Inquisitive Quest

From the Alva Review Courier

.  A new beginning for the Willson’s,  the Anthony communities ongoing battle with Hospital Administrator Lee Adams having come  to a conclusion,  Adams terminated as administrator and exiled to a minority post in  Wichita  HC A’s   Westley hospital.   The  residue consequence,  a subsided term of employment for Jan Willson as Nursing Director,  the RN agreeing to terminate her Anthony Hospital position.   Jan having no difficulty finding temporary employment as a nurse in Wichita or Pratt.   A review of the Wichita Eagle,  discovering a notice,  the Share Medical Center in Alva Oklahoma was searching for a Director of Nursing.   Jan enthusiastically submitting her resume to  Share Medical Center,  a finding of emanation,  scheduling an interview with Mike McCoy,  the hospital Administrator.  Jan returning home in Anthony, deeming her interview with the administrator and Hospital Board of Directors as going well, and a subsequent notification from the hospital proclaiming success.   Gary as an eternal optimist,  having no doubts she would be selected for the position of D O N,  never doubting his wife’s tenacity.   Jan’s acquisition to the administrative position in the pristine 80 bed medical facility,  was in keeping  with  her resolve for her profession.

.  The compass of Jan’s new employment,  having to experience a 60 mile one way drive to Alva Oklahoma from Anthony,  her time at home presenting a deprivation from a preponderant family.   Gary continuing his culinary role as family cook,  providing the meals for Robert and Sandra and accepting the new family procurement.    Jan’s daily 120 mile trek to Alva in the 87 Buick a concern for Gary.  The Buick having provided  good service during the past years, but the added miles were beginning to accumulate, coming to a decision,  it was time to upgrade her transportation to one more in concert with her traveling status,  deciding on a journey to Wichita, to apprise the automotive specter.  Jan already having aspirations for a convertible, having taken notice of the recently displayed Dodge Shadow,  Chrysler having added a Shadow convertible for the 1993 model year.

.  The couple traveling the 52 miles to Wichita,  halting at a Dodge Dealership on South Broadway,   finding an array of new Dodge Shadows,  but no convertibles.  Continuing to the intercity on East Kellogg,  an area encompassing several mile of automotive dealerships, distinguished as automobile row.  Arriving at the pristine Davis  Moore Dodge Chrysler enterprise,  taking notice of the showroom display,  a Dodge Shadow Convertible,  an E S 6,  fuel injected model.  The salesperson introducing the showroom presentation,  Jan sitting in the displayed convertible,  her presence, a complementary grandeur,  an equated pair.  The couple not making a commitment, but the sales person insisting on taking the Willson’s financial status,  mentioning that the noon hour was approaching and that it would take some time for the dealership to acquisition a conclusion if they desired to proceed

.  The lunch hour finding the two proceeding east on Kellogg,  Gary noticing the expansive Rusty Eck Ford dealership, a decision being made to stop, finding a host of salesmen about to pounce upon their entrance..  As expected they were greeted with a Rusty Eck spokesperson,  Gary according the explanation,  they were interested in a mid sized convertible.   Immediately a red 1992,  5 oh  Mustang Convertible appeared before them,  the sales person insisting that the couple take it for a test drive,  Gary mentioning the lunch hour,  the salesmen insisting they take the car,  returning it after their lunch.  Gary driving the Mustang, the Fords odometer reading  a little over 20 thousand miles,  a four speed stick shift,  Gary very much impressed with the car’s performance,  but  finding it lacked two concepts  the new Dodge Shadow processed, the Shadow having an automatic transmission, and most of all,  that ever present aroma found only in a new car.

.  Returning the Mustang,  it was back to the  Davis – Moore dealership and the showcased E S Shadow,  Gary recognizing his wife’s avidity for the Shadow  Convertible.  Gary realizing from the sticker price, the monthly amortization exceeded their budgeted expectations,  but having experience the ardent radiance in Jan’s eyes,  he couldn’t refuse her predilection.   The long-established 1987 Buick, its presence providing years of recreational contingency for the family, would be instilled as a covenant of exchange,  Gary reluctant,  but realizing the necessity.   The financial acknowledgement of accreditation attained,  the recorded papers signed.

.  There was no discernment as to who would drive the new Shadow Convertible on the return to Anthony.  Jan behind the wheel leaving Davis  Moore in the late afternoon,  the twilight of evening hour starting to prevail.  The journey from Wichita, the convertible top down,  Jan’s hair blowing in the wind,  Gary observing the projection of her,  and the sovereignty of the attraction she beheld.

.  The requisitioned mileage to Anthony,  a pleasant journey, able to acquaint the atmosphere of the countryside,  the aura of life’s surrounding bouquets, the aroma of the fields, the dictates arising from the water filled creeks,  the essence of livestock in the field.   The day coming to a completion, Gary finding its aspects a taxing experience,  but it’s conclusion rewarded with a satisfaction,  Jan’s transportation was a compliment to perspicuity of her new position as Director of Nursing at Share Medical Center in Alva Oklahoma.

The door bell sounded at 602  North Springfield Avenue,  Gary answering the summons,  the person inquiring was Dr. Donald Ransom,  a familiar acquaintance from Jan and Gary’s servitude at the Anthony, and Kiowa  Hospitals.   The doctor,  a surgeon providing his expertise at several Medical Facilities within a fortuitous radius of his Medicine Lodge,  Kansas home.   Gary’s curiosity for the visit was answered, Don venturing an invitation for the Willson to join him and his wife Barbara in an impressive business opportunity called Amway.  Gary and Jan having been surreptitiously introduced to a Amway proposal earlier by  a nursing friend of Jan’s in Wakita Oklahoma, the couple having accepted an invitation to journey to the town south of Anthony.  The gatherings purpose not divulged until the beginning of the presentation,  Gary finding little interest in the endeavor, but finding the host, and others in attendance were very congenial, as were the snacks provided.

Dr. Don’s marketing presentation was more meaningful, his professional integrity giving gravity to the Amway Organization.  Gary very much impressed with the doctors enlightened  presentation, realization that as an Amway Distributor you didn’t sell merchandise, but purchased the quality Amway products for your own use,  the financial benefit coming from a commensurate of establishing other to do likewise.  The corporation being structured as a motivational continuity,  each distributor encouraged to enroll others and for them to do likewise.   The organizational chart providing point values, with designated levels with names such as Diamond,  Emerald, Ruby, Platinum, Gold, and  Silver,  all dependent on the quantity of members in your group, and the volume of merchandise that you and your sponsored representative distributed.

The couple deciding to bond with Doctor Ransom, and his wife as their up-line sponsor in the Amway Enterprise,  discovering when attending their first meeting  at Century II in Wichita,  a host of professionals,  doctors, attorneys, business owners, all well dressed,  with pad and pencils, taking notes from a renown motivational speaker.  The Amway group being mastered by a Diamond family residing in Wichita,  Jim and Marcia McAnarney,  Dr. Don’s immediate up-line being a respected plumbing supply distributor ,  Earl Carra and his wife Rhonda.   Gary although agreeing with the premise of the  endeavor was not immediately  receptive,  somewhat reluctant for a total commitment,  but Jan’s vigor was respected,  a suspicion that her ambition as a nurse and being engaged in a business venture with a physician, was a profession attribute.

Gary began to acquire enthusiasm for  the indicative program,  the undertaking of discerning and sponsoring acquaintances whom he thought would have an understanding, and conception of the benefits and opportunities of the Amway Program.   Dr. Don joining Gary in his solicitation of Amway down-line participants,  with tripod and diagrams, and the Doctor’s presence,  his regal descriptive message acquiring prestige, and plaudits to the program.   Gary discovering, once a new distributor applicant has attended a larger Amway function,   the cognizance of-the-inception would be recognized,  not as a convenience, but one that could be fabricated as an income multiplying asset with unlimited potential, and evident by the distinguished  presence of the Diamonds,  Emerald and Ruby level Members in attendance.

Dr. Ransom, his wife Barbara,  their Chevrolet suburban journeying south to interstate 40,  Jan and Gary, two of the six consigned to the conveyance, the group’s destination, Albuquerque new Mexico, a baronial Amway weekend symposium at the Kiva convention center.   The center providing seating for 6000, more than adequate for the joint venture of the McAnarney’s Organization,  the world information network, shorten to the acronym, WIN.   The Wichita based group having diverged from The Flying Eagles,  a larger Amway group encompassing Kansas,  Oklahoma, and New Mexico, both groups in Attendance.

The Stellar groups almost filling the Hall,  the Willson’s seated taking notice, instead of the accustomed Motivational speaker colloquy, the host introducing a different format with a movie screen being lowered, the full length Hollywood production of the 1993 film “Rudy”, starring Sean Astin began.   With the movies  conclusion, the lights coming up, and to the awe of those in attendance, the host announcing, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Rudy Ruettiger” , and from behind the curtain, the real life person the film depicted appeared onstage.

The afternoon convocation of Rudy Ruettiger energizing,  Rudy behind the podium exhibiting  motivational presentation to a stunned audience.  The afternoon program concluding, Gary inquisitive as to what the evening would instill that could crest the accolade of the afternoon’s  event.   The evening hour motivational palaver beginning,  the unannounced entertainment to  follow.  The education portion coming to a conclusion, the stage curtains opening to a very recognizable renown band,  Paul Revere and the Raiders,  a celebrated group  apropos to the age of much of the audience.

The experience of Albuquerque,  the journey to and from Kansas a memorable perspicacity for those who indulge in the contentedness of Amway’s incentives, and its projected motivation of achievement.  Gary discovering the Amway association having opened a new social perspective to a community of people whose ideals, morality and principles were Transcendent.

Jim and Marcia McAnarney having procured a 50 acre lake near the intersection of Interstate 235 and Highway 42,  within the city limits of Wichita for the expressed purpose as recreational reward to those who were adjutant in the Amway avocation.  Gary‘s certainty in building a distributor association having significantly increased,  an invitation extended to a small number of distributors in recognition of ongoing achievements, including the Willson’s,  Ransoms and their young children.   The lake and its accessories of motorized water accouterments, including boats,  Yamaha wave runners and Ski-Doo jet skis providing an afternoon of enlightenment.   The invited quests provided a late afternoon meal in the boat house lodge,  followed by a business program in the residency adjoining the lodge.

Diamonds Jim and Marcia providing many incentives to their down-line distributors,  with a continual recognition, and acknowledgement,  leasing Wichita’s Joyland Amusement Park for a Saturday afternoon’s private use by the family members of the WIN organization.  The Willson family spending the day along with several hundred in attendance,  almost all familiar faces.   Gary finding an aura of harmony among the group,  a sense of a concordance,  a like-minded Amway family of marketeers.

   Gary’s elderly friend, Jim White,  was on the telephone, inquiring if Gary would be interested in going to Wichita, and attend a scheduled program put on by the members of the American Theatre Organ Society,  featuring  century 2’s  famous Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.  Gary having attended programs at Century 2 in the past, but was unaware  Century 2,   designed by  John Hickman and Roy Varenhorst,  apprentices of the most distinguished American Architect of the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright,  was the only building in Wichita having a large enough area to provide a home for the organ.  To complicate matters, the only time the  theater organ organization can schedule a program, is on an evening when the  rest of the 200,000 square foot convention center is vacant, the vibrancy of the organ being felt and heard throughout the complex.

Gary curious,  discovering an entrepreneur named Richard Simonton, the same Richard Simonton,  who purchased a world war II, naval drafted,  rundown Mississippi riverboat, restoring the Delta Queen to a Mississippi river touring Pavilion.    Purchasing the future Wichita organ,  which was setting idle  the past two years,  in the vacant Paramount Theater in New York City,  for installation in the Los Angles Belmont Theater,  but the Belmont became unavailable.  The members of the American Theatre Organ Society in Wichita approach Simonton and obtain the organ for the new Century 2 complex.  During its storage,  a break in occurred,  vandals set fire to the console.  Not dissuaded,  the organ society, using original Wurlitzer blueprints and schematics,  under took an exact restoration of the organ.  On December 9, 1972 at the Century II, the mighty Wurlitzer,  once again enveloped the atmosphere, breathing life, proclaiming it voice in the world of music.

The scheduled night arriving, Jim’s residence conveniently located around the corner and a ½ block north on Anthony Avenue.  Opal, Jim’s wife,  taking gary aside with Jim absent from the room,  in hushed tones asking that he keep an eye on Jim’s night driving,  that normally she accompanied him,  but wasn’t feeling well and was grateful Jim had someone to accompany him.  Gary soon discovered,  the journey to Wichita would be a history lesson,  Jim enlightening Gary, as a youth, among other endeavors, he  was a theatre projectionist in the era of silent movies and theatre organs, and  how he come to be involved with the theatre organ.  A friend,  who  was a member of  American theatre organ society,  contacted him about having difficulty finding a replacement blower motor for the  organ,  knowing Jim was familiar with an organs functional operation, but more important,  his mechanical expertise in motors, their rpm, and p s i output.  

Gary curious about the organ pipes, posing a question to Jim as to their number.  Jim replying he was unsure, but the pipes were grouped in what they called ranks.  The Tibias rank, sounding the lowest notes,  measuring 16 feet in length and there were 32 pipes in a rank,  the other ranks held pipes as small as 4 inches in length.  The Wichita theatre organ,  being only the second Wurlitzer to have been manufactured to utilize 58 ranks.  and because of the pipe size and number,  Century 2 was an ideal home for the mighty Wurlitzer

The Buicks early arrival in Wichita having a purpose, Jim explaining, he and Opal always stopped for supper at the Country Buffet on West Central Avenue. Gary couldn’t help but notice the age of the clientele, and from past experience, was able to determine in all probability, the quality of the meal would be on the bland side, but he was in Wichita, not for the cuisine, but to experience a Theatre Organ. Gary discovering the inaugural journey, and introduction to the Wichita Theater Organ, was the first of several, the most memorable one, being a presentation of the 1927 silent movie, Wings, complete with the original accompanying organ score. Gary enjoying the time spent with his knowledgeable friend and mentor, amazed that he was a treasure of knowledge in every respect. Jim who was four years older than his father, in some respects, fulfilled a paternal void in his life.

The point of exaltation was Wichita,  Robert and his Dad projecting a designation in the Chevrolet Blazer to The Darryl StarBird Rod and Custom show featured in the exhibition hall of the Wichita Century II Center.   Both looking forward to the exhibition of outstanding products of the marauding outlandish endeavor that was once an American Idol,  the Hot-Rod.   Gary apropos to the Convention Center,  he and Robert entering the circular expansion and for some unknown reason Dad  misjudged the entrance, instead of the Darryl StarBird exposition entrance, they enter a pavilion and behold a Culinary Arts Exposition.   Row after row of tables laden with divergent culinary cuisine,  an extraordinary presentation of delicacies waiting to be sampled.   Gary noting the eleven o’clock hour,  deciding to preclude their later scheduled lunch, instead  the two gathering a paper plate,  proceeding to gaze with an earnest look but in reality ready to indulge in all the comestible diaphaneity.  Gary and Rob, once their appetency fulfilled, exiting the food pavilion,  acquiring the correct entrance to the Rod and Custom Show.

.  In the late Fifties, Darryl Starbird, a Wichita self-taught auto customizer, was given a commission  to build a custom ’57 T Bird for noted road racer,  Bob Turgeon for  the custom car show circuit. After many weeks of hard work, the customized T-Bird made its debut on the custom circuit,  and was  an award winning  entry.  Starbird,  reflecting on what he learned building Turgeon’s Bird,  located a badly-damaged T-Bird in a local Wichita junkyard.  Utilizing segments from other makes, with diligence it became  anointed as one of the most famous and advanced custom show cars of the era, appearing in 1960,  on the cover of Car Craft and Motor Life.  In 1964 Darryl Starbird introduced the first Darryl Starbird Rod and Custom Show in Tulsa Oklahoma,   starting an explosion to acquaint the American Public with its proclamation.

The national touring Rod and Custom Show having been inaugurated in Wichita Kansas,  the Wichita Star Kustom Shop rolling out its first custom car in the late 50’s,  starting an explosion to acquaint the American Public with its proclamation.  Gary as a teenager,  working at the Mountain Blvd Signal Service Station in Oakland California, pumping gas having a close association with those whom drove the infamous “raked 40 ford” and recalling his access to ride in the 57 Chevy purchased by Oakland’s Bruce’s Tire Company that won the Pike’s Peak Race and was more adherent to the display of cars than his son,  but understanding Rob’s coalescence would come with age.

The StarBird presentation wasn’t only automotive,  but included a display of female beauty giving presence and the  vocal entertainment by Peter Noone  noted as Herman from the British Rock Group,  Herman’s Hermits.  The Rock Group having sold over 52 million records,  outselling the Beatles in 1965.  The father, son outings a memorable one, not so much because of Darryl Starbirds Rod and Custom Show or even the miscalculation discovering an outstanding lunch at the Culinary Exposition, but memorable in that father and son shared a time and place together.

.  Labor Day in Kiowa Kansas is always a premiere event,  the population of 1100 in the small rural community adjusting to receiving visiting patronage twice it size.   A ritual of a Free Bean Feed put on by the chamber of commerce, but mainly administered by the members of the volunteer fire department, including Roger Robinson, Keith Rathgeber,  Bill Duvall and the other members of the appreciative firefighters.  This annual meal consisting of beans stewed in 3 ft. high Kettles, the simmering process starting the night before, served with added condiments of coleslaw, luncheon meat sandwiches and a table of enhancing homemade ice cream donated by the community.

.  The event sponsored booths displaying goods and works of art exhibited by mostly local entrepreneurs,  their craft wares being illustrated for barter,  but among the presenters were others traversing from as far away as Wichita to flourish their commodities.  Gary’s wife Jan, in prior years displaying her ceramic intrepidity, her Stateline Crafts endeavor  having participated in the Labor Day event.   The event was not without a traveling carnival,  snow cones,  cotton candy,  a Ferris wheel, Merry-go-round and other rides,  providing the younger set with entertainment.  Gary’s daughter Marlo, husband  Chris, and  Grandson Garrett spending the weekend in Anthony with the elder Willson’s,  enjoying and making their presence known at the Labor Day festivities.

.  Gary and others recognizing the person who shouldered most of the Labor Day Celebration responsibility,  Bob Hayes,  the owner of the local Gambles Hardware Store, providing organizational credence to the event.   Bob’s full-time service person,  Bill Duval assisting in the logistics for numerous requirements and the  public address systems.   Community activities being programmed, included an old fashioned tractor pull  with designated participants along its route,  mounting the sled to give it added weight as was done in a previous era.  An ongoing horseshoe contest,  mud-volleyball presentation,  and the infamous cake-walk,  the cakes being donated by the residence of Kiowa.

.  Gary having been introduced to the Kiowa Labor Day event years earlier, in 1974,  having made the acquaintance of then president of the Kiowa Chamber of Commerce, Judy Stairs, who was frequented Gary’s band, The Persuaders,  playing at Val’s night light Club in Alva Oklahoma.  Judy visiting with Gary about contracting the band  for an upcoming Labor Day Celebration.  The presentation,  an evening dance to be held at the City Community Building.  The family spending the day,  but adjourning the evening presentation,  Chris,  Marlo and Garrett having to return to Oklahoma City,  the Kiowa’s Labor Day activity providing a lasting memorable family event.

Chaparral trumpeter

.  Gary always pondered the rhetorical posture, does the uniform make the man,  or the man makes the uniform,  questioning his sons appetency for a new trumpet.  Robert displaying pride in the acquisition, and his participation with the Chaparral High School Band.   the family expending an exuberant amount for the unique trumpet to fulfill their son’s quest.  The elder  Willson recalling the past,  coming home from elementary school, finding a piano residing in his living room,  and soon discovering it wasn’t a piano, but an entity.   If only it could talk,  it could relate an unimaginable number of stories  it had experienced thru the years.  The young man having found a friend, soon discovering that it could discourse,  and he wouldn’t be the only one sensing what it had to say.  His friend could emit every emotion from light-hearted happiness,  to  largo despondency, it could paint a pictured aria on its musical canvas,  the  oceans bellowing the song of the high seas, or a forlorn  Wagon Train crossing the plains and emit the tapestry sound of a babbling brook on a hillside.  This magical instrument knew no bounds,   providing a means to transport one to unlimited horizons.

.  The elder Willson having spent his earlier years in the music profession,  discerning that his son was not a enliven musician,  differentiating between those who could accomplish the playing of music,  and those who instilled a euphoric desire  within.  Gary apprehending,  most younger music instrumentalist were rapt in the arts basic structure,  having never witnessing his son projecting a vision of musical affection in the confines of the home,  or verbally according a musical endeavor.   Like most reaches in life,  there were two types of music visionaries,  those who impassioned an inner venerate for music,  and those who replicated it, extricating the notes of presentation.   It was apparent, Rob’s ambition was an absolute perfection of reflecting the written score,  not inherent from within,  but a pensiveness of his desire to replicate its calling and ameliorate both the music and his stature.

.  The fall evening temperature having peaked at 60 degrees,  the stands beginning to fill for Chaparral Roadrunners football,  the elder Willson’s seated,   Gary an avid high school football fan, never missing a Roadrunner home game,  Robert also present as a member of the  high school band.  The contest between the Conway Springs Cardinals and the Roadrunners getting underway,  it was subtle but noticeable, the  wind having shifted,  no longer traversing from the southern direction of Oklahoma, but increasing in velocity out of the north,  and with it a marked descending change in the temperature.   Halftime at the football arena also found  an aura of change,  the once mild humid evening now in transition,  the temperature having dropped over 20 degrees with the brisk north wind.  The engulfed assemblage of fans discovering they were not suitably attired for the abrupt change in the weather and  began a departure.   the stands once filled with supporters were rapidly being vacated.   Gary noting the remnants of fans after the mass exit was sparse,  it was apparent that most of  those remaining were loyal  family members of the football team and the insuperable band,  determining  sadly,   the winner of the game was the weather.

.  It was Band Day at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, the Chaparral Band traversing by bus to march in the annual  parade,  one of many high school bands invited to compete in this astounding presentation.  Gary and Jan having digressed from their labors to be  present, lining North Main Street with a host of other parents and spectators.   Standing curbside, the ambiance of the marching bands passing in review, all in attendance experiencing a proud moment, watching the schools and the uniformed youth on parade.  The approach of the Chaparral band Gary sensing a communion with each of the marching musicians, a chill of recognition, acknowledging and sharing their accomplishment.   The marching exposition coming to a conclusion, the statewide assembly of bands venturing to an admission free State Fair, the realm of the midway and carnival rides calling.

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 Gary visiting with his son about his return to Anthony,  asking if he would rather ride back with them, or remain with the band and return on the bus.  The question was a mute, questioning a teenager whether he would rather sit in the back seat of a car, or share a ride in a bus filled with excited teenagers.  The  State Fair was a annual event for Gary’s in-laws  Bud and Helen Murrow,  transporting their 35 ft. 5th wheel RV, taking advantage of the fairgrounds designated hook-up area and spend the most part of a week taking in the vast array of the fair.  The Murrow’s shelter convenience reverence was virtuous, the September weather always providing a variety from cool rain to summer heat, visiting family members according a place of refuge from the weather,  a way-stop from the continuous activity of the fair.  The highlight was always attending the grandstand concert appearance of  a nationally celebrated performers, to his astonishment in 1988 Gary succeeding in fulfilling a life-long longing the fair hosting an epitome of Americana, the one and only Red Skelton.

Kansas State Fair

Red Skelton – an American Icon

The state fair also provided another but  continuous star attraction,  the fairgrounds culinary exponents, upon arrival its presences experienced by  an overwhelming aroma adjacent to the Midway.   The bouquet of offerings included not only  blooming onions,  funnel cakes but  a paradise of international and culinary splendor resonating throughout and encompassing the ornamental sphere of the fairgrounds.   A given,  mounting the circular miniature train that traversed the total fairground arena,  enabling one to view the location of most of the commercial exhibits in the pavilion acreage.  This commerce display from the Kansas opportunist, hawking their boats, trailers, tractors and other merchandise and an organized presentation of entrepreneurship from the local merchants.  The agricultural building giving presentation to the competitive livestock,  awards being accorded to individuals and their entry’s,  row upon row of corporeal stock,  from poultry,  bovine,  lamb to swine,  a splendid exhibition with the youth of the rural farming community showcasing their beloved husbandry.   Another presentation,  the commodity building housing all the fruits of labor from the Arcadian individuals, the moms,  pops and grandmothers,  their jams and jellies,  the homemade condiments from the rural households of the planar plains of Kansas giving a presence to their ubiquity.   The pavilion of home-grown fruit and vegetables demonstrating an element of rural life, Gary recognizing the Kansas State Fair was an open opportunity for all to coalesce with the meaning of America,  the true aspect of unity,  a reservation of equanimity where like-minded people can assemble in concert.

Two beauty’s

home grown

Can’t resist a funnel Cake

Hutchinson Kansas State Fair train

Hospital Administrator Buck McKinney

.  Gary’s employment at the Kiowa Hospital, found him returning to the  Kiowa  Ambulance Service as a certified first responder,  Sharon Regan covering his shift when commuting from Anthony.   Gary making a decision to enroll in a Harper County 12 week EMT certification course,  evening and weekends at Chaparral High School,  finding at times,   the 60 mile round trip to Kiowa , and the evenings at Chaparral somewhat grueling,  but perseverance prevailed.  Gary aware,  almost  1/4 of those taking the EMT written certification and 5 station practical test in Wichita would fail some part of it,  having experienced it with his first responder certification. Gary traveling to Wichita, finding  his instructors having done their job,  having no discernment with the written portion or the 5 station test, being told the results would be notified  by mail.  The notification arriving,  opening the envelope,  he was relieved finding a formal certification Certificate and EMT card from the State Board of Emergency Medical Services.

.  Gary found Buck McKinney was a likeable,  laidback good natured person, dressing accordingly, only wearing a suit n tie for Hospital Board meeting.  blending well with the hospital environment and staff, joining them on their breaks.  Gary on occasion  sometimes questioning his  aptness ,  espousing from past experience,  having worked with remarkable administrative supervisors,  Jay Jolly,  Glen Piper and staunch John Deere franchise owner  Steve Miller,  but giving credit where credit is due, Buck as  hospital administrator,  stepping up so that the ambulance service would remain in Kiowa.   but from another prospective, his status as ambulance Director was mostly in name only,  the paper work handled by the hospital office and the monthly on-call status  schedule  performed by the Director of Nursing,  the incomparable Sharon Ragan.

.  During the annual Ambulance State Certification Inspection,  the Surveyor finding the Kiowa ambulance lacking the required written protocols for an ambulance service.  Gary obtaining a precedent from Medicine Lodge,  providing  their modus operandi as a template,  adapting it for Kiowa’s Type B Service in protocol form,  fulfilling the states compliance requirements.  Buck expressing at an ambulance staff meeting,   protocol in hand, the ambulance was now in compliance.     Buck was very forthwith,  not a hesitant person,  letting the ambulance personnel know he failed the State EMT CPR practical station in Wichita,  remedying the situation,  meeting with the  director of emergency medical services,  the hospital administrator  stating   the person in charge of the CPR station was in error,  demonstrating a correct procedure,  The EMS director enabling his certification.

. As a member of the Kansas Hospital Engineers Association,  Gary was elected to the Board of Directors of the KHEA,  representing South Central Kansas District 3,  which included Wichita,   also having accepted the added responsibility as treasurer, and  editor of the KHEA monthly newsletter.   The Kiowa Hospital being  member of the Kansas Hospital Association.   Buck blatantly boasting, even though the hospital was a member,  he had never attended or participated in any of the KHA, seminars , or professional presentations.  Gary recalling an apropos  quote from a Louis L’Amour western novel expounded by his father,  “ride low in the saddle,  stay off the high ridges,  you’re riding in a dead man’s seat”,  the verse’s implication imparting a means for a person to cloak their ineptness.

Rob’s pride

.  The time having arrived,  Gary’s son Rob having attained the age of automotive responsibility,  satisfying the  vision and  written examination requirements,  receiving a state issued learners permit, the youth excited with the prospects.  Gary recalling at that age, his father insistence the 1940 Chevrolet Pickups double-clutching non-synchromesh transmission four speed be the endeavor to acquire his first driving experience.  Gary’s Dad,  a Teamster by trade,  able to drive everything from a World War II  Army M-4 tank,  to a 500 series Caterpillar Road Scraper,  always emphasizing the use of the clutch as the most important exchange to extradite the performance of opportunity.   Gary insisting  Robert’s first learning experience would be in the 5 speed manual shifting 4 wheel drive Toyota Tercel Wagon.   Robert having no difficulty with the shifting of gears,  acquiring an immediate dexterity after two driving  sequences.  Dad allowing his son the helm of the Chevrolet Blazer Sport,  also being a manual shift,   Robert finding a natural comfort behind the wheel of motorized transportation.

.  The endeavor was Rob’s orthodontist appointment on North Rock Road in Wichita,  fulfilling his scheduled sixth month checkup,  wearing a correctional appliance retainer.  The Father and Son seated in the Blazer,  only this time Gary setting in the passenger’s seat,  imparting the driving to Rob.  Dad having total confidence, sitting back watching as Rob nonchalantly started the Blazer,  displaying a I’ve done this before deposition, ready to incur the 54 mile drive.  Departing Anthony on the hour long journey to Wichita,  the Blazer turning east on West Kellogg the main thoroughfare through the city.   Gary keeping a watchful eye because of the Saturday Traffic, Rob progressing across town, his Dad impressed with his driving performance, the two arriving.  The appointment task completed, Gary opting to drive back, Rob’s first long distance drive a success, the only somewhat negative response was from his mother,  who apparently wouldn’t have entrusted him to make the drive.

.  Gary’s day at the Kiowa Hospital started like most,  fulfilling his normal routine when approached by a fellow Apostolic Christian Church brother, and close family friend, Huber Farney.   The Farney’s,  a Kansas wheat farming family under the craftsmanship of Huber’s son Tom,  farmed sections of acreage spreading across the state line into Oklahoma.  The elder Farney disclosing,  Gary’s son Robert,  whom Tom had employed for a summer job,  had endured an accident with the Blazer.  The accident occurring near the Stateline on the Burlington Road,  Huber firmly emphasizing,   Robert wasn’t injured.   Gary questioning Huber about the damage,  his elderly friend hesitant about providing any information, only conveying that Gary needed to avail himself to the scene.   The weather not being congruous,  a very cogent thunderstorm blanketing Kiowa and the surrounding area,  Gary immediately giving notice at the hospital,  he was leaving to inquire about his son’s dilemma.

.  The wind-driven rain was coming down in torrents,  the lightning discharging from the towering cumulus, the thunder resonating with an earthshaking sound.  Gary arriving at the scene  finding the Blazer off the road, upright,  but the driver’s side rear roof line was slightly bent.   It was apparent the car had been laid over on its side, sliding during its venture off the road before up-righting itself.   The left rear wheel having been literally ripped from the axle, but although bent at an angle, the rear window frame and glass remained intact.  Approaching his son,  who was seated in the inert vehicle,  the deluge of rain still persisting,  Gary joining him in the front seat.   Rob was shaken, almost to the point of tears, but holding his composure.  Gary assuring him that his only concern was that he wasn’t injured,  the damage to the car was of no immediate importance, circumstances happen.   The inevitable question had to be asked,  what happen?.  Rob slowly replying,  he  really didn’t know,  it all happen so fast,  only that it started to rain, and suddenly  the Blazer was sideways in the curve, then an impact and a silence,  the vehicle coming to rest.

.  Surveying the situation amidst the downpour,  noticing how close his son had come to hitting the cement pillar that marked the boundary between Oklahoma and Kansas,  thanking the Lord for what could have been a desolating experience.   Gary entreating Huber to return to Kiowa ,and inform Keith Rathgeber at D and W Auto of the incident,  and ask him if he could retrieve the Blazer with his tow truck.  Gary visiting with his son  discovering  the Oklahoma Highway Patrol had been on the scene before his arrival,  writing Robert a citation for honesty,  asking him if he was wearing a seat belt,  the young driver answering truthfully,   no.

.  The Blazer finding a new home for the next six weeks at D and W,  the extensive repairs a low priority on the shop’s schedule.  Scott Rathgeber giving assurance he could rend the top back to its normal position providing the window glass remained intact,  something Gary thought impossible.   The  torqueing of the roof  post back to a straight vertical position  was a success,   a new rear left axle,  wheel and  brakes fulfilling the remaining damaged parts,  and with touch up paint,  a total cost of 13 hundred dollars  put the Blazer on the road,  Robert once again able to host his grandfather’s gift,  the Blazer briefly down,  but not out.

.  It was the start of Roberts senior year at Chaparral High School,  Gary trying to convince his son to drive the 82 Terrel wagon to school,  but Robert proclaiming he would rather ride the school bus to than to be seen in the Toyota.  Gary having employed the 1984 Chevrolet Blazer for his daily 30 mile commute to the Kiowa Hospital,  weighing a decision,  but finally giving in to his son’s desire.   Robert was meticulous in maintaining a prestige’s image,  always appropriately dressed,  a stature fitted for all occasion,  the Blazer providing a transportation means in keeping with his character.   Gary accepting the downside of the Tercell Wagon,  especially the lack of air conditioning, the unit having failed the past year,  but having spent most of his life without an AC appliance in his Vehicle’s,  driving the 51 Dodge pickup,  the Ford and Chevy Vans, remembering transporting the band equipment in “Old Blue”,   his 1966 Ford Pickup across hundreds of miles of West Texas in the August heat.  The 60 mile round trip to Kiowa during the heated Kansas weather was  child play.

.  Robert taking pride in his acquired transport,  the blazer kept pristine in appearance,  installing a high-powered 300 watt subwoofer system in the rear, able to shatter the atmosphere with its reverberating projection as he traveled down the road.   Gary and Jan borrowing the vehicle on a Saturday morning to attend a Amway meeting in Wichita.  Descending upon the parking area of the meeting accommodation,  members of his group,  including his up-line sponsors, Earl Carra and Don Ransom, who were gathered awaiting their arrival.  Gary Switching on Roberts subwoofer system,  the resounding sound resonating off the buildings,  the Blazer Sport with its tape player presentation giving the Willson’s a booming and noticeable entrance.

.  Sandra having reached the age of auto mobility,  Gary again acquainting the five speed SR 5 Toyota Wagon as the transport of learnable experience.   His youngest daughter not quite having the dexterity of her brother Robert,  but up front with the perseverance to master the shifting of the 5 speed manual transmission.   Dad starting her familiarity with a driving exercise on the dirt mile section road east of Anthony,  explaining how one could downshift from 5th gear to 4th slowing the vehicle.   Sandra soon mastered the usage of the clutch and the shifting,  but on occasion,  because of the narrow proximity of the gear shift pattern,  she would shift from 5th gear, missing 4th  dropping the Toyota into 2nd  gear,  Gary finding himself almost prompted thru the windshield with the sudden deceleration.   This event was more humorous than serious,  Sandra accomplishing her goal and obtained her driver’s license without any difficulty.  Unlike Robert, she was convivial in accepting the Tercell Wagon as transportation.

.  Gary discovering a requirement for another vehicle,  Robert and the elder Willson journeying to Wichita in the Blazer, once again acquainting East Kellogg and automobile row.   Gary in search of a reliable used vehicle that would transact his weekday 60 mile round trip from Anthony to Kiowa. .   Once again returning to a Davis Moore dealership,  whom they  had purchased Jan’s Dodge Shadow Convertible,   Gary not a person to dicker about specifics found what he was looking for on the trade in sales lot,  the salesperson perplex that his sales pitch was not needed,  and within an hour Gary was returning to Kiowa in a 1989 blue Oldsmobile Cutlass,  pleased at his selection,  the automobile heredity of the Willson family fulfilled.   Jan with her Shadow Convertible,  Rob with the Chevrolet Blazer,  Sandra with the Toyota Tercel and Gary more than satisfied with the newly acquired Oldsmobile Cutlass.

I.  t was a Saturday, Gary and Jan journeying to  Oklahoma City to visit Gary’s daughter Marlo, his daughter in an expectant manner. The couple arriving at the residence,  finding a note on the door,  the written message  acknowledging they were expected,  but were called away to their recent acquired business opportunity, the note posted with the address.   Their recent acquired enterprise, a result of Marlo’s mother’s friend,  Jim,  marketing his business  A graphic LWD,  logging while drilling, operation.   The endeavor evolving from oil companies, and speculators engendering their menstruation’s from the drilling sites,  measuring the porosity,  resistivity, and acoustic wave fronts of the drilling process.   Transferring the analysis to a paper graph,   presentable for the oil rig roustabouts,  engineers, and various enfolding invested constabulary for contemplation of the drilling progress.  Gary well aware of  Oklahoma’s oil rich endowment ,and its contribution to the state’s overall economy, and was ardent about his daughter and son-in-law’s new found opportunity.

.  The phone call was expected, the new year welcoming a new arrival, on January 3 1995,  Allison, Elaine Denton, tipping the scales at 5 lbs., 13 ounces, blessing the world and heritage of the Denton and Willson families. .   The grandfather making the drive to Oklahoma City,  the visit was brief, but enduring, experiencing, the euphoria that fills the air with the presence of a newly born..  Gary extending and looking forward to Marlo and Chris, a possible early spring visit to Anthony.  The drive home was one of  contemplation,  Gary pondering how to be what he wasn’t, a close knit family grandfather, the answer remained, but was within a circle of circumstances.

.  Graduation , A celebrated occasion that beholds the beginning of progressive events in a young man’s life.   A commencement and inauguration of responsibility,  the family members no longer an exponent of parental supervision,  relinquishing their authority and decreed decision-making in their son’s behalf,  Robert Willson was graduating from high school.   The Chaparral High School event finding Robert’s parents,  sister, and grandparents all present for the occasion, his Grandmother Willson flying from California to be present for the celebrated event.  Gary discovering the ceremony much like most graduations,  having attended his daughter Marlo’s in Oklahoma City,  but what really impressed him was the closing song.   Gary, never a musician to be impressed with lyrics,  but  the lyrics of   “A Irish Blessing”  a choral presentation would forever remain an  ardent part of his son’s graduation.   “May the road rise to meet you.   May the wind be ever at your back.   May the sunshine warm upon your face and the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again.   May God hold you,  May God hold you ever in the palm of his hands.

.  Graduation fulfilled,  Robert venturing in the 84 Chevrolet Blazer journeying westward,  his wayward travel  taking him to California.   His ambition, to visit his west coast family,  arriving at his Aunt Nancy’s and his grandmother’s residence in Columbia,  five miles north of Sonora.   All was not pretense,  the youth finding he was called upon to avail his cousin Sarah,  her husband Randy having injured his back in a work related incident.   With new carpet being installed in their residence,  Robert called upon to provide the muscle for moving furniture.   His journey was not without substance, taking time to explore the pacific coast,  the youth now proclaiming  “ surf’s up”,  a Kansas youth able to experience the realm of the wave driven pacific ocean,   a vast difference from the land-locked patronage of Kansas, viewing the world  thru the eyes of a young person fining responsibility.

.  The full-page ad in the Wichita Eagle Beacon certainly received Gary attention,  The Man of La Mancha was being presented at Century II.   What caught his engrossment was the production company having acquired the actual stage setting used for the Broadway production,    the paper displaying in full color the majesty of the set.   Gary knowledgeable of the musical,  especially its characterization of Don Quixote and  acquainted with the story and composers whom have written musical depictions.   Gary’s favorite,  Richard Strauss,  having composed orchestrated tone poems about Don Quixote,  Don Juan,  Ein Heldenleben ( a hero’s life), ,  “Also Sprach Zarathustra”,  better known to the American Public as the opening theme from the movie “A 2001 Space Odyssey”.     Gary asking his wife Jan if she would like to accompany him for the Saturday afternoon presentation,  but her knowledge and interest in the arts reflected her Murrow family upbringing in Kiowa,  a salt of the earth family, but rather lacking in recognition of the artistic expressions of the world.   His enthusiasm was building as He journeyed to Wichita’s Century II,  knowing that the Mitch Leigh’s musical composition would be an imminent presentation,  highlighted by the song  “The Impossible Dream” ,  its stature  a prominent display in the world of music.

.  Arrival at the Century II Concert Hall, an abundance in attendance,  Gary discovering that the only available seating was in the balcony.   As customary when  attending the symphony or concert performances his attire was always fitting for the occasion,  a suit or sport coat with tie.   Standing in line to acquire a balcony admission,  a lady with a young girl approached him,  asserting that they had an extra ticket in the orchestra section,  her husband unable to attend, asking Gary if would he be interested in purchasing it.   Gary inquired as to the price, the lady acknowledge she would accept the same amount as the $13.00  balcony admission.   Joining this newfound acquaintance and her daughter,  Gary was astonished to find himself in the season ticket holders reserved section,  seated 15 rows,  center stage from the performance,  miraculous seating for a musical dream about to come true.  With its conclusion, the performance of The  Man From LaMancha  exceeding all expectations, Don Quixote leaving one, a lasting impression, “Call nothing thy own, except thy soul. Love not what thou art, but only what thou may become.

.  The 1995 fall meeting and Vendor Exhibition for the Kansas Hospital Engineers Association was being held at the 10,000 sq. ft. Ramada Inn Conference Center on W. Crawford, in Salina Kansas.  Gary having represented District #4 which included Wichita on the Board of Directors and in addition served as Treasurer for the KHEA for the past three years.   Larry Dunn the current Hospital Engineers Association president was supervising plant operation manager for the 760 bed HCA Wesley Medical Center on North Hillside in Wichita prevailing upon Gary  that he should submit his name for the upcoming Board of Directors presidential election.

. Gary having no ambition to enter the contention for the presidency,   but Larry was persistent, Gary reluctantly giving into the prestigious engineer persuasion.   The names of  members placed in nomination were taken under advisement, the membership voting, descending the number down to two very contrasting constituents.  Gary with his small community rural hospital experience finding himself placed on the ballot, the other nominee was the Executive Vice President in charge of maintenance at the 353 bed Salina Regional Medical Center and like Larry wore a white shirt and tie to work and also was the Kansas representative to the national America Society Of Hospital Engineers (ASHE)  with a degree in engineering.

.  The time of reckoning was at hand,  for the representative members from the hospitals throughout the state of Kansas in attendance,  the two candidates  standing  before the group according their qualifications and  reason for seeking the office.  Gary beginning his electoral presentation very much aware that the majority of the membership were from small rural hospitals, acknowledging  he was a singular maintenance operative like many of them,  working in a small community hospital,  solely responsibility for all the mechanical, physical and ground keeping commitments, logging and fulfilling all the regulatory compliant paperwork for the facility.  His qualification for KHEA president was his experience and service as a representative of district 4 on the Board of Directors, plus  his service as Treasurer of the organization and editor of the monthly KHEA newsletter,  but more important he could identify and was  representative of their working environment.   The two nominees were asked to remove themselves to the Conference Center foyer while the voting took place.  The perspectives visiting with each other during the electoral process.  Upon returning inside to the convention hall it was announced Gary was the Kansas Hospital Engineers president-elect, surmising in all probability it was the support of the small rural hospital delegates that championed his election.

.  Realizing with his new position came the commitment of responsible leadership in exercising  his posture as president,  including introducing innovating new programs to the Board.   While serving as treasurer he became aware of  thousands of dollar instilled by contributors and vendors to the KHEA’s financial account which continued to grow serving no purpose but to accumulate interest.    Gary having given thought about the unheralded dedication of hospital  maintenance employees,  proposing to the Board, a scholarship program for the membership,  including the immediate members of their family.  The program would provide 2 scholarships of 2 hundred fifty dollars to be  awarded for each semester to further  their education.  The applicants required to submit a written essay  expanding on the statement,  as an example,   “the meaning of education to me” or a suitable healthcare subject.  The  Board of Directors to select a winner,  and as a safeguard to remove any suspicion of favoritism on selection,  the submitting applicants name would be removed,  the essays numbered,  the numbered  names known only to the President.    The enacted program was a total success, the first winning essay was the daughter of Stan Murphy,  the maintenance supervisor at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

.  During Gary’s tenure as president the Engineers Association board determined, that to be in line with the State Kansas Hospital Association,  a by-law and name change was suggested from Hospital Engineers to Healthcare Engineers Association, allowing the organization to include Nursing Home Facilities.  Gary disagreeing with the Board of Directors,  denoting the name healthcare was somewhat vacuous for an engineering association,  but agreeing,  unlike retirement nursing homes,  skilled nursing facilities did meet most hospital criteria. His protest in vain, losing his argument, the name change being enacted.

.  The propitious of his presidency enabled a continuation of other envisioned plans, foremost was  a union with the Michigan Healthcare  Engineers Association,  the only State  Healthcare   Engineers Organization accredited by JCAHO,  (the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization) .  It was an industry standard that a qualified membership and certification by JCAHO exempted a facility from federal Medicare inspection,  because  the “Joint Commission ” evaluation standards surpassed all federal regulations.  The Michigan Healthcare Association  with its comprehensive testing program and  JCAHO recognition was  enabled to certify a member as a recognized Certified Healthcare  Engineer.   Gary corresponding with the Michigan’s Healthcare Engineers with a  vision of  providing the members of the KHEA with a JCAHO recognized healthcare engineers certification program.      Gary’s tenure as president of the Kansas Hospital Engineers Association,  provided an introduction to another avenue,  on the road of life.