Patrick Smith:
CLASS OF 1976
Elbert High SchoolClass of 1976
Elbert, CO
University of Northern ColoradoClass of 1981
Greeley, CO
University of Southern ColoradoClass of 1981
Pueblo, CO
Patrick's Story
Time for an update…
January 2024:
Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday that I was graduating high school. As most can attest, life seems to go quicker as we get older, right?
I can’t believe that I’ve reached mandatory retirement (due to age) for commercial airline flying under Federal Aviation Regulations Part 121 flying for UPS. I loved flying large jets and am fortunate to have seen a lot of the world that many people don’t get to see. I’ve been able to see most continents during my tenure at UPS. I’ve now downsized to smaller airplanes which are designated as Part 135 which allows one to fly regardless of age providing they pass a medical exam twice per year. I’m now flying for a corporate company that flies high profile individuals around the globe. I’m flying as Captain on a Citation XLS. While it doesn’t have the range of the 747 I once flew, it nonetheless is fun and keeps me active mentally and physically. I said at retirement, I wouldn’t veg out as many do. I want to stay active to live life at its fullest.
On the home front, I’ve been married for 36 years. My wife and I are raising our grandchildr...Expand for more
en ages 4, 14 and 18. It’s been tough as kids aren’t of the same temperament as what we knew while we were growing up. I’ve always believed one could pursue his/her dreams through hard work and it’s worked well for me. I’m trying to get them to see their dreams are their dreams and they are the only ones who can bring those to fruition.
Of course those who know my story, know of the abuse I suffered at the hands of stepfather, placed in a boys home at 10, and then living with 2 other families my junior and senior year, I recognize that it does take a village to move us past ourselves. I’ve ALWAYS been thankful and appreciative of those who helped me excel. I’m hoping my grandkids will take the bull by the horns and move their lives ahead with the help we will provide, understanding nothing is free. With God, perseverance, tenacity, and hard work, hopefully they’ll move ahead in their ventures.
I hope all of my classmates here are doing well as we have all aged. But when people say I’m getting old, I say, “I’m aging like fine wine.” Getting older but better….
Well, until next time everyone, take care, be safe and stay healthy.
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