People I've Been Honored to Know & Care About.
Elissa and I met in Bushnell, and I was her substitute preacher at the Presbyterian Church, where she was pastor. We were both officers in the ministerial association, and Elissa is a really bright young woman, an incredible mother, and we shared many pancake breakfasts and Tasty Tuesday dinners together.
Bonnie Bartlett was one of my favorite people in Bushnell, with her open heart and willingness to do whatever was needed -- from serving soup to entertaining children at Halloween parties. She and husband Larry invited our grandsons to tour their farm, even providing mud boots! I'll always love Bonnie.
Elaine Beaubien is a great friend, and we go back to my first week in Madison in 1996. She is an award-winning college professor AND a romance novelist with a loyal following who enjoy her E.K. Barber "Flight into Terror" series. But the first word that comes to mind is FUN. Elaine IS the party.
Ken is one of our "Madison Gang" and he's a boatload of fun. This devoted family man is usually wearing sunglasses because he's an outside adventure kind of guy, always ready for a hike or boat ride, or to play a round of golf. He is super friendly to everyone and an incredibly talented all-round guy. And he loves to travel with wife Elaine!
Cindy and I became friends when I managed the Chicago Ronald McDonald House, where she stayed for a few years (off and on) with her baby daughter. We literally raised our infant girls together, vacationed together, and we took a more recent road trip in Indiana together. Didn't seem like 30 years had passed! She's a fun friend and a great person.
If you look at the projects page, you'll find Judy's face throughout. She never turned down an opportunity to volunteer, and she always brought cookies to board meetings! She was an integral part of our friends group, as well as our nonprofit, and she's someone you can count on when any job needs done.
Diane is a true wanderer, not really citing anywhere as her home these days as she travels the WORLD, always on an adventure and largely trusting that the world will provide whatever she needs -- and it largely does. We catch her when she passes through, and it's always worth the wait.
Bonnie loved life and lives it fully. Bonnie often vacationed in Texas during the colder months, and enjoyed all the experiences to be had living amongst friends there, with costumes, dancing and lots of fun. She was an active volunteer for Bushnell, IL church functions and she always had an encouraging word and smile. (Since this was published, sadly Bonnie died.)
Tom is the music man. He has a band, but for any social engagement, he's got a guitar nearby and is always a fun addition. He played at our home for our Tasty Tuesday guests, even though he was a guest! We love the dude and his wife Terry. They are very hospitable people.
Terry's smile pretty much says it all. She was one of the first people we met in Bushnell, and certainly the most welcoming. She has a big heart and brings it to everything she does.
Joe was mayor of Monona when we first met at some community meeting or other. I immediately liked the guy for his candor, sense of humor, and commitment to his city. Plus (and this became a cornerstone of our friendship) we both liked cemeteries -- actually, I LOVE cemeteries and Joe LIKES cemeteries for their genealogical info. Enjoyed a couple's dinner with Joe and his wife, and just proud to call him a friend.
Tim Collins was not only our neighbor, he was part of most of our days in Bushnell. A professor, author, and gardner, Tim also filled in as a preacher for me when I needed a "Chicago break" with the grandkids. Another hat he wears is a Santa cap, and we've had lots of fun and dinners with "hippie Tim."
Nita Gardner Cross was a high school best friend. We did everything together, from double dating to laughing on the phone for hours. We had firstborn sons within the same year, and share the sorrow of having lost them. When we see each other, it's like no time at all has passed. Love her always.
Tim is someone I think of as a Madison think tank kind of guy. He's very intelligent, and I really enjoyed our time together there, working on projects together. He's a gem.
More than the police chief at the department where I served as a Crisis Interventionist, Amie became my best friend over the years. When my son died in a car accident, he was the first person I called for help. He and his wife Betty were Godsends to me and the children, and will always have a special place in my heart.
Birdy, shown here with our grandson Patrick, is one of the nicest people we ever met, quick to drop off a gift, send an inspirational card, or bake you a treat. She became a surrogate older sister to me, and no matter what trials she has (and her health concerns are huge), she always smiles and carries on helping others.
We share Becky's sister, Beverly, as a dear friend, and through her, I came to know Becky. Becky was a wonderful daughter and is a great mom to her adult son, and she worked in education for a number of years. I like her because she's curious about the world and loves folk dancing -- and she's a wonderful, caring person.
Mike is an accountant who lives his Christianity and he's a great source of info! Mike told me I HAD to go to Bear Tooth Pass in Wyoming, and stay at a certain ranch with horses and it was one of the best vacations I ever had with my grandson Patrick. Mike always has the best advice and he's lots of fun to hang out with, too!
Leigh was one of the first people we met in Jacksonville. We've cooked, laughed, groused and celebrated birthdays togethers. Leigh is an assistant principal with a heart of gold and she's always up for new experiences, like painting rocks and making flower pots out of broken pottery.
Beverly is my longest adult friendship. We worked in collateral jobs in Milwaukee 35 years ago, and she's been a sister-friend ever since. Beverly works in state adoptions as a superviser, and she's the proud mom of 2 young women. She's a talented writer, too.
A spirited card player, and an over-the-top host (her "snacks" are a full buffet!), Bertha is also an avid golfer and adventurer. We met over a Euchre game, and we've shared some social dinners and a lot of laughs. Bertha is the real deal and you'd be lucky to count this socialite among your friends.
Dave is a fellow koi fish lover, and his self-made tank is amazing. He's also an accomplished Euchre card partner and always up for adventure or FUN. Super guy.
Jo is one of those people you meet who you'll never forget. This friend is always there for our vintage chick gang, always ready to host a party or show up with the most thoughtful gifts. She's spontaneous and she gives her time, her talents, and her resources to make everyone's life a little better. We love her.
Joe is my Mexican Dominoes buddy, game night buddy, dinner buddy, and all around great friend. We spent a lot of time together pre-Covid and I look forward to getting back into our groove after shots! Miss him a lot.
Joan was the co-host, with me, of our nightly business radio talk show on WTDY.FM. She's an entrepreneural guru who worked with the Small Business staff at the University of Wisconsin, and she's traveled throughout the world helping establish business centers in foreign cities. Joan and I had many a dinner and lunch together, and we taped over 3,000 shows together. She's quite a woman, and I'm proud to call her a friend.
Donna is my Madison sister-friend and in my Personal Top 5. She never gossips, her home is always my home, and she gives her heart to many community endeavors. Everybody knows Donna and has benefited for it. She's forever #1 with me. She and David will be life-long friends regardless where we live.
Our favorite funny man, David can turn any kind of day into a fun day. He's always ready to try new things, and we've loved traveling across the nation with him and Donna. Friends for more than 20 years, we love them like siblings. Dave is Kev's "brother from another mother".
I met Marie just a year into our residency in Florida, and she was a true Godsend. Marie introduced us to her friends and included us in her social activities (except cruises - I still get way too seasick!). She and Paul are part of our closest friend circle, and she's always willing to do anything for literally for anyone.
Paul's a great euchre player and a real handy guy to have around, from sprinkler systems to hvac to almost anything. He's given us lots of great advice and help, and he's got a great sense of humor. We love going out to eat with him and Marie -- a fun couple to hang with.
Bill brought me to Madison as his publisher for IB, and partnered with me to open a magazine in Rockford, IL. He's a close family friend, as is his wife Nancy, and the core of our "gang" of friends in Madison. I admire Bill for too many reasons to list, and for his passion for family, friends & fun.
Nancy is an artist, after retiring from years working in a scientific lab. She's a precious grandmother, a devoted mother, and a great friend with an optimistic outlook. I've never heard Nancy say a negative word about anyone; she's the balm in our Madison group. She's also become family to us; we love her.
Dottie's first love is now her grandchildren, though hubby Jack comes in a close second, or maybe third after the dogs? She's always up for a good time, and we've really enjoyed dinners with Dot and other get togethers.
Jack is one of our "dog park friends" and since we have known him, he went from banker to educational paraprofessional, to public safety manager. He's literally a talented Jack of many trades! He's also a besotted grandfather, busy hubby, and fun friend. We've had a lot of good times and dinners with Jack.
Barbara, a well-known national marketing expert who worked with top U.S. brands, was also my friend and partner in Glynn Patrick & Associates, LLC. We worked together on projects and she is smart and self-motivated. She's a valued friend, but also a great businesswoman, mother and wife -- all in balance!
Jane (JJ) was more than my assistant and IB's office manager. She was a very good friend. She always offered practical advice and jumped in wherever needed. More than that, Jane was an office "Mom" for the staff, always ready with a listening ear and shoulder to lean on. JJ and I will be lifelong "framily".
Marty Kane mentored me as a publisher in Milwaukee, and soon became my best friend, even after he left newspapers to become a stockbroker. Before he did, he recommended me to Bill in Madison to become publisher of IB, so I owed him a great deal. Sadly, Marty lost a very long-fought battle with lung cancer, but he leaves behind so many wonderful memories.
Every non-profit has a backbone person, and Jean is that person for St. Paul's Church (where we first met her). We've washed dishes together, helped out with Sunday School together... well, you name a committee or cause, and you'd find Jean organizing it. She is a beloved mom and grandmother, and really one of those "essential workers" in her retirement. Geat gal.
Ty is a "just do it" sort of guy. We worked on lots of community projects together in Bushnell, and when you needed a hard job done, he was short on patience for planning committees but quick with a hammer or saw. In turn, we taught him how to use a computer and email, and he loves my chili and stawberry-rhubarb pie.
Luther was cleaning eaves, gardening, and building things into his 90s. He's a jack-of-all handyman trades, and he loves strawberry-rhubarb pie, as he told me when he gave me frfesh rhubarb! Luther also gave me some cooking tips I still use. He's interesting and interested, which makes him a great friend.
Jon was my #1 choice for publisher of In Business magazine in Madison when I retired from that position. Jon worked was our sales manager and then I asked him to step up as IB's assistant publisher. He's got a lot of integrity, is highly dependable, and he's a great leader who understands how to motivate without micromanaging. He's a family man and manages to juggle all those responsibilities with grace and humility. A real gem of a guy.
He's spent most of his life as the president of colleges, but here's something you might not know about Don: He plays old time Scottish golf with the original equipment! Also, he and I have enjoyed many a fine breakfast together with a side of grits. And he likes genealogy, too. No wonder we're friends!
Vickie is always up for a good time. One of the [in]famous Vintage Chicks, she's sang karyoke, played handbells, attended concerts, hosted dinners, played bingo, and done so many things with me and the gals that it wouldn't be a gang without her. She's the smile in our group, our sunshine.
Anita, now "retired" is a busy and very (very!) talented water colorist (painter) in her second career, but I knew her as a businesswoman who could come into any company of any size and maximize it's potential. Anita helped me, when hired as a consultant for IB, with her 80/20 philosophy and publishing background, and she was a valued mentor through the years, as well as a great lunch partner and gal pal.
Doesn't Paige look like a fun dentist? She is. She's always up for a community project, from dressing as a tooth for Halloween, to grabbing a hammer or saw for rehabing a depot. She's also fun at dinners and parties. Everyone should have a dentist like Paige and we miss her.
Georgia is my sister-friend in Jacksonville. We enjoy doing things with her and her husband Buddy, from playing a spirited game of cards (the gals almost ALWAYS win), or going to Top Golf or just hanging out at the beach. Everyone should have a Georgia peach in their life!
Buddy is our rainbow unicorn friend, almost too good to be true. He's that one-in-a-million who really would do anything for a family member or friend, and he's helped us with surprise parties, with concert tickets, with whatever. He's a fantastic card player, and a lifelong dependable and caring friend.
I met Major Paul Moore, head of the Dane County (WI) Salvation Army, when he asked me to sit on the board of directors. We relaunched the disaster emergency response team together and I admire the dedication he and his wife Sue gave to the corps the many years before their retirements. We're also loosely related, discovered thru our joint love of genealogy. Our families lived together in Michigan two centuries ago. He's a talented essayist and a real quality person to know.
Gerry is just a dear, dear woman. She teaches a beading class for the Southside Newcomer's Club, where I met her, and she is absolutely beloved by her class. Gerry's greatest strengths are her patience (she is a saint) and her ability to encourage every single person to relax and have fun while learning a new skill. Brava!
Lisa and I hosted monthly "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" parties with 10 people (who didn't know who else was invited). She's an absolute hoot and treasure, besides being the lobbyist for Walmart and someone who decides where it's charitable contributions go. She's super smart, was in the Army band, and a staunch American partriot. You gotta love her!
I was Charlie's chaplain and he attended my weekly worship services at the retirement center where he lived. It was my great honor to do the funeral service for his wife Rosa. We celebrated his birthdays and I taught him how to use a video recorder, my gift to him with tapes of his life converted to CD. He's 90 in this picture taken five years ago, and still going strong. Love Charlie a lot, and his many stories as well.
Kathleen Paris spends much of her time actually IN Paris lecturing businesses and teaching. Kate has inspired me in many ways. She's incredibly capable, optimistic, and open to all the beauty in the world. Also, she's not afraid to jump in a tube and go for a speed ride in a lake. So much to admire!
I particularly like how Mary says what is on her mind; she's very straightforward. Mary does a LOT for the community and is a real mentor with her wealth of knowledge and her willingness to share both her time and her thoughts. I learned a lot about Bushnell from Mary.
George helped us wake Bushnell up. He picked up his hammer and saw and helped us renovate the city's falling down train depot. He became a board member of our nonprofit Bushnell Citizen's Coalition, and he was the engine many times, in the machine that helped renovate a city beyond the depot.
John's the preacher at The Federated Church, where I filled in for him a few times when he was on vacation. I really enjoyed getting to know John, his love of music, and we had some good times at different places together. He's committed to his church and community and a real involved dude.
Maureen was our neighbor in Bushnell, and we shared many a meal and more than a few morsels of local information. She helped with numerous projects and she balanced work and family (and a new grandson) with those volunteer obligations. A real stand-up lady and friend.
Michelle is a "new" friend who we were really enjoying getting to know prior to Covid-19. We met at the dog park several times, and she was my guest at dinner with the Vintage Gals. Then Covid 19 -- and we've kept our distance since. It will be fun to reconnect after we all get our second shot!
Tammy is always up for a movie, travel, or a glass of wine after dinner. Tammy was one of the first people I met in Madison. Our friendship has lasted 30 years regardless where we live. She's still my Madison "Girl's Night Out" gal and a loyal and trusted friend. Love her.
Ruth Ann was my mentor at the Salvation Army after I joined the Board of Directors. She's a wiz and cares deeply about the underserved homeless population and children who need help. She and husband Paul are a great duo, and we've had many great holiday meals and fun with this wonderful couple.
These friends have a great sense of humor and they are FUN to be with, as you can see from the picture. It's always a good time when Kevin and I are able to see them -- we've done everything from roller derby to radio show tapings to dinner theater. We miss them lots! Bonus: she's crafty and makes great soaps to share.
Eddie was my firearms instructor and partner at the Cudahy police department, where I was a crisis interventionist. We became fast friends, and when I moved to Madison, he would make the trip and we'd go thrift store shopping looking for antiques, which he loved. Sadly, Eddie died a few years ago, and he's still sorely missed. His love of continuing education, writing and debate made him a fascinating life-long friend.
Cindy is a great sport and traveling bud. We've gone to Nashville, Memphis, Atlanta and Chicago together -- in one trip! She's one of the six "Vintage Gals" -- our friend gang here. She very spritual and she brings that light into her friends' lives as well. And she can sew beautiful quilts.
Gretchen is another do-er! I admire Gretchen because when I handed over the church website to her, she didn't have a clue and was scared to death to take it on, but she did it and did it well. Her willingness to learn new things is inspiring. She and Larry visited us in Florida and it's always great to see her!
Joe is the best business writer in the WORLD. Joe and I wrote for 22 Milwaukee-area newspapers. When I became managing editor for the suburban Chicago market, I hired him as senior writer. When I later moved to Madison to publish a magazine, I lured him there as our managing editor. Joe is loved like a brother. He's loyal, tenacious and a really cool dude.
Cat, cat, cat lover Sirina is very invested in the Rotary and in community work. Whatever you need done -- from swinging a hammer to executive strategy, she's your gal in Bushnell. She's also very generous, and she and husband Harry are about the friendliest people you could ever meet.
I'm not sure where Walt lives now, after retiring as a UMC minister (he moved around some in that job), but we stayed in touch for years. He's shown here after he traveled from out of state to attend Kev's and my booksigning event in Madison. Walt was the first to invite me to preach for him in Cudahy, WI, and he took my ministerial education under his wing as my sponsor as a police chaplain. A GREAT man and mentor.
Sherri [Heaton] Waters and I go all the way back to elementary school. She's a wonderful mother and grandmother, and we have a good time when we get together as old ladies -- almost as much fun as we had as kids! She's a super beautiful person.
Jeanine has a great quality -- she's fun and upbeat. We've painted rocks together, cooked together, dined together, shopped together, and spent hours just hanging out at the dog park. She's one of the first people I met in Florida, and remains one of the best! She's very encouraging and laid back, which I appreciate in my life!
Phyllis once lived in Madison and for years she was the executive gold standard there. Phyllis also was there for me during the harder times in my life, and our girls' nights out and comraderie made my life so much richer and liveable. She's intelligent, reliable, and I love her loads.
Jan and I go WAY back to about 1997, when we met in Leadership Greater Madison's executive training program. Eventually I convinced her to join our magazine, where she still is a writer/editor today. Jan is a beautiful, loyal, dedicated and TALENTED woman who actually did the "tiny house" experiment and survived with hubby Mike! Love her.
Nell is a very caring person. She taught a Women's Bible Class and I was struck by her encouragement of others to offer their observations and thoughts throughout the lesson. I often think about her lessons when reading the Bible alone, and I hear her ask what I think about it, which helps me think.