Occupation: Used Computer Sales on
Ebay
Website:
www.atrcomputers.com
Marital Status: Married
No. of Children: 2
# Grand Children: 5
From David:
I never realized how beautiful the Yakmia Valley was until I left and traveled to the industrial wasteland of the MidWest. I attended General Motors Institute, an all male college that offered a Coop work/study program for future automotive engineers. Ranked in the top five engineering schools in the nation, every class was like walking into Stu's AP Math class and having, not one, but five Kristy Simonsons setting the curve.
My wife (Vickie) is a Flintite. We met at a wedding reception and found out we lived in the same trailer park. We were married in 1972, the same year I graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and started full time at AC Spark Plug, a division of General Motors. My main focus was manufaturing processes and equipment and I had the opportunity to work on Spark Plugs, Instrument Panels, Fuel Pumps, Air Cleaners, Oil Filters, and Air Meters.
In 1983 I got a MBA from the Univ. of Michigan and was promoted into Engineering management. I served a one year stint as an Executive on Loan to the Flint Area Focus Council, an economic development oversight activity in the Tri-County area.
I returned to Delphi (we had about six name changes over the years) and directed the development of manufacturing processes and equipment for Catalytic Converters. We transformed our plants from highly automated manufacturing lines to lean, agile manual work cells. In my 12 year tenure we built plants in Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, and India.
I spent the last three years as Chief Engineer of Induction Systems before retiring in Dec. 2003.
I worked for three months, until they named my replacement, and then returned in September to work on a special Fuel Systems project (can you say THERMAL INCIDENT!). I retired again in June 2005, but was back for another project until this Spring when I finally had enough.
The American auto industry has taken a brutal beating and the auto parts manufacturers, in particular, will never recover their past glory. I truly feel blessed that I lived and worked through the heyday and am glad to move on to new adventures.
So, after 39 years with GM/Delphi I retired for the third time and went to work for a friend, managing his retail computer store until Sept.2008. Now I work at our Ebay facility where we process and sell about 300 laptops a week.
Our eldest granddaughter (17) is living with us and keeping Vickie and I young. We are very active in our church, sing in the choir, and enjoy camping in our new fifth-wheel. Seven years ago I was out of town and Vickie went to an estate auction and bought the "house of her dreams." We had to repaint and redecorate every room in the "house of my nightmares" but now I love it. We have our own private park with four acres of trees and grass. The "main" house has a "West Wing", finished basement, and two 14' x 28' bedrooms upstairs. The original home is situated at the back of the property but will require a significant renovation before visitors are welcome (so call ahead.)
I was unable to attend the reunion but enjoy the writeups on this website. deh
Send This Person a Message
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)