The CH2M HILL 1999 Retirees Retreat was held in Seattle, Washington, on September 20th through the 22nd at the Vance Hotel. Most of the retirees came from Northern California or the Northwest. However, Eleanor Benedict came all the way from Reston, Virginia, and won the door prize for the one who came the greatest distance. Her reward was a set of note cards with west coast views painted by our very own Ken Stuart.
The retreat hotel was right downtown within walking distance of the hub of the city with lots to do and see. In addition to many fine stores and shops in the area, there is the Seattle Art Museum with a marvelous collection of Native American Northwest art and a new Symphony Hall. The retirees were told that this music hall is rated 5th in the world for sound qualities. It is a building within a building with the performance hall supported on rubber pads because both train and bus tunnels run under it.
Tom Gibbs was one of the drivers behind the new Seattle baseball stadium with the retractable roof. He was able to get marvelous seats for those who wanted to see the Mariners play and the stadium roof close after the game. The roof closing is a major spectator event in Seattle.
There was much fellowship at the opening dinner and the closing breakfast. In between, there was a marvelous expedition to Tillicum Village on Blake Island for a dinner featuring Pacific Salmon prepared on cedar stakes over alder fires. Following dinner was a colorful Native American dance show, “Dance on the Wind,” that brought native myths and legends to life. The boat sailed from a downtown pier giving a great view of the city skyline in the daylight going and a breathtaking night view on the return.
Those who attended this retreat are:
Bob and Mary Adams
Eleanor Benedict
Don and Patsy Benson
John and Dona Eskelin
Tom and Jean Gibbs
Bob and Madge Harding
Fred and Doris Haven
Lyle and June Hassebroek
Jim and Ruth Howland
Patricia Jackson
John and Nancy Mayo
Chuck Meek
Jack and Sue Meier
Harlan and Carol Moyer
Bob and Dot Pailthorp
Joe and Sarah Patten
Jim and Raeda Poirot
Earl and Jodi Reynolds
Carl and Holly Ryden
C.Y. and Katherine Shieh
George and Sue Silkworth
Vaughn and Diane Sterling
Bill and Vivian Watters
Les and Myrna Wierson
At the final breakfast, the attendees were so enthusiastic that they voted to have an annual retreat. Les Weirson and Gene Suhr volunteered to put together such an event in Portland, Oregon, area next year.