Background

I am an American male born in 1957 in the State of Maine. My parents are still living and still married. I have a brother and a sister, both older than me. My father was a soldier who achieved the rank of Colonel in the United States Army before he retired about thirty-five years ago. My mother has been a loving and nurturing influence for us children for the entire time.

My father served in Korea before I was born, and later served abroad in Europe, Turkey and Vietnam. I was fortunate to call Italy, Germany and several parts of the U.S. my home at various times. I believe it has helped me to grow into an open-minded citizen of the world, with a good comprehension of reality and international affairs. As well, I have always been an avid student of history.

It was just after he left the Army that our family moved to Canada, to live on land that my paternal great-grandfather, an Irish immigrant, settled with his wife and children. After graduating from High School in the 70s I attended University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, where I met my first wife. She is of American Loyalist extraction, and we were married for ten years. My second wife was also a native of Nova Scotia, of Acadian French lineage, and this marriage also lasted about ten years. Each of them gave me a beautiful daughter, both of whom are healthy and highly intelligent.

I studied Business at University and did rather well. School was never much of a problem for me. My career has encompassed forestry, manufacturing, information technology, industrial supply and real estate. I am versatile and quick to learn, but after a while in one place, I grow bored and restless, and ready to move on to find new challenges. I suspect it is the result of having become accustomed to moving around a lot for the first fifteen years of my life. The most consistent threads in my career have been the emphasis on resources (forestry) and the function of management.

After thirty-five years in Canada, I've returned to live in the United States (knew I would, eventually). I still enjoy good health and reasonable fitness. I have been slightly damaged by industrial and automobile accidents over the years, but generally remain in good shape. My height is 5 feet 10 inches (177 cm) and my weight is 155 pounds (70 kg).

I have been told that other people see me as lively, charming, amusing, practical, and interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to my head. They also see me as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

As a youth, I was trained in the Equestrian arts while in Germany. It was amazing and I wouldn't trade those experiences for any others I've had. As I grew older, I developed a love for motorcycles; I've owned five different ones since I was 17: four Japanese (Yamaha, Kawasaki and Honda) and one British (BSA). The Crystal Ball of actuarial statistics says I will die on or about Thursday, June 4, 2037. I hope it's not far wrong. If I go sooner, it will probably be on a bike.

My most serene pleasure is to be outdoors, preferably in the forest. My high school days and much of my subsequent career were concerned with forestry and it is there that I am most at ease.

My greatest hope for the future is that my daughters can live in a world at peace; that they will enjoy good health, freedom, respect and opportunity; that they will become good stewards of our planet and cause others to do likewise.

I know that I am fortunate to have enjoyed a life of privilege and plenty. I am grateful to my family and to my Country for these blessings. I am happy and proud to be an American.