A very brief history of Ryan’s dad’s life written for Reagan and Koen
My Parents: They taught me right from wrong which has stayed with me to this day. They always stressed the importance of hard work. Mom was practical, frugal, and a very talented painter. Dad was very mechanical and built ultralites, kayaks, and airplanes.
Early Years: I grew up in the country, so I always had someone to play with. During the warm months, we played in and around the nearby creek — building rafts, forts, and treehouses. We hunted mushrooms, picked berries, and rode our bikes everywhere — swimming pools, friends houses, and Waterworks Rd. dam to slide down the dam. In the winter, we went sled riding on Finney’s hill and ice skated on Uncle Jake’s pond (swamp). We always had a pet dog whose names were Laddie, Beagle, Buster, Dusty, Peppy, Dink, and Butah (favorite). Also, we had a great cat named Mama Kitty. I played little league for E.T.Rugg at Mound city park and made friends I still talk to to this day.
Young Years: I played 3 years Babe Ruth baseball for Kaiser and 4 years high school baseball. I graduated high school in 1976 and went to technical school for 1 year, then switched to Ohio State and graduated in 1982. College was fun and taught me to live on my own. I met my first wife in 1982. I worked at ODOT from 1982 thru 1995. The best part of these times were my sons Ryan and Jordan, I watched them grow up playing baseball and soccer. I always made sure to kiss them goodnight at bedtime.
Later Years: I divorced in 1995 which was a difficult time because of my sons. I went through a dark phase and did not trust anyone for a long time. I married Anissa in 1998 and found what was missing in my life. We have 2 amazing children in Mauri and Rese. Sometimes were hard, but we always have each others back.
Jordan got married and had McKinley and Cora, who were the best grandkids. Then Ryan got married and had 2 more great grandkids, Reagan and Koen. I love seeing my grandkids growing up. I am so proud of Ryan and Jordan and hope in some way, I helped to make them whom they are today.
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