The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Dale Amsberry, a talented stain glass artist, and his wife Phyllis have owned a condo in Sisters for the past seven years. Two years ago, they moved here permanently and are enjoying the local area.

Amsberry is more than an artist. A graduate of the California Maritime Academy, the 80-year-old man is also a marine engineer actively plying the oceans of the world.

"You've got to do something or else you become a couch potato and deteriorate," he said. "I will be working on a civilian ship going to Hawaii next month. I've been working these ships and visiting Hawaii many times. I've been around the world, visiting Asia, Europe, South America, during my working career."

Trained in mathematics and woodworking, Amsberry graduated with an AB degree in education from Sacramento State University in California.

"I've worked anywhere from fourth grade up, including adult ed classes," he said.

His Navy military service during the Korean War was aboard a LST. "We never got shot at and I enjoyed working on the 350-foot boat."

Born in Oakland, California (1926), Amsberry has worked with stained glass for 27 years. "I enjoy making them and giving them away. I started with a class at Clatsup Community College 27 years ago. It has become a very expensive hobby to work in."

His other hobbies include photography, reading and visiting the local library.

"I enjoy our wonderful library so much," he said. "If I weren't gone so much, I'd love to volunteer there."

His photography started with 35-mm film cameras and now has switched to a six-megapixel digital model.

You might catch Amsberry working out at a local athletic club in the morning water aerobics class.

"You've got to keep a body in shape," he said.

After 80 years, Amsberry is doing that and a whole lot more.