For seven years of my life, I was a springboard diver, and used to look like the guy posing with that lovely young girl in that picture. She, Miss Patricia (Patsy) Burmeister went on to earn a master's degree at the Eastman School of Music - University of Rochester , to become Miss New York, 1968, to become a Top 10 contender for Miss America, and to sing with the Miss America USO Troupe in the Vietnam Era. In addition to being a soprano whose perfectly-pitched tone was so clear as to be called angelic, she was an accomplished violinist, having won the coveted concert mistress' chair in the New Trier High School symphony orchestra as a sophomore. (Those familiar with New Trier will understand what an honor that was.)
I was privileged to escort Patricia as her boyfriend for my senior year at NT, and was invited to her family's camp on a lake near Waupaca during the summer. We lost touch after college, and I have no idea where to find her, but I hope Patsy knows that she still has my respect and affection. Finding this picture has brought back fond memories.
How sweet of you to remember my friend so fondly. She still sings like an angel, plays violin beautifully and really doesn't look much different than in this picture. A rare beauty. Pat maintains a very private but full life and has not embraced technology and social media as we have. God bless you for your kind words and lovely remembrance of her.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thank you! I am delighted and relieved to learn that Patsy is well and happy. God willing, we will one day meet again, and talk over tea about life.
Duncan
Thank you. When Pat was Miss NY, my mom was her chaperone. Patricia taught me how to hold a violin in one of our upstairs bedrooms! I was a little girl then. Years ago, we heard (obviously incorrectly) that Pat had passed away in a terrible way. You have no idea how happy I am that she is well and happy. If you ever see her, please tell her that Cindy Christie thinks of her every time she hears the Bell song from Lakme...and that a big hug goes her way from her little friend.
ReplyDeleteDear Cindy,
DeleteThank you for sharing your fine memories of our beloved mutual friend. If ever I see Patsy again, I shall do as you request. Please, do the same for me!
-Duncan
My name is Tom Haines and I was one of two escorts for Patty when she was one of seven members of "The Miss America - USO Show" that performed in Pleiku, Vietnam in 1969.The story of that very pleasant memorable moment of my tour is recounted in my book, "SNAFU - My Vietnam Vacation -1969. I will be attempting to get the book funded through Kickstarter this fall. The title of the chapter about my detail from heaven is "Pinch Me, I Must Be Dreaming."
ReplyDeleteTom: Please send me a contact address. You can e-mail me at oldridernh@gmail.com.
DeleteThanks, Duncan