As a child in Toledo, Ohio, in the early 1930s, my father’s escape from a strict father and ill-tempered older brother . . . was building model airplanes. Of his five children, I was the only one interested in working with balsa and tissue and Ambroid glue in anticipation of future flights.
This hobby led me to a short career in retail sales, working part-time in our local hobby shop while attending jr. college, wondering what in the world I might do professionally for the rest of my life. It was then and there that the thin thread of my good fortune introduced me to a frequent customer who was to become another mentor – architect and fledgling radio-controlled aircraft pilot and master builder, Ed Kado.
Knowing I built and flew R.C. and seeing in me an aptitude and enthusiasm, he hired me as an intern in his growing architectural practice. Fifty-one years later, I still practice architecture and build and fly and mentor the next generation of modelers.
Thanks, Dad!
