Here is a brief bio of your old classmate “Stew” Evans. I live in Kingman, AZ, am married (1970 -35 yrs 2nd time around). Had 4 children from first try, lost 2 boys and a daughter (1 month , 28 yr. old and my daughter was 39 yr. old). Have 5 stepkids from present marriage (all gone, whew!)
Joined Navy out of HS (Pensacola - maintaining service records for “Blue Angels” and then in ’58 into a helicopter squadron in Key West, FL – just a month after Castro took over Cuba). Out in ’59, worked for Marine Midland and Syracuse Savings (teller, computer operator). Went to GE as computer operator – got laid off, went back into Navy in ’67. Went to Naval Air Station Alameda, CA (in fighter squadron and helicopter squadron). Transferred to NAS Whidbey Island, WA in ’72 and left in ’75 to NAS Moffett Field, CA (San Jose). Attached to Reserve Patrol Wing Pacific and made Chief Petty Officer in ‘76. Transferred to NAS Alameda again in ’78 and planned, staffed and initiated the first Personnel Support Detachment which was an overall personnel office for all commands on the base, both USN and USNR (approx. 3,500 records). Prior to the PSD concept each command had their own personnel office. Transferred to the staff of the Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific at North Island, CA (San Diego) in ’80 and spent most of my time traveling as we (my boss and I) had responsibility for all the area from the Mississippi River to Hawaii and visited various bases to talk retention with base commanders, career counselors, and groups. At the least, we tried to persuade those getting off active duty to join the reserves so that they could return (if later decided) to active duty without loss of time in grade. Retired in ’83 and settled in the San Francisco Bay Area (East Bay).
Performed admin work such as word processing of reports for Environmental and Geotechnical Engineers for 15 years prior to moving to Kingman, AZ in ’98. In Kingman I worked for two years as the Mohave County Victim Rights Coordinator for the Sheriff’s Office. Later I took a part-time job as an evidence room technician with the Kingman Police Department. I finally decided I didn’t want to get up that early every morning so I retired in early 01. The only work we do now is for H&R Block during tax season.
Woodworking is my primary hobby as we do occasional shows in the area. We used to do them every weekend when we lived in the Bay Area, but it’s a little too much effort these days. I still do a lot of custom work for those that want me to make something special or different. I enjoy it but my arthritis sometimes limits me.
Bowling also takes up some of our time as I haven’t missed being in at least one league every year for over 50 years. Peggie averages about 170 and I run about 180, so we compete with each other a lot. We also spend one day a week in Laughlin, NV in the casinos (they keep most of our funds on deposit???) as we are only 35 miles away (but 2,800 feet higher than Laughlin on the Colorado River).
We presently have 3 cats and have always had at least 2-3 since 1971. They are always male flame-point Siamese that are fixed, declawed and never go outside (they’d be coyote treats). We’ve had about 9 of them since 1971 and the present ones are 1, 9 and 11 years. We figure if we had only had 9 cats vice 9 kids, we’d be much wealthier today.
Healthwise, were holding our own. I had a mild heart attack in ’89 and since have had 6 angioplasticies. Also gall bladder out, throat surgery (no tonsils, adenoids, uvula [dangly thing] and overall widening of my throat due to sleep apnea and snoring, but I still snore-badly), ear removed to drill bone from in front of ear drum (at least he put it back on straight, well, close anyway), 3 rotator cuff surgeries, wrist surgery, 2 nose surgeries (deviated septum), herniated disk in lower back from screwing up on a straddle vault over a horse in gym class with no spotter in '55- should have listened to Jerry Prighoff, and good old Mr. arthritis. Other than those things, I’ve been fine. Peggie had a heart attack (severe) here in Kingman 2000. They brought her back with paddles and she’s been just fine ever since. No other problems for her other than a little emphazema (smoker) and skin exzema (can’t stay in sun very long or she breaks out in lots of bumps, yukky looking).
Well, that’s my life in a nutshell!! I’m happy to say that it’s been a great ride and I’ve seen and experienced just about everything (good and bad) a person can, both in the U.S. and abroad. It’s a big world with so many colorful characters and to think that I’ve had the pleasure and honor of seeing and doing so much is overwhelming. Be the good Lord willing (and the creek doesn’t rise), I look forward to seeing you all in 2006.
Who’s going to be the next classmate to step up to the plate and let us know what’s been happening in his or her life???? (C’mon, if I can let it all hang out, so can you!!)
