Following high school, I spent the next four years at the University of Rochester. Started out in electrical engineering, but ended up with an AB degree in Gen. Science, thinking maybe about dental school.  I had also joined the Navy ROTC unit, so with the Vietnam War on, the Navy won out over dental school.  While at the U of R, I met my future wife, Anne, and after a convoluted courtship, much too long  a story, we were married in 1968, between my naval training and being sent to Atsugi Japan with navy squadron , VQ-1. We spent 21/2 years in Japan living off base in a Japanese neighborhood, a very interesting experience.  While in Japan, I spent alternate months flying out of Danang and  then a month flying missions over the Sea of Japan.  Anne had graduated as a nurse, and her first job was at Camp Zama Army hospital.  Some fun times consisted of a cruise to Hong Kong, driving around the Tokyo area, and trips to Nikko, Nara and Kyoto.  Our son, Scott, was "made in Japan".

    From Japan I applied to dental school.  We left the navy, and I attended Tuft's Dental School in Boston from 1971 until graduating in 1975.  Scott was born in Dec of 1971, and our daughter, Lisa, was born in October of 1974.

    We did a search of New England and decided to move to Laconia/Gilford New Hampshire, where I opened up a dental practice.  We have been here ever since and have found it to be a wonderful place to raise a family.  Scott has gone on to graduate from Duke and lives in Alexandria ,VA with his wife, Laura, and our two granddaughters, Elizabeth(4 1/2) and Sophia (2 1/2).  Scott is currently working on Capitol Hill for Sen. Sununu from NH.  Our daughter, Lisa, is married to David Bedrick, and they live in Portland, OR, where they are both working in the counseling field.

    I enjoyed attending the 44th reunion.  Just wish I had gotten to know more of you all better.  Coming out of the very close atmosphere of the campus school was difficult for me, and I wish I had done a better job of making new friends.

    I enjoy most outdoor activities, ran the local Timberman sprint triathlon the last two years.  We also enjoy our summers at Glenburnie on Lake George, reading, photography, and gardening.

    My father has passed away, but my mother still lives in Cortland, and we get back to see her and gather for family reunions a couple times a year.

    Anne and I have been married for 40 years this coming May, and it is a wonderful partnership.  She has worked as a receptionist in my office for the last few years.  We hope to retire within the next year and probably escape the winters by moving to Florida.

    I would like to echo the thoughts of others by thanking Barbara and Steve for their efforts in bringing our class together.  GREAT JOB!   I enjoy reading the biographies and hope others will contribute as time goes by.
My best wishes to all the class members.

Peter Eckel
Gilford, NH   March 2008