For once I was speechless.

I want to thank all of those responsible, especially my wife, Margie, and her sister, June Smith, for my 90th birthday surprise at the all-class reunion at the Knights of Columbus Hall on June 19.

Thank you for all the cards and gifts. It’s something I’ll always remember.

Cecil Ryckman

Lewiston, MI

Editor’s Note: Cecil Ryckman joined the Orion Fire Department in 1953, serving 35 years with the department, the last eight years as fire chief. He retired in 1988.

During his tenure as chief, Ryckman was instrumental in encouraging the township to build Fire Station no. 1 on Anderson Street in downtown Lake Orion.

Ryckman turned 90 years old on June 18, the day before the all-class reunion, and spent 50 of those years in Lake Orion.