Born and raised in Grand Haven, Michigan, where I became known fairly quickly as The Kid Who Likes Trains. In 1971 I hired out as a switchman on the Chicago & North Western, as a break from college (where things were deteriorating for me)--I'm still on that break! In 1973 I married Pat, another Michigander (and my one good college experience!). We have two daughters, both married, and four grandchildren who either like trains or think that Grandpa knows everything about trains (not mutually exclusive). Retirement from Union Pacific took place in July of 2010, after 39 years. I had to laugh when people suggested that I get a hobby to take up the time I'll have!