John Lynch:
CLASS OF 1958
Charles City High SchoolClass of 1958
Charles city, IA
Iowa State UniversityClass of 1988
Ames, IA
Immaculate Conception SchoolClass of 1958
Charles city, IA
Jefferson Elementary SchoolClass of 1958
Charles city, IA
Central Grade SchoolClass of 1952
Charles city, IA
John's Story
Life
Graduated from Charles City High. Went into USAF. Stationed at England AFB, LA (1959-62). Various places. Lived in Oregon (1963-1968) Worked for GTE NW 1970-1984. Left GTE to go to college. Graduated IA State University 1988. Merger/layoff period. Full time position with MCI Metro in Dallas (1993). Citizens (Dallas)/Electric Lightwave (Vancouver, WA) (1996-2000). (2000-2002) at Valor Telecommunications (Dallas, TX Area). Telecom down turn in Dallas Area. Unemployed again!! Our daughter lives in Highland Village, TX (Dallas Area) with our grandsons (2). Our daughter, Michelle, started a company in Denton, TX (2009). We helped fund her. I tell people, Michelle runs the company, I do the other stuff: take care of facilitiy, vehicles, computers, printers, Internet, etc. Michelle is now (2012) in the process of starting another company. So, will keep us busy.
College
Attending Iowa State was interesting. Lived in the ASOC (Adult Students On Campus) Dorm. First semester, I had a Korean roommate. Did not speak much english. Made for interesting conversations. Did not realize how many idioms one uses. Kept the poor guy confused. Was always explaining things, like "Off the Wall' for instance. Was on the Student Council Finance Committee (1987-1988). Some of the on campus groups were very, very creative on why we should allocate money to their cause. P.O'd several groups, needless to say.
Military
Larry Smith, Dayle Cline, Don Rice and I enlisted together in the Air Force after graduation. We wound up going in different directions. Larry to Buloxi, MS for schooling. Dayle became an AP and went to Japan for a tour of duty.. Don worked on jet engines. And I ended up working in Automatic Flight Controls and Compass System (i.e.: the fighter's autopilot). Did get overseas a few times. Went to Aviona, Italy, Azores and Germany during the Berlin Crisis (most interesting one). Served my hitch and got out. In hind sight, it was not one of my best decisions. I'll plead "Young and Dumb".
SYNOPIS: Well decided to add a synopsis of where we've been/gone. Started in Coos Bay, OR with GTE Northwest (GTNW). Promoted to corporate headquarters in 1978, Worked there at various positions; Facility Engineer; Long Range Network planning and a few Corporate projects.
In 1984, I resigned from GTNW to return to Iowa to attend college. Spent 1984 to 1986 at NIACC. Went onto Iowa State from 1986 to 1988. Graduated with a BBA Finance; Minor: Political Science (seemed a good fit as companies were stating to go "Global". Went back into Telecommunications as I could start out where I left of as far as pay was concerned. And with a Degree now, make more money (which I did). But, then, came the Merger mania/Layoffs.. Worked for McLeodUSA, in Cedar Rapids, IA We merged with an Atlanta company SouthernNet in February 1990. In March we were informed MCI had purchased our company. With the SouthernNet merger, we had to move to now corporate HQ in Atlanta. Then when MCI purchased our company, we had to move to MCI Corporate in June. In December at Christmas time MCI had one of their many layoffs. Of course being a "new" employee I was let go as of January. Then I went to a consulting firm in Lubbock Texas. Was there about a year and a half and they had a Lay Off. worked contract jobs for a while. Then in 1993, I was working contract for Fujitsu Network Systems. Got laid off there. But my manager had talked to a manager at a new startup company called ATS. A new subsidiary of MCI. Had a great Manager there. Some very experienced personnel. I learned a lot about Transmission equipment. Planned, budgeted, engineered and managed installation of SONET rings. New York. Des Moines, Columbus, OH, Detroit, MI, Dallas, TX. Lots of travel. While working the Detroit SONET Ring, Chrysler asked for a bid on upgrading their Network to SONET. ATS was now renamed to MCI Metro. MCI Metro won the contract. I planned, budgeted and engineered three SONET Rings for Chrysler at their nine locations the Detroit Metro Area. Was a Fun Project. Required many trips to Detroit Metro area for both MCI Metro and the Chrysler project. Left MCI Metro and went to work for another Dallas Telecom company; Citizens Communications. Worked on establishing SONET networks for Citizens. In 1998, a Citizens subsidiary in Vancouver, WA (Electric Lightwave, Inc. [ELI].) was looking for a Sr. Network Planning Have always liked planning, and having lived previously in the Northwest, I submitted my application. Flew out to Vancouver to interview with the Network Director; a month later, we were headed to Vancouver where I started my new job. In 2000, I received a call from a former ELI employee. He was working for a startup company in Los Colinas, TX (Dallas Suburb). He stated the company was looking for a Transmission engineer. He thought I might be interested. When my wife heard of the new job in the Dallas Area, she informed me "I would take the position. Our daughter and family lived in the Dallas Area. So, after a little negotiation, I accepted the position of Transmission Engineer for Valor Telecommunications. Worked projects in OK, New Mexico, Arkansas and Texas. Biggest/most important project was upgrading the Microwave Network out of the Cuba, NM area. Had to get it done ASAP, because we were serving the New Mexico Indians. Not very patient people. Had a lot of challenges I had to overcome. Go up to the top of Pahirito Peak near Cuba, NM (where I managed to fall and ruptured a disk). Then valor Telecommunications got in financial trouble (Layoff time again). After that, Telecom kind of fell apart. Worked at various levels on contract (engineer, CAT3 installer, etc.). Went into the Security Business. I am a certified Level Four Security Officer in the state of Texas. Then our daughter started up a company (after much pressure from us). Asked me to work for her. So, I agreed. Which is where I am now employed. We have 6,000 plus Sq. Foot facility. I am responsible for everything there. IT/building/vehicles, etc. So, now I work for every day. We have fun with her family. Many things/places to go to in Dallas Metro Area. More restaurants per Capital than New York city. I think we could eat in a different eatery every day, and never repeat ourselves. But since my wife got stomach cancer about three years ago, and had to have the top half of her stomach and lower part of her throat, she cannot eat a lot of food anymore. So, we don't do much imbibing as far as restaurants are concerned. And as I eat the same amount, I have been able to keep my weight now.
Never thought I would end up in Dallas, TX. But here we are. And will be forever now, I guess. Lots to do here. I belong to the Carrollton Citizens Patrol. Gets interesting some times. As we are "Citizens" we do not participate directly in police matters. If the police need an area cordoned of while the do a search, or there is a bad accident, we assist so that the officers can do there Duty, rather than having to do traffic management. Had a lost female child a couple of years ago. We cordoned of the area while the police searched the area. Some things do not always end happily, which is the bad part of the duty. On the other hand we do assist a lot of people. So, I guess it some what balances out. Best part of being down here is, we get to do things with our thee grandsons. And there is soon to be a Great Granddaughter. The first female in several generations. Everybody is very happy. about this. My wife is buying baby clothes like crazy!!
When we were growing up, you graduated from high school in May. Started work at the Oliver plant in June, and then married the girl/guy next door. bought a car and house and lived there. But times change. My wife is from Mason City Our two children were born in Oregon. Raised in Oregon, Washington and Iowa. Our daughters husband was originally from Florida. Works great for the gene Pool I'm sure.
And I've gotten places I never dreamed of in high school. Italy, France, Germany, Azores. While in Italy I took a three day pass and went down to Rome. Visited the coliseum, St Peters, etc. Stayed with an Italian family the three day I spent in Rome. All of this complements of the U.S. Air Force (which was a great place to have been).
I remember a lot of people; from high school to various companies I worked at. Would like to look them all up, but not really possible. Every body moves around to much anymore. Lose track of people after awhile.
My Air Force buddy of over fifty years past away last year. We used to go roller skating at every town we were assigned near. Left a real hole. Some friends out here. Dick Whitman lives down in Twenty-Nine Palms. When we lived in Oregon we would visit with them..
Our middle Grandson will graduate next year. He is in Jr. ROTC. Plans on attending UNT in Denton after graduation so he can continue in ROTC. UNT has just started up what I would can an aeronautical department. One direction you can go, is be a pilot when you graduate. And other commercial positions in the Airline industry. Our grandson has been hind of leaning toward be a Vet, but, I hope he decides to get flight certified and continue on to an Air Force career. Our youngest grandson is our "Geek". Really smart. We started him on piano about three years ago. He is now playing the clarinet in school At home he has about five guitars he plays, and he's only going to be in eighth grade next year. Biggest problem I see is he isn't being challenged. He's very good at everything. We keep telling him being good is alright. But with some effort he could very easily be Great. But he's a teenager. We told him that starting next year when he gets in the ninth, everything "counts".
Guess my age may be catching up with me...Expand for more
finally. Have had to have a second Stent placed last year. Last week (10 /22/15) had to go to hospital. Run away heart. Doing about 155 pulses per minute. They tried four different medications to slow it back to normal. None worked. Finally they just put me under and shocked my heart. I have a slightly burned area on my chest and back where had the pads attached to me. That will be a little reminder for awhile.
We found out a few months ago, our daughter has pancreas cancer, which has spread to her liver. She has started treatment. She gets an injection of a radioactive isotope every month. And it apparently is quite potent. She was told not to be close to people after the shot. And she can't have a liver transplant. The Oncologists have told her the pancreas cancer would attack her new liver. So, our daughter will be taking medication for a long time. We've already lost our only son, now our daughters life is in jeopardy. They say your children should not pass before you do. My Mother passed last Christmas. So, I am the last of this "leg" of our ancestry tree.
There are so many places to eat in the Dallas Area. Really good restaurants, New places like 5 Guys, Smash Burger, etc. But since my wife lost half of her stomach to cancer, she can't each much. And since she can't, I had to drop the size of meals I put together. And so I don't each much any more. We occasionally go out to supper ;with our daughters family. Like to eat at the Olive Garden. We usually come home with a couple of carry out boxes. Good thing, it gives us a second dinner.
Weather here in N. Texas is really crazy anymore. We are having record floods. Really bad hurricanes,. Glad we live the Dallas Metro area. Once in a while have to drive through some flooded streets, but not to bad. With the sealed ignition systems on cars today, it is pretty hard to stall then out,. Not like the cars we grew up with.
Our oldest grandson graduates this weekend. Going to attend a local community college for his first two years. Then attend a university/college. He just finished Jr. ROTC. Made Second Lt. So, he is thinking about going into the ROTC program at the four year school. ROTC picks up a lot of the expenses. Youngest grandson just graduated from middle school. He will be attending Marcus High School. 9th Grade facility. They just built a new one at Marcus. Probably won't see much of him going forward. He's in band and FFA And he will be taking some College Prep courses. When he graduates from school in four years he will have enough college credits enter the college as a sophomore or junior. We never had anything like this.
Well Michelle passed last July. The cancer ended it all sooner than she thought would, because she had no Will. And she hadn't shown me what she did at the company.
She passed last July and we still haven't been given a court date for the Probate. Our lawyer was able to get me named as Administrator. I know this because I have a lot of people calling/writing want to know if I am interested in selling the house. And of course they are "willing" to assist me. One of them sent me a text today. As I was able to answer him in writing I did. Asked him if people like him hung around the courthouse, like vultures at a fresh road kill. Kind of nasty of me. I usually don't do this hind of thing, but my daughter has been gone that long, so guess I'm running out of patience.
I told Sherry awhile back, that I was ready to sell every thing. Buy about a hundred or so books at the Half Price book store. And head back to Mason City. Don't really know if it would be any better. But I think it might be!
Well, about a year ago, it suddenly dawned on me. It has been sixty years since we graduated from "Ole" CC High.
Don't know where the time has gone. I had USAF buddy I kept in contact with till about three years ago, when he passed away. We'd call each other up a few times every year. Bob always fascinated me when we talked., Bob seem to remember about every thing we had done. I didn't seem to remember all the stuff he did. One time when we were talking,, I told Bob that my brain must have had a very select choice as to what I remembered.
Well , this Pandemic is playing Heck with everything. I've been in and out of the hospital in the last few years. sherry is afraid that my immune system might be compromised, so, I do not get out very much. Have had several examinations the last few years. Been in for scans/ examinations last few months. Got a Covid - 19 exam to day. Have to go get another exam tomorrow (Covid-19 was negative!!!! So, I'm going in tomorrow for another exam. Nothing serious so far. I had back surgery about twenty years My back reminds me once in a while. been having some leg spasms every once in awhile. Got it kind of bad right now. Had some problem's about three or four years ago. I called it my "quarter inch" problem. I seem to bump things some times when I shouldn't. Went to my neurologist. He gave me several tests.. Said he could not "see" anything. Said, I probably had a mini stroke in the part of my brain that handles spatial information. That there wasn't anything that could be done about it. Should feel lucky he said. I told him I realized that, but, all my life I have been able to do everything. Roller skating, ice skating, skiing, tennis, golf It's frustrating when I have the "Quarter Inch" syndrome. It is really bothersome to me, because I've always been able to do everything. I really miss my tennis, but, not much I can do about it now. Carrollton has two courts with practice boards. Often tempted to find out where they're at, and give it a try.
Now with everything locked down, can't really to any thing amyway.
Carrollton has discontinued Citizens Patrol because of the group requirements.. Haven't heard yet when/if Patrol. will start up again. Really miss going out on Patrol.
Well, I guess all good tings must come to an end.
We're still thinking about moving back to Iowa. Living around about a million people kind of keeps reminding one about what can happen.
Anyway, have a good 4th. Addison (just east of us has a "KA-BOOM" celebration every year' or used to . One of the biggest celebrations in Texas. Not going to be very big this year.. Miss Clear Lake . Was always a good time. there.
Look at the bright side. Maybe next year will be better!!!!!!!
04/06/2021
Well, looks like maybe we might be able to go home this July. We both have had our shots. Finally able to go somewhere. We went to the Spring Creek B-B-Q over in Lewisville, and had some B-B-Q Ham and sausage and a couple of sides. This place is one of the best B-B-Q places around. Think the "Olive Garden" will be our next stop. Sherry really likes their chicken fried steak.
Haven't done hardly anything since this started. We have had plenty to do on our house. Texas has what is called "expansive soil". The soil in this area has a lot of clay in it. When it gets wet, it expands. When it's dry during the summer, the soil contracts. The Dallas Area is about the worst area for expansive soil. I've been repairing some of the worst spots. Have (had) an area in the dining room where the drywall had literally come apart. Been working on that one. Have rebuilt it, taped it and am getting ready to Skim Coat and paint. We had an unheard of, for Texas two below zero a couple of months ago. These Texas people weren't ready for it. The power plants shut down. No electricity, No electricity,
No heat. No heat, at two below, pipes freeze. Couldn't find a motel room of course. We took our little rat terrier dog, and slept in the car for two days. My wife's little SUV really has a good heater. The third day, our Son-in-Law came over to see how we were doing. Said we needed to come over to there house. Michelle and Paul bought a house in Highland Village over by Lewisville. Highland Village is powered by a Co-op, so they did not loose their power. Nice and toasty at their house. Came to our house a couple of days later. Had a "river" running out of the garage. Went in to check. We were lucky. Only one pipe blew. The cold line to the washer in the garage. Taped it with some of that Black Tape you see on TV.. Then went back to it a couple of weeks later, when I had the time, and fixed it. Cut out the pipe where the blow out was. Used a Shark-Bite coupler to connect it back up. Now, we have water coming up out of our "new" asphalt" road. Finally figured out what had happened. They "do not" have cold weather here in Texas. Pipes are barely buried; maybe two or three feet. Not like Iowa. It appears that the three quarter inch line from our meter to the main line froze and broke. Got the City out. They didn't seem worried about it. Said they would get to it when they had time. Stilled not fixed. Hate to see good drinking water, literally going down the gutter. Getting bored. Now that we can get out thought I might go down to the tennis court down at the park. There is a practice board there. Go down there and get some exercise by practicing. on the board. Was also thinking about the ball machine at the city tennis Club. But, they charge for that. Get's expensive. Have used it before several years ago. Supper time. Sherry will be home soon. She still works. Need to fix supper. I sure miss my Telecom jobs. Had some really fantastic jobs. Working a project up in Detroit putting in some SONET Rings (Fiber cables) in Detroit. Chrysler had just built a brand new headquarters just north of Detroit.. They wanted a SONET Network between the new building and the Telecom equipment offices they had in seven adjacent towns. We got the contract The company I worked for back in the 90's got awarded the contract. I was given the job. It was FANTASTIC!!!
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