Hi,
I regret that Molly & I will not be able to attend the KHS 45th reunion. I can appreciate all the hard work that You, Wanda, Edie, Irene, & Cindi have put into this. Thank you all.
You asked for a synopsis, which by definition is brief, so I'll try to keep it that way. Here goes:
After graduation, I attended University of Idaho for two years, and finally decided that college wasn't for me. I joined the U.S. Navy, took training as an Engineman, volunteered for submarine duty, and earned my dolphins on two subs-first on an old W.W. II boat, and next on a new (at the time) FBM nuclear-powered sub, where I specialized in atmosphere control, air conditioning, and hydraulic systems.
I was honorably discharged from the Navy in June of 1972, went to work in my aunt & uncle's water conditioning business in San Jose, where I installed & repaired water softeners for two years. I really enjoyed the work, but grew tired of being in the city, and decided to move back to the Great Northwest where I had been discharged from the Navy.
I moved to Shelton, Washington in 1974. Construction was booming here at the time, and I found work driving truck and operating heavy equipment. I guess I finally found what I was meant to do, as I have been working with trucks & equipment ever since, and I love what I do.
I also met Molly here in Shelton, we were married in 1975, and will be celebrating our 35th anniversary this December 27th. Molly and I raised three sons and a daughter, and are now happy to have ten grandchildren, so there a lot of Deacons in this area now. Molly and I are currently finishing a new house on the same property we have lived on since 1976. We have ten acres in the woods and really enjoy being able to look any direction and not see another house.
I started working for City of Shelton Public Works driving an automated garbage truck in 1984, and am now Head Mechanic of the shop and Fleet Manager for Public Works cars, pickups, trucks, and heavy equipment. Although I don't drive truck or operate equipment much any more, I'm still surrounded by it, and I really love my job. I think I inherited my love of things mechanical from my Dad.
I guess that's about it for the last 45 years. My best wishes to all of you. Have a great time, and have a drink or two for me.
Sincerely,
John Deacon
