My mother was Alta Mae Smith Sanderlin (1918-2015), shown on the right. Her side of the family–the Floyd Longs–lived in Gopher Valley for well over 1oo years. I was marinated in Gopher history.
A journalist by training, I’ve done writing of all kinds, beginning as a reporter for the Salem Capitol Journal and, later, for the Eugene Register-Guard. Though I’ve been away longer than I lived in Oregon, my heart is still in Gopher Valley, mud and all. On the right, my mother appears with her cousin Calvin Long and grandmother, Alabama Long. Guns were a routine tool, and most of the Long women knew how to use them.
What I did and now do
My Career (Back when I was paid)
After arriving in Seattle in 1976 with my first wife, I went into public information, and then to raising funds for good causes. I’ve worked at some great places in Seattle. They include the local National Public Radio Station (KUOW); Harborview Medical Center; the University of Washington School of Medicine, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and People for Puget Sound (photo above.) I also worked several years as a consultant and grant writer. Finally, I retired, sort of…
Post Career
Since 2014, a big part of my life and that of my wife Heather’s has revolved around helping raise our two grandkids. They and their father Joel live with us in Edmonds, Washington, north of Seattle. Heather and I love them very much and are very involved in the grandkids’ schooling, and more.
Gopher Valley and Mom
My contact with Gopher Valley continued for more than 50 years after leaving, despite living at least five hours away during most of that time. Alta Sanderlin, my mother, was determined to stay in her own house in Lower Gopher Valley. Brother Patrick and I worked over the decades to keep her place safe and dry, and find ways to keep the cantankerous water system working. Our efforts helped her live at home until age 97. Those weekend projects also helped me hone my DIY skills, stay in touch with family, friends and the earth, and to remember that I am a Gopher Valley boy, mud and all.
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