3 The RAPS Sheet September 2021 RAPS Group Reports Book Group IN AUGUST THE BOOK GROUP met via Zoom and discussed Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, a masterfully crafted book that was well liked by everyone in the group. The novel recreates the family that Shakespeare left in Stratford when he went to London to write and produce plays. The principal character is Agnes, or Ann, Shakespeare’s wife. The author portrays the marriage as rich and happy, the move to London as driven by extended family tensions and economic needs, and Shakespeare as continuing to be involved in the family. Hamnet, or Hamlet, is a child who is known to have died. There is a mystical dimension to the book: Hamnet’s twin tries to prevent his death by substituting herself; his father later as the ghost in the play Hamlet again makes the attempt. The scenario provoked discussion about the role of the historical novelist, how much should be based on fact, and the degree to which the novelist’s imagination was allowed to roam. This was a beautifully written book, and several members spoke of an intent to read other books by the author. In September we will read The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman, a novel of the Second World War. In October we will return to nonfiction with Walter Isaacson’s The Code Breaker. The Book Group meets the third Tuesday of each month, traditionally in the homes of various members. Currently we are using Zoom for our meetings. Any RAPS member is welcome to join the group. —Joan Shireman Bridge Group THE RAPS BRIDGE GROUP (pre-pandemic shut down) used to meet in the afternoon on the first Tuesday of each month. Play began at 12:15 p.m. and finished up by 4 p.m. We met in Smith Center. We had a set of about 10 regular players. Most months we had two tables, but some months we could only get enough players for one table. Given the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in Oregon, we do not plan on starting up bridge sessions until October at the earliest. We need additional players; do you want to join us? I would like to hear from any interested RAPS members, or others you know who might want to play in our group. The RAPS Bridge Group does not require RAPS membership; your friends and relatives would be welcome to join us. Please contact Steve Brennan, 503-889-0146. My email address is: the.steve.brennan@gmail.com. —Steve Brennan MICHAEL R. GAINES, a longtime professor of accounting at Portland State, died August 5. He was 86 years old. Professor Gaines was born December 24, 1934, in Hollywood, California, to Arthur Myers Gaines and Lois O’Hearne Gaines. He spent his childhood in Los Angeles. After the death of his mother, his father married Hannah Deutschman Morris, and Professor Gaines became the youngest of a blended family of six boys. At Texas A&M University, Professor Gaines was a member of the Corps of Cadets and, upon graduation in 1957, joined the U.S. Army Reserve. He earned an MBA at the University of Denver in 1961 and became a Certified Public Accountant. He joined the Portland State accounting faculty in 1965, and in 1969 he completed a Ph.D. at the University of Washington. It was at UW that Professor Gaines met Barbara Conway, a graduate student in the nursing school. They were married for 55 years. Professor Gaines was active in the local community, In memoriam: Michael R. Gaines, 1934-2021 serving on the boards of Oregon Episcopal School, Pacific Crest Outward Bound School, and the homeowners’ association for the family cabin on Swift Lake. An Eagle Scout by age 14, he was also an outdoors enthusiast, climbing the Matterhorn on a summer break trip during his years at the University of Washington. His daughter, Cindy, was his favorite outdoor partner, sailing the Caribbean, cruising the American and Canadian San Juans, backpacking throughout the Pacific Northwest, and riding dirt bikes and driving a car in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The family also traveled on several continents and drove a motor home in Mexico and the United States. Professor Gaines is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Cindy; and a large extended family. His five brothers preceded him in death. A celebration of Professor Gaines’s life will be held as soon as COVID-19 precautions permit. Remembrances may be made to the PSU Foundation for scholarships for students in the School of Business. An online guest book is available at www.oregonlive.com/obits. 1990 PSU Archives Digital Gallery
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