Retired a few years ago from fundraising and moved into a retirement residence close to Vanderbilt. The view from my 16th floor is wonderful. Since I got wiped out in my divorce from Sally, I didn’t have enough money to make ends meet so I drive the old ladies to their medical appointments, to the liquor store, and the bank, fix their computers and give lessons, and serve as the building’s handyman, hanging curtain rods, putting extra shelves in closets, etc. Two years ago I started up a new business, LOUNGE LIZARD STYLINGS based on Barks calling me that. I play one or two gigs a month as a solo pianist. Last month did two dinners for Lexus dealerships, but mostly private parties. I also volunteer by playing piano at Alive Hospice.
Sixty years of competitive tennis has pretty much ruined my right side so its gardening and golf. Can’t quite get my handicap into single digits, but pretty close. Playing with my best friend last August, I had around where I only missed one putt, and they were all 15′ or longer. When I drained a 62′, double breaker on the third hole, we started laughing and never stopped. I missed my first putt on the final hole, but drained the 12′ comebacker. Thank you Lord!
I am very active in an evangelical Episcopal Church of 3,500 members. As a lifelong atheist (till I was 50) that is pretty amazing. I also attend Over Eaters Anonymous, and recommend if for any of you whose drugs of choice are fat and sugar,
My son Ross is running the Masters in Engineering Management at Dartmouth (Tuck and Thayer Schools). My daughter does the recruiting for a nearby community hospital.
Nashville is a wonderful city. People talk to each other in grocery lines, and the first person stops to let you out of a parking lot — every time! Great music, good golf, 32 colleges and universities and fabulous and easily accessible health care.
I have never been so broke or so broken-down, but I have never been happier, Too busy to fire up the ol class newsletter, but sure would appreciate it if someone would grab that torch and run with it. Doug.Gortner@Gmail.com
Doug Gortner
1961
