I was born and raised in Hannaford, North Dakota, a small town that once had a population of about 425 people. Today, it is around 150. I was honored to be the valedictorian of my high school class.

The town sat overlooking Baldhill Creek and even had its own ski jump — something many people are surprised to hear. Every kid who grew up there became a good swimmer. I became a certified water safety instructor. Over the years, I taught everything from beginner swimming lessons to lifesaving techniques.

After high school, I continued my education and graduated from Northwestern University Dental School. As soon as I completed dental school, I joined the U.S. Navy. About a year later, I married Bev. We had dated throughout dental school, and she was practicing dental hygiene back in Spokane while I began my service. Not long after I entered the Navy, Bev and I were married. Just three days later, I was transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps. My first assignment took me to Iwakuni, Japan. From there, I was sent to Pingtung, Taiwan, where I served as Head of the Dental Department during the winter of 1957–1958.  After 5 months in Taiwan, I was back in Japan.  I brought Bev over and we spent 2 week driving from one end of Japan to the other – A real adventure!