Classmate spotlight...

Our classmate spotlight this month brings us to a Hopelawn guy, Doug Diem. Doug grew up in Hopelawn and has nothing but fond memories of his childhood days.

In Fords Junior High Doug took an aptitude test and scored high on mechanics. He decided back then that is what he would do! After graduation in 1970 Doug applied for and took the civil service test to be a cadet on the Woodbridge Police Department. He was one of seven who took the test and passed. He went through his physical, two weeks of training and decided this was not for him. (He acknowledges a lot of peer pressure about becoming a "Narc" at the time had an effect on him) He was pleased he qualified, but does not regret not staying with the police force.

Doug traveled to and settled in Southern California where he still lives with his wife, Bonnie. Doug has been married to Bonnie since December 16, 1984. He says they were both late bloomers and got a late start. They have two children, a son Doug and a daughter Jacqueline. Doug is currently employed by Detroit Diesel Distribution in California. He builds marine engines. He is merely days from retiring...congratulations Doug!

Doug was quiet and shy in school and remembers his friendships with Mike Dalia, Frank Smak, Greg Fairbanks, Steve Silogy and Jack Taylor. Although they no longer keep in touch he considers them all friends to this day. He had a part time job in high school pumping gas at the Acme Garage in Hopelawn with Jack Taylor.

He remembers Mrs. Horn as a hard, strict mathematics teacher, but one from which he learned and respected.

Doug and I talked about anything he may have done differently in school. He would have be more involved in school instead of sitting back and watching the world go by. He was an avid race car driver and spent many weekends at the Englishtown Raceway in New Jersey. He is very proud of winning the National Hot Rod Association Nationals at Englishtown in 1981 driving his white 1967 Chevy II.

To my surprise, he told me he is one of the biggest fans of Billy Joel! Needless to say, that sealed the deal for Cindy! He supports and roots for the San Diego Chargers, but has no interest in any of the baseball or basketball teams. I asked him if he had any regrets, he said only one. He should have asked Patty Navalany Launhardt to the senior prom. He never did, so neither attended. He fondly recalls Patty and thinks about their friendship. Sorry Patty, he did not ask you to the prom. He has been so excited to attend the reunions and he and Bonnie had a wonderful time at the 40th. Anyone that had the pleasure of meeting Bonnie for the first time realized our friend Doug is one very lucky gentleman. Doug encourages all classmates to come to the next reunion. They are so much fun and he wants to see everyone.

In addition to looking forward to the 45th he is also fulfilling a promise he made to Bonnie....he will take her to Ireland! He's working on it.