What I Want to do for You

If only I could show you the possibilities of tax savings. I want to help you pay less taxes and use your disposable income to your advantage.

For example: (1) A person pays taxes in the following way: Earn Income, Pay Taxes based on the gross amount you earn, then, pay bills with whatever is left over. (2) A business pays taxes in the following way: Earn Income, pay bills first, then, pay taxes on whatever is leftover (Not on the gross earnings - on the net earnings).

What I know, you need to know. The rich do not know how to save their income, but they have enough money to buy the knowledge from those who do know. They save money because they follow the advice of professionals. I'm offering you, at the average man's rate, the same help for which the rich have to pay dearly. Hopefully you will follow the advice of professionals on my team. My team can be your team. Our knowledge can be your knowledge.

I can help you keep more of your income, pay less taxes and protect your assets. And, if you already are having I.R.S. or State Tax Commission problems, I can represent you with those agencies and offer solutions to your problems.

If you want to save your hard earned cash or if you are having tax problems, contact me. PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL ME at the telephone numbers or email address shown in the "How to Contact Me" section.

If you are having problems with a taxing agency, let me show you how to solve those problems. I have a team consisting of a variety of experts to help you no matter how difficult your tax problems appear.

I offer classes to help form or reorganize a business

I have taught many seminars on how to use a family business to reduce the amount of income on which you have to pay taxes. The biggest tool is rental real estate.

I can show you how to be a "pauper on paper". I can show you how to "own nothing and owe nothing", except maybe your mortgage. I can show you how to buy homes with little down using a conventional loan, or buy on a private contract.

I have developed a good power point program which will outline graphically the steps to becoming independent and self sufficient.

You and your friends together can get together once a week. I'll be more than willing to be your class instructor and teach you secrets very few come to know. As a CPA said in a book she wrote, learn the "Tax loopholes used by the Rich". I am the poor man's accountant and will give you the same information, knowledge and benefits the rich must pay big bucks to get from their accountant, at the average person's ability to pay. Even then the rich don't understand how to do what they are shown. But you will!

Benefits of Owning a Small Business

The I.R.S. allows for individuals to form their hobbies into businesses, known as a "hobby business". They have a nine-item list of what comprises a legitimate business venture. I understand those nine requirements and will give you a listing of those requirements. If you form and own a legitimate business you can:

1. Pay taxes on less declared income while keeping more cash
2. Using your business, you can protect your assets from creditors and legal actions.
3. You can build assets and income which will give your family financial security and give you a better retirement.

Did you know you can use your children to work for your business and their pay can be a business deduction? Did you know that you can own a home and use that home as a business asset? Did you know you can have a business automobile and have the business pay for it's gas, insurance, maintenance and repairs? So many things you can do as a small business owner.

Everyone does something on the side to make a little extra money. You don't know what you are missing by not taking this money-making hobby to a new level. PLEASE CALL ME or EMAIL ME. Let's talk. There is no charge for our initial meeting. The telephone numbers or email address is shown on the section "How to Contact me".

Professsional Education

EDUCATION / PROFESSIONAL LICENSING / TRAINING

Twin Falls Business College, Twin Falls, Idaho (1 Year)
Idaho State University -Public Relations (1 Year)
Weber State College - Public Relations (1 Year)
Univeristy of Utah - Business Administration Major/Music Minor (1 Year)
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, University of Phoenix - Diploma 1985

Utah Authorized School - Life and Casualty, Securities 7 and 63 (Completed)
Utah Authorized School - Escrow Officer (Certificate)
Utah Authorized School - Title Officer (Certificate)
Utah Authorized School - Mortgage Officer (License)

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Administrative Chief, Chaplain’s Assistant and Public Relations NCO
While on active duty completed courses in Music Theory

COMPUTER PROGRAMS
Quick Books (Pro Advisor 2005-2007)
Word Perfect
Micro Soft Word
Micro Soft Publisher
MS Access Power Point
MS Office Rent Right
MS Excel Pro Series
MS Office Access Calyx Point for Mortgage processing
MS Office Publisher Formulator 4 (REPC preparation)

Professional Achievements

Lawrence, Skinner Associates, Inc. 2000 – 2007
CEO, CFO and General Manager
Reorganized company’s internal structure. Increased Board of Directors from 3 to 11. Reorganized accounting procedures for the company and clients. Prepared budgets and analyzed real estate investment opportunities for clients and company. Developed a relationship with builders, developers and other real estate professionals Directed 34-member team in financial, administrative, and sales functions. Reported to Chairman of the Board Increased revenues from $35,000/year to nearly $2,000,000/year Wrote and prepared Power Point seminar presentations, traveled to most of the western states presenting real estate purchasing seminars Initiated, negotiated and supervised the merger of the company with another local accounting firm, nearly doubling the assets.

Custom Mortgage Services, Inc. 1995 – 2003
General Manager/CFO
Prepared documents to be filed with the state to organize the company Directly managed the company’s operations and organized initial accounting policies and procedures, prepared financial statements, tax returns and payroll, supervising employees, sales staff and outside contractors Ensured the company’s compliance with state mortgage rules and regulations

Johnson and Associates Attorney’s at Law/Landmark Title Insurance Agency 1987 - 1995 General Manager/Escrow Manager/Accountant/Para-Legal
Prepared corporate papers for the title insurance agency to be filed with the state Organized the internal structure of the company, set up the accounting system, prepared financial statements, and managed the day-to-day operations Supervised the preparation of title insurance policies, representing the attorney’s interests with the insurance underwriter Performed para-legal responsibilities, including research, legal document preparation, appearance in court as attorney’s representative, and met with clients before, during and after their legal case was settled or satisfied, often without attorneys present Developed the marketing plan and implemented the plan for the company Supervised all sales efforts, visited real estate offices, attorneys, builders and developers in order to establish relations leading to title insurance orders Key Speaker at seminars on taxes and real estate investments

Self Employed – Business and Tax Accountant, Real Estate Investor 1983 – 1987 Business Organization and Tax Preparation
Wrote business and marketing plans, organized between 100-200 businesses, prepared personal and business taxes. Purchased and managed apartment complex and single family rental units Managed all maintenance personnel, wrote lease contracts, collected rent and implemented litigation to enforce the terms of the renters

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Finance Department 1981 – 1983
Welfare Construction Auditor
Audited all Church Welfare Department construction projects in the United States and Canada As ultimate responsible party, personally signed off that all invoices and payables were accounted for and paid in full Wrote the church’s manual on the operation of this position and the procedures involved Trained other church employees in the application and procedures involved Accountant in charge of 6 church-owned, independent companies which came under the direction of the Welfare Department. Reviewed financial statements, prepared journal entries and was responsible for GAAP compliance

Business Affiliations

Lawrence, Skinner Associates, Inc.
CEO, CFO and General Manager

Accounting Management Services, Inc.
CEO, CFO and General Manager

Custom Mortgage Services, Inc.
General Manager/CFO

Johnson and Associates Attorney’s at Law/Landmark Title Insurance Agency
General Manager/Escrow Manager/Accountant/Para-Legal

Self Employed – Business and Tax Accountant, Real Estate Investor
Business Organization and Tax Preparation

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Finance Department
Welfare Construction Auditor

Standard Escrow of Utah, Inc.
General Manager

Imperial Land Title Insurance Agency
Executive Vice President - Marketing

Twilight Enterprises, Inc.
Marketing

St. Anthony Community Hospital
Public Relations Director

Assignments and Experiences

Just out of boot camp, with an MOS of 100, I was assigned to AIT (Advanced Infantry Training) at Camp Pendleton. This training was specifically to prepare us for Vietnam. We learned hand-to-hand combat. We learned to fight with bayonets, which in our case was "Pugle Sticks" These were large poles with heavy padding at each end.

During one of our outings, we all circled around a large sand pit. There we were each assigned to fight someone. I was assigned to fight a tall, skinny black boy, who was a friend. I was determined to prove I wasn't afraid of him and could win, even though he was twice my size. So, when we were told to start, I rushed out into the sand right at him. But, on the way I tripped and landed on my knees. He came up to me and hit me with the padding right under the jaw, knocking be backward. The Captain congratulated me, saying "You've just been killed." While at Pendleton we also learned how to search simulated Vietnamese huts for booby traps. I remember I was killed 11 times in one day.

While I leave I talked to my army buddy. I told him I had done as instructed but they gave me an MOS which was by contract. He told me to tell the legal department I was going to sue them. I did so on my return back to Pendleton. The legal officer said I couldn't. I told them to look at my contract and he'd see that the Marines had broken the agreement. He did so and said he would get it fixed. A week later I was pulled from training and assigned to work in my 0100 MOS at battalion headquarters. I was still there when the rest of my company and buddies were shipped off to Vietnam.

About a month later I was returned to MCRD in San Diego where I was put into Aviation Electronics School, which was part of the Communications and Electronics Battalion. As I was processed, the Sergeant Major (the highest enlisted person) reviewed my file and told me I could work in my original MOS anytime I wanted.

I really didn't like electronics, but decided I'd give it my best shot. I'm not very good at mechanical things or theories. I have to see the practical application. They tried to teach me trigonometry, but I couldn't catch on. When the school was over about 6 months later, I graduated but was at the very bottom of the class.

I requested the Captain of the school transfer me back to my original MOS. He said no. I told him the Sergeant Major had told me I could go back, and he still said no. He was very hard to get along with and dictatorial. So, I went over his head to the Sergeant Major. He said he'd fix it and he did, over the Captain's objections. He put me to work at battalion headquarters.

About a month later I was told I was going to be trained as an admin chief. I was sent to Admin Chief's school at Paris Island South Carolina. I was there for 3 months. I went to church there, met a cute southern girl and some great people. I hated to leave. I was there during the summer. Sometimes it was so hot I would sit in my barracks, under a ceiling fan, in a desk-chair and drip sweat into puddles underneath my chair. At times like these the base would fly a black flag and no one was allowed outside.

I finished school at the top of my class and returned to San Diego where I went back to work at my normal job. About a month later I was assigned to be the Chaplain's Assistant to a Catholic Chaplain and a Baptist Chaplain. I was officed right between the two of them. I was also assigned by my church to be the group leader. So, on Sundays I would attend recruit services with my cousin, get Catholic Mass ready for the Priest (Chaplain), attend my regular church away from the base, attend my group meetings on base, have dinner with my cousin's family and go back to the base where I attended Baptist services. My job was to help the Chaplains with all of their duties. And, because I was a Mormon and there was no Mormon Chaplain on base, I was called to do the duties of a Mormon Chaplain. I served in this position until the fall of 1969.

A few months after getting this assignment, the Captain with whom I had problems, who was my Captain at Electronics School, became my Commanding Officer. I knew I was in trouble. Even though the Chaplains gave me high marks, my C.O. gave me low marks in fitness, which kept me from being promoted for a long time. I was promoted to Corporal but couldn't get above that rank, even though my time was in and in all other aspects I had earned it.

In the fall of 1969 I received orders to go to Hawaii. I was excited. I bought new luggage and made all the arrangements. Then, the orders were rescinded and I was really disappointed. So, I returned the luggage. Then, two weeks later I received orders for Japan. I didn't want to go, but had no choice. Looking back on this assignment, I'm sure it was a coincidence.

I went to Japan just before Thanksgiving 1969. I was sent to Marine Barracks, Yokosuka, Japan and when I arrived it was night. All I could see was squatty houses and ditches which ran in front. But, it became a great experience. After a few months as a clerk, I was assigned to be the Marine Barracks Historical NCO and Public Relations NCO. I traveled with the Drum and Bugle Corps, organized VIP dinners and Parades and wrote news articles for the Stars and Stripes and the Naval Base newspaper.

While there I was promoted to Sergeant (E-5), received an award for Marine of The Year for the entire country of Japan and a month before I left they threw me a party and presented me a plaque, showing appreciation. It was great duty.

Joining and Boot Camp

After attending business college, I moved to Salt Lake City in the spring of 1967. I was working at Baker's Shoes on Main Street and at the LDS Hospital, living in an apartment on 1st South.

While living there I received my "Pre-Induction Physical" notice from the Selective Service. I was ordered to go to Boise, Idaho to receive my physical. After taking the physical I was told I was in 1-A shape and get ready to be drafted into the Army or join another service.

I didn't want to join the Navy. I checked with the Air Force and they had a 6 month waiting list. When I visited with the Marine Corps they said I could join with a 4 month deferment to get my affairs in order. Just what I needed, so I joined. Luckily, I made sure the contract was signed in the way I was counseled by my roommate, who was an E-6 in the reserves.

The Vietnam was was in full swing. In January of 1968 the Vietnamese executed what was known as the "Tet Offensive", where hundreds of soldiers were killed. This, of course, worried me - and my mother.

I went on active duty around March 15, 1968. I was assigned to go into Boot Camp at MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot) in San Diego, California. I arrived in a Marine bus and was yelled at by the Drill Instructors to stand on yellow footprints. We were herded into a big, warehouse where we were told to take off our civilian clothes, including our underwear, put them in a box to ship home, and were given military boxers and green fatigues.

The first night they didn't let us sleep. They kept all the new recruits cleaning the building. I was told by my army roommate to treat the experience as if I were a prisoner and find ways to work the system in my behalf. So, even though they wouldn't let me sleep, I found an office which I started to clean and when everyone had left, laid down under a desk and slept for a few minutes. Then, I would get up, start to clean another area and later go back to the office and sleep some more.

The only thing that I couldn't handle was the first day of exercise. The morning after the first night we were taken to the Mess Hall and fed food (to this day I don't know what it was), told to eat it all (gag) and then taken to a field and made to exercise - situps, pushups and jumping jacks. They worked us so hard that most of us (me included) threw up everything we had eaten. But from that day it got better.

Over the next 8 weeks we did physical exercise, attended classes where we learned about the Marine Corps, military information and we had to learn how to take care of our rifles. At that time we carried an M-14, which were wooden carbines that weighed about 8 pounds.

I was assigned to Platoon 4. This seemed to be the platoon with the most rebellious of Marines. At night time the boys would cover the windows with blankets and pitch pennies. It was against the rules to take food from the Mess Hall, but everyone of us would get something and take it back to our quanset hut (a large tin can, cut in half and turned upside down), where we eat the food. One time I almost got caught because the orange I had hidden in my arm pit started to slide into my pants.

In the middle of the training we went to Camp Pendleton for live fire training. We learned to crawl under barbed wire with real bullets being shot over the top of us. We learned how to shoot the rifles and here we earned our marksmanship badges. And, we threw granades and shot 50 caliber machine guns. I was a good enough shot (having hunted for years with my father) that the Drill Instructor bet another Drill Instructor that I could outshoot his best shooter. Unfortunately, I lost.

There are many other incidents. I was one of the top recruits. When I joined I signed the contract, as instructed by my friend, making sure I was promised an Aviation Guarantee. I wasn't given that. We had been tested throughout boot camp to find our best talents and was assigned to be a clerk, MOS 100. That assignment will keep me from going to war in Vietnam, which I will explain in another post.

Help with I.R.S. or State Tax Problems

THE FOLLOWING INCIDENTS ARE TRUE:

#1. An aging couple’s assets were being attached by the I.R.S. because of income the IRS said they didn’t disclose. I had hearings with the IRS and State of Utah, showed that the undisclosed income was a business loss and saved their assets.

#2. A middle aged couple owned a corporation and several homes. Family and friends had invested in the company. They were in litigation regarding the investments. No personal or business tax return had been completed for 2 years. I prepared the returns, showed the investors how to regain most of their investment through tax strategies and helped the couple qualify for over $8,000 in tax refunds.

#3. I am a sports official for high school and college. One of my colleagues took his taxes to a well-known tax preparation company. They determined he owed $3,000. He lives on social security. The assignor asked for help. He formed a hobby business and ended up owing nothing.

#4. A trucker lost his business and was in the middle of bankruptcy. I worked with his attorneys, the Internal Revenue Service and the State Tax Commission to prepare his past years taxes and prepare the necessary information for those agencies and his attorneys.

#5. A young couple had purchased some rental homes. When the market turned he found himself with potential unwanted liability. I helped him and his professionals to form a family trust and a limited liability company. We then sold the properties to his companies and transfered his personal assets to his family trust. He and his wife and child had also received an inheritance from his wife's mother in the form of stocks and bonds. I prepared tax returns for him, his wife and child and his deceased mother-in-law's estate. He was able to protect his assets and all parties, except the estate, was able to receive a tax return.

I am considered a Tax Professional by the Internal Revenue Service. I have represented several clients in front of the I.R.S. I also have represented clients in State Tax Court. The I.R.S. has issued me a TPIN and CAF just for this purpose.

I have been a Tax Accountant since 1985 and have been meticulous in my preparation of tax returns. I believe I have a good understanding of the red flags which may trigger an audit. For that reason and because of my strict adherence to standards and regulations, none of my clients have been audited, except for those being audited or considered to be in violation of tax laws prior to becoming my client. Normally these are folks who have self-prepared their tax returns, no having the benefit of professional help.

IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A TOUGH TAX SITUATION OR ANTICIPATE A FUTURE LIABILITY AND FEEL INSECURE, I CAN HELP. WHAT I DON'T DO I HAVE A TEAM OF EXPERTS READY TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS - AND WE CAN DO SO AT A COST MUCH SMALLER THAN YOU MAY THINK. THE INITIAL CONFERENCE COSTS NOTHING. CALL ME TODAY!

Sports Officiating

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/MEMBERSHIPS

1990 To Present Utah High School Activities Association
Basketball, Softball, Football, Baseball Official
1999 to Present Northern Utah Officials Association
Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Football Official
Highest level games officiated - College Club(Baseball)
1991 to Present Amateur Softball Association (ASA)
Certified Umpire
2004 to Present Scenic West Athletic Conference
Softball Umpire (Jr. College)
2002 to Present Intermountain Federation of Approved Sports Officials (IFASO)
Board Member, Director/Supervisor of Officials
1992 to Present International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO)
(Internationally Certified Basketball Official)
2002 to 2007 Utah Basketball Officials Association
Board Member, UBOA Salt Lake Chapter J.V. Board
2004-2007 President Salt Lake Chapter J.V. Board, Varsity Board member
2004 to Present Rated and Ranked as 500 Junior Varsity Official, UBOA Salt Lake Chapter

TRAINING/CAMPS

1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 Utah Summer Games, Basketball Officials’ Camp
May 1999 Basketball Officials’ Camp at Bonneville High School
June 2001 UVSC Basketball Officials Camp
September 2003 Snow College Jr. College Softball Tournament/Umpires Camp
January 2004 Bountiful City Officials’ Clinic - Instructor/Director
June 2004 UVSC 3 Man Basketball Officials’ Camp
June 2007 Northern Utah Basketball Camp at Bonneville High School
June 2008 LDS North Area Officials Camp in conj. with UofU Women’s camp

RELATED EXPERIENCE

1997-2001 Sports Seasons Basketball Coach Layton City Young Men, 7th - 11th Grades
Baseball Coach, Layton City, 6th - 7th Grades

2000-2001 Season Men's Softball Coach

1989 Sports Season Men's Softball Coach, Regional Champions

Sports Participation

I enjoy sports and have for as long as I can remember. From the time I was a young boy I went Deer Hunting and Fishing with my family. I took Hunter Safety when I lived in Utah. When in Idaho I went fishing often with my grandfather to Cassia Creek in Elba, Idaho.

When in elementary school I played sand lot baseball. We also played a type of catch. Some one would hit the ball and the person catching the ball would be awarded points for the type of catch. When a certain point level was reached, that person would then hit the ball.

I never participated in any team sports until I was in Utah. I was always small but played church basketball. I always wanted to learn how to play, but had to learn by playing. Back then, no one really would take the time to teach young people how to play. There was no little league or Jr. Jazz basketball.

When I was a sophomore I started wrestling. I then I developed appendicitis and had to quit the team that year. I wrestled again during my Junior year and earned enough points to be awarded a varsity letter, but never received it.

When I moved to Idaho I joined the wrestling team. It was a successful season and I earned my Varsity letter. When I was in the Marine Corps I wrestled for the Marines and I played volleyball. I was told these were college level games, the same as if I participated for a college.

I never participated in sports again until after I was married. I played basketball with the church teams, again. But, in 1987 I began my officiating career. I was encouraged by a slow pitch official, David Bluemell, to begin officiating slow pitch. This was done while I was a player for a church softball team. I was the pitcher and played 2nd base and did well. That same year I was the coach for the men's team. I had coached a young men's team in the early 80's, also.

In 1987 I became an official for USSSA. I did that for three years and decided to branch out. So, in 1990 I joined the Utah High School Athletic Association and became a basketball official. In 1991 I started officiating High School football and in 1992 I began officiating High School baseball and softball.

From then to now I have officiated at many basketball camps. I have officiated High School Varsity and Junior Varsity and Sophomore and Freshman and some college-level games. In 1993 I passed the IAABO (International Association of Approved Basketball Officials) test, becoming internationally certified.

In 1992 I also became certified as an ASA Umpire (Amatuer Softball Association). A few years after I discontinued my association with USSSA softball. I attended two National Umpire's Schools and have officiated women's, young girl's and Men's fastpitch and slow pitch softball. In 2004 I was picked up as an official for the Scenic West Athletic Conference. I have officiated for schools from Idaho, California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado. Some of these have been Salt Lake Community College, the University of Utah, Southern Utah University and Utah Valley University.

Current Family Life

My wife and I have 9 children - 6 boys and 3 girls. Without knowing before hand, the children's birth form a pattern of 1 girl, 2 boys; 1 girl, 2 boys; and, 1 girl, 2 boys. Our children are actively engaged in good causes.
Our oldest daughter lives in North Carolina with her husband and daughter (who just turned 2). Her husband is finishing his Masters Degree in Hospital Administration. She served an LDS Mission in Berlin Germany and her husband served in Washington state.
Our second, a boy, lives in Pleasant Grove with his wife and daughter (who just turned 1). He was attending law school in Boston and was just accepted to BYU Law School.
Our third, a boy, is working. He was attending school at Salt Lake Community College until he ran out of money. Now he is working to get enough money to go back and finish his degree. He is dating a very cute and nice young lady who is in college at SLCC.
Our 4th, a girl, is married to a great young man who is in college at Weber State University. They have one daughter (who just turned 1). She is very active in many things, including her own business of photography.
Our 5th, a boy, is living in Burbank, California. He has attended two schools of acting and is working for clients of a local accounting firm. He is a great salesman. He lives with a man for whom he did work and helped remodel his home. This man has treated our son very well and is like my older brother.
Our 6th, a boy, is living at home and working. He is getting ready to go on a full time LDS Mission. He is a good musician and likes to write songs.
Our 7th, a girl, just graduated from Bountiful High School, is looking for work and helps a lot around the house.
Our 8th, a boy, is a Junior at Bountiful High. And, our 9th, a boy is in the 9th grade at Bountiful Jr. High.

Marriage

My wife and I were married in 1978, 30 years ago. We are firm believers in traditional marriage. We both wanted several children. We believe marriage is God-ordained and there is an eternal reason for man and woman to be married. In marriage each party has God-given responsibilities. The man and the woman are equal partners and the main reason for marriage is to teach their children right and wrong. That is a God-given responsibility.

Family Life Before Marriage

I was born in Rupert, Idaho. I was raised in several small Idaho towns until I was 12 years old, moved to Utah until a Junior in High School. My family and I then moved to Burley, Idaho where I graduated from Burley High School
I am the oldest of 8 children born to my parents and one half sister who was born to my father and his third wife. I have 6 natural sisters, one half sister and one brother. My next-to- the-youngest sister died at 4 months of age from pneumonia. And, my youngest sister just died a little more than a year ago.
My father was a teacher and school administrator. He was actively involved in sports, earning the Golden Gloves award as a boxer in college. He taught Speech and English and coached High School football.
My mother was raised in California. She was a homemaker and very good at it. We were raised in small, farming communities and lived for a time on a small farm. She could make clothes, was a great cook and taught us to be a contributor to the family and a hard worker.

Musical Experiences

I started enjoying music when I was little. My mother used to play the piano while we would be falling asleep, when we were young. When I was in the 4th grade my mother started to teach me piano lessons. I really didn't like them, but it put me in the right direction.

I remember as my family and I traveled, when I was a teenager, my sisters would sing. They sounded good together. When I tried to chime in, they would tell me to be quiet. I was determined that I could do as well as they.

In the summer of my 6th grade year, before going into Jr. High School, I started learning to play the trumpet. I continued all through my Jr. High and High School years. When I went into High School I also became interested in vocal music.

In the early 1960's, while living in Utah, my mother was the Ward Choir Director. Our Stake music organization invited J. Spencer Cornwall, the then director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to hold a seminar on conducting and choral singing. My mother let me attend with her. In fact, I was the only boy singing and sang Soprano. He also taught us how to direct music, which was my first instructions in that area.

While in Utah, as Junior, Maestro Maurice Abravenel had just been hired by the Utah Symphony to be the conductor. He started a program known as the "Granite Youth Symphony Orchestra". I tried out and was one of four trumpet players to be accepted. It was a great learning experience, taught by top musicians and once in awhile by Maestro Abravenel. At the end of my Junior year the orchestra performed a concert, during which Maestro Abravenel conducted the main piece.

Just before my Senior year of High School, my family moved to Burley Idaho. After try outs I was accepted as a member of the high school's Concert Choir and Bel Cantos, the performing group. I also played in the band and the orchestra. Orchestra was during German language class, but the orchestra needed another French Horn Player and the Orchestra teacher made arrangements with my class teacher to let me out once in awhile so I could practice. There I learned to play the French Horn.

In band I played the trumpet to begin with. Then, the teacher moved me to Tuba/Sousaphone because there was a need. In that position I also played the Sousaphone in the school's marching band, which performed at football games, basketball games and parades. I also learned to play the Baritone.

When in Business College in Twin Falls, Idaho I was the Business College Choral Director, as well as being one of the student body leaders. Then, in the Marine Corps I was allowed to form the C&E Battallion Choral, I directed the choir for the Catholic services and I directed a recruit choir for the LDS Church on base. I also had a chance to sing at several clubs off base and played trumpet in a small band.

When I was transferred to Yokosuka, Japan in the service, I formed a musical group which performed at the base theater many times, sang and played in a band which played at various clubs on and off base, performed in a semi-professional theater group and sang in a variety of concerts. I took music theory lessons from the University of Maryland.

After serving an LDS mission, I moved back to Idaho. While I was the Public Relations Director at the St. Anthony Community Hospital, I attended school at Idaho State University. There I took vocal lessons and study choral conducting. While in Pocatello I formed a group known as Harmony Kids. We performed all over the city and surrounding areas. I also was the children's choral director for the city's production of "Oliver" and had one of the leading roles.

I moved to Layton, Utah. There I became a student at the then Weber State College. I sang in a performing choral group known as the Weber State Singers, took private voice lessons and piano lessons. I also studied music theory. While attending the college I gave voice lessons and promoted three of my students. All three had the opportunity of being the front group for professional groups which came to perform at Weber State College.

After marriage, I performed with the Jay Welch Choral, named after and directed by Jay Welch, a former director of the Tabernacle Choir. I went back to school at the University of Utah, working on a minor in Music. I attended many music classes, including theory, appreciation and conducting. I didn't have many classes left before I could have earned a Minor in Vocal Music. One of my instructors was a very famous composer and brother to one of the church's General Authorities. After leaving the UofU, and entering my final school, which didn't offer music, I sang with the Utah Symphony Chorale.

I have performed in theater productions of South Pacific, Oliver, My Fair Lady, Under the Yum Yum Tree, and Fiddler on the Roof. I have sung in Regional Choirs, church choirs and have sung many solos. When I was taking voice lessons I had a 3 octave range. It now diminished somewhat, but I can still sing first tenor and bass.