CHARLES DUEDE

After HS, I started college at the U of M. I interrupted my education to join the National Guard. After returning, I went back to college and graduated in 1967. I went to work as a Research Analyst for the State of Minnesota where I met my first wife (there's really only one, I just like to keep her on her toes). We married in 1969 and left for a job in Michigan at Kresge Corp (parent to KMart) where I was trained as a programmer. Not caring too much for the quality of life in Michigan, we moved back in 1971 and I started a new position as a Programmer Analyst (later titled Software Engineer - why is everything Engineer, why not Software Janitor?) at West Publishing Co (later becoming Thomson Reuters). I remained there for over 32 years, retiring in 2004. Coincidentally, my son bought a house at the same time and it needed a lot of repair. The next several years were spent remodeling the house. During that time I also volunteered one day a week at Habitat for Humanity.

Today my passion is xc skiing which I've been doing to one degree or another for the last 35 years. I belong to two groups that train year round. Last winter I raced just about every weekend. I also enjoy backpacking and trips up to the Boundary Waters. Currently, I've started remodeling our home where we've lived for the last 38 years.

The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree:

My daughter (Ali) graduated from the U of M with a degree in computer science (what else) and is currently a stay at home mom (Joyce also was a stay at home mom). Ali lives in Minneapolis with her husband and three children: David (2000), Bekah (2002), and Sarah (2005).

My son (Dave) went to Northern Michigan University where he was on the xc ski team (what else). He graduated with a degree in computer science (do you see a pattern) and math. He also has a graduate degree in Information Management. Dave works for Quantum, lives in Richfield, and just got married last October (2009).

We see both our children and grandchildren quite often. Both Joyce and my mother are still alive (in there 90's). We take them to a movie and restaurant every Sunday.

Take care and remember (as they say on the Red Green Show) we're all in this together.

Dick Lindgren is slowly folding a paper airplane, as Mr. Eakin (math class) is giving a lecture. Dick is sitting in the front of the class and everyone knows what he's doing, even Mr Eakin who chooses to ignore him. Upon completion Dick flicks the plane toward the window 10 feet away which is only open about 4 inches. The plane sails cleanly through the opening and the whole class goes wild. Mr. Eakin can only stare in disbelief.