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January 2004
Punchbowl Letter
Dear Troops n' Troopers:
From the numerous Christmas cards we received, it appears that the snail mail route is still in Vogue. Thanks to all who corresponded with us over the holidays. We enjoy reading about your travels and escapades.
So keep 'em coming.
I neglected to inform you that Taffy Evans underwent eye surgery recently but fully expects to be hitting that little
white golf ball soon and is planning to dethrone Al Wardstrom in Comox in September. Taffy has not regained full use of his
left eye, but the doctors say he can still be hopeful.
We learned that Andy Hartford was tentatively diagnosed with cancer in November 2002; it was confirmed in February
and he went through some difficult treatments from which he is still suffering the side effects. We wish Andy a full and complete
recovery. Andy and Vivians new address is 301 53302, R.R. 261, Spruce Grove,
AB T7Y 1A7
We hadn't heard from Tex McCheyne, but were given to understand that he has had some health issues. We decided to give
him a call and have just had a cheery conversation with him. He's in good spirits and appears to be on the mend. All the best
Tex.
No further information from Poppy on John Allison's condition. Please keep them both in your thoughts and prayers.
A card in the mail may cheer John up.
Arn and Joan Dagenais traveled extensively throughout Brazil this past year and are still very involved in linguistic
studies and teaching. While in Rio de Janeiro, Arn was assaulted in the street.
Although he did not lose too much money, his tailbone was broken in the fall. He
seems to have recovered well from his injuries. Good on ya mate.
Norman Smith who resides in Hawaii spent 61/2 weeks in hospital for his decubitus. Norm is at home under the care of
Janet and for his 83 years, he is doing well.
EMW Robinson has moved from Southern California to Sin City, USA (Las
Vegas) Robbie and Claudine's new address is 9905 Cozy Glen Circle, Las Vegas, NV. 89117
0939. Phone (702) 228-2284. Robbie
has also joined the electronic age and can be contacted at clau2rob@earthlink.net Claudine underwent major surgery last fall and is now enjoying
the prime of life in good health.
Laurie Woollett who is a volunteer with Food for the Hungry,
spent three months in the Democratic Republic of Congo in late 2003 and will be returning there in early 2004.
Tom Bogle's and Bill Cole's e-mails were undeliverable. Does anyone have their current e-mails? Please send them along
if you do.
Pat Ledgerwood may be able to join us in Comox for our 416 biennual Punchbowl Golf Open on September 15 and 16. Although
Ray Griffiths does not golf, he intends to join us on at least one of our fun filled evenings. The nerve center (HQ) for this
increasingly popular event is located at 2172 Downey Avenue in Comox. We hope that more of you will be able to participate
in this mini
punchbowl reunion
Should the AWFA reunion slated for 2005 "NOT" take place, a suggestion
has been made for a Punchbowl 416 CF-100 Sqn. reunion like we held in Toronto in '93. Two locations have been suggested. St. Hubert where we all came together many years ago or Hamilton where they have an
excellent Heritage War Plane Museum. There are many other attractions in the area, such as the Royal Botanical Gardens, Niagara
on the Lake where the Shaw Theatre is and much more. Should it be held in St. Hubert, I'm sure the lights of ol' Montréal
would bring back many a happy and carefree memory also. We should know in early
February if there will or won't be an AWFA reunion. My unofficial survey showed four interested and twelve of us not interested
in an out-of-country reunion.
We encourage and solicit your input and suggestions.
Everyone else seems to be holding their own healthwise, to our knowledge. If I have left out some of the activities
enjoyed by the troops this past year, it is for lack of space and not wanting to make this too lengthy. What I have done,
is try to touch on all those situations that a person's health was a factor.
All the best in the coming year! May you continue to love life and live
it to its fullest in happiness and health.
Your friends,
Jake n' Sharleine
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