Diablo News

A beloved shipmate has gone on eternal patrol. Perhaps the most well known attendee at reunions and almost always the first one to sign up has embarked. Tom Hopely has sailed off to calmer waters. He will not only be remembered as a great shipmate but also an outstanding citizen. Tom was always willing to lend a hand at reunions and sold more raffle tickets than anyone. He was always ready to help and was there for any of us who hosted reunions. Tom was a couple of years ahead of me in the service but became a true friend and one who’s company I much enjoyed.

Tom was serious about his work but easy to be with. He treated all of as family and gave us a sense of belonging. Tom shared many meals with us and quite a few more brews. He was a gentleman of the first order and a man who exemplified what a true submarine sailor should be.

Our condolences go out to Sara Lee and Tom’s family. Although we feel a sadness at his lose his memory will long fill our souls with joy.

Hello Francelle and Tom,

I have your email address only because Tom forwarded items from you like your health progress and your move to more convenient digs. I didn’t know if you or any of the subvets heard about my dear Tom. We were at a Coast Guard Auxiliary conference in York PA the last weekend of March. I was using the separate bed because of getting over a cold. When I awoke a little after six in the morning to use the bathroom I saw that he was sitting up in his bed. I decided to snuggle in bed with him cause he was uncovered and looked cold. He never woke up after he fell asleep the night before. He came back from the hospitality suite and I was almost asleep. He turned up the TV you know “submarine ears”. I had my back to the room. I glanced at him and his chin was on his chest. With his eyes closed. I said, “if you’re sleeping Tom turn off the TV.” He answered he was watching it. He did turn it off shortly after that and I slept very well until after six. He never changed his position from when I glanced at him. My sweetheart slipped his mooring in the early hours of March 31^st. God bless him he loved me the best of anyone my whole life.

I can’t remember how to get in his computers, laptop or hard drive. Maybe one of the boys have and notified members of the Diablo.

His family has been nice to me. It’s hard to write to you. I’ll miss all of you and know a bell will be tolled for him. He was cremated and the ashes sent to the Navy for burial at sea as he wished.

I was looking forward to the reunion in Gatlinburg. Sure hope all the rest of the Diablo crew are doing fine. Give them my regards.

God is good,

Sara Lee Fink

Sara Lee please know that all of Tom's shipmates would be most appreciative if you would consider joining us at the reunion.

Hi:
I am Alfred C. Grosskurth. I was Yeoman onboard USS DIABLO (SS479)
for about six months in 1957. Transferred to COMSUBRON TWO Staff.
Please add me to your lists. My address is (removed by Tim to protect privacy) E-mail grosskurth@netzero.net.
If the reunions are close enough, I'll try to attend.

Alfred "Grasshopper" Grosskurth YN1(SS)
P.S. Few on board knew my last name, all new my nickname.
_____________________________________________________________

The 2008 reunion will be in Tennessee at the Park Vista Hotel from October 1 to October 5. Steve Springer will coordinate. For a look at the beautiful accommodations check out www.parkvista.com

A very enjoyable 2007 reunion was appreciated by the crew. The success was attributed to the efforts of Bob & Fay Johnson. Harry Beila, Roy and Lou Large, Tom Hopely and Ken Scott. Walt Burkett took many pictures and he will make them available on line in about three weeks. To view the photos: leave an E mail address at WaltBurkett@juno.com/ with the notation Request Diablo Reunion Picture code.

Bob Johnson (Robert Vernon Johnson alias "Johnny") RM3 51-54 was coerced into the job of reunion coordinator. Roy Large EM3 51-54, con artist of the first magnitude, convinced Bob he was elected, appointed and it was God's will he have the job. Bob at the time choking on a donut was only able to bob his head up and down. This my mates is how great men attain their high status in life. Bob and his wife Faye live in Melbourne Fl.. Bob has an accounting practice there and has a large clientele. Bob is also now the man to see for hats and patches.

A couple of pictures taken in Baltimore Harbor during the Army Navy game. The Swift can cross the Atlantic in two days. Some may recall we took 15 days in 61.

Dr Stacy (Calvert) Langsdale with parents Tim & Carol and husband Dan at graduation from UBC in Vancouver. May 07

Megan Calvert (center) ( a recent Peace Corp volunteer) taught English in Kyrgyzstan. This picture was taken Thanksgiving 2007 with her family

In February 07 I was once again at sea doing my maritime history lectures. This time on the NCL Sun in the western Caribbean. The ports were Costa Maya, San Tomas Guatemala, Belize and Cozumel. We left from New Orleans for two cruises.

From top left to right: waterfall in Guatemala, street in Guatemala, Costa Maya beach, River through Belize City, Tim with Rosemond the Caribbean middle weight champ, Bourbon St, a rental VW ($33.00) in Cozumel. The VW was a blast, it would not stay in gear, nothing except the engine worked including the seat belts. It was the most fun car I have driven in years.

In November and December 06 I was on the NCL Wind in Hawaii and had a whale of a time. I went with a friend a few days early and got to see Pearl Harbor. The sub is the Bowfin, the BB is the Missouri and the memorial I sure all of you will recognize. The deck gun on the Bowfin is a 5" 25 cal. Tim