What did you do right after we graduated?

After progressing through the Ann Arbor public school system, I attended Eastern Michigan University, as a trombone player, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music. Because of world circumstances at the time, I entered the U.S. Army, received my wings as a helicopter pilot and subsequently participated in the Vietnam conflict as a chief warrant officer.

What has been your occupation(s) over the past 50 years?

After finishing my service obligations, I joined my parents to build a resort, campgrounds and landscape business in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. That business was taken by the State of Michigan for a four lane highway across the Upper Peninsula (which never happened) and the landscape business moved to Marquette, Michigan in 1982. I spent the rest of my working career as a landscape designer and supervisor as well as garden center manager in this great city on Lake Superior.

Are you retired? If so, what are you doing in retirement?

I am now retired, although I still do landscape design and consulting on the side (marquettedesign.com) for folks who wish to do their own work, It's great to have more time for traveling, volunteering, yard work, teaching music lessons, relaxing, and performing music.

Please tell us about your family, spouse/s, children, grandchildren, etc.

I met my wife, Cheryl, while attending Eastern Michigan University. She, also, is a fellow trombone player. I have two wonderful daughters and five beautiful grandchildren. My youngest is living in Los Angeles (Calabasas area). We have enjoyed visiting her there many times. My oldest is married to a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army and has lived in many states and countries, which has been made for inexpensive vacations to Hawaii, Italy, Germany, and next, Japan.

What interests/activities do you find most satisfying?

While landscape design was my vocation, moving to Marquette allowed me to reconnect with my avocation, music. I play trombone in the Marquette City Band and Marquette Symphony Orchestra. I am a member of the Marquette Choral Society, the First United Methodist Church bell choir, sanctuary choir, and praise band (where I play electric bass, double bass and guitar). I enjoy writing and performing music and have written or arranged numerous compositions for English hand bells, praise band, brass groups, and choir.