From machining to judo: Page Baptist makes transition into retirement

Page Baptist (Photo: Carlye Calvin

In June, Page retired, leaving behind good friends and good memories. But he says he isn't looking back. Instead, the soon-to-be 62-year-old is looking ahead to the activities that more free time will allow.

A Korean War veteran, Page arrived in Colorado when he was stationed at Fort Carson. He has been here ever since. After drafting school and numerous math classes, Page began the years of machining experience that prepared him to become Machine Shop supervisor, a position he has held for 16 years. During his career at NCAR, he has seen the transition from manual work into computerization that his profession, and NCAR, have undergone. "It's a whole new ball game," Page says. "We've lost the old art of instrument making to computers." That won't stop him from passing his trade on to others, though. Page plans to teach machining the "old-fashioned" way later on in his retirement.

Meanwhile, he is riding his bike, going out to breakfast, and relaxing. A fifth-degree black belt in judo, Page will spend time coaching the martial art too. Even with more time available for doing the things he enjoys, Page says he will miss his coworkers.

"Working at NCAR was one of the best careers I could have had," he says. "I was fortunate to work at such a place and I'm thankful for that." •Julie Jargon, UCAR Communications intern

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Prepared by Jacque Marshall, jacque@ucar.edu, 303-497-8616