Leprechaun Buddies Lucky Charms trips were dispatched out of Kansas City and the pilots donated their time, their aircraft, and fuel costs, completely free of charge. Just this past October, Gene and other volunteers with the Yankton Chapter 1029 of the Experimental Aircraft Association 9EAA) provided free rides to sixth graders as part of The Yankton Middle School’s reading program, as a reward for children that had earned Reading Program certificates. Gene estimates he has 8,600 hours of flying experience, which is the equivalent to a million and a half miles. Besides flying, Gene has always been active and had many other outdoor hobbies such as water and snow skiing, white water rafting and fishing. He has always loved travelling and regularly flies to visit his friends and family around the country. Gene has lived in other states but says, “When I was ready to retire I knew I wanted to build a house and live in Yankton. I got to know the territory through my employment and liked the area and the people.” That was twenty four years ago. Gene says, “South Dakota is a great place for retired people due to its tax structure and relatively low cost of living.” Besides preferring the Midwest in general, South Dakota also had the special appeal of being a good central point for his travels. A tank of gas in his airplane will get Gene six hundred miles without having to stop for refueling. Gene is quick to point out that he’s eighty years old. One would never guess it though, because he still has plenty of pep in his Riverdance-like fancy steps. Perhaps besides good genetics, and an active lifestyle, doing good deeds imbues him with his glowing vitality and twinkling eyes. He credits it to “Having a good sense of humor and thinking positive.” He advises folks to, “Not to take everything too seriously and don’t be satisfied with the status quo.” Despite all the adventures Gene has had, he still has things he wants to experience. One of them is do go on a tandem parachute jump. Gene has other things on his bucket list and is always busy, but he still makes time for his St. Patrick’s Day festivities, and doesn’t plan on giving them up any time in the foreseeable future. This is incredibly lucky for Yankton indeed. As March approaches I’ll be thinking green, and looking forward to seeing Gene the Leprechaun and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in action, sharing spring cheer. n Call Us For Your Next Warm Adventure! Venting • Gas Piping • Cultural or Natural Stone HEATING & COOLING 2401 Broadway, Yankton 605-665-9461 www.larrysheatingandcooling.com HISVOICEvJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019v11