Gil Ratcliffe was and will always be my first real friend. We spent almost everyday laughing, playing and exploring the world around us. He was excellent in all sports. He introduced me to ice hockey and we would hitchhike to the old arena to watch the Barons. Funny even though we lost touch he ended up as an executive with Brinks and I spent my life in Law Enforcement. We reached out and found each other again later in life. I met his wonderful wife and experienced the great Italian cook she was. Gil and I meet for our last lunch together at Corky n Lenny's. He was still working at a higher level supervisory position with Brinks. I and my wife were moving to Florida. Again we lost touch and I thought about Gil and the happy times we shared with our third Amigo Dick Neuberger. I tried find Gil twenty years later with no success. I put out an "SOS" to locate Gil. A mutual friend gave me a tip and I followed through. Within minutes of our long overdue call we were laughing and reliving our youth. As cruel as life can get we both had health problems. He had numerous setbacks. Never once did he complain. We enjoyed talking and laughing and catching up. We talked just before the Hollidays and promised to call each other more often. Fate robbed us of that promise. Rest in peace my old friend. You lived a good life. Helping and caring for your family and friends. Until we meet again in a better place. Thanks for the memories.
I enjoyed reading Harvey's memories. Rodger Chapman here...Played basketball with Willard at Roxboro. A great teammate and handeled the ball well at guard. He was the rock on our team after Chris Wood graduated mid-year. We didn't fair too well in 2nd half of season. I think he also played baseball. I always knew him as Willard. I was recently thinking about Roxboro years and memories. The basketball team practiced over Christmas holiday. Empty school except for our gym. Felt pretty cool at the time. I still have our team photo.
I remember our home games were played in girls gym. The back of auditorium stage was opened so all our fans and cheerleaders could see the game from auditorium seats. The day we received our "R" letters, we suited up to play volleyball against coaches, teachers ,on that gym floor. I don't remember who won, but it wasn't pretty!!
Rest in peace Willard. I can hear the" swish" of your shots for our team
Sorry to hear of Gil passing were were friends since elmentry school the last time I saw Gil was at Dinks funeral in 2020 , Gil and I were the only 2 friends at his grave site. I add some conversations with Gil and I said we would try to get together but we never did. This is a good leason always do what you say., Life is getting shoter at our age.
Harvey Yelsky
Gil Ratcliffe was and will always be my first real friend. We spent almost everyday laughing, playing and exploring the world around us. He was excellent in all sports. He introduced me to ice hockey and we would hitchhike to the old arena to watch the Barons. Funny even though we lost touch he ended up as an executive with Brinks and I spent my life in Law Enforcement. We reached out and found each other again later in life. I met his wonderful wife and experienced the great Italian cook she was. Gil and I meet for our last lunch together at Corky n Lenny's. He was still working at a higher level supervisory position with Brinks. I and my wife were moving to Florida. Again we lost touch and I thought about Gil and the happy times we shared with our third Amigo Dick Neuberger. I tried find Gil twenty years later with no success. I put out an "SOS" to locate Gil. A mutual friend gave me a tip and I followed through. Within minutes of our long overdue call we were laughing and reliving our youth. As cruel as life can get we both had health problems. He had numerous setbacks. Never once did he complain. We enjoyed talking and laughing and catching up. We talked just before the Hollidays and promised to call each other more often. Fate robbed us of that promise. Rest in peace my old friend. You lived a good life. Helping and caring for your family and friends. Until we meet again in a better place. Thanks for the memories.
Rodger Chapman
I enjoyed reading Harvey's memories. Rodger Chapman here...Played basketball with Willard at Roxboro. A great teammate and handeled the ball well at guard. He was the rock on our team after Chris Wood graduated mid-year. We didn't fair too well in 2nd half of season. I think he also played baseball. I always knew him as Willard. I was recently thinking about Roxboro years and memories. The basketball team practiced over Christmas holiday. Empty school except for our gym. Felt pretty cool at the time. I still have our team photo.
I remember our home games were played in girls gym. The back of auditorium stage was opened so all our fans and cheerleaders could see the game from auditorium seats. The day we received our "R" letters, we suited up to play volleyball against coaches, teachers ,on that gym floor. I don't remember who won, but it wasn't pretty!!
Rest in peace Willard. I can hear the" swish" of your shots for our team
Rodger Chapman
Ben Woomer
Sorry to hear of Gil passing were were friends since elmentry school the last time I saw Gil was at Dinks funeral in 2020 , Gil and I were the only 2 friends at his grave site. I add some conversations with Gil and I said we would try to get together but we never did. This is a good leason always do what you say., Life is getting shoter at our age.
RIP Gil
Ben Woomer