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For Obama, reunion with pals a link to simpler times

FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2014 file photo, President Barack Obama smiles while golfing with friends Bobby Titcomb, left, and Mike Ramos, on the 18th hole of the Mid Pacific Country Club in Kailua, Hawaii during the Obama family vacation. Since returning to his childhood home this month on vacation, President Barack Obama has spent nearly every day cloistered with three people whose company puts him at ease. It’s not his wife and daughters, who came with him, but a trio of pals whose friendship dates back to Obama’s high school days in Hawaii. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2014 file photo, President Barack Obama smiles while golfing with friends Bobby Titcomb, left, and Mike Ramos, on the 18th hole of the Mid Pacific Country Club in Kailua, Hawaii during the Obama family vacation. Since returning to his childhood home this month on vacation, President Barack Obama has spent nearly every day cloistered with three people whose company puts him at ease. It’s not his wife and daughters, who came with him, but a trio of pals whose friendship dates back to Obama’s high school days in Hawaii. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

By Associated Press December 30, 2014 1 min read

HONOLULU (AP) – Since returning to his childhood home this month on vacation, President Barack Obama has spent a good part of most days cloistered with three people whose company puts him at ease. They’re not his wife and daughters, but a trio of pals from high school.

The three men are among the few people still in Obama’s life who knew him long before he was famous. Their frequent reunions are one of Obama’s most visible links to days when his life was much simpler and problems more mundane.

On this visit, Obama has spent more than 22 hours with the group on the lush golf courses that dot the island of Oahu. When it rained, they went bowling, instead. And every year during Obama’s trip, they gather for a beachside barbecue.