Karl Joost

I met my wife, Louise, in Brussels during the summer of 1967. She has been my best guide and mentor for social and philosophical quandaries. I most admire her sense of humor and dry wit.

Louise was a fantastic, intuitive second grade teacher for almost 30 years. She knew when she was 10 that she would teach kids.

Received my CA elem teaching certificate and taught 4-6 grade science for 4 years in Walnut Creek, but it took me well into my late 20's before I found, almost by accident, the career that I have most cherished - computer systems manager, production control manager, financial analyst and project financial manager, all in the wonderful, hard driving world of high-tech manufacturing. I often went home thinking "And they even pay me to do this!" It came easily and contributed greatly. I was happy at last.

In 25 years, I worked for Cordis-Dow Medical, OCLI, Opto-Electronics/Textron, Innovadyne and others- to me a wonderful career.

When we retired in 2008, we decided to challenge ourselves to learn and do new things and bought a 42 ac. ranch near Missoula, Montana. We raised and trained 2 mules, and raised and sold timothy hay to my neighbors as well as fished, hunted, hiked and pursued local history and Montana events.

I have always enjoyed nature, wildlife, hiking, photography (I was the Saga photog for a couple years) and digging in the dirt. We both enjoy square dancing locally and Louise volunteers at the food bank in Alberton and for the Helping Hands group. We have a place and also business in SR - thinking that SR is in the future again.

***FLASH UPDATE*** Sold the ranch in late 2015 and moved back to Santa Rosa, to be nearer the daughters- good move, the wife is very happy now! I'm enjoying it too, but yes, do miss Montana.

After MHS, took refuge for a year at SRJC, where I realized that I would never become the engineer my dad had hoped I might be, but did have insight and skills in history, writing and social issues.

Spent the summer of '68 in Chicago in a housing project in Cicero developing social and motivational skills with young disadvantaged kids.

Graduated from UC Davis with a BA in sociology and a minor in history. I opposed the Vietnam war and spent the next 3 years as a conscientious objector (CO) in the US Govt VISTA program with East Texas rural poor working in housing assistance, health, water systems and business development. I made a lot of very dedicated, fast friends and had experiences that still are with me. I hope I contributed to the situation at least a little.

Just for the record, I have never, ever spoken poorly about the US and I feel enormous pride for the country and for all my friends and acquaintances that served in the military or in alternative ways.

At MHS, I felt I was a bit introverted, nerdy, and miscued. Apologies for any of that- I really look forward to meeting you all again at the reunion!