Sure, he probably went by 'Gordon' beginning the day he stepped away from Landon -- and, as we all know, in another month that would have been 60 years ago. But, he'll always be 'Butch' to me, and he'll always be armed with a ready smile and a quick remark or two.
Speaking about a quick remark or two, I can't think of Butch without recalling one day in particular when the two of us were part of the boys' Physical Education class procession, 'walking' around that loose oval which passed for a 'track' on the football practice field. At one point, with the sun blazing down and the dust rising up, Butch said that we should get some of the other seniors together, and go to Jamaica.
As I was trying to identify where Jamaica was, and wondering if it was close enough to drive... I heard someone behind Butch & me say, "Jamaica ? Hell, no, I didn't even try to kiss her !" I turned around to see who might have delivered that line. It was impossible to pinpoint just who it might have been, but it could have been one of several guys close to Butch & me. And, everyone in the cluster was flashing a big, wide smile, in response to the line. Two of the guys in the bunch were known for always being quick on the draw whenever a funny remark might echo through the entire class, of course "only at appropriate times & places". I won't say exactly who it was, but my money was either on Jack Fleet, or Bill Cooper.
While I was pondering just where Jamaica was, Butch responded directly to the remark: "Jamaica ! That's good... that's really good. I'm going to remember that line for the future." When the laughter from the group of 'walkers' finally settled down, I asked out loud if we could indeed drive to Jamaica... and, that started a whole new round of laughter.
Jokes and kidding aside, Butch, you'll always be a featured part of my Landon years, and your warm smile & gracious friendship will always light the track ahead, for as long as I continue to walk it ! See you on the other side, Buddy.
Lee Sinoff
Butch !
Sure, he probably went by 'Gordon' beginning the day he stepped away from Landon -- and, as we all know, in another month that would have been 60 years ago. But, he'll always be 'Butch' to me, and he'll always be armed with a ready smile and a quick remark or two.
Speaking about a quick remark or two, I can't think of Butch without recalling one day in particular when the two of us were part of the boys' Physical Education class procession, 'walking' around that loose oval which passed for a 'track' on the football practice field. At one point, with the sun blazing down and the dust rising up, Butch said that we should get some of the other seniors together, and go to Jamaica.
As I was trying to identify where Jamaica was, and wondering if it was close enough to drive... I heard someone behind Butch & me say, "Jamaica ? Hell, no, I didn't even try to kiss her !" I turned around to see who might have delivered that line. It was impossible to pinpoint just who it might have been, but it could have been one of several guys close to Butch & me. And, everyone in the cluster was flashing a big, wide smile, in response to the line. Two of the guys in the bunch were known for always being quick on the draw whenever a funny remark might echo through the entire class, of course "only at appropriate times & places". I won't say exactly who it was, but my money was either on Jack Fleet, or Bill Cooper.
While I was pondering just where Jamaica was, Butch responded directly to the remark: "Jamaica ! That's good... that's really good. I'm going to remember that line for the future." When the laughter from the group of 'walkers' finally settled down, I asked out loud if we could indeed drive to Jamaica... and, that started a whole new round of laughter.
Jokes and kidding aside, Butch, you'll always be a featured part of my Landon years, and your warm smile & gracious friendship will always light the track ahead, for as long as I continue to walk it ! See you on the other side, Buddy.
Lee