Background
Claire — Retired communications and outreach specialist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and later the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; board member, Rappahannock Association for Arts and Community (RAAC) and co-chair, RAAC Fall Art Tour; board member Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection (RLEP) and chair of RLEP’s Saving Dark Skies program; volunteer Benevolent Fund and former vestry member, Trinity Episcopal Church.
Derek — Retired captain, United States Coast Guard; attorney; warden for operations and maintenance, Trinity Episcopal Church; volunteer, Rappahannock Lions Club and RAAC.
Both widowed, they moved to Rappahannock in 2016 where they live in Castleton on Hope Hill Road. Their combined families total six children and 16 grandchildren.
The Spark
Claire — We were married at Trinity Episcopal Church. I found that community so welcoming that it motivated me to get involved in a number of volunteer activities. It was easy since Rappahannock is ‘ready-made’ with so many service opportunities available. Growing up, my parents were a big influence. They were very involved in our church and local environmental programs. During World War II, my father saw a lot of action in Europe. Later, he and my mother published two books, now in the Library of Congress, containing letters and photos written by those with whom he served.
Derek — For me, becoming engaged in volunteer activities came later in life. During my 44 years of public service with the U.S. Coast Guard, we moved around a lot, so getting deeply involved in local community service projects wasn’t always practicable. After retiring, I had the time and desire to continue some form of service and was drawn to the many opportunities here in Rappahannock. The county’s service organizations invite engagement and there is no shortage of interesting things one can get involved with.
Proudest Achievement
Claire — I’ve had this love of nature since childhood and have always wanted to protect it. Like so many, I was inspired by President John F. Kennedy to get involved in public service. When the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was created in 1970, I was lucky to have had the opportunity to work there. Being able to stay on a career path, as both a professional and a volunteer, that reflected my strong belief in public service and environmental protection is perhaps my proudest achievement.
Derek — My proudest achievement is that I had a career in the U.S. Coast Guard in service to our country. I always felt very comfortable that what I did had value and was not something the public didn’t need or want. I think my career, and my now deceased wife, inspired our four kids to go into some kind of service: My youngest son just retired from the Air Force as a colonel, one daughter was a teacher and is deeply involved in her church, my other daughter works in child services at the state level and my oldest son is an EMT-firefighter. I am so proud of their contributions to our country and their communities.
Biggest Challenge
Claire — My husband of 19 years passed away in his early 50s. Getting over that shock while raising my two teenage daughters wasn’t easy for me or them. We worked hard to overcome that emotional trauma, and thankfully each of us has moved forward to lead successful and fulfilling lives.
Derek — My first wife and I had been together for 40 years. Losing her was very difficult. It left a huge hole in my life. Trying to pick yourself up and cope with something you never thought would happen was a huge challenge. I never experienced loneliness until then. Over time, I got out and began to socialize and eventually met Claire.
Why it Matters
Claire — Community service gives richness and meaning to life, particularly at our age. Volunteering brings like-minded people together in ways that build strong community bonds while helping those in need. In the process, we have been fortunate to develop strong friendships with many of the people with whom we volunteer. Helping the community while making new friends is hugely rewarding and not something we expected at this stage of our lives.
Derek — We came here because of Rappahannock’s beautiful environment but the big surprise for us was the level of community involvement in the county. So many people living here want to give back to the community which makes this such a special place. Volunteering doesn’t always mean doing big things. Helping park cars or flip hamburgers at some community event is important, too. Every little bit can make a difference.
Favorite Rappahannock Treasure
Claire — It’s a combination of several things – the people, the natural environment and the cultural opportunities. There is a deep richness in the diversity of the people here who are willing to share their talents and make this such a special place.
Derek — We have the best of both worlds. We are fortunate to live in a place where you can get away from it all, take a hike in the woods and enjoy nature, while still having a very strong sense of community. Everywhere you go, you’re bound to run into somebody you know. That’s special.
