Editorial

When I was a young man, I didn't give any thought to retirement. And I barely knew what health care insurance was. I was too busy newspapering. When I bought this newspaper in 1985, I was 39 and retirement was still far from my thoughts. I was too busy getting to know the community and staff, writing, editing, running the business and throwing myself into a thousand projects which melded my interests in journalism and community affairs.

Now, my hair has changed color and I have had nearly 24 years at the helm of the paper. Soon I'll have a birthday with the number 63 on it. And I am wrapping up a 38-year career in journalism.

When my incredible wife Pam and I moved here from Oak Harbor, we had in tow one son who was just turning three years of age and another not yet walking at seven months. Luckily, we both had an abundance of energy in those days — with which to tackle all that was coming.

What a great place this has been to raise a family and do business. The "boys" are 26 and 24 now. Where did the time go?

I was fortunate enough to get then-owner and publisher Cliff Danielson to sell me his "baby." Cliff, a native of Cedarhome, now resides at the Josephine home. I will always be indebted to Cliff for giving me the chance not only to move to a new level in my career, but to be part of such a wonderful community.

The other person who helped make the move from Oak Harbor possible is Wallie Funk, my former boss, who put in a good word for me to his old friend and former partner Cliff. Wallie now lives in Anacortes. As former owner, editor and publisher of the Whidbey News-Times, Wallie began mentoring me in 1976 on the day Jimmy Carter was elected president. I still learn from Wallie to this day.

As you will see in a front page news article, the Stanwood- Camano NEWS has not sold, but its management has shifted to the Skagit Valley Herald's parent company, Skagit Valley Publishing Co., which continues to grow. The new entity which will operate this newspaper is Stanwood Camano Publishing, LLC, of which the Skagit Valley Herald is the active partner, and I am the silent partner, allowing me to retire.

The aging presses here will be sold soon, and the printing of the paper will move to Mount Vernon, where the Herald has installed a sparkling new, state-of-the-art press and collating machine in its brand-new, much larger office and production facility. All functions other than printing and collating will stay here in Stanwood at our existing building, where all familiar faces are remaining to serve your news, advertising, graphic arts, local phone book and other needs. I will be the landlord, and Stanwood Camano Publishing, LLC will be the tenant. The name of the newspaper will remain Stanwood-Camano NEWS. Stedem Wood, publisher of the Skagit Valley Herald, and the crew here will carry on the commitment to excellent community journalism.

In 1984, when I was trying to convince Cliff to sell me the newspaper, I asked him why he wanted to bow out of the business. He said, "I'm running out of steam." At the time, I didn't really understand what he was talking about, but I certainly do now.

Some truly extraordinary things have happened here over two and a half decades. On the island, to name a few, Cama Beach became another pearl in the state parks necklace, and what a gleam it possesses. English Boom was accessed and improved. Four Springs was saved for the public good. A huge great blue heron rookery was preserved. Vast tidelands at Livingston Bay were donated to nature and the public. "People-person" and talented professional John Dean moved from editor's chair to Island County Commissioner's chair. For all the many years he was with the NEWS, he was indispensable.

In Stanwood, new schools were built and many new retail and professional businesses were established. Senior facilities were expanded. Health clubs sprouted. There has been a recent debate about signage; many shots have been taken at the appearance of the town in general. But I must say Stanwood looks a lot better now than it did in 1985. That's just my opinion, but I have watched as hundreds of businesses and homeowners spruced up their properties, and the collective result is very positive. "Design Stanwood" has done much to encourage improvement and promises to do more in the coming years.

We have tried to emphasize good news, and there clearly has been much of that in Stanwood and Camano Island. But to be honest with our readers, we have been obligated to bring you all the news, and that includes the bad and sad. Together, you and I have endured scary floods, disastrous fires, tragedies including accidents and murders, a huge investment scam and sometimes intense controversies involving the school district, city, counties and fire districts.

So the "R" word has arrived for me. For the past three or four years, I've wondered what retirement would be like. Now I guess I'll find out. Pam and I will remain here in Stanwood. I will stay active in Rotary, and we will both be involved with a variety of non-profit organizations. We can't think of a better place to live and volunteer. It is a very positive reflection on this community that its citizens contribute so generously to a variety of good causes. We sincerely thank this community — NEWS employees, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, readers, teachers, coaches, news sources and advertisers — for accepting us and working with us all these years. We step aside from day-to-day business with nothing but warm feelings for this community.