Sons In Retirement

"An Organization Promoting the Independence and Dignity of Retirement"

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is SIR?
A: Sons In Retirement (SIR) is a non-profit public benefit corporation for retired men. SIR assists men in renewing old friendships and making new friends through SIR activities. Having fun is our goal. We have more than 20,000 members in 150 Branches throughout northern California from Bakersfield to the Oregon border and Lake Tahoe to the Pacific Ocean.

Membership is open to men retired from full-time occupation, regardless of age, race, color or religion. Member volunteers staff, administer and govern all Branch activities. SIR supports no outside cause or interest. We prohibit discussions of politics and religion or the selling of anything to any member. 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.

Each Branch has monthly luncheon meetings where Sirs renew old friendships and establish new ones. Speakers are invited to speak on topical subjects of general interest. Most Branches have summer and winter luncheons where wives, partners and guests are invited.

Of special interest are Branch activities like golf, bowling, computers, RV’s, investing, genealogy and many other activities of interest to our members.

An extensive travel program is available to all members and their guests. Travel events vary from one day local excursions to trips of several weeks duration to destinations throughout the world. It is great fun to travel with people you know.

Our founders chose the rooster as the official SIR logo to represent the freedom he displays around the barnyard. We have paid our dues to the business world and now is the time for us to strut and crow a little.


Q: How did SIR start?
A: 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.


Wallace Plummer


Claus J. Hink


Damian J. Reynolds


Lorenz H Hansen

A second meeting was held on August 20, 1958, and the eighteen 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. NOTE: August 2013 Rule change allows Branches to charge Dues if they wish.

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.


Q: How do I join?
A: You may call the SIR Hotline at 1-877-747-9066 or send us an e-mail by clicking here. Let us know your name, address, e-mail address, telephone number and the reason for your contact. If you have a branch preference, let us know the Branch number. We will forward your message to an appropriate SIR contact. You should hear from us in several days. Occasionally, due to vacations or other interruptions, we may not be able to respond immediately, but we WILL respond at the earliest opportunity .

The SIR contact will tell you about your closest branch, its location, its meeting place, meeting day and time, plus the array of activities available. If there are several branches to choose from, he will help you decide on one that best fits your needs.

If you are already familiar with SIR and know of a Branch you wish to join, please include this in your inquiry. If you are not familiar with our Branch locations we have two page links that will help you. Each show branch location, meeting place, meeting day and time. It is not necessary to have this specific branch information or preference because your SIR contact will be able to provide this information and more.

Clicking on Choose A City is probably more direct if you are in a big city which is likely to have one or more branches.

Clicking on Choose A Region is probably best if you are in a small town or remote location. The boundaries between regions are approximate and you may need to click on an adjacent region.

After you have selected an appropriate branch, the SIR contact will arrange for you to attend a meeting, following which the next steps will be explained at the Branch level.