I grew up in Mason and have lived here my entire life. I am a husband, father, and grandfather. I am a retired public school teacher, firefighter, church volunteer, and golfer. I have been married to Cindy (an absolute saint!) for 46 years. Of course, anyone who can put up with me for that long is destined for sainthood!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Cindy and I have a son and a daughter – both are married to awesome spouses and they each have 3 children. Our 6 grandchildren are each unique and very special in their own way. My son’s family lives in Walker, a suburb of Grand Rapids, and my daughter’s family lives in Brunswick, about 20 minutes southwest of Cleveland.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I taught in the Mason Public Schools for 41 years. Most of that time was spent in 6th grade at the Middle School. I coached freshman basketball for 32 years and freshman football for 18. I was a member of the Mason Fire Dept. for 40 years, serving as a firefighter and eventually Captain. During that time, I also served as the Training Coordinator for the fire departments in Ingham County. I now work part-time at Eldorado Golf Course.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Darbs, City Limits, Klavons, Los Tres, and the Courthouse Pub are all places we enjoy frequently.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
All of my life (so far)!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Phyllis Baisch would have to be the most interesting person I have met here in Mason, although there are a multitude of personalities I could name. Phyllis was an accomplished actress as well as a 5th-grade teacher at Cedar Street Elementary. When she read a story to her class, it was mesmerizing. She was also my supervising teacher when I was doing my student teaching.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
If I could go anywhere in the world, I would probably have a difficult time choosing. Spending time in Hawaii or Aruba with my lovely wife, enjoying the tropical weather, ocean, and beauty of the place, or golfing with my son at Bandon Dunes in Oregon. Tough choices!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The NCIS, FBI shows are some of our favorites. Of course, Chicago Fire is high on the list. The Greatest Showman and Saving Private Ryan are two of my favorite movies.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Live, laugh, and love!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Taking my children, their spouses, and grandchildren to some of the most special places in Michigan. These would include Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, a Detroit Tiger’s game, Traverse City, and Sleeping Bear Dunes, just to name a few.
Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I don’t have a “go-to” band. My playlist consists of country music and the oldies.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Kean’s. It has been here for my entire life. I went there as a child and youth. My daughter worked there. My wife loves to shop there. I was part of the effort of numerous fire departments to save Kean’s, not once, but twice.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with Jack Nicklaus on the deck at Eldorado Golf Course. Jack has always been one of the people I look up to. He is a gentleman, a family man, a class act, and a “pretty good” golfer.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Cindy and I were sitting on the bench honoring Chief Jim Pelton one evening in downtown Mason, watching people arrive for movie night on the courthouse square. The Courthouse was framed by a crystal blue sky. It doesn’t get more Norman Rockwell than that picture.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years, I see myself right where I am right now. Living in Mason and traveling to Grand Rapids and Ohio on a regular basis to spend time with my children, their spouses, and our grandchildren.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have been given 3 life-saving awards for being a part of rescues from 3 different structure fires. I have also been Citizen of the Year for my service to the community of Mason.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I can not name one place the I would rate as the most beautiful. Hawaii, Aruba, the Grand Canyon, Bandon Dunes, northern Michigan, a sunset over Lake Michigan, the beaches on Anna Maria Island, and the list goes on.
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? The best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is February when we head to Florida. My favorite holiday must be Christmas and my best single day is August 2, our anniversary.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife inspires me each day to be a better person. She is one of the most impressive people I have ever met. She is kind, caring, empathetic, supportive, and an incredible listener. I rate her a 10 of 10!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The smell of Thanksgiving dinner brings thoughts of family, friends, a delicious meal, and all the blessings I have been so fortunate to have in my life.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for The Faces of Ingham County?
I would highly recommend Cindy Hyaduck as a person who has made Ingham County a better place to live.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, Laughter, and Family.
