Dennis Buckley:
CLASS OF 1966
Rice Lake High SchoolClass of 1966
Rice lake, WI
St. John's UniversityClass of 1979
St. cloud, MN
University of Wisconsin Center - Barron CountyClass of 1969
Rice lake, WI
Dennis's Story
Life
I graduated from RLHS in 1966. Did tour in USNavy from 1969 to 1975. Graduated from St. John's University with BA in music theater, 1979. Worked in advertizing, marketing and management for several years. Graduated from Scottsdale Culinary Institute, Scottsdale, AZ, as Chef, 1991. Worked several years in major hotel/restuarants in Phoenix, AZ, area. Graduated from Excelsior College, Albany, NY, as Registered Nurse, 2002. Currently working in San Diego, CA, for San Diego Hospice. Plan to retire in Tucson, AZ where I own retirement condominium. I am now 57, unmarried, unpartnered, gay and happy. Would enjoy renewing acquaintences and travelling.
School
I hated High School. In the sixties, in a small town, being gay I just didn't fit. I enjoyed myself when I could swim, fish, hunt and train dogs with my Dad. He wondered about me, and was perplexed that I didn't want to go out for sports, but was always excited when I wanted to do outdoor activities with him. My favorite classes were music and drama--duh! I'm also left-handed. What does that tell you. Thank God I found college!!!
College
St John's University: 1977-1979. BA Degree. Remember great times with lots of men in the Men's Chorus. Rathskeller was where I learned about life.
Scottsdale Culinary Institute: 1990-1992. AA Occupational Sciences--Chef. Intense, focused and fun. Became a Head Baker for the Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, AZ.
Excelsior College: 2000-2002: AA Registered Nurse. Licensed in CA and AZ. What I always wanted to do but never got the chance until now. Best career ever.
Workplace
Left the Navy as Hospital Corpsman in 1975...Expand for more
, just couldn't do life but had a blast! Finished BA in 1979 and went to work for Medical Publishing Co in St. Louis, MO. Moved west to AZ in 1985 and started Property Management business with friend. Sold business and went to Phoenix to become a Chef. Worked at the Arizona Biltmore and Prescott Granite Gate for years until I decided to go further west to San Diego where it all started. Burned out on chefdom and became registered nurse. Currently work for San Diego Hospice in Hilcrest. Best job ever. Will finish out my nursing career in Tucson, AZ where I will retire in a few years.
Military
Boot Camp and Hospital Corps training in San Diego. ICU/ER stint at Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton. Then off to Operating Room school at Oakland Naval Hospital in San Francisco where I "came out" and got wild. Managed to survive and graduate 3rd in my class, however. Sent to Naval Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. Learned a lot about the Chinese culture and was warmly received. Lots of airvacs from Vietnam, especially orthopedic problems; e.g., amputees. Traveled then entire island of Taiwan and managed a trip to Hong Kong. Navy liked me even though I was unconventional and they sent me aboard the USS St. Louis, LKA-116 with all men. Spent the whole time giving antibiotic shots for venereal disease and getting drunk and laid in every port. The marines and sailors were very good to me and I reciprocated. What a life! However, I could not stand the mentality of authorities in the Navy. Too "good ol' boy" for me, so I got out in 1975. The pension might have been good but I would have been insane or imprisoned by the time I could enjoy it.
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
Register for Free to start a reunion event!