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Alton L. Thygerson

 

Provo, Utah

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I spent four years in Pampa — my first two (born in the Worley Hospital) and my junior and senior years while attending Pampa High School after transferring from Phillips High School.  Highlights of my high school years include winning the Texas State High School 100- (9.6 seconds) and 220-yard (20.9 seconds) dash championships (May 1958).

I received athletic scholarship offers from dozens of universities.  I chose Brigham Young University where I received a four-year full-ride athletic scholarship, was a four-year letterman, a conference champ, and toured Europe twice (1959 and 1962). 

As of 2005, I have taught for 42 years, and intend to add more years to that total.  When you love what you do, look forward to going to work each day, have a great environment in which to work, and feel good, why retire?  I may go until 70.  The first two years of teaching were in the Campbell Union High School District, San Jose, California; the next two years at Chabot College, Hayward, California, and the last 38 years (starting in 1967) as a Professor of Health Science Department at Brigham Young University.  I received a Doctor of Education from BYU (1969). 

I have published over 40 books and manuals, 100 journal articles, and 1,200 Deseret News (a Salt Lake City, Utah newspaper) weekly articles.  I specialize in first aid, emergency care, injury prevention, and other health topics. Over 10 million people have been trained through his National Safety Council endorsed first aid and CPR books. Beginning in 2005, my books no longer show the NSC name and logo but carry the prestigious endorsements of the American Academy of Orthopadic Surgeons and the American College of Emergency Physicians.  I have other books endorsed by the American Heart Association and the Wilderness Medical Society.  Over 500 colleges and universities have used these books.  My latest book, Fit to be Well, will be available after March 2005.  Go to Amazon.com and type in my name for some of my books. 

My publishing efforts earned me one of BYU’s highest faculty awards:  the Karl G. Maeser Creative Works and Research Award.  The BYU College of Health and Human Performance awarded me their highest recognition, the Distinguished Faculty Lecturer in addition to awards for teaching and creative efforts.  I have received other recognitions during my career. One of my books carries the cover photograph of William Shatner (actor:  Rescue 911 and Star Trek) who endorsed the book. Oprah Winfrey endorsed the same book on her national television show.

I married Ardith Moss of Price, Utah and will have been married for 41 years as of 2005.  We have six children. All five sons are Eagle Scouts, served Church missions (2 years with three of them going to South America), all have graduated from college, and four will have advanced graduate degrees.

Scott is a California hospital administrator. Michael is a sales representative in Utah. Steven is an industrial hygienist in Colorado and will receive a Ph.D. from Colorado State University in 2005.  Whitney, our only daughter, passed away from leukemia at the age of 24.   Matthew is in occupational safety management, and will receive a Ph.D. from Indiana University in 2006. Justin starts graduate school in Pennsylvania beginning in September 2005.  All are married except one. We will have children in all four time zones next year. Our traveling includes visiting our children.

My wife and I are active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have served in a variety of Church positions.  Ardith believes I have a “seven year itch” since about every seven or so years, my hobbies change — jogging, racquetball, golf, and now birding. I have traveled throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, Alaska, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Ecuador in pursuit of birds and presently serve as the president of the local bird club. 

I love the outdoor lifestyle, nature, and Utah.  The valley in which we live is surrounded by 10 mountain peaks each over 10,000 feet.

My classmates and the people of Pampa were good to me.  I greatly appreciated their friendliness.  Despite my short stay in Pampa, I retain many good memories.