Newark man receieves high honor

Q How do you feel about being selected for the 33rd Degree?
A It is a great honor to have been selected for the 33rd Degree. All of the recipients of this honor whom I have known not only have provided exceptional service to the Scottish Rite but have been men of high integrity. To have even been considered for this distinct privilege is in itself an honor.

Q What is your single biggest day-to-day challenge?
A I’ve never had the will power to resist food. This has presented an increasingly difficult challenge. I have always been a good eater. When I was younger, I could eat anything and in almost any quantity. Now that I am a bit older, I need to watch both what and how much I eat. Yet everything still looks (and tastes) good.

Q What is the best advice you’ve given?
A That’s simple: Nothing’s for certain; expect the unexpected. It’s both the best advice I’ve given and the best advice I’ve received.

Q What is your secret to success?
A Each and every one of us is successful. There is no secret to it. Each contributes in their own way according to their situation and talent.

Q Where do you see yourself in five years?
A I would hope I’d still be taking long walks in the White Clay Creek State Park.

Q What did you want to be when you grew up?
A I never had a plan. I always have had many interests and am lucky to have had several talents, but I was never exceptional at any one thing. Even without a plan, I’ve had a number of opportunities, had some exceptional experiences, met many interesting people and seen a fair share of the world.

Q Name someone who has had a major influence in your life.
A To list one person is impossible. Certainly the list of possibilities would include my parents, my siblings, other relatives, teachers, members of the clergy, Boy Scout leaders [I was a Boy Scout for six years at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington] friends and co-workers, including supervisors and subordinates. When I was younger I read Bertrand Russell’s autobiography with great interest.

Q Describe a pivotal moment in your career.
A When I was in my early thirties, the person to whom I reported asked me into his office and informed me that he had accepted a promotion that required him to relocate to Nevada. Usually too passive, I gathered my courage and asked him if he would support me if I asked for his current position. I was a bit stunned when he said that it was actually his intention to recommend me. Although very talented and well respected, he was at times a tough supervisor and everyone’s relationship with him was at arm’s length. His intention to recommend me was like getting the highest grade on the test. I did get the position. Later, when he returned from Nevada, we became friends. He was the first line signer on my petition to the Masonic fraternity.

Q What five adjectives would your mother use to describe you?
A I would think my mother would have described me as bright, polite, well behaved, shy and easier to deal with than my siblings.

Q What’s your most embarrassing moment?
A Several years ago, I wore one black and one brown shoe to a meeting at the State Department. I’m not sure if, and I doubt that, anyone else noticed but, when I noticed, I felt my feet were as large as canoes. At least the shoes were identical other than for color. The lesson learned is, don’t get dressed in the dark even if it is early and you don’t want to disturb your wife.

Q Name up to three people you would love to meet.
A I am musically challenged even though I thoroughly enjoy listening to it. Meeting someone musically creative might prove interesting. We might even get along. I would pick Bach, Mozart or Tchaikovsky from the classical world and Presley, Lennon or Garcia from the modern world.