There just are so many similarities in the lives of Jerry Robinson and his old and dear (sometimes) friend, Earl Cruzen, now of Alki.

Both were born in 1920, Jerry Robinson, in Portland, Earl Cruzen in West Seattle's Highland Park. Both sold magazines at age 10, both walked long distances in summer, often barefooted. Robinson walked to swim in Peninsula Park; Cruzen to swim in the Alki Natatorium.

Both cut Christmas trees at age 12, Cruzen where the tree-covered Gatewood Hill reservoir is now. Robinson in nearby woods. Both got used bikes at age 10 and both had daily paper routes at age 14.

Both worked at Boeing Plant No. 2 as electricians building B-17 bombers. Earl started as rivet bucker. Jerry was a mechanic injured by a rivet bucker dropping a bar on his head (editor's note: So that is what is wrong with him.) Cruzen denies guilt.

Cruzen married wife who worked in a bank. So did Robinson but the bank was in Germany.

Cruzen made his living distributing auto accessories, and parts. Robinson writing about Cruzen who was always making news in West Seattle getting murals on business buildings and raising money for the college.