Middle Earth Adventures

McCrain's in Middle Earth
A travel dialogue of our adventures in New Zealand

In February 2004, Jim and Kathy McCrain began a five month oddessy in New Zealand. Kathy was transferred to Auckland for a temporary work assignment, and Jim followed her for moral support. (Isn't he just the greatest husband?) What follows is Jim's account of this adventure.

June 5, 2004

In Memory of my Fraternity Brother

President Ronald Reagan

It is with a sad heart that I say goodbye to a fellow frater of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Regardless of his politics, President Reagan was an inspiration to many people, across the globe. His humanitarian and charitable works helped millions of people. His association with Tau Kappa Epsilon was a life-time commitment. He will be missed.

To Frater Reagan and his lovely wife Nancy, I wish you both Peace.

Yours In The Bond,

Jim McCrain
Mu Gamma
#213

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TAU KAPPA EPSILON FRATERNITY CELEBRATES THE LIFE OF
FRATER RONALD WILSON REAGAN

February 6, 1911 - June 5, 2004

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. - More than 200,000 living Tekes join a grateful nation in celebrating the life of Frater Ronald Wilson Reagan, who passed away at his California home on Saturday, June 5, 2004. Reagan was initiated into Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity's Iota Chapter, Eureka College, on February 25, 1929, as its 169th member.

In addition to the strong leadership he displayed as the 40th President of the United States (1981-89) and during his two terms as Governor of California (1967-75), Reagan was a staunch supporter of the Fraternity and active in TKE from 1929 through his passing into the Chapter Eternal. He served his undergraduate chapter as rush chairman, member educator, and president. After graduation, Reagan continued his involvement in "the Fraternity for Life" through regular support of the TKE Educational Foundation, in making several films and videos for TKE, and as Chairman of the Grand Prytanis Advisory Committee in the 1970's. During his presidency, Reagan welcomed his fellow Fraters to the White House and visited Tekes and TKE chapter houses throughout the country.

He received the Fraternity's highest honor - the Order of the Golden Eagle - and was a Charter Member of the Life Loyal Teke program. TKE continues to honor Reagan's contributions through the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award scholarship, which is presented annually to an outstanding undergraduate Teke. In 2001, the membership of the Fraternity adopted the Alzheimer's Association as TKE's official philanthropy, and took up sponsorship of an alzheimer's research project within the association's Ronald & Nancy Reagan Research Institute.

In reflecting on Reagan's life and contributions, TKE Grand Prytanis (international board president) Mark C. Romig, stated "Frater Reagan was a true Teke in every sense of the word. He lead by example in his everyday life, and left a tremendously positive mark not only on America, but throughout the entire world. Tau Kappa Epsilon has always been honored to call him our Frater and our friend. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy of optimism and positive values-based leadership will live on, touching the lives of countless millions in the years to come."

In accordance with the Fraternity's traditions, the Grand Prytanis has declared a Fraternity-wide remembrance of Frater Reagan's life, coinciding with the national period of mourning, for the next thirty days. All Tekes are encouraged to wear their badge on top of a black ribbon, and all TKE flags are to be flown at half mast.

Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and Tekes everywhere send their condolences to the Reagan family and join a grateful nation in celebrating our Frater's contributions to mankind.

The Adventure Begins!