Everyone has unique experiences in life. Each person has a story to tell and words of wisdom that can be shared with others. With that in mind, we’d like to introduce you to some of the wonderful people who live here at CHCC. Here is a recent resident spotlight Q&A session we did with Dennis F.
Have you lived in other places besides Lynden?
I was born in Bellingham at St. Luke’s Hospital and lived in Everson for most of my life. I lived with my sister there.
What was your first job?
My first job was milking cows. I didn’t get paid, but I liked keeping busy.
What other types of work did you do before retiring?
I worked the gate at the Deming Logging Show. My dad worked there for many years as a groundskeeper. I also worked at the Everson auction barn for 30 years. My job was to bring the animals out to the ring when they were getting ready to be auctioned.
What was your favorite thing about the work you did?
I liked working with the animals. I worked with animals all my life.
What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
Just working, keeping busy—not sitting around and doing nothing.
What is the hardest thing that you’ve lived through, and how did you get through it?
I got rammed once by a 2,000-pound black Angus bull. I had to go to the hospital, but nothing was broken. My left shoulder has never been the same.
What was your favorite decade to live in, and why?
I liked the ’50s and ’60s because of the music.
Who is your favorite author or musician?
Johnny Cash.
Do you have a favorite song, inspirational quote or Bible verse?
My favorite song is “A Boy Named Sue” by Johnny Cash.
What is one life lesson that you learned from your parents?
They taught me one thing: Don’t sit around—go after what you want and work hard. And that’s what I did.
What is one piece of advice that you would give a 16-year-old person?
Go out and get a job and earn your keep.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you, but you wish they did?
I worked hard and kept busy, and that’s what kept me going.
What is one thing that you like about living at CHCC?
I love it! I’ve met a lot of good people here. This is the easiest my life has ever been.