Realizing the social nature of  man and the desire for the  company of others, particularly those retired  from gainful employment, the late Damian L. Reynolds conceived the idea of SONS IN RETIREMENT in the Spring of 1958.   
Three friends, all retired, met with  Mr. Reynolds on occasion for  a friendly  luncheon.  He suggested to these three, Messrs: Claus Hink, Lorenz. H. Hansen  and Wallace Plummer, that they join him in his idea. A kick-off luncheon was held in San Mateo, California on July 23, 1958.
 

Damian J. Reynolds

Claus J. Hink

Lorenz H Hansen

Wallace Plummer

A second meeting was held on August 20, 1958, and the 18 present adopted the name of SONS IN RETIREMENT.  Because most retired men wish nothing to do with things pertaining to inactivity, the chosen name seemed to enunciate and give dignity to retirement.
Basic  guidelines  of SONS IN RETIREMENT were set forth in Rules and Procedures drawn up at the time of incorporation in 1959. These have been revised from time to time.
1. It was to be a luncheon club composed of men retired from gainful employment.
2. There were to be no dues, initiation fees or assessments other than normal voluntary contributions at each luncheon to cover expenses.
3. The organization would espouse no political party, religion or sect of any kind.
4. Eligible men would be invited to join after attending at least one luncheon meeting and being introduced by the member who would sponsor him.
5. The club would meet monthly for lunch, at the member's expense, and a program would become part of each luncheon.

First Meeting of SIR Las Trampas 116 - January 16, 1984

Walnut Creek Branch 8 initiated the organization of Walnut Creek Las Trampas Branch 116 when it realized the facilities available for meetings could not accommodate the demand for membership.
The first organizational meeting was held November 7, 1983 at the Elks Club with 36 members including 7 active members from Branch 8 and 29 from that Branches waiting list. Past BIG SIR Emerson Blodgett and Branch 8 officers assisted in the organizational efforts. Volunteering for new appointments were: BIG SIR Norm Franz; LITTLE SIR Bob Larrabee; SECRETARY Larry Eginton; TREASURER Selby Bobzein.
  The probationary charter was issued by the State Board of Directors in December, 1983.
  On January 16, 1984, the members named the new branch, LAS TRAMPAS BRANCH 116 and the following directors were appointed: Dick Beach, Bill Connelly, Chub Daniels, J. D. Hodapp, Al Kauder and John Quenvold.
 On May 21, 1984, the branch attained the 100 membership enrollment and thereby received its official charter.
 LAS TRAMPAS BRANCH 116 and 5 other branches form SIR Area 2, consisting of Walnut Creek Branch 8, Clayton Branch 19, Rossmoor Branch 81, Pleasant Hill Branch 146 and Lamorinda Branch 171.