Fascinating Fernley residents come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Recently, I had the great pleasure of meeting some of the very interesting folks living at Fernley Estates, a senior community. Seasoned by time and experience, this group of friends exemplifies lives well lived and the joy each day brings, regardless of age.
Meet Scott Price. Scott is a Harley-Davidson enthusiast from the Bay Area, and he looks the part. To be honest, he’s a bit gruff, and his outward appearance is slightly intimidating. He is direct and unapologetic about his chosen lifestyle. Asked if he was married, he replied matter-of-factly, “Only once. Girlfriends? Hundreds.” And you can see why. The dude’s got swag!
Once you get to know him, you realize this isn’t your stereotypical biker. He is an astute businessman. Scott funded his passion for motorcycles by opening and running a chain of high-end body shops servicing exotic vehicles in California. To this day, he personally maintains nine Harleys should he decide to take a spin.
Scott also has a heart. Around 1987, he and like-minded Harley fans founded the Rip City Riders in Petaluma, California. This motorcycle club does not sow mayhem; it sows generosity and kindness. To this day, Rip City Riders arranges an array of events that appeal to the biker community. The profits from those events fund a variety of charitable causes, including the Polly Klaas Foundation.
Lovely Shirley Cole is an artist specializing in photography. Like other artists of her time, Shirley was inspired by ecological themes. She enjoyed capturing all kinds of images but found herself drawn mostly to animal subjects.
Shirley’s contemporaries and circle of friends included world-renowned landscape photographer and environmentalist Ansel Adams. In February 1984, Shirley was among the many high-profile guests at Mr. Adams’ 82nd birthday party.
Married for 58 years, Diane and Butch spent a lifetime building businesses. Northern Nevada natives, the couple established a successful Snap-on Tools franchise that was the envy of competitors near and far. Ever attracted to new challenges and opportunities, Diane and Butch changed streams. They spent the next half of their working lives owning and operating an ice cream parlor/delicatessen. So impressive was their cuisine, customers actually requested Diane’s autograph!
Last but certainly not least, introducing the charismatic GR! The beautiful young girl seen in the photograph water-skiing remains a dynamic woman who continues to meet life with gusto. A single mother in a time when it wasn’t particularly fashionable, GR successfully competed in a new industry that today is still not entirely welcoming to women. Despite searing competition, GR grew a data consulting firm from the ground up. Additionally, she served as chief executive adviser for the Northern California Fire District.
With time, life has taken on a different hue for these remarkable folks. Today is about enjoyment. Diane has taken up pottery, cross-stitch and bingo. Butch loves to cook and garden. To build up strength and stamina to support his next big ride, Scott swims as often as possible. Shirley can be found enjoying any number of community activities, while GR lights up every room she enters with her quick wit and electric smile.
While all take satisfaction in their distinguished lives and careers, all agree that their families and solid relationships are their most enduring source of happiness and pride. At the end of the day, isn’t that the truest measure of success for our journey through life?
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