My Next Chapters
I have many interests and passions! Since retiring in the fall of 2020 I have been busy working with my nearly 5 decade photo collection, listening to a little more music, staying up on technology through Flip Board and studying investing (a 40+ year passion, including options trading).
We are looking forward to getting back to another passion of ours, traveling. We have been to 19 foreign countries and have been to most US states. We still though, have a couple of US states to check off the list and look forward to getting on the road again.
I have been gathering information for writing a book on the high-tech home.
My Accounting Career
I practiced in public accounting for over 40 years and retired in October of 2020. I was one of the owners in the firm Marple & Marple CPAs founded by our father. We sold our firm to PorterKinney CPAs in 2019.
Growing Up
Kennewick is my birth city and I have spent most of my life in this town. (Our area is also known as the Tri-Cities, consisting of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland along with West Richland). I have always had many interests and passions.
Growing up in the Tri-Cities included golf (I started playing when I was 8 or 9), photography (including aerial photography), music, a little mischief and a few pranks, woodworking, stargazing, and an early interest in technology and electronics. We were also spoiled with fresh fruits and vegetables from our local farmers. My early interest in technology led to me obtaining my FCC 3rd class radiotelephone license before I was 16. I worked for a brief period of time as a DJ at the country radio station KOTY on weekends while in high school. I did live away from the Tri-Cities for a few years in Tucson, graduating from the University of Arizona (go Wildcats!) in 1980. Other than working for the University of Arizona Hospital in the accounting department, my entire accounting career has been with Marple & Marple.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
I am an avid reader on many topics and subscribe to many magazines and newsletters. (My father has told me you need to exercise your brain cells and I do!) My daily reading includes use of Flip Board on topics including technology, business, art and photography. Personal interests other than reading include my family & friends, traveling, technology, music (many types including jazz, classic rock and country) photography, cooking with a smoker, astronomy and science. I am also fond of cigars and wine. (There is no better value than Washington State wines!)
Honors & Memberships
My honors and memberships include Past President of the Kennewick Kiwanis Club, Founding Member of the Kennewick Kiwanis Foundation, Past President of the Planned Giving Council of Eastern Washington, Past President of the Benton Franklin Humane Society, and involvement with numerous other charities. Memberships have included: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Washington State Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Kennewick Kiwanis.
Family & Other
My family consists of my wife and best friend of 30+ years, Sue Anne, stepson Brandon and his wife Amy along with grandson Isaiah and granddaughter Olivia, stepson Justin and daughter Katie. We have two resident cats, Bella and Marie.
Brandon served 5 years in the Navy and currently works for L3/Harris in Greenville, Texas. Justin has worked a number of different positions in sales (he is a schmoozer!) and Katie is currently working for Alexandria Nicole. Katie has moved back to the Tri-Cities, has a teaching certificate and is planning on getting back into teaching.
