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Stan Toney
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Occupation: Store Manager) Marital Status: Married No. of Children: 1 From Stan: The years have really flown by…..just like Mom said they would. Carol and I have been married 35 years now, and our only son, Brian, is married and living in South Carolina! He has 2 sons, Simon, who is 2+, and Nolan, who is 2 ½ months. He is a high school band teacher, and plays the trumpet (of course), and his wife, Amy, is an elementary music teacher. She will be a stay-at-home mom until the kids are in school, though. The hardest part of this “assignment” was finding a decent picture of Carol and me, so we wound up with this picture of us with Simon, from last Christmas.
I have been working at AMB Tools in Yakima as store manager for over 20 years, and Carol works in HR at the Yakima School Dist., and also is a part-time travel agent specializing in cruise vacations. She can retire from the YSD in 5 years, so we have been trying to put together a 5-year plan for our retirement. I would like to retire on a sailboat in the Caribbean, but Carol says “no way”. At this point it looks like it will either be moving to South Carolina (or wherever the kids are), or to St. Croix (US Virgin Islands). We won’t really know until the time gets closer. I’m leaning towards St. Croix, but I think Carol is leaning toward the grandkids. Until then, we’ll continue to make 1 to 3 trips to SC every year, and try to fit in a couple of cruises, also. We definitely love cruising the Caribbean, and have about 30 cruises behind us now. I still play my trumpet regularly, and have been a member of the Yakima Valley Community Band for 20 years or so, and also play regularly in church. Other past-times include fishing (haven’t been in 3 years), boating (although I sold my sailboat 3 years ago), racing radio-controlled model sailboats, and yardwork :-( Our health continues to be good, although we are fighting the battle of the bulge, as many do at this age.
Hope that this finds you all well, and that God will bless all of you as he has blessed us.  Send This Person a Message
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Hiep Tran Thi
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Occupation: Pediatrician) Marital Status: Single No. of Children: 1 From Hiep: Here are a couple of emails that we have received from Hiep so you can know more about her life in Viet Nam-these are her own words and I am amazed that her English is still as good as it is despite some very unique expressions. She has not married, but does have an adopted daughter, Hien, who is about 13 now-she is with Hiep in the "now" picture. I will get some pension for every month in 6 more months from my hospital, and after that from the government for the rest of my life. However, it will not be able to help me keeping my own standard way of living. Because the salary of the ones who work in medical, especially in pediatrics, and educational branches of the government is the lowest in the society. Every one know that is unfair, unright,...but there has been no solution, at least until now. And that has been the reason why we have had to work in the office during my extra time. But as I told you, I am not a good-raising money although I am one of some person who have the highest certificate of medical field in Dong Nai province . And you know that my English is getting worse after so long time not having a chance to practice it! I feel hesitated in writting letter in English to you. I'm afraid and somewhat shy because of my mistakes . So , you have to tell me whenever you find out my fault, OK ? That'll be a good chance for me to study English again. May-2007 BS TRAN THI HIEP Phuong HOA BINH, Thanh pho BIEN HOA Tinh DONG NAI VIET Send This Person a Message
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Linda Vander Houwen
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Occupation: Retired) Marital Status: Married From Linda: To all my classmates........ Send This Person a Message
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Kris Johnson (Vestad)
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Occupation: Retired) Marital Status: Married No. of Children: 2 From Kris: There have been a few milestones in the past 10 years: our kids have both finished college and master’s degrees, have careers, and are married. No grandkids—yet—but Erika and Quinten have a “pet rescue” puppy that was supposed to be medium size. She’s now over 70 lbs. Has very large ears. DNA results pending. Erika is a 4th grade teacher at McClure in I retired three years ago after 34 years of teaching in Husband, Ola, retired last year on his 60th birthday. We hosted seven of his relatives at our home for a week and all had a wonderful time! Even the weather cooperated that week in May. Retirement for him has meant “full steam ahead” on his hangar and cabin building projects. He and a friend have been the movers and shakers getting privately owned hangars built on the south side of the Looking forward to seeing many of you next month, and reading more bio updates! Send This Person a Message
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Cary Wakeley
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Occupation: Sound Engineer) Marital Status: Divorced From Cary: I remained involved in the music and entertainment industries after high school playing in bands and mixing sound; I met my ex-wife in Los Angeles, moved back to the NW, and built and/or operated recording studios. (The first studio I built in Seattle became the demo studio where all the famous grunge bands cut their first recordings. It’s featured in the Northwest Grunge exhibit at The Experience Music Project.)
I also recorded and produced radio and TV ads, a comedy radio program, and ran the live sound system at McGovern’s Music Hall for a Vegas style cabaret show. I operated the largest studio in the Spokane area where I produced an award-winning jingle for Goodwill Industries, and a music video program for cable TV.
In other industry-related jobs, I sold retail Recording, Pro Audio, and Lighting equipment at American Music Seattle, I was a Senior Tech Support engineer and Product Specialist at Mackie Designs (pro audio equipment manufacturer), and a manufacturers rep for Shure, Monster Cable, and Marantz Pro products, among others. More recently, I helped build and then worked as an AV Tech/Installer at The Experience Music Project (with the inimitable Randy Bowles!), was the lead installer for The Science Fiction HOF and Museum, and I worked on the new Microsoft X-Box Studios last winter.
Currently, I am building a new recording studio for myself in Centralia, WA. And, I’m an Intermittent Sound Engineer at The Seattle Center working in all of the campus facilities (Key Arena, Opera House, Mural Amphitheater, etc.) Stop by and say hello if you see me running sound at one of the ethnic cultural festivals!
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Jim Warnick
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Occupation: Retired) Marital Status: Married From Jim: After graduation Dale Peterson and I went to YVC for a short while then enlisted in the Air Force on the buddy program. I did this to dodge the draft and stay out of VietNam. Dale ended up going over anyway. But it did net him a free degree from the U of W. Free tuition wise, he did work his ass off. After the AF I went to The Evergreen State Party College for a couple of years. Did some volunteer work with handicapped folks in Spokane for two years then spent 27 years as a Teamster in Seattle. And am now receiving a pension, thanks Mike Williams. Ah the friends you make in high school! I have been married to Shirley for 20 years, who has a job with the FAA. All of the Air Traffic Controllers have to pass through her medical program before thay can work. Shirley's vocation is horses. We now have six. Three of which have been rescues. Shirley and a girl friend are looking for that perfect piece of horse property so we can live with the horses. Good luck girls. I have gone back to work as an armed rent a cop to help out. I was only really retired for a month and wanted to pursue my hobby with guns and now you can add horses. It is strange. I never thought that I would live this long. 59 isn't old these days. I look in the mirror and wonder who the old looking fellow is. The inner and outer don't coincide. Send This Person a Message
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Joyce Massey (Whitethorn)
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Occupation: Quality Improvement for ) Boeing Company Marital Status: Married No. of Children: 2 From Joyce: I really have enjoyed reading the messages of my classmates! I have to say that everyone seems to have turned out to be as wonderful as predicted! And you all look great too! I left Yakima shortly after graduation from West Valley. As the years passed, my parents relocated to western Washington so my trips East became less frequent. It has been quite awhile since I was in Yakima. And sadly, it is doubtful that I wil be able to attend this reunion. I attended Central in Ellensburg shortly after graduation and Susan Olson was my roommate. I am hoping she will respond to this event as it has been a long time since we communicated. I moved to the Seattle area shortly after that and worked as a communications consultant for General Telephone for a few years. I learned early on that there is always more and more to learn. I have very much enjoyed the academic opportunities I have had. I have an MBA and an MS in Organization Development from American University in Washington D.C. My pursuit of higher education, career opportunities and marriage created a very interesting journey. I have lived in Alask, Southern California, Rhode Island, D.C. and Texas. In 1989, I returned to Washington and accepted a position with The Boeing Company. This has turned out to be a very interesting and rewarding career choice. Currently, I serve on the Manufacturing & Quality Leadership Team for BCA and my office is in Renton, Wa. I am enjoying this role for many reasons, not the least of which is the reduced travel schedule. Over the past decade I have spent a great deal of time in Europe and Asia and as the Boeing supplier base grew to virtually all parts of the world, I became a well seasoned traveler. I am grateful for these opportunities as I learned a great deal about many, many things. But alas, being home more has many advantages! I met my husband, Dale Whitethorn, at Boeing. Dale grew up in Oregon and came to Seattle after returning from Viet Nam. Dale and I married twelve years ago and between us we have two sons. Errow and Amber Whitethorn and Matthew and TAmi Anderson live in the Seattle area. Happily, we are able to spend a lot of time with them. I have to say that the very best job Dale and I have ever had is being Grandparents! We have two beautiful granddaughters! Reagan is almost three and Peyton is just five months. There simply is no way to describe the joy they bring to our lives! It is great, great fun! Of course, things are very busy at work these days. A new airplane program and many orders! The skyline is full! I earned a very special title recently - "survivor". I passed year five in my journey with breast cancer. And a remarkable journey it has been. Just two years ago, there was another unexpected journey. Dale brought the boat back into the Edmonds marina and stepped out on the dock. Then he had a massive heart attack. Nothing has ever been so frightening for me! Dale's recovery has been truly miraculous! He is going great. I think we both reflect a little more these days on just how fragile our hold on life really is! I know that retirement is in our future but neither of us has committed to a date yet. I know that we would like to do more work in our community and travel more. And, of course, the granddaughters................ I hope that all of you are well and that life is full and your smiles are frequent. I have enjoyed this mental journey - walking the halls of West Valley High.....I think I even spotted our vice principal; the one who attempted many times to teach me that "you simply cannot always do what you would rather do". I have to say that I pretty much always have....... One of the best parts of this mental journey was acknowledging the contributions you made to the person I became. I thank you for that! Warm regards, Joyce Send This Person a Message
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Jill Peterson (Whitney)
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Marital Status: Committed Relationship) From Jill: My bio will pale after reading the accomplishments of my fellow classmates but someone needs to sustain the statu quo. After 30 plus years in the field of social work I retired last year and became a 'snowbird'. Returned home and was lost so my old employer asked me back for a thirty day rehire, that was 4/16/07 and I am still there and will continue to be there til 10/26/07 - longest thirty days of my life. On 10/29 will head south again. Send This Person a Message
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Susan Dibert (Wisland)
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Occupation: Retired Insurance ) Investigator/Adjuster Marital Status: Married No. of Children: 2 From Susan: Thanks Lyle for the great web site. Also thanks to all others on the committee. I have been married 32 years and reside in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. I have retired as an insurance investigator/adjuster where I was president of an insurance claims investigation and adjusting company. Upon retiring from this profession I sold my company to a similar-type business in Chicago, Illinois. My company conducted claims investigation and adjusting work for various insurance companies throughout the United States. I certainly enjoyed the investigative work. However, at times I would have to take off-duty, undercover police officers with me on some of my investigations in case an unfortunate circumstance may arise. After being retired I found being inside an office was much more comfortable, especially in this day and age. I am currently working part-time in the insurance field. You could say that I am pretty much retired and love being a grandma to my three grandsons, Jacob, Joshua, and Jeremy. We have two daughters, Nanette and Kimberly. Both girls graduated from the University of Wisconsin. Nanette is a register nurse, married, and a very busy mother of three boys, ages 5, 4, and 2. Both girls work at the same hospital. In addition, Kim works part-time for the Wisconsin Tissue Bank (WTB). The WTB team conducts organ and tissue recovery in Wisconsin. I must add that Kim has also served in the Navy Reserves many years. Her military rank is Chief. She was deployed for two tours in Iraq serving our country in support of America's War on Terrorism during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Send This Person a Message
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Dianne Wisner
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Occupation: Professor, Registered ) Nurse Marital Status: Married No. of Children: 3 From Dianne: Like everyone else, I am going "WOW, 40 years!" I am delighted to read everyones' bio; such accomplishments from when we were first graders together. I have three very handsome sons; the oldest, Mathieu, remains in Yakima with his wife and 5 year old twins, Meagan and Gabriel; John 28 and Jordan 26 are in Seattle. Jordan is married with an 8 year old son and 4 year old daughter. John and Jordan decided, after high school, to play before going back to school; both are now in college. John is studying psychology and Japanese, Jordan is following his mom into nursing, with a specialty in child psychiatry. I have been in nursing for 30+ years. I was drawn to pediatrics right away but worked two years on an adult neuro floor at Memorial Hospital in Yakima; the pull of pediatrics was a strong. I moved to Seattle in 1984 and worked in the acute infant and infant intensive care units. I have had the privelege of caring for little ones as small as 25 weeks, weighing no more than 700 grams. I continue to be awe-struck by the strength and healing power of infants although the ethics of pediatrics many times stuns me at what we can now do to render these little ones viable. My graduate degrees allowed me the opportunity to teach my specialty taking me to the University of Washington and Seattle University. I delight in the number of my students who select pediatrics as their nursing discipline. In March of 2005, I flew to Sri Lanka, consulting with Doctors of the World in establishing health clinics on the SE and NE borders of Sri Lanka. The devastation left after the tsunami was wrenching. One of my colleagues had established an orphanage on the island prior to the tsunami; afterwards he opened the doors and took in hundreds of children left parentless by the tsunami. By the time I arrived in March psychologists, social workers and psychiatrists were working with the children; many were starting to approach the beach that lies just outside the gates of the orphanage. As you can see from the picture, children are children where ever they are and their antics are the similar (rabbit ears in the picture). Two incidents of excitement during my stay, the Tamil rebels were close to the village inwhich I was visiting. Another female colleague and I were whisked away to Colombo for two days until things quieted down. Two weeks later I assisted in an airlift of one of the doctors after he was involved in a car accident in which he sustained quite a concusion. We do not know how good we have it here until a foreign hospital is visited; talk about culture shock and differing definitions of cleanliness. Cultural differences became obvious when I tried to converse with male physicians over there; thye speak English. In reporting about the accident and what had been medically done and what still needed to be done, the receiving physician turned to one of the pilots asking what had happened; the pilot told him exactly what I had said. I was outraged, but held my tongue; that was not a comfortable scene. So, that is my life in a nutshell up to now; teaching, nursing, school. Empty nesting has phased me little, with the exception that my boys listen to me now as much as they did as teenagers...which wasn't/isn't much. So much for teaching and instilling strong wills. I have a conference obligation on the 19 and 20, so will be absent from the partying and getting reacquainted. But, my thoughts and best are with you all, hoping we will have this opportunity again. Send This Person a Message
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