Although I was born a Texan, my early years of life were spent first in San Diego, California, and then in Seattle, Washington.
This seemed like the place to thank my family, both natural and extended. All of you mean the world to me!
My world started with my parents, who did their best raising me and my siblings. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for all that you gave up for me! I was blessed with a very happy childhood.
I owe an incalculable debt to my siblings – Kris Bandarra, John Streck, and Catherine Stafford – who have loved me throughout my ups and down, and have always been there for me when I needed them. They are each remarkable people in their own ways and continue to bring my joy to my life. Here are a few of their key stories:
John’s Blog – John is my younger brother who passed away on September 25th, 2016. He was way too young, but cancer doesn’t care. This is the story of his courageous cancer journey: http://howmanycancerblogscantherebe.blogspot.com/
Catherine’s Site – Cath is an amazing family counselor who has also taught me a lot, like “think it, don’t say it”. Now if I can only listen to her coaching and apply it! Here is her website for her practice: http://nurturemyheart.com/index.php
Kris’ PEO site – My older sister has my caring qualities and has given herself to an organization that both my mom and grandmother believed deeply in. Here is the link; https://www.peowashington.org
Many thanks to my extended family – Grandma and Poppy Richards, Grandma Streck, Aunt Sue, Uncle Stan, Cheri, Steve, Lori and Beth – for more holiday memories than I can remember. The grandparents’ backyard was our childhood playground and I treasure each time we now get together and reminisce.
This section is also devoted to the innumerable friends encountered throughout my young life and I can’t even begin to name you all here. Sadly, I have lost contact with most of you through the years and life changes. Here a few people who are worth noting; however, please know that there were also many others who should also be on “the list” of my childhood friends:
Alice Maurer – My CalPoly companion. Thank you for many long talks as we transitioned from High School to College.
Chris Jessen – Good memories of stereos and your dad’s Fiat Spider.
Chris Neufeld – A fellow John Denver fan.
Cindy Remington – I loved listening to you sing!
Dennis (Poncho) Precourt – We learned to make cotton candy together.
Fredrick Riglessburger – Your living room was a Hot Wheels playground.
Heather Downey – My concert companion and record holder for my longest phone call.
Karen Wise – My first girlfriend and dear friend for many decades.
Sam Allred – My Pacific Jr High School partner in crime and fellow music lover.
Nancy Cunningham – She was my sister’s best friend, but always also a part of my life.
I welcome any of you to contact me if, by chance, you find this website.
Old Media
1972 Des Moines United Methodist Church Youth Group trip to Disneyland – https://youtu.be/aeU6ffd06T4
1972 Des Moines United Methodist Church Youth Group trip to Disneyland (Short) – https://youtu.be/XhAH1dr6PFs
1976 Mt. Rainier High School “Khandonium Singers” album –
1959 – Mom and Dad – https://youtu.be/ljQBSEEoeFI
Better Me Stories 