I’ll expand a bit on the About tab at TMSgallery.
I was born in Kansas City, Kansas with my twin sister. Sherry is ten minutes older and I tell her that I was a gentleman already and let her out first. About a year later, along came Steve, my brother. Then, Janie, Kathy and, last but not least, Barbie. Six siblings was not unusual in those times.
We lived in Kansas City, KS, Indianapolis, IN and Gladstone, MO; but landed in Kansas City, MO in the Brookside area when I was 12 years old. That’s where Mom & Dad established permanent roots as we all made memories at 6544 Edgevale Road. Lots of growing pains, lots of fun and lots of history!
After attending Rockhurst High School, I studied engineering science at Rockhurst College and eventually earned a masters degree in electrical engineering at the University of Missouri. My LinkedIn page provides a chronology of my engineering career engagements.
I met my wife, Nora, at Rockhurst College. She also came from a big family with three brothers and three sisters. We dated for two years, were engaged for one year and married in 1976. Had an awesome Irish/Polish wedding and reception!
We decided to be a “couple” before we became a “few” – so, didn’t start our family for several years. Bryan, Mark and Annie are our children, born approximately two years apart. We had a birth every odd year of the 1980’s decade, until we figured out how that happens!
All of our kids went to Holy Cross Catholic Grade School, St. Thomas Aquinas High School and the University of Kansas. All three are married now. Bryan & Erica have Sophia and Lincoln; Mark & Kristin have Beau, Isla and Phin; Annie & Sean have Mac, Shea, Teagan and Quinn. So, it’s quite the party when the 17 of us get together!
Nora and I have been blessed with a wonderful family life – not only our immediate family of kids and grand kids, but also all of our siblings, nieces and nephews, as well as grand nieces and nephews; and we keep in touch with our cousins and their families. We’ve also been blessed with life-long friends and love to socialize. Blessed indeed!
As we became empty nesters and I semi retired, Nora and I have been able to travel a little, both in the US and abroad. We’ve also been able to spend time with our kids, grand kids, siblings, relatives and friends. And, I’ve had time to pursue my art!
My particular art form is oil painting, but art comes in many forms – painting, sculpture, music, poetry, prose, theater, film and more. I have a tremendous amount of respect for anyone who can play a musical instrument or speak a foreign language. Please exercise your right brain!
“When you incorporate art into your life . . . that depth feeds your mind and your soul.”