Steve Smith (Multiple Updates)
2014
Update
50 years later, to my 1964
LHS classmates, I hope you are healthy, happy, wealthy, and wise.
We were an assortment of the same age, at the same time, in the
same place, but with different backgrounds, influences, values, and goals.
Some time prior to graduation, a group of us were discussing (probably
over coffee and bread at Santeramos while listening
to "Maria Elena") the changes it would mean in our lives. One
was thrilled about finally getting total liberty, and another was worried about
having to become lone provider. So, like those little turtles
racing
across the sand to reach the sea, we burst out towards the perils
and rewards of life in the world.
If statistics are compiled and put to graph, my college attendance
was only one class of flight ground school and courses in emergency medical
techniques I, II , & III. I married at 19,
still am, and never divorced, 50 years next year. Two kids, one of each, both U
of O Duck grads. We're Christians, but not church members. We lived
at 23 different addresses in two states.
I worked several vocations, but mainly worked in construction (as Mrs. Tindall advised my aptitude test scores suggested). I
was mostly a self-employed contractor, but finished my last 15 years a commercial
const. superintendent. Built 250+ buildings, houses,
apts., offices, churches, schools, and hospitals in five states. I
always did my own taxes- audited only once, 1968. (a
credit to my LHS
math teachers maybe?) I never had a million $, but never
declared bankruptcy either. I was never
selected to sit on a jury. Never held a
public office, I've never run for one. I'm registered a Republican, but vote
independent. Never
voted for the last four Presidents.
I've never been in jail, never been arrested, no DUI's. I have scars,
but no tattoos. I've climbed peaks (not
"... Every Mountain"), explored caves. Experienced solo flight, and
scuba diving. I've been to
Europe, but not the other continents. Visited Canada, but not Mexico. Alaska
twice, but never Florida. Seen
Hollywood & Vegas, but not Mardi Gras or the big
apple. Old cars are my hobby, but I have
bought 8 new vehicles between 1968-2014. Have owned 160+ cars, trucks, motorcycles, rv's, and boats, vintage 1917-2014.; including 7 Porsches
and Corvettes, but never a Ferrari. A LaFayette
and a Franklin, but alas, never a Packard.
At 68, I can't remember where I put something down 5 minutes ago,
but can remember Garfield, Truscott,
and ol' LHS. Old songs can
take me right back there. 1957-1964. Regrets?.... just four... Things I
said. Things I didn't say. Things I did. Things I didn't do.
Not sure about the reunion; I'd like to cruise my boat up to
Prince Rupert while I'm young. Do I
revisit the past, or live the present? "You can't always get what
you want". But this rambling report is proof that I'm
still around and can still type and hit send. How about you?
SS
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2010
Update
RETIRED!
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2007 Update
Still working, no retirement in
sight, unless I hit the lotto.
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2004 Update
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