I am an Army Veteran that was drafted into the Army while going to Cal Poly. I am also a retired carpenter/builder. I am now an entertainer, a real bearded Santa and Old Pirate…a black bearded pirate, turned white bearded. 😊 I have 3 kids, 1 daughter and 2 sons and 7 grandchildren.
I grew up in Southern California, in the Covina area. I have a sister, a CNA living here in Vegas. My daughter and son in law live in Henderson with their 3 children. One son and daughter in law are currently living with me to help take care of me, and my other son and daughter in law are living in Nashville with their 4 children.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
After the Army, I was a contractor/builder and an inspector for Clark County. Now as an entertainer, I love to make people’s day! I love everything about being Santa, the kids are so cool and I really enjoy visiting the Senior Centers and Hospitals. Mrs. Claus and I love all of our visits. For years, I made trips to Summerlin Hospital throughout the month of December with the Sun City Ceramics Club. I have also participated in parades, Chamber of Commerce mixers and Toys for Tots campaigns. I also really enjoy Pirate birthday parties, I recently did my grandsons in Henderson Park.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I really enjoy going to Bagel Café. However, one of the best meals I’ve had was at Las Vegas Ballpark Clubhouse, it was a special night of gourmet food prepared by the Chef at Red Rock.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved to the Las Vegas area in February of 1971.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you've met here in our community?
Temma Hammond, her and her group of ladies are fantastic!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
France and the beaches along there, because my family history goes back to France. I’d like to see where my grandfather was when he was in the Army. And I’d like to have some real champagne and Bordeaux.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Most of the TV shows I watch are gear head shoes (car shows), remodeling shows and history shows. I really like the Explorer’s Club on the Discovery Channel.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Never Give up! No matter how tough it gets, it always gets better. I know this from experience. You don’t have to be a doctor or lawyer, you can always go back to what you’ve been trained to do or go back to school if you want to learn something new.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’d like to see more of the United States. And go to California to try surfing again.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Classic Rock, music from the 60s and 70s, I used to play piano, guitar etc. That’s outside of Christmas music of course, my ring tone is Jingle Bells 😊
Q: What current (or former) local business are you a frequent visitor of in our community?
Bagel Cafe
Q: If you could choose anyone living today (or has passed) and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Santa Tim Connaghan, he runs the school for Santas, USC (University of Santa Claus). I’d take him to Bagel Café to talk Santa Business.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the fact that the Howard Hughes Association started the Master Plan Community of Summerlin. And I love the Class “A” Facility, Las Vegas Ballpark.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
If I can get some of my health back, I’ll be playing the piano again. I will still be Santa, a story teller and an old pirate, I’d like to add some more characters too.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
When struggling in my 20’s, I was a roadie for a group and I played the organ. I was able to sit in for the organ player if he couldn’t make a performance.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Along the California Coast, both up North and down South
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Christmas of course, I’m Santa Claus!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I believe there’s always room for improvement, but there’s a lot of 9’s.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Q: Who inspires you to be better?* My grandkids. It inspires me to teach them what I know…play instruments, read music and the “secret code”… cursive writing.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The Beach/ocean, my beard balm 1800
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peaceful, restful, safe
