What Is SIR?

Having spent our entire lives working in shops, behind desks or on the road, its time for all of us to kick back and enjoy what life has to offer. Sons In Retirement (SIR) is an organization, the sole purpose of which is to provide men who have retired from the active workforce, an opportunity to enjoy the fellowship of old friends and new ones in a non-political, non-commercial, and non-demanding setting.  SIR members get together at least once each month to have lunch, discuss the topics of the day, and to have fun.  Additionally, there is a full calendar of activies like bowling, golf, cards and travel in which members can choose (or not) to participate. Having fun is our goal. There are approximately 15 ,000 members in local branches throughout Northern California from Bakersfield to the Oregon border and Lake Tahoe to the Pacific Ocean.  The doors of each branch are wide open to members as they travel throughout the region.

The only requirements to join SIR are that a man be retired, or semi-retired, be able to attend the monthly luncheons, and be sponsored by an active member. Regardless of age, race, color or religion membership is open to all men. The branch is governed and the activities run by volunteers and SIR supports no outside cause or interest and within the organization, the selling of anything to any member is not allowed. As noted in the Statewide SIR web page:

“We don't raise money. We don't have a political agenda. We don't have a religious orientation. We don't sell light bulbs or anything else. We don't have a problem with organizations that do these things, its just that we don't. You've paid your dues to the working world - it's time to enjoy life.”

Each month, the members of Gateway 169 get together on the second Tuesday for lunch at Pardini’s restaurant on west Shaw Avenue in Fresno.  At the luncheons, we socialize, get reports about the recent activities of our branch, celebrate birthdays and enjoy brief programs presented by people from our community and surrounding areas.  It is stressed that participation in the luncheons is vital to the life of our organization and members are urged not to miss more than six lunches per year.

At the lunches and through this website, members can sign up for a variety of social and sports activities. Currently, our members are particularly active in golf, bowling, computer user discussions, travel and evening dining.

Through the auspices of our own chapter together with the tours and trips offered by other chapters, there is an extensive array of travel opportunities for all members and their guests. Travel events vary from one day local excursions to more lengthy trips to destinations within our country as well as throughout the world. It is great fun to travel with people you know.

Like to learn more about us?

Click here:  Tell me more about SIR 169!