Gail Siemen was my counselor at Irving Jr. High. He was a mountain of a person with a personality and natural athletic talent that he put to excellent use. As a long time educator, Gail served as teacher, coach, Principal, Counselor, Mentor and friend to thousands of Pocatello students. I first remember him teaching me to punt a football in a spiral arc. My brother Jack, who was closer to Gail, reminds me that was one of the ways he assessed athletic ability. Gail was my first high school golf coach, he did not really play golf but he understood the game and the mental rigors it presented. In my first high school tournament, I threw a club in frustration. In a private setting, Coach reminded me I was representing the school and myself and I knew he meant it when he said, you ever throw another club and you will not play again for Poky High.
I believe I was being given a lesson in humility one day, when coach handed me a catcher mitt and gear and informed me I was to catch his pitches. If you have never caught a knuckle ball thrower, good luck. On about the 10th pitch which hit me everywhere but the glove, I gave up but have never forgotten the message. One last story, Junior year at Poky high, my friends and I decided going to the school dance after a few beers would be a good idea. I apparently was conspicuous as I was not allowed to enter the school. A few days later, Gail called me into his office and asked for my version of the story, I told him the truth which saved the end of athletic career at Poky and a lesson still remembered. At 85 years young, Gail left this mortal coil on Wednesday night, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he joins Nan outside of the “bustle and turmoil of this mortal life.”
Lucy was a beautiful German Shepherd. It was always a treat to see Lucy as she treated everyone with unbridled enthusiasm. She was the constant companion of John and Deb and their extended family. The dog was so powerful yet so gentle and kind. Lucy had a few health challenges the last few years, culminating in the decision that had to be made as to what was best for Lucy. Condolences to her loyal friends with the knowledge that Lucy will live on in their memories.
Back to 1967 and my high school years. The Beatles released the revolutionary album, Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. So many classics on one disk. Several may offer a smile and perhaps some consolation in a time of loss. “With a Little Help from my Friends”, “Strawberry Fields Forever”, “When I’m Sixty Four”, and not coincidentally, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” There are 4 main theories about what the Beatles were telling us in this song. I can’t help you with that but I find the lyrics and song calming.
“Picture yourself on a boat in a river
With tangerine trees and marmalade skies
Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly,
The girl with kaleidoscope eyes….
Lucy in the sky with diamonds….”
You might want to take a few minutes to think about those who made or make a difference in your life and give them a call or a pet.
Mike