Wednesday, October 7, 2020
I first met Jack and Katherine in August 1980 when they hired me as a dishwasher for The Zwicker's Inn in Mahone Bay. This was my first "real" job at 16 years of age and I always greatly appreciated their kindness, and for giving me the opportunity to earn money for university. I can vividly remember the smell of freshly baked rolls by Betty and the friendly kitchen staff, like Peggy and Mark. The food was second to none, especially the homemade ice cream! I loss touch with Jack and Katherine after I left Zwicker's Inn to pursue my university career. Unexpectedly, Jack emailed me back in May 2018 after finding out that I was a professor at the University of North Dakota. Since he had taught in North Dakota in the late 1960s, he seemed intrigued by the fact that a former employee was now doing something that he had done many years ago- teaching in North Dakota. I was shocked to learn of his passing and regret not having a chance to visit him one last time. I will never forget the role that Jack and Katherine played in my transition from high school to university student in pursuing my dream of becoming an astronomer. I still have the book "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan that Jack and Katherine gave me as a high school graduation gift. May he rest in peace...
