(35 years ago) Rockhurst Goes Coed! - Rockhurst University

FOR ALUMNI A Friend IndeedAs one man struggles with Alzheimer’s,an old college friend comes back to stand by his side.Walt Tylicki, ’64, and Ralph Telken, ’64:two names that have been engrainedin Rockhurst’s collective history.As members of the 1964 NAIA Championshipbasketball team, they werefriends and teammates.They drifted apart after college, as friends do. But theirlives intersected again in 2001 as Tylicki struggled withthe deteriorating effects of Alzheimer’s disease.As soon as Telken heard he was sick, he immediatelycame to his friend’s side. Tylicki required constant supervisionby that point, and Telken offered his help untilTylicki passed away on April 5, 2005.Every week, they’d go get pizza or a movie. Once in awhile they’d even take in a Rockhurst basketball game.“When Walt went in the nursing home, Ralph tookcommunion to him every day,” said Mickey Tylicki,Walt’s wife of 40 years. “There were very few days that hemissed. He always took ice cream and candy bars. He’dsit in there with him and say the rosary and say prayers.”Those who knew Tylicki will remember an energeticman with a persistent smile and fun-loving attitude.“He was impossible to dislike,” said classmate JamesMillard, Ph.D., ’64.“He was just a great guy,” said Mickey. “He loved hisjob. Loved the kids.”She wasn’t just referring to their four children. Tylickiturned his love of baketball into a long career as ateacher, counselor and coach, spending 29 years at BishopMiege High School in Roeland Park, Kan. Two of hischildren followed in his footsteps when they begancareers as educators.Last year, the Rockhurst class of 1964 celebrated its40-year reunion. “All the guys went over to the nursinghome, and he just beamed,” said Telken. His conditionhad worsened by that point, but his expression wasdifferent that day. “He knew.”The day had special meaning for Telken, who knew hewas losing a dear friend.“With guys, you don’t say I love you,” he said. “Butactions speak louder than words. And I loved him.”Walt Tylicki, ’64, was surrounded by friends throughout hislife. Here he visits with Nancy Bengtson in Chesterfield, Mo.,around the time of his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease.Please WriteLooking for a fun way to show off youralma mater? Send your friends and familya free Rockhurst University e-card. Go towww.rockhurst.edu/postcard and choosefrom a variety of images and messages,then add your own message to personalizethe card.24 ROCKHURSTFALL 2005