I was born during World War II in 1943 in San Diego. I had such brain damage during birth that the doctor didn’t expect me to live, but God had other plans. My daddy died when I was twelve, and my one regret I had was that he never knew me as a reader. I wanted to become a teacher to help kids like me. I began to read a little in Jr. High and got lots of help in high school. I went to Pasadena Nazarene College and graduated in 1965. I minored in speech so I could learn to speak correctly and also learn how to write. I majored in elementary education. During my first year of teaching, I got drafted, and ended up as a jungle warfare specialist. I ended up in Germany as a personal specialist. I was glad to be typing and not fighting, but I was still left with PTSD, which I became thankful for because it helps me understand kids. I would say church was one of the most important things in my life and still is.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I met my wife, Alpha, my first year of teaching here in Monrovia in 1968 after the Army. I have two boys. My wife died 5-1/2 years ago of breast cancer. Four years ago my youngest son married a beautiful young lady from Indonesia, and now I have a beautiful daughter.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
After the Army, I taught in Monrovia for 36 years at Plymouth, and then at Wild Rose. I never considered myself a teacher, but one that shared my life with my students. When I retired, I started volunteering for the Forest Service up in our mountains. I also started a church in Monrovia and Joined with IFGF located next to Library Park. I like building relationships with those I worked with at school and at church.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
They are not here now, but I liked Eli’s and Wang’s, and also Bob’s. All great for taking my family.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I started teaching in Monrovia in 1968 when I got out of the Army. I moved to Monrovia in 1969.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Mr. Jeffries as in Jeffries Road in the south part of town. He told me stories about many things that happened in Monrovia when he was living down there. Huntington Drive was a dirt road.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Indonesia to visit with my Indonesian family and friends.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
TV – MASH! I could tell a story about my time in the Army for each episode.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Love the Lord and love your neighbor.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Be able to keep going fishing.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I like listening to the old hymns of the church.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Woolworth’s, where I could go to the soda fountain.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Dr. James Dobson. I haven’t talked to him in years, and would like to talk to him again. I would like to go to Rudy’s.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
I like the way we live so close to the mountains. We went to Yosemite many times, but once my son said, “We have more animals at home.”
Q: What is your greatest regret?
Quick words I said to my mother.
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
When Cher was filming Mask, she sent word through some of the students that she wanted to meet me. I stopped by one evening after school and, sure enough, she did. She was sure glad that I stopped by and so glad to see me. I don’t know what the kids had told her about me.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Yosemite
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Taking time to stop and talk to a troubled student, whether it was at school, church, or summer camp with students.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Every person – not the way I see them, but the way God sees them.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daddy.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Homemade bread baking
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, family, pets
