Who are the two local people who most inspire you?

Norma and Jack: “Pastor Matt Chambers of Assembly of God church. He lives what he preaches, does so much for individuals and South Whidbey, and is a terrific role model. And Coach Jim Leierer, for an inspirational example of how to live and for all he’s done for South Whidbey youth.”

What do you wish you could have learned to do better?

Jack: “Public speaking. I speak to an audience like I talk in conversation, and that doesn’t make for an accomplished speaker. I joined Toastmasters to work on my delivery, but never did become a great speaker.”

What is something you’ve always wanted to do?

Norma: “Become a psychiatrist. I just didn’t want it badly enough to go through all that schooling. Everything is a choice, and a commitment to pay for the choice.”

Were there any surprises once you were married?

Jack: “Norma’s mother was such an outstanding cook, I couldn’t wait to eat Norma’s cooking. I was surprised to find out she didn’t know the first thing about cooking.”

What advice do you have about marriage?

Norma: “Don’t let the little things bother you. Most problems in marriages are not that one person is right or wrong, just different. Remember no one has a perfect marriage.”

How do you solve life’s issues?

Jack (coming from a math teacher’s background): “Just keep working the problem.”

Do you have any comments about your retirement years?

Norma: “We’re enjoying them very much, but physically they’re not that easy. Whoever coined the term ‘golden years’ must have been 35 years old.”

Who inspired you growing up?

Jack: “My dad. He treated all properly, with respect and honesty, and never took advantage of anyone. He also never had a drink of alcohol. My mother inspired me to get a higher education, and told me to use it to help others.”

What do you consider treating people properly?

Jack: “Never ask anyone to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself.”

Norma: “For example, if Jack asked someone to seal 500 envelopes, he would have sealed 520 first.”

What’s an effective way to keep someone humble, after they return home from a position of power?

Norma: “Greet them warmly and then ask them politely to take out the garbage.”

Do you have any special words of wisdom?

Jack: “Life is not fair in the short run.”

What is your favorite animal?

Jack: “The plow horse. I think back at the farm, the plow horse used to do everything.”

What do most people not know about you?

Norma: “That in grade school, kids called me fat, short and squatty.”

What is a trait you find hard to tolerate?

Jack and Norma: “Phony people, arrogant or ostentatious.”

What do you fear?

Jack: “I agree with the Roman general: Fear nothing except disgrace.”