I’m a born and raised Monrovian
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Where were you born and did you grow up here? Share a little about your childhood and your family.
I was born at Pasadena Saint Luke’s hospital. I was the fourth of four brothers and one sister. We went to Immaculate Conception school. I attended Clifton Middle School then Monrovia High School.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m a retired Operating Engineer. I ran heavy equipment for a foundation drilling company. My greatest love of my work was working outdoors. I’ve never had to sit behind a desk. On of my more rewarding jobs was the rebuild of the 5 and 14 freeways after the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Copper Still, Jake’s, Max’s.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
I’ve been in Monrovia from day one. One of my memories are the wonderful summer recreation programs. I went to Mayflower, but all the schools had the program. During the summer you would earn “lucky bucks” for doing different tasks or helping out. At the end of the summer, all the school would go to a big carnival at Library Park to spend your Lucky Bucks. What a memory.
Q: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you’ve met here in our community who helped you get to where you are or inspired you?
Peter Ostrey. He inspired me by instilling in me that I could be whatever I wanted, just give it the effort!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Anywhere you could view the Aurora Borealis!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
Illustrated man. Dragnet.
Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
I’ll quit when I stop learning or when it’s no longer fun!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Tour all fifty states.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
John Hammond.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Perspective, Bruno’s Sandwich Shop, the Continental restaurant, Buzzy Bees, Toy Haven.
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?
George Hill and we’d go to Monrovia Canyon falls for a bag lunch!
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
Over the years I would say our community leaders who had the foresight to turn the local foothill land into a wilderness preserve and not new tracts of homes! Monrovia has always been about community
Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
Don’t hit the back button lol.
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m pretty good on a sewing machine, I can build leather purses and saddlebags! I grow a mean vegetable garden.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
One of many hikes. Into the Grand Canyon to Vaseys Paradise, or hike to Big Whitney Meadows in the High Sierra.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Making retirement, my children and grandchildren.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The direction the city of Monrovia is headed! I see a great future.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My grandchildren.
Q: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
To love our fellow man and judge only by the content of their character and not the color of their skin!
Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
Hard work, always arrive early, give it 110% effort.
