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Winters Express
312 Railroad Avenue, Winters, CA 95694
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shawnpatrickcollins
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ROLE MODELS. It must be part of the aging process, but I’ve been thinking about growing old a lot lately. Our front window seems to be permanently full of death notices of people I know. Word reached me that Rev. Reimers passed away last week and then I heard that John Atherton died this week along with Kenny Donaldson.
Rev. Reimers and John Atherton had a lot in common. They both arrived in Winters in the 1960s. Both had young families with cute girls. Both were active in the community and will be missed my many.
Rev. Reimers was 99 and lived a full life, influencing many people he crossed paths with. He married Sherri and I, with help from Sherri’s Pastor Taddey, a few years ago. Rev. Reimers once commented that he was glad he married us, I tend to agree. He was one of the people who taught me to do the right thing, was compassionate to others, led by example and always had a smile on his face. When I see his stained glass work at the Presbyterian Church, it puts a smile on my face.
He organized a youth group through the church and we met on a regular basis to plan a summer wood cutting trip and then a ski trip. We traded wood for lodging at Lake Tahoe. Those were good times and Rev. Reimers seemed to enjoy the shenanigans of youth. We laughed and froze in blue jeans and work boots trying to learn to ski. I think he slept in the hallway between the boys and girls rooms.
John Atherton was a teacher who expected everyone to act like gentlemen and was disappointed if your behavior didn’t live up to his standards. He was always prim and proper. I felt sorry for his children, but as I got to know him a little better as the years went by, he was probably the perfect father. You knew where he stood and knew what was expected of you. He was hard to excite, but he did have his moments. Mr. Atherton served on our city council and was a teacher/principal in the Winters School District.
There was a time when I misbehaved and was sent to the principal’s office. I was sentenced to two swats, one with a paddle and one with a strap. I can’t remember which one Mr. Atherton used, but he didn’t seem to enjoy the hit as much as Mr. Ashley did. Not sure what the lesson was, but neither one hurt as much as a swat with a broom from my mother or a punch from an older brother.
Life goes on as our elder statesmen and leaders pass on. If you have any doubts about their legacy just attend a fundraiser someday. You will find some of the same old volunteers setting up or in the kitchen, joined by new faces stepping forward to lead Winters into the future. One generation showing the next what needs to be done.
You know an event is popular when tickets are hard to get, like the upcoming Winters Little League Crab Feed. I haven’t seen tickets on eBay, yet, but it wouldn’t surprise me. If you see someone who has influenced your life, tell them how you feel. You won’t regret it.
Enjoy life, and have a good week.