Chatting with "Buddy" Darr
     by Mary Thurman Yuhas

Playing second base for Rocky's baseball team, riding up and down the one-ways and hanging out with friends are memories Charles "Buddy" Darr fondly recalls when he talks about his days at RIHS.  "I just loved those high school days," he said.

Today, Buddy co-owns an insurance company in Omaha.  He planned to retire soon, but with the downturn in the economy that has changed.  He said it doesn't really bother him because,  "I want to stay active, and I don't ever want to stop."

For the past 33 years, he has been married to Sue, and they have two sons.  He also has a son and a daughter from a previous marriage.  Their 2-year old grandson, Trevor, is a delight for both of them.  "He's my pride and joy," Darr said.

Golf and fishing are high on the list of things Buddy likes to do, but he says spending time with family is number one.  Still, he manages to play golf at least twice a week.

In high school, if you saw Buddy, chances are you would have also seen Bob Schaunburg, Bob Schroeder or Jerry Twitty - all good friends of Buddy's. 

Of course, there were his female friends, some romantic and some just friends.  He stayed in touch with the late Charlotte Frick until just before she died and says how sad it is to remember friends who are no longer here.

Two of his favorite teachers in high school were Mr. Melchioir and Mr. Andrews.  In retrospect, he says they were both excellent teachers and nice people.  He feels fortunate that he was able to have a personal relationship with them; something he says kids today never experience.

He went to our last reunion and had a wonderful time.  "I want people to know how much I treasure their friendship and those high school memories," he said.

To give Buddy a shout, email him at cdarr@quinninsurance.com.  He'd love to hear from you.