American Contract Bridge League
Unit 484   District 20

John Retzlaff is a new member of our Unit Board. He doesn't have specific duties as yet, but he is eager to serve.  His major goal so far is to increase attendance at the Rogue Valley Sectionals.  He enthusiastically supports Vice President Bill Reeves' suggestion that we promote the many leisure activities available in our area in the literature advertising our Sectionals.

 Born in Harlingen, Texas, John's family moved to Jamestown, North Dakota, when he was 6 weeks old.  He spent his childhood in North Dakota. After graduating from Harvard as a MD in Internal Medicine with a spe­cialty in ophthalmology, he trained at the Mayo Clinic.  He moved to Medford in 1963 and began his practice at the Medford Eye Clinic.

 In 1981, John co-developed a formula for calculating the strength of implants for patients who have had cataract surgery. His research has touched the lives of everyone who wears implants since then. He developed his formula with the help of his son and his son's computer.

 John and his wife, Tommi, have been married 49 years. They play bridge socially. They have three sons who work with numbers. Steven is a CPA who lives in Switzerland; Jim is a CPA in the Bay Area; and Dan works for Lithia Motors in the Investment Department. None of the sons has had the time or inclination for bridge, but Dad still has hopes.

 John has been retired for 3 years. In addition to bridge, he enjoys the time spent with his grandchildren: Fernando, 11, Isabella, 6, and Max, 4.

 John and Tommi are remodeling a lovely home they acquired six years ago. John makes minor repairs, and or­ganizes and directs the building projects.

 A memorable bridge event for John was a tournament he attended in the 60's.  He had just begun to play duplicate bridge, and he hesitated for a long moment before passing. After another "pass," partner Scott Foster bid a suit.  Opponent and bridge expert Barry Crane looked up quizzically at Scott who nodded imperceptibly, implying "I would have bid my suit without the hesitation," and Barry didn't call the director.  After the hand, Barry commented that he could see that the hesitation didn't influence Scott.  John commended Barry's trust in his opponents after the infraction.

 Dr. Retzlaff is a formidable bridge opponent, and a genially nice one. He is a welcome addition to our Board.