Hi, Golden. I'm a farm boy. I was raised on a small ranch/farm in south-central Kansas near St John. I attended Kansas State University, where I gained my DVM in 1967. I love learning and have a Master of Public Health and an MBA. In 1968, I joined the Air Force, planning to serve only two years, found my calling, and served for 30. I was stationed at locations around the globe. My duties included clinical veterinary medicine and public health and prevention. I retired as a Colonel and last served as Chief of Prevention in the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General, Headquarters Air Force, Washington, D.C. LouAnne and I moved to Golden in 1999 when I became Director of Environmental Health, Jefferson County Public Health, where I served until 2012. I strongly believe in community service. I was active in organized public health, serving as President of the Colorado Directors of Environmental Health and President of the Colorado Public Health Association. Additionally, I was on the Executive Committee of the American Public Health Association and served on advisory committees for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and at Colorado State University. Here in Golden, I served on the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, Planning Commission, Sustainability Advisory Board, and on City Council. I also served as a member of the Golden Welcome Center Board, Jefferson County Budget Advisory Committee, and Denver Metro Area Agency for the Aging Advisory Committee. I met my wife, LouAnne, while serving in the Air Force in Turkey, where she was teaching in the Department of Defense Schools for the children of Air Force members. We have two children and four grandchildren. We love living in Golden and our wonderful neighborhood. I enjoy singing and am a long-time member of my church choir. I enjoy walking our dog, golfing, skiing, watching sports, biking, and reading.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants or breweries in our community?
The Golden City Brewery, El Dorado Mexican Restaurant and Ali Baba Grill
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Over 26 years
Q: What is one of your favorite hiking or biking trails?
I used to hike up North Table Mountain to the Lollipop tree, but now my dog Kringle and I mostly hike over to the North Table Mountain Climbing access parking lot. Kringle and I also like the Tucker Gulch Trail and hike out to the Highway 58 Trail for biking and hiking/walking.
Q: What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
To be more patient, tolerant, and kind
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Buffalo Rose in downtown Golden and the Rock Rest on South Golden Road
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the views! I was raised in Kansas, so I love being able to see a long ways. My favorite views are of the valley as I top the hill driving northwest on Highway 6 by the “Taj,” and from the Fossil Trace Clubhouse patio. Also, I love looking out toward Golden from up by the Lollipop tree on North Table Mountain.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
For much of my childhood, I was raised on a farm with no electricity, running water, or indoor bathroom. The original Dale farmhouse pitcher pump is yard art in our rose garden.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, LouAnne
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Friends, family, and belonging
