They are known as “The Badger Boys” at the east-side Kappy’s Bar & Sandwich Place.
Nearly a dozen men — graduates of the Class of 1951 at Tucson High School — gather each Thursday at noon for some grub, catching up and laughter, lots of laughter much of the time.
Most of the men are in their mid-80s. The group’s founder, Jon Robson, a retired Marine Corps colonel and a naval aviator who was a fighter pilot, is 83.
“He would have been a general, but he didn’t play golf,” joked Frank Vasquez of Robson’s military service. Robson nodded his head in agreement and let out a big smile.
According to aging experts, The Badger Boys are doing well by staying connected to longtime friends. Meaningful relationships and social integration stave off social loneliness, said Jane Mohler, a University of Arizona professor at the medical school and a research associate for Arizona Center on Aging.
“This is the best time of my life,” says Howard Creswell, 85, center, a former Southwest Gas Co. engineer. With him are Larry Monier, left, and Henry Carbajal, both 84.
Close relationships — having a confidant — also help a person not feel emotional loneliness, Mohler said.
“All human beings seek purpose and connection. Maintenance of friendships, acquaintances and social roles supports self-esteem and feelings of value,” she said, adding that an appropriate touch — a hug or handshake can produce positive emotions.
“Friendships expose us to new ideas, experiences and stress us in beneficial ways, maintaining and even building new knowledge, endeavors to enjoy and mutual support,” said Mohler.
The Badger Boys, some sporting red T-shirts and caps with a “THS” logo, are a popular bunch at the neighborhood bar, 2190 N. Wilmot Road, tucked just south of East Grant Road. The men drive from various neighborhoods throughout the Tucson area to meet.
Friends from the graduating class of Tucson High School in 1951 have been gathering at Kappy’s Bar & Sandwich Place every Thursday for nearly 30 years.
“I love them,” said Kris Veitch, who owns Kappy’s, along with her husband, Kurt. The couple worked at the Sam Hughes neighborhood Bob Dobbs bar a total of 30 years between them before buying Kappy’s in 2003.
“The Badger Boys have a friendship that goes back so, so many years. They all know everything about each other. That is so special,” said Kris while tending bar, glancing at the men in deep conversation while some ate soup and crackers, grilled cheese sandwiches or hamburgers with fries.
One kept collecting pickled yellow peppers to eat with his soup from another who didn’t want them. “Those are spicy,” yelled a third. “You probably will end up at the hospital after lunch,” he said. Others at the table burst out in laughter.
Their conversations included their days playing football and basketball at their alma mater while high school reunion books and yearbooks were passed around the table. The die-hard UA Wildcat fans also answered questions about the possibility of the basketball team making it to the Final Four.
All agreed if the starters — Allonzo Trier, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Rawle Alkins, Dusan Ristic and Deandre Ayton — were on the court, the Final Four was a sure thing.
“This is the best team under (coach Sean) Miller,” said Vasquez, who was a gymnast at Tucson High and now cycles in El Tour. Vasquez, a retired Sears executive, and the others were awed by the young mens’ talents.
The Badger Boys began meeting at Kappy’s in 1990 when Robson began spreading the word among the gang. Robson helped plan several class reunions and figured his friends should stay connected.
“I said to several of them that we should get together for lunch,” said Robson, who selected Kappy’s as the gathering place. The luncheons began with four Badgers and grew over the years.
“The guys are special because they bring different talents to the table,” said Robson. Among the men, nearly all veterans, there is a retired lawyer, a doctor, an engineer, an architect, a business executive and a school district purchasing agent.
John Wesley Miller, second from right, talks with Jerry Thayer as they wait for their food. “We are better friends now than we ever have been,” says Miller.
One still goes to work. Builder John Wesley Miller is a pioneer in energy conservation and has been recognized for his numerous projects nationally and locally. In December, the last of Miller’s 93 energy-efficient homes in the Armory Park del Sol development was sold. The solar houses are in the Armory Park Historic District downtown.
“I keep trying to cut down on work, but people still keep calling me,” Miller explained about why he has not retired.
Jerry Thayer, 84, smiles as he talks to a friend during a weekly meet up at Kappy’s Bar & Sandwich Place with fellow 1951 Tucson High School graduates. The informal group started nearly 30 years ago.
The joking began. “No, that is not true,” quipped Jerry Thayer, a retired architect. “He’s greedy,” he said of Miller. Miller looked at Thayer, who was sitting next to him, and broke out in laughter.
“We are better friends now than we have ever been,” said Miller about his buddy Thayer. Miller said he loves his work even after being at it for more than 50 years.
The men have been there for one another through the celebrations of their marriages and the births of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They have supported one another through surgeries and the deaths of spouses and children, as well as past members.
“Every Thursday, this luncheon is something we look forward to,” said Richard McCorkle, a retired purchasing agent for the Tucson Unified School District. “It is carved in stone that if we are not out of town or sick, we will be here.”
“This is the best time of my life,” said Howard Creswell, a former Southwest Gas Co. engineer. “I wouldn’t go back to any other time. I enjoy all of my friends and family.”