The above newspaper clipping appeared in the Riverside Daily Press in Fall 1961. Looking at the individual linemen, I recognize two familiar faces in the picture. Both boys are on the opposite ends of the defense line. On the left is Tom Henes, ‘63, playing defensive end. On the right is Dick Ramborger, ‘64, also playing defensive end.
Both Tom and Dick are well-known figures on campus from their enrollment years and keeping coming to the familiar surroundings for the next 60 years.
Below are brief biographical profiles of these fine gentlemen.
Tom Henes arrived at CSDR in 1956 and made progress in his education from Intermediate Department (old name for middle school) through Upper Department (old name for high school). Like his school chum, Dick, Tom played four sports for four years. Again like Dick, he participated in the World Games of the Deaf not once, but thrice in 1965, 1969 and 1973. In 1965, he placed second in 400, 800 and 4X400 relay. In 1969, he set a world record and earned a gold medal for discus. Again in 1973, he brought home a gold medal in the same track field.
After completing his basic education in 1963, he went on to Gallaudet University for a BS degree in Library Science in which he completed in 1968. He returned to Riverside for a career as a librarian at the downtown library where he stayed for the next 39 years until 2007. It is not often that you will find a deaf librarian anywhere. CSDR is an exception in town where the school has always had a deaf librarian (so far 6 out of 6) since the school’s inception.
Riverside is a deaf-friendly town. We are happy Tom got the job for our town. CSDR Founder Perry Seely also mentioned the town’s friendliness toward deaf people in the 1940s.
Tom is now retired and enjoys everyday life at his pace. No more hurries to work. His home is only a few blocks from CSDR. It makes it easy for him to go to the campus for athletic games and other exciting events. This is where I usually see him for small talks.
Tom still looks and feels good for his age at 81. His wife, Connie, ‘66, also grew up at CSDR and taught at the same school for 23 years. Tom and Connie met again at Gallaudet and started dating there. Their marriage lasted over 50
years. Only recently, he became a widower. He keeps going with his daily life.
Richard “Dick” Ramborger, ‘64, is another loyal alumnus. He and his older brother William “Bill” entered the big deaf world at CSDR in Fall 1955. His parents had filled out their application for admission in Fall 1953, but the school construction was still underway. There was no room in the dorms to accommodate the Rambo boys. They had to stay in San Diego attending the local school with the DHH program for two more years until 1955.
The new boys were surprised to see how big the campus with approximately 350 students. The school was still expanding until 1958 with 500 students.
Boys and girls at CSDR soon found out the Rambo boys were athletic and polite. As dependents of the Navy Dad, the boys with military discipline rarely caused trouble in school and dorms. Bill and Dick chose to stay on campus for weekend stays three times each month. Dick explained that most boys and girls also preferred to stay in school 7 days a week. The dorm counselors provided activities for the weekend. The weekend stays ended in 1973. They liked to have fun and stayed on campus with friends for easy communication. At home with their hearing family, they found themselves bored with little communication, no closed caption on TV until 1980 and no TTYs/TDDs until 1981 for free distribution. Dick found his future wife, Carole, ‘65, at school. They have been married for over 50 years. Schools for the deaf, Gallaudet University and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf are all breeding grounds for finding a sweetheart. This is also true for CSDR.
Bill and Dick proved themselves as great athletes and played in all sports. For home games, their parents came to watch their boys play. Dad and Dr Brill met at the games and spoke in the Navy language. Dad served 32 years in the Navy. Dr Brill served four years as a Navy warship commander during the World War II.
The Ramborger Duo represented the US at the 1961 World Games of the Deaf in Finland. They had a rare opportunity to visit the Oval Office, where they met President John F Kennedy.
Despite the fact that Dick resides in East Los Angeles, he drove to CSDR to watch their children play sports: Kurt, ‘89, Heidi, ‘92 and Marlena, ‘97. After the trio graduated and moved away, sports-minded Dick continued to come for home games and social times.
Dick was a gear machinist for 20 years and is now retired at age of 79. He is blessed that he still leads an independent life and enjoys his favorite activities. He walks with a limp from his old knee injury (from football?). The Ramborger Duo made a surprise donation of $5,000 to the CSDR Alumni Association Hall of Fame fund to honor future inductees. Way to go, Rambo boys! Below are our own Dick and Bill.
Dick and Carole are talking about moving to the Inland Empire region for their next place of residence for increased opportunities for seeing old friends around Riverside and, of course, and being closer to CSDR for more home games to watch. It beats watching TV all day for retirement.
When you see either Tom or Dick on campus, say hello and tell him you read his life story. And thank him for representing CSDR all those years.
Comments