I, the Kornerman, was intriqued by a personal narrative I recently visited. The title was, "I'm retired and now a nobody......it really isn't so bad."
The author was Thomas Heath, who retired at 65, after 30 years of service to the Washington Post newspaper as a reporter.
I don't know, maybe I feel like, "hey, sounds like my story." I did retire from the Iowa High School Athletic Association at age 65 BUT begged on to work a few more years at my old stomping grounds, the Boone News Republican, before a FINAL retirement.
In case you didn't know, time passes very quickly and life changes with the time. Those many years ago, when I was writing sports for the Boone News Republican, broadcasting hundreds of athletic games on KWBG radio and, even into the early 70's, serving at the IHSAA, I felt pretty confident I knew almost every one of are 12,000 plus citizens of Boone.....some close, others at just a glance or from hearsay.
But, what a difference the years make. Now, hundred's, if not thousand's, of those old acquaintances are gone. I'm reminded of that twice a week, writing this column and watching the Korner's viewing numbers go down. A new breed is in town and a majority have no knowledge, whatsoever, of what I wrote or broadcast about Toreador sports and even my connection with the IHSAA. Kelley's Korner? What's that and who is this Irish guy?
But you know what? That really isn't so bad. I'm alive, have a great family, still enjoy what writing I do, love any positive success any Iowan, or particularly, any Booneite, can achieve, sportswise or otherwise, AND am positive the Cubbies will rebound sometime in my remaining years.
So, no hard feelings, NONE. I had my prime time and enjoyed it immensely. Others now have their turn to "make their mark."
I, the Kornerman, is retired and pretty much a "nobody" but.........."it really isn't so bad."
K-----K
As a side note, one of the great honors the IHSAA bestowed upon me when I retired was the naming of an annual Morris D. Kelley Award. A nice plaque had a picture of me, in announcing form, on it and several each year were awarded to Iowa High School Public Address Announcers nominated by their home school. Almost every Iowa community has that "someone" who, for many years, have announced their athletic events.
The award began in 2002 and continued until 2019 when the pandemic altered many things. In that time, some 85 Iowa P.A. announcers were honored. Apparently, the program has now run its course and 2019 was the concluding year. Proving again, passing time befits change.
Maybe this is a good time to clear something else up.
I think it was three years ago, Jo and I were invited to be the Grand Marshall's of the annual Pufferbilly Parade. What a tremendous "hometown' honor. We were so appreciative but also a bit uncomfortable. So we declined. I've always closely connected the Pufferbilly parade with the Pufferbilly event and we told the committee that, honestly, our only connection with Pufferbilly has been watching the parade and, maybe, eating a great sandwich afterwards. Surely, we said, there were many other people, perhaps overlooked, who did much, much more for Pufferbilly, for a long period of time, than we ever did. Regardless of our decision, we will always cherish the fact that our work was so highly thought of, it deemed such a wonderful response from some fellow citizens.
Somebody criticized saying that lots of people must have nominated us and were disappointed. If that's so, thank you to those individuals who felt we were deserving. Please accept our profound apology.
Oh yes, the passage of time and corresponding change. I think I first really realized my old age was when someone said, "didn't you USE TO BE Mo Kelley?"
I was....and still am and hope to keep continuing with the Korner and whatever else I'm capable of doing positively for this community which has been such an important part of my life for 70-plus years.
K-----K
BOONE CONNECTED/AREA DEATHS
Jay (Brad) Bradford Beckett,80, Ogden/Accura Healthcare. Born in Boone. BHS-60. Married Pamela Pritchard in1961. Worked for ISU for 41 years as an Animal Caregiver at the Swine Research Lab. Had a deep love for horses, especially quarter horses, and the land. Survivors include his son, Blake, of Boone, a sister and a special friend, JoAnn Hicks. Services in Boone.
Lois Ann Fjelland Gregg Hovick, 94, Huxley/Story City. Born hear Huxley. Huxley HS-46. ISU. Married Thomas Gregg in 1947. The couple farmed in Boone County for 10 years. Was very active in the Farm Bureau and sang in the Boone County Women's Chorus. Husband Tommy died in an auto mishap in 1957 and Lois moved to Ames. Married Theroy Arthur Hovick in 1959 and the family moved to Story City. Avid bowlers, the couple built and operated "Norske Bowl and Dine." For 31 years, she also worked at ISU as a Psychometrist in the Student Counseling Service. After retirement, the couple enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Texas. Survivors include six adult children/step-children. Services in Story City.
Marilyn Arlene Johnson Rude, 90, Boone/Westhaven. Air Force vet who served as a Civil Engineer for over 30 years. Worked at Manatt's in Ames and was active in the YMCA and RSVP. Through all the years, worked to preserve the family farm. Services in Boone.
Russell Peter Byriel, 82, Madrid. Born and educated in Audubon. Air Force vet. Married Winifred Balson in 1960. Worked as a welder and retired from Custom Steel in Ames. Survivors include his wife, Winifred, three adult children including Jon Byriel of Madrid and a brother, Glenn Byriel, of Boone. Services in Madrid.
Vera (Sally) Florence Myers, 97, Boone. Formerly of Madrid. Born in rural Boone County.Married Dale Myers in 1946. The couple built a home in Ankeny but moved to Madrid in 1968. Dale passed in 1982 but Sally remained in Madrid until two years ago when she moved to Eastern Star. An accomplished musician she was a piano player for the Old Timers Band. Survivors include a daughter, Marlene Johnson and a son, Brian Myers, both of Madrid. Services in Madrid.
Clarence Ball, 94, Boone. Services in Boone.
Kenneth E. Sadler, 75, Story City/Bethany Life. Formerly of Boone/Coralville. Born in Boone. BHS-65. AIB grad. Worked in the business office at Iowa City West HS for many years and was active in the West community. Later, went to Southeastern Academy in Florida and worked for Shorts Travel Management in Iowa City as well as at a hobby shop. Survivors include four siblings including Sharon Ver Helst, Dave and Tim Sadler all of Boone. Services in Boone.
Chuck McCubbins, 81, Reno, NV. BHS-59. Survivors include his wife, June.
Duane Kopp, 93, Boone. A private family service later.
Phyliss Kay Ferrari Hoskins, 84, Ankeny. Formerly of Elkhart/Pilot Mound. Pilot Mound HS. Became an RN and continued her education to become a Physician's Assistant in 1978. Worked at Broadlawns Hospial. A daughter and two sons survive. Services in Ankeny.
Nancy Reardon Seemann, 70, Madrid. Married Ronald Seemann. Worked for the State of Iowa and taught CCd at Assumption. The couple enjoyed numerous cruises. Survivors include her husband, Ron, a daughter, a son and siblings. Services in Madrid.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. Leave a message. To email your stories/memories/comments/death notices.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment