Charles R. Lamson – 50th Reunion Essay

Charles R. Lamson

4 Condesa Court

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508

charlie.lamson@gmail.com

505-469-2622

Spouse(s): Alberta Wangeman Lamson (1970)

Child(ren): Armene M. Lamson (1974), David W. Lamson (1978)

Grandchild(ren): Hazel Q. Boatright (2017), Heath A. Lamson (2017)

Education: Yale College, B.S. 1969; Seattle University, Master in Teaching 1996

National Service: USNR, Lt., 1970-76

Career: Owner/Manager of Lamson Products Co., jobbing machine shop, 1972-1994; Educator, Seattle Schools 1996-2001; Founding partner Brain Dynamics of Santa Fe, neurofeedback, 2010-14, retired 2014.

Avocations: Outdoor recreation: Sailing, skiing, kayaking, hiking, gardening. Small Group Men’s Work. Non profit management and board work.

College: Pierson

A Story of Beginnings

My decision to attend Yale changed me in a fundamental and healthy way, creating freedom of action and independence from my family of origin. Arriving at Wright Hall on the Old Campus after midnight, having flown from Seattle to JFK and then taken the train to New Haven, meeting roommates the next morning, walking to the dining hall and eating together, hearing Kingman Brewster address the freshman class, I felt like I was in a new land, starting a new life. I liked the people I met, and the experience and feel of Yale immediately—our late-night conversations, daily interactions, my courses, and New England in the fall. Within the first month I discovered the Yale Yacht Club and was sailing and racing on the Long Island Sound with other experienced sailors from around the country. It was an exciting and satisfying introduction to college life and I was thrilled about being a Yalie.

Choosing to pursue and marry Alberta Wangeman was the best decision I ever made, and gave me a fulfilling life partnership that has lasted over 50 years. As a senior I signed up for Navy OCS because I thought the experience would be good for me. However, two years later, having to fight in a war I didn’t believe in, I realized I was not cut out for the military. Together, Alberta and I decided to return to Seattle after early release from the navy and my father’s untimely death. We soon purchased his manufacturing business and managed it successfully with significant growth for 20 years. During this time, we were blessed with the births of our two children, Armene and David, who were raised and educated in Seattle and are now both successful chiropractors. In 1994, we sold the business and I started a new career in Seattle schools as a teacher and administrator. After both children had graduated from college, we sold our home, triaged our belongings and took off to travel around the world for 12 months. This adventure supported the deepening of our relationship and set a new baseline for our marriage.

Rather than returning to Seattle, we opted to settle in the Southwest and bought a home in Santa Fe, in 2003. We spend a lot of time hiking in the nearby deserts and mountains and I am a regular meditator enjoying the peace of mind this inner exploration brings. I am an active participant, volunteer, and leader in New Mexico Men’s Wellness and its seasonal events and ongoing small groups; an interest sparked at Yale and continued for a lifetime. With the birth of our two grandchildren in 2017 we are starting a new stage that we both find extremely gratifying. Speaking of the future, I am looking forward to trekking in the Dolomites with our son and later traveling with Alberta through Italy in the fall, spending more time with our grandchildren, starting a new book group and attending our 50th reunion to reestablish lost connections. Let’s begin again!