Have you lived in other places besides Lynden?
I was born in Butte, Montana, in 1940. My dad was in the military, and when the war broke out, they wanted him to take care of the battleships and equipment, so they moved us all to Port Orchard, Washington. I loved that little town. We lived in the most incredible 100-year-old house at the time. I’ve also lived in Puyallup and Oroville, Washington, as well as in Sacramento, California.
What industry did you retire from?
I had a few different careers. I served in the Navy. I also worked in the distribution center at Costco for, oh boy, a long time — over 20 years. I was also a salesman selling medical and surgical supplies for a short while.
What was your favorite thing about the work you did?
Things moved really fast, and there were always plenty of jobs to do. It was a good place to work. I really enjoyed working with the people, too.
If you could have any type of food today, what would it be?
I really like seafood, any kind – just not in the water! Maybe a nice salmon dish.
What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
I think raising my kids. They went through college and didn’t get into any trouble. They were really good kids.
What is one thing you did or experienced that was scary?
My brother and I were out in Port Orchard in the middle of the Sound in this handmade wooden raft. It seemed pretty solid — well, until it wasn’t! [Said with a laugh.] The water kept pushing us out further and further. My brother says, “Let’s swim for it!” and I said, “Are you kidding?!” A private boat notified the Coast Guard, and they sent a cruiser to come get us. We ended up being just fine, but it sure was scary.
What was your favorite decade to live in, and why?
Probably my high school years. My parents always got along pretty well, and we had lots of fun growing up.
What is one life lesson that you learned from your parents?
Always treat people the way you want to be treated.
What is one piece of advice that you would give a 16-year-old person today?
Don’t take my advice! [Said with a laugh.]
What is one thing most people don’t know about you but you wish they did?
Oh, well, I don’t know. I guess that I’m an honest man.
You’ve lived through other historical events — wars and recessions and such. What do you think of the pandemic that we’re living through now?
Well, needless to say, I think we’ve got a lot to learn from COVID-19.
What is one thing that you like about living at CHCC?
My wife, Ann, lives here at CHCC, too, and I get to visit her often. We have been married for 65 years! Also, the nursing staff are all very nice, and they’re so helpful with taking care of the residents here.