The day will come when I will die. So the only matter of consequence before me is what I will do with my allotted time. I can remain on shore, paralyzed with fear, or I can raise my sails and dip and soar in the breeze.--Richard Bode



About me

I will retire at the end of the school year in the Spring of 2013..  When I retire I will be three months short of 70 years old.  That will mark the end of 65 years in the classroom as a student and teacher.  I will be plenty old enough to leave the chalk dust behind, don't you think?

I taught many things in my career: geography, religion, history, computers.  But mostly I taught science. Learning about plants, animals and the natural world is one of my primary passions.  I love the mountains, forests, rivers and seas, and I much prefer nature over cities and man-made things.

Teaching has allowed me the free time to explore that passion. I have done my share of flying (before it became too expensive for the common man to do), mountain climbing, whitewater kayaking, hiking, and adventure travel.

It has been a good life all in all,  I have worked hard, had a positive impact on some students, learned a lot,  found myself a good wife, fathered three intelligent and healthy children, and became the proud grandfather of  six marvelous grandchildren. I am very satisfied with how it has all turned out.

So now I begin a new chapter in my life: I'm off to explore the world on my motorcycle. I do this with the full blessing of my wife, who graciously encourages my lifelong dream of seeing the world.  It is not a dream she herself shares, but she does promise to join me from time-to-time when I am in places she wants to see.  I look forward to that. Meanwhile, I plan to do this traveling of mine in stages, coming home often and spending time with those I love.

I once read on a restaurant wall that we should not plan to arrive at the grave never having experienced life, but rather to slide into the grave yelling "Whoo-ee, what a ride". I guess that kind of sums up my philosophy.


My wife and me


My three children: Erin, Victoria and Jessica

My sister, Dena