The Enduring 50-Year Friendship of College Roommates Donald Claflin and Barry Watson

The Enduring Friendship of Donald Claflin

Friendships come and go, but the true ones stand the test of time. Donald Claflin's story is one of an enduring friendship that has weathered life's ups and downs. Claflin, now in his 70s, looks back fondly on his decades-long friendship with his best friend, Barry Watson.

"Barry and I go way back, to our college days in the 1960s," Claflin reminisced over coffee. "We were paired as roommates freshman year and hit it off right away. We just clicked."

Formative College Years

Claflin and Watson spent their formative college years together, taking many of the same classes and participating in campus activities. "We both loved sports, especially basketball. We'd play pickup games together whenever we could," said Claflin.

Beyond sports, the two friends discovered shared interests in art, literature, and philosophy. "We'd have these deep conversations that would go on for hours," Watson recalled. "Don and I really understood each other on an intellectual level."

Navigating Adulthood

After graduating in 1969, Claflin and Watson moved to different states to start their careers and adult lives. But they made an effort to stay connected through letters, phone calls, and visits when possible. "We never let more than a few months go by without catching up," said Watson. "Don was the best man at my wedding in 1971."

As they progressed in their careers and got married, Claflin and Watson offered each other support and advice for navigating new chapters. Claflin recalls relying on Watson's guidance when he had kids: "When my first son was born in the late 70s, I had no idea what I was doing! Barry gave me great tips on being a dad."

Ups and Downs

No friendship is without challenges, and Claflin and Watson have weathered their share. In the 1980s, when Watson's wife passed away, Claflin made a point to visit him every few months. "That was a really tough time for Barry. I tried to lift his spirits and remind him he wasn't alone," said Claflin.

Years later, when Claflin lost his job, he leaned on Watson for moral support. "Barry helped build up my confidence. He encouraged me to get back out there during my job search," said Claflin.

Through all of life's ups and downs, the foundation of their friendship remained strong. Claflin said: "Barry and I know we can count on each other. That loyalty and trust means everything."

Making Time for Friendship

As they entered retirement, Claflin and Watson have made an effort to connect more frequently. Says Watson: "We have breakfast or lunch together at least once a week when Don is in town. It's a priority for us now that we have more free time."

They often reminisce about the old days over coffee or a meal. "We'll look at old photos and retell our favorite stories from college or our road trips over the years," said Claflin. "It's fun to relive those memories."

Claflin and Watson also make sure to discuss current events, sports, family, and more. Says Watson: "We know almost everything that's going on in each other's lives. Don is the first person I want to tell good or bad news to."

A Model for All

When asked about the secret to their lifelong friendship, Claflin reflected: "It's about mutual respect, being there for each other, and sharing interests and experiences. But most important is the intangible 'click' - we just understand each other."

Watson added: "Don and I are so lucky to have a friend who knows us better than anyone else. That's so rare. I wish everyone could have a friendship like ours."

At its core, Claflin and Watson's bond reminds us that true friendship stands the test of time. Through all of life's seasons, the constancy of their friendship shines bright. As Claflin put it: "Having Barry in my life simply makes me better. Here's to another 45 years!"

Key Takeaways

Donald Claflin and Barry Watson's enduring friendship demonstrates:

• The importance of shared interests, mutual understanding, and intellectual connections
• Supporting each other through life's highs and lows
• Staying committed even when apart geographically
• Making friendship a priority, especially in retirement years
• The indescribable magic of a truly meant-to-be friendship

Their bond withstands the test of time and serves as inspiration for cultivating meaningful friendships built on trust, loyalty, and constancy.

FAQs

How did Donald Claflin and Barry Watson meet?

They met as college roommates their freshman year in the 1960s. They were randomly paired together but hit it off right away.

What interests did they share that bonded their friendship?

They shared interests in sports like basketball, as well as art, literature, philosophy. They enjoyed having deep intellectual conversations.

How did they support each other through major life events?

Claflin made it a point to visit Watson frequently when Watson's wife passed away in the 1980s. Watson helped build Claflin's confidence when Claflin lost his job and was searching for work.

How do they make sure to connect now that they're retired?

They make it a priority to have breakfast or lunch together at least once a week when they are in the same town. They enjoy reminiscing over old photos and retelling stories from their past.

What's the key to their lifelong friendship?

Mutual understanding and respect, being loyal and supportive during hard times, sharing interests and experiences, and an indefinable natural connection.