As we approach Christmas I would like to share a story about one man in our community who spent his whole working life and retirement as an unsung hero.
For 34 years he was first a teacher at Placerita Junior High School, then at Hart High. Those of you who had him as a teacher would remember him as Mr. Williams. As my lifelong friend, he is Val.
As young boys we spent almost all off our waking hours together, riding bikes, climbing trees and generally doing all those things that growing up brings. He was best man at my wedding. He served in the National Guard and was deployed to the Watts Riots. We lost contact for years, only reconnecting when we moved to Santa Clarita and ran into each other at a Hart football game.
Val continued to do youth work after retirement, spending seven years volunteering with me in the YMCA Youth and Government Program, at the same time demonstrating his abilities helping me in my business.
Now remembering all those wonderful years is gone, as he fights that terrible disease call Alzheimer’s. But he remains a hero!
And why should you care about this story? Because you too probably have an unsung hero. And wouldn’t it be a wonderful gift if you let them know this Christmas season? Merry Christmas, Val.
Ron Perry
Canyon Country
