Raised most of my childhood in Pasadena, CA, I graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in history. I spent 2 years in the army prior to the Vietnam War. I am a retired eighth grade English and American history teacher, having taught 31 years in Orinda, CA. I enjoyed coaching many of my school's boys and girls sports teams. Basketball was my favorite sport. My wife and I have lived the past 24 years on the Oregon coast. For 10 years I was active in local and state politics. Nine years ago I took great pleasure in giving my children and grandchildren copies of my novel, "Crossing the River." Now I have written a second historical novel, "Alsoomse and Wanchese." Both are legacies of sorts, expressions of who I am, testaments of what can be achieved by hard work.