8, 1949 to Otto and Dorothy Veale.

He grew up in Owosso and graduated in 1967 from Owosso High School. He graduated in 1971 from Asbury College in Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

After college, Gary worked in the newspaper business, including in Grand Ledge and Three Rivers. He worked at J-Ad Graphics in Battle Creek, and then in Hastings, as a darkroom technician from 1977 to 1984. There he met and married Candy McLeod on Oct. 16, 1981.

He became interested in beekeeping around 1980. In 1984 it became his vocation and lifelong passion.

Gary enjoyed many hobbies. He was an avid genealogist. He enjoyed history, and especially liked Civil War history. He was a member of the former Clarksville/Campbell Historical Society. He loved gardening and watching movies with Candy, and petting his cats.

Gary was such a kind person and was always willing to give of his time.

He is survived by his wife, Candy; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews, cousins; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Otto Veale, Sr. and Dorothy Veale; three half-brothers, Otto Veale, Jr., Harley Veale, and Kenneth Veale.

Gary's life will be celebrated privately at a future date. Cremation arrangements by Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa.

PTSW: Do Not Go Gentle

Poem

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

by Dylan Thomas

Duane Parsons on Jefferson & the Constitution

Sheila and I had known them casually for several years but were just getting better acquainted with Charlotte and Duane Parsons in the months before his sudden death in May of 2013. But our lives were greatly enriched by that relatively acquaintance. We had a great time with these friends in December of 2012 when we attended at blues concert at Eddie's Attic together. I always enjoyed Duane's thoughtful and always well researched comments on my blog and Facebook posts. You can search his name on my Facebook page or my blog and find many examples. 

Today Charlotte posted a couple of pictures of Duane in recognition of his birthday. It spurred me to look back as some of his Facebook posts and I thought I'd share this one in his honor today.

The following was posted by Duane Parsons with the accompanying photo on March 28, 2013:

Thomas Jefferson left us with a wealth of correspondence; therefore, it is difficult to misinterpret the thoughts of this Founding Father. With such a wealth of writings to choose from, perhaps there is some justification the quotations chosen for the memorial were egregious examples of invoking Jefferson for purely transient political purposes when it was planned and built during the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Nevertheless, the words inscribed on four panels on the walls of the Jefferson Memorial, reflect Thomas Jefferson’s most important principles.

The Panel 4 Quotation (Constitution and Laws) at the Jefferson Memorial is edited (redacted and excerpted) from a Thomas Jefferson letter to Samuel Kercheval dated July 12, 1816. Advocates of the living Constitution (opponents of Originalism) argue that the present-day meaning of the Constitution should not be determined by the “dead hand” of the long-ago Framers and often site this Thomas Jefferson quote. Times change, and the interpretation of the Constitution should change with it. The original passage reads:

"I am certainly not an advocate for frequent and untried changes in laws and constitutions. I think moderate imperfections had better be borne with; because, when once known, we accommodate ourselves to them, and find practical means of correcting their ill effects. But I know also, that laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths disclosed, and manners and opinions change with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also, and keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy, as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors."

2024 Thanksgiving with the Friedmans

We were invited to celebrate Thanksgiving this year with Lillian's in-laws again. This time we met at Louis Friedman and Leslie Vogelman's beautiful home in Sandy Springs. It is the home our son-in-law Jordan grew up in with his brothers Adam and Daniel. (Last year with also celebrated with the Friedmans -- at Dan and Rosie's.

This ranks among the greatest Turkey Day feasts of my lifetime! We started with a salad made by Rosie (wife to Dan, Jordan's brother). Rosie had "massaged" the kale -- I didn't know that was a thing! -- with lemon and oil. She sprinkled it with nuts she had fried in olive oil and infused with honey. Delicious. 

Sheila brought a cranberry relish the she makes from orange zest and fresh cranberries and that we keep around the house throughout fresh cranberry season. She also cooked a delicious cranberry sauce. Everyone (except me) seemed to enjoy Sheila's deviled eggs that were garnished with fried shallot crumbs that Lillian had prepared. 

Lillian brought a big pan of Mac & cheese that was to kill for. She also had plain mashed potatoes as well as a dish of mashed potatoes toped with very nice sour cream topping. Lillian also brought a pot of those wonderful green beans in a tomato sauce.

Jordan's brother Dan was in charge of the turkey. It was cooked to perfection. So moist and good.  And the huge quantity of homemade stuffing/dressing was delicious. 

In looking at the pictures I realized that I somehow missed Leslie's sweet potato casserole, but Sheila said it was very good. Don't worry about me though. I still managed to eat myself into a near coma.

The desserts included two different pecan pies by Lillian. She claimed one didn't turn out quite right, but the one I tasted was about as good as anything that I've ever eaten. There was also Leslie's traditional and tasty apple cake. Leslie also made some wonderful toffee bar/cookies.  Sheila brought along some of her delectable ginger snaps and Lillian had a bowl of "Expresso Cream" that made a topping for the cookies (or anything else) that was to kill for.

I am aggravated that I failed to get some organized pictures of everybody. 

After the meal we gathered in the Friedmans' music room and enjoyed some singing and playing by Jordan and Dan and Lillian. Lillian sang a gorgeous rendition of "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins. I remember us singing "I'll Fly Away", "Vincent" and several other songs, including a little song requested by two-year-old Graham "Bim Bam." Here's an online version I found of that:

Lillian with baby Neil.

Lillian & Jordan get in some practice with Neil -- they are expecting their own baby in May!

Lillian helped Sheila prepare her deviled eggs. The two cranberry dishes are also in the picture.

Finally they garnished each egg with a few pieces of fried shallot.

I thought the Dan's turkey was mighty tasty looking and was wonderfully moist.

It is grossly unfair to Graham that I have so many pictures of Neil. Somehow my Graham pictures are all a blur.

Clockwise from the green casserole dish: Mac & Cheese Kale and Nut Salad, Turkey, bowl of stuffing/dressing, sweet potato casserole, deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, mashed potato with sour cream and chives topping, green beans in tomato sauce.

Jordan and Lillian singing.

Charlie Yates 1946-2022

When you live to 77 in the age of the internet you often discover too late that you should have made another call to that old friend sooner. At least three times now I have discovered the obituary of an old Teacher Corp friend well after the fact by searching for their contact info online. 

I met Charlie Yates when I joined the Teacher Corps in June of 1969. We both found rooms on the main drag near Marshall University where our Teacher Corps classes were held. Mine was a true dump -- one room in a dilated second floor of a victorian carcass of a house. There was a busted window at the head of my bed, but it was summer and the ventilation was needed. I shared a messy bathroom with other send floor boarders. Charlie had a right nice place in the home of an older lady just down the street a block or so. Charlie was a good guy and a bit of an odd duck. 

When we got our assignments for the the fall we were both sent to Putnam county. Living on a Teacher Corps stipend was a challenge so Charlie and I with Eliot Smith went in together to rent a two story log cabin between Buffalo and Eleanor, WV from the Davis family of Buffalo.  We lasted there for a few months before frozen pipes, and a general lack of upkeep ran us out and we found different and separate accommodations.

From June of 1969 till June of 1971 her and I and the other Teacher Corps interns of the Marshall University cohort of those years -- especially those of us in Putnam County -- were constant companions and dear friends. Except for each of the several pairs of married interns, none of us had known each other till we gathered on the Marshall Campus the first time, 

But during those two years we were, in some ways, as close as family. We taught together, often ate together, studied together, planned our graduate level projects together, went on swimming trips, rock climbing exploits, went camping together, protested the Vietnam war together, played board games together, drank and smoked together. 

But, sadly, when we left West Virginia in June of 1971, we spread across the country in every direction and rarely saw each other again if ever. Since 1971 I have had real contact only with Russ Nelson and Charlie Yates. Russ has visited Sheila and me here in Rome a couple of times and we have met up with him and Ruth to tour the Grand Canyon together once. Russ and I exchange phone call once or twice a year. Charlie and I have talked by phone three or four times over the years. He attended our wedding in 1971 and we ran into each other by chance at the 1981 National Education Association convention in Minneapolis!

Here are a few pictures that Ruiss Nelson took that include Charlie from those Teacher Corps days.

 

L-R: Rhoda Moore, Charlie Yates, and Laura Nelson

Rhoda and Charlie

Charlie caught a ride to Tallahassee with Rhoda and Kevin to attend our wedding:

Sheila talks with Rhoda and Charlie in the receiving line after our wedding.

Charlie, Rhoda, and Kevin enjoys refreshments during our wedding reception.

L-R: Charlie, Kevin Moore, Sheila, me, Judy Cox, and Carol Shaw Johnston at lunch before the wedding.

In 1981 Sheila and I traveled by train to Minneapolis where I was a delegate to the national convention of our union, the National Education Association. I had no idea that Charlie was also a delegate. It was a great joy to see him almost exactly 10 years after the wedding pictures above.

NEA was working hard to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. What a shame that we fell just a little short. The Shirts read "Equality Day, July 7, 1981, NEA ERA.

Me and Charlie on the floor of the convention.

I found these pictures of Charlie from about 2014 on his Facebook page.

Here is the obituary for Charlie that I would find online in the fall of 2024, six years after my last phone call to Charlie. Once again I am disappointed in myself for not keeping in touch with an old friend. And I am saddened at the loss of memories that he was so good at reminding me of.

Charles Yates Obituary

Yates, Charles Hunter

August 14, 1946 - December 2, 2022

Charles Hunter Yates, age 75, of Fayetteville, NC, died on December 2, 2022. He was born on August 14, 1946 and was the son of F. Hunter and Ruth Bain Yates of Fayetteville, who predeceased him.

Funeral services will be held at at Sullivan's Highland Funeral Home at 610 Ramsey Street in Fayetteville, NC on Sunday, December 4 at 12 p.m. with a family visitation one hour prior to the service at Sullivan's. Burial will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park on Ramsey Street.

Surviving is his sister, Joyce Yates Price of Eden, NC and a niece, Diane Fisher McDowell of Greensboro, NC, and with additional cousins.

Charles was a 1964 graduate of Fayetteville Senior High School and a 1968 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After his Carolina graduation, he attended Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, where he earned his master's degree in education. He was honored to be recruited by the Teacher Corps and taught two years in Japan in 1971 and 1972. He returned to Fayetteville after this job and taught in the Fayetteville City Schools until his retirement.

He was a lifelong supporter of causes related to the handicapped and served on local, state, and national groups to promote the ideals of special education and was chosen as "Teacher of the Year" at Edgewood School in Fayetteville.

In earlier years he was active in theater arts and worked on productions with the Fayetteville Little Theater and the Fort Bragg Playhouse. He enjoyed growing plants, listening to jazz music, loving his cats, and helping others to achieve.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Carolina Inn for their loving care for the past few years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Home Care and Hospice, 2800 Breezewood Avenue, Suite 100, Fayetteville, NC 28303 or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service & Crematory
610 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville NC 28301

Published by Greensboro News & Record on Dec. 4, 2022.

Second Annual Collard Festival

 Sheila and I decided we'd walk over to the Collard Festival. That took us to Fifth Avenue, the Town Green, Broad Street, Branham Ave....

 ...past Myrtle Hill ...

...to the South Rome Community Garden on Pennington Avenue ...

...for the Second Annual Collard Festival.

There was a good crowd with about a dozen collard contestants and several other food booths as well as booths for arts and crafts and such.

We ran into lots of friends including these good friends who were involved with us in trying to save America from the Trumpists.

We have such warm memories of our former neighbors the Gordon family. Left to right are Jeri and Reginald Gordon, me and Sheila, and Zelda Gordon Buford. Zelda and Reginald's brother Justin was in my fifth grade class at McHenry School in 1971-72 and Justin's twin sister Justina was in Georgia Clayton's class. When we moved to Cedar Avenue in 1976 the Gordons' backyard on Evergreen Street adjoined our backyard on Cedar for the next quarter century. We have loved and admired the Gordons for over 50 years.  

The first three collard chefs were friends of ours. Chloe Fielder had good collards and even better collard casserole!

Our friend Adrienne Askew was last years winner and was no doubt a contender again this year. (I have not yet heard who won the contest this time.)

LaTonya Burrell is another long time friend who was competing for the Collard championship.

Rita Lawler and her friend show off some of the sunflowers from the community garden.

for our walk back home we took West Main to Broad and back to the Town Green where Ellen Axson Wilson watches over the pedestrian bridge all decked out for the holidays.

Library Amphitheater

For our walk today we followed the Riverwalk to Fifth Avenue, then crossed and walked to the library.  And look there! The new amphitheater on the banks of the Oostanaula at the library is under construction. I hope that I'll have a chance to tell some stories there, one of these days.

After the library we walked back to Yellow Door Antiques and Sassy Salvage and the new shops in the old H&H Wholesale building on Fifth.