“I'm a proud member of the esteemed class of 1967.I went from being a Pioneer to a Wolverine, Business School, class of 1971. After trying other work in the world of business, accounting beckoned. Grand Valley provided my accounting education. A Detroit-based company transferred us to Southern California and we've never looked back. It was here where I met the love of my life, Gaby Mestas, she of an amazing Hispanic Familia which includes 12 siblings. My four sons (first marriage) and Gaby's son and daughter have gifted us with 15 grands and 2 greats. To say we're blessed would be a gross understatement. I don't plan on ever retiring in the conventional sense. My latest career is that of a budding author. The current project is a book chronicling the 1969 Michigan Football Team. If you were at that season's Ohio State game, we should talk. :)"
You can only have one: Rose’s caramel corn, an ice cream cone from Jersey Junction, or a Yesterdog. Which do you choose?
Rose's caramel corn, followed closely by Jersey Junction. Fun fact: JJ was founded by our classmate Chris Van Allsburg's mama.
More on Roses. I used to skate there. Fabulous memories. I remember well the wonderful feeling of coming in from the cold to the inside warmth. Can't forget my usual lunch: hot dog with ketchup and onions. I go back to the days when they used to make a hockey rink by putting up boards. We'd go to watch the Grand Rapids Rockets play there.
What was your path from East Grand Rapids to where you are now in life?
U of M was followed by jobs in GR and Detroit. It was the Detroit company that transferred us to SoCal. We settled in Claremont, about 35 miles due east of Los Angeles. Claremont reminds me of a midwestern town plopped down in the sprawling metropolis which is LA. (Come visit us in ‘28 for the Olympics.)
Since getting here in 1979, we've never looked back. Just can't beat our weather. However, it's so true that you just can't take the Michigan out of the boy...
What specific thing did you learn in East that has enabled you to be successful?
I guess I'd say the importance of community. See the eighth question for more. Generally speaking, it would be the overall quality of the faculty, of the education itself.
What were you like in school?
Quite possibly the easiest of all these questions. I was rather quiet. I was very short on self-confidence. Much more a follower than a leader which did change some as I got older.
Did you have a favorite teacher or class?
So many teachers to choose from. I'm a sucker for anyone of great intellect with a good sense of humor. So the two faculty members I go with are Herbie Brenner and Joe Wisz. Memorable math teachers included Bob Alguire, Ralph Sims (misunderstood and underappreciated), Miss DeJung. Loved doing proofs in Ralph's geometry class. There was no more beneficial class than Mrs Nelson's typing class.
If you had to choose one moment in one location to serve as the signature moment of your East school experience, what would it be?
Tough one this. I'll go with two: November 22, 1963 at about 2:00pm in Miss DeJung's class/sitting in about the 3rd row/just right of center: JFK is dead.
The sound of our crowd at the Godwin Heights gym (they were our biggest rival at the time), boys basketball, when we'd score a go ahead basket late.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known then?
Easy one. Myself. In my seventh decade, I've begun to know Dave. All's well that ends well, right? "He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened."-Lao Tzu
Do you stay in touch with many people from East Grand Rapids?
Sure do. Periodic reunions of our intramural basketball team, the F& R Rejects. (Each of us was cut by either Frank Kuta or Ralph Simms.) John Branston. Bill Doelle. Dan Kimball. Cory Menees. Dave Verdier. Jim Wares. Pete Wege. In addition, we have a marvelous committee, chaired by Margie Idema, which puts on great reunions every five years now. Two wonderful communities.
What advice do you have for young East alums who are just starting out?
Never underestimate the importance, the power, of networking with others. It's how jobs are landed. It's one way a life is enriched. Finally, embrace your inner leader.
Who else would you like us to have a virtual cup of coffee with?
Any of the other F&R Rejects. Ron Kutchinski (Olympian; great guy; a year or two older than we were). The aforementioned Chris Van Allsburg, winner of two Caldecott Awards (for Jumanji and Polar Express). The diplomat Bridgett Brink, former ambassador to Ukraine. And if I could turn back the clock, it would be the amazing Dave Fogel.
Bonus question: What are you glad we didn’t ask you about?
My dating life, such as it was. Hard to have one when you barely speak to girls over the course of four years! That, too, changed over time. :)
