About Me
My wife and I live in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.
I spent the last half of my professional career working as Vice President of Engineering at small technology companies. We designed developed and manufactured embedded devices such as kiosks, laser scanners, and motor controllers. I have always been very involved with Information Technology and am passionate about developing technology-based solutions which delivery information where and when people need it the most.
Stamp Collecting became a passion for me in the mid-1970s when I joined APS and became very active in the running of my local stamp club. My collecting interests include; US, US Postal Seals, US Postal Stationery, British America, Great Britain, Greece Hermes Heads, Netherlands, World Wide, Highway Post Office covers, Way Pocket covers, Western NC covers, and Christmas Seals.
APS #094826
In 2014 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and kidney failure forcing me into semi-retirement at age 57. Fifty two operations, 2 years of chemo, 1 year of immunotherapy, 7 years of dialysis, 3 different hospitals telling me I had 6 months to live but so far I have managed to beat the odds.
The kidney failure landed me in dialysis since 2015. Dialysis is like a part-time job; requiring being kept alive by a machine for 15-20 hours per week but it affords me plenty of time to work on this site and give back to the hobby that has given so much to me. I have also been blessed with a great support system including my family, friends, and fellow hobbyists.
2022 Update
In July, I was lucky enough to receive a kidney transplant. This has transformed my quality of life and I almost feel like my 'old self' for the first time in many years. A huge thank you to my wife, my healthcare providers, and my friends without whom I would not be alive today.
I also collected and restored many Studebaker cars; driving them exclusively all though the 1970s and 1980s. Shown are my 1950 Black Studebaker Business Coupe and Yellow 4 Door, daily drivers for many years. Also shown is my 1956 Power Hawk, a fun car to drive and was featured in the movie 'Dirty Dancing'. Last shown my 1951 Champion 4 Door at the Studebaker Nationals in South Bend.
I was lucky enough to be able to get several of my cars in the film 'Dirty Dancing'. My wife likes to remind me that this was the only time we made money instead of spending it on the cars! In the movie screen shown above, you can see my 1956 Hawk behind the Chevy.
