Keith Toepfer:
CLASS OF 1963
Dominguez High SchoolClass of 1963
Compton, CA
Keith's Story
Following graduation I started my spotty college career at UC Berkeley, but, having developed no study habits, dropped out early in the second semester (Spring '64). I found a job as a chem lab assistant at a flooring materials manufacturer in Compton. Started attending Cerritos Jr. College nights in Fall of 1964 (IIRC) still majoring in Chemistry, and full-time in 1965. Applied for admission and was admitted to Occidental College in Fall 1966. Changed major to Geology in 1967, but dropped out in March 1969. Worked as a Municipal Bond Trader Trainee for about a year before it became apparent I was not suited to the work. Had married shortly before I was laid off, in Spring 1970. In July 1971 enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Went through boot camp, volunteering for submarines, and was fortunate to get orders to Fleet Sonar School, San Diego, for one year of technical training. Served on three submarines, advancing to Submarine Sonar Technician 1st class, between Nov. '72 and October '76. From Sep '75 to early Dec '76, took classes by appointment at U. of Hawai...Expand for more
i, and received B.A. in Geology & Geophysics. Simultaneously transferred to a second submarine for one patrol before reporting to my third. Upon reporting to the latter, was encouraged to apply for Officer Candidate School, and did so, requesting commissioning as what the Navy calls a "Naval Oceanographer." Returning from missile patrol in Oct '76 received orders to OCS in Newport, RI. Graduated and Commissioned there on 1 April 1977, and served five tours (Monterey [Fleet Numerical Weather Central], USNS H H Hess (at sea), Monterey [Naval Postgrad School], Suitland, MD [Naval Polar Oceanography Center], Fairfax, VA [Defense Mapping Agency] before retiring as a Lieutenant Commander on 1 August '91.
First marriage ended in divorce in Aug '78. Met my current wife in Jan '79, married her in Sep '80 after returning to Monterey from a year of sea duty on the Hess.
Moved to Washington State (initially Yakima, later moving to the Seattle area), and currently live in Bothell, WA.
Feel free to contact me via email at khtoepfer(at)msn(dot)com, mutatis mutandis.
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