Took a look at the '71 website for the first time.

Odd how you start to remember little things.

I was saddened to learn of Dave Rado's passing. We were acquaintances in high school and became friends in college connecting now and then having dinner etc. We had a few art classes together in college and I enjoyed his critique of my work. Dave had a great artistic eye. I remember in high school his quick sometimes cutting whit. I will remember his energy and sense of humor.

I would like to add:
Darlene Conrad Crawford (d. 1990)

Sadly Darlene's life was taken at the hands of another human being. It is difficult for me to understand the cruelty that is inflicted at the hands of another human.

She was a mother of one daughter, and a dear friend and a terrific teacher at McKinnley Elementary in Lima, Ohio.

Darlene and I met at South Middle School. We sort of gravitated to each other since neither of us were part of the "in" crowd. Many years later we would have fun discussions of just what an "in" crowd. Just what are they "in"?

Darlene was quiet and soft spoken. I was self-conscious and felt like the beauty sleep fairy had passed me by. So, we connected and became great friends.

All through middle school we spent hours and hours together after school and hanging out on weekends. She was a wonderful confidante. Darlene played the clarinet through her entire school career, including in the Lima Senior Marching Band. She had a wonderful singing voice and she and I performed at one of the high school's talent shows.

We lost touch shortly as we were both finding our way through college, married life and family. When I was living in Michigan at one time, we had taken our girls to the Toledo Zoo and I ran into Darlene. We reconnected again. Whenever I came to Lima we would make time for lunch. She loved teaching and took the job of educating children seriously.

Most of my middle and high school memories are connected with Darlene. When I reflect upon those times I am saddened that she is not here to reminisce how we made it through all those awkward moments growing up.

Susan Endicott Pack
artist/educator

"To create one's own world in any form of the arts takes courage."