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All of the class of 1964
remember Rocky and his death just before graduation.
It is quite a tribute to a
man when someone makes the effort to explain how he has positively
influenced his or her life, forty-four years after his death.
On the 50th anniversary of
Lee, an alumnus reminds us of the importance of each of us to the
whole. Sometimes we give small encouragements, gems of wisdom,
or bits of advice to others and never give them a second thought.
Sometimes those small encouragements, gems of wisdom, or bits of
advice make all the
difference.
We received the following
note from one of Rocky's classmates:
Hi! I am a graduate of
the class of 1964 (the year the Beatles did their first U. S.
concert). I will unfortunately be unable to attend the 50 year
Gala, as I reside in Hidden Valley Lake, California and am busy
helping with the local November 4 election for a County Supervisor.
If it isn't too late for
comments, I'd like to let classmates know that one of the best
things that ever happened to me at Lee High School was making
friends with Rocky Carlan. Rocky, unfortunately, was buried in
a construction accident the week between finals and the graduation
ceremony, while working below ground. I understand that accident
resulted in improvements to construction standards that benefit
other workers to this day.
Rocky's influence on my
life came when I was uncertain what I was going to do after
graduation. He recommended that, if I was considering putting off further
education for a while, I should take the civil service entrance exam
when the CIA came to the high school recruiting in the late spring.
I did, and it led to a 30-year career with the federal government
and the opportunity to makes friends and travel all over the United
States. They even assisted with further education
opportunities when I was a single "starving" parent.
I was able to retire young, and live in one of the prettiest
spots in Lake County, CA, just north of Napa.
I'll never forget you
Rocky, or the class of 1964. My best wishes to all and I hope
the celebration is grand. Oh, and if you see Jennifer Lee
Chamblee, tell her I named my daughter after her.
Chelnesa Bayles
16825 Hawks Hill Rd.
Hidden Valley Lake, CA
95467
707-987-4998
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