Born in Welland, Ontario, a blue-collar town in the Niagara Peninsula. Backpacked the world and lived in Australia because I was almost broke when I got there.
I’ve been a paperboy, grocery clerk, sales rep, iron worker, framer, painter, mink ranch hand, assembly line rubber plant worker (lawnmower tires, auto weather stripping), freelance astronaut (no offers), boilermaker apprentice, delivery driver, and career firefighter and officer. I’ve also played drums in the Black Gold Big Band and was a fastball catcher for many years in the Edmonton city league (separated shoulder, lost teeth, knocked out cold 2x, dislocated finger, and drank mucho brewskis). I’ve raised three children, all university grads.
Edmonton Fire station #26, my last assignment. Present are District Chief and the big rookie.
I spent 32 years with the one of the best fire rescue services in the world. Edmonton firefighters are dedicated, courageous, and compassionate. They have never ceased to amaze me in their conduct and abilities. Any problem from the bizarre to hazardous is resolved. They don’t need no “stinking TV shows!” about them. Because of them I became a better man. I was promoted to an officer and became a senior captain, a huge challenge mentally and also physically for my age. I had to retire before they put me on the radio. Edmonton Fire Radio. I retired in Jan. 2010 as a senior captain. I live in Beaumont, AB with Gloria, an artist.
I write, travel (see some pix in Lost in Translation tab), do a bit of fishing and boating, drink demon rum, belong to a writers group, do occasional renos, fix everything that’s falling apart around me and sit on my butt outside in the good weather reading a decent book; like those in the column on the right side. The last few years have been wonderful for traveling: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Beijing, Seoul, Kelowna, Toronto, Detroit, Dominican Republic, Niagara, Banff/Jasper, Mexico, and Phoenix. We visit Toronto a few times a year to see our grand daughter Bronwyn. That’s just since 2009. I expect to keep sticking pins in the world map.
North Saskatchewan River @ Devon – our summer hangout
Hey buddy! You’re 57? I will be getting this book and looking for you to sign it for me. say hello to Gloria.