FaceBook reminded me this morning that it is Chester Wachsmuth’s birthday which I knew already but by one of his other names — Tucker! I think he has about the most “active” names of anyone I know — or maybe “monikers” would be a better word. Chester, Chet, Tuck, Tucker, Opa and probably others I’ve forgotten. He says that as soon as someone calls him by name, he knows what period of his life he first knew them — as a schoolboy, a teenager, a young adult. He is definitely a man of many names.
He is also a man of many interests and talents — he’s a collector (an eclectic collector) of pinballs and maritime memorabilia and old stuff, in general. He’s a sailor, a songwriter (lyrics only so far), a photogapher, a historian, a community leader, and a devoted husband, father and grandfather — an all around nice guy!
Plus, he is the best neighbor anyone could ask for. He came at the drop of a hat whenever I called for help in Nyel’s final years and he’s always willing to change a lightbulb up near these 11-foot ceilings. He’s seen to it that I am safe during power outages and keeps an eye on the house if I’m away. And on and on.
Plus he was wise enough fifty-some years ago to set his sights on Carol and she is the perfect “other half” of the Wachsmuth Team! How much richer my life is for having the two of them as part of it! I hope they know just a smidgen of the difference they have made to me and to so many of us.
So, Happy Birthday, Tucker! I can scarcely believe that I was already twelve when you were born and that I spent another forty or fifty years not knowing you! I’m so glad that situation has been remedied.