When I was a teenager in the late 1970s, my dad often took my mom, my sister and I out to lunch at the La Costa Resort on weekends. In the dining room, we’d sit at a table overlooking the golf course, and eat fruit salads. Occasionally, I’d steal a glance at the glamorous ladies who were staying at the world-famous spa located on the grounds. Swathed in plush bathrobes with their hair wrapped in towels, they’d sit to one side of the dining area, picking at health food, and sipping herb tea.

One afternoon, my dad suggested that we walk across the road to browse in the gift shop. Soon, I got lost among the expensive bath salts, soap, and lotion scented with lavender. I was looking at a soy candle when I became aware that someone was at my side. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a middle-aged man with a portly build, and short, black hair. I thought it was my dad.

I whipped around to ask him for money, and gaped as I stood face-to-face with actor Tom Bosley. He was starring as Mr. Cunningham on “Happy Days,” at the time. My mouth opened and closed but no sound would come out. With a familiar glint in his eye, he grinned and said, “Hi! How ya doin’?” I simply dropped the candle onto a table, and moved to another section of the store.

RIP