Wednesday, November 16, 2016
A Hero in a Yellow Bus - November 16, 2016
Posted: November 15, 2015 | Last Revised: November 15, 2015
Dick and Pattie agreed to be our Kiowa Senior Class Trip Sponsors in 1974. They were a young married couple and we were a wild and crazy class of 12. Dick had to go get his bus license so he could drive use through the mountains and through southern Colorado. There are many, many stories from that week long trip, some are too "wild" to share and others are hysterical. Dick used to tease me about some of the things that happened in the swimming pool on that trip! The story I will tell you happened in Trinidad, Colorado.
First, when we arrived at the motel we had arranged to stay at, it didnt have a swimming pool as promised. They wouldnt give us our money back so Dick loaded us up and we went to the Police Station. Dick was a man of action. The police not only retrieved our money, but found another motel for use to stay at.
Since Dick had to do all the driving, we always let him have a couple hours to wind down, nap, etc. before we went out to eat. On this day the 9 of us on the trip walked several blocks to a park and were swinging and talking. Pretty soon one of the guys said "Dont look now, but I think we might be in a fight soon." Sure enough, on the other side of the park a group of local teenagers were gathering. Now it was pretty obvious we were from the country since most of the guys were wearing cowboy hats and boots. The calmer heads among us said to act normally, but I can tell you I was shaking. Dana, who was a sprinter, decided she would casually use the restroom and go back to the motel to get Dick. The guys were handing Kim and I their wallets to hold. I was pretty sure we were going to "die!"
Pretty soon the name calling started, very tame by todays standards. Our guys had turned around by now so the two groups were facing each other. Some very unpleasant things were yelled about our mothers when we heard the bus turn the corner! The Kiowa School bus pulled up, Dick opened the door, got out, started walking toward us and said "There isnt going to be any fight. Get on the bus." I didnt need to be told twice! Kim and I ran to the bus, while Dick and the guys walked calmly back to the bus.
Dick not only saved us, but with dignity!
I have many great memories of Pattie and Dick on that trip. Theyve been a part of our school family forever. I am going to miss seeing him, especially at Veterans Day. He always had a good story to tell. Rest in peace my friend.
We're Here For You 24/7