A Fast Life and Great Times

Book excerpt: Meet Harvey, a boy born in California in the midst of the Great Depression. The historic and political events of the time helped mold the direction of his life. The autobiography shows that life doesn't just happen. Instead apparently disconnected experiences, actions and circumstances join to affect a person's growth and relationships to the world and those around him. Surviving the worldwide depression, listening and watching World War II unfold in the media and in newsreels at movie theaters - as well as rationing- and their impact on the home front left an impression on Harvey and his family. Set against the back drop of world events are stories of Harvey' s Family members and how they live, love and have fun together, as well as how they cope and survive sickness and adversity. His memoir also cites personal involvement with the rehabilitation and staffing of a service station burned during the Watts riots and some of the effects of foreign crude suppliers on the petroleum industry. Readers can follow the author's career in his company, as well as his retirement, health scares and the chance to fully embrace his interests in life. Representing "every man" Riggs' detailed telling of his story will strike a chord with anyone who has wondered what paths his own life might have taken. Harvey Wiley Riggs was born in 1934, the second of six children for his loving parents. He learned many trades as a young man served in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired from Chevron Oil Co. after nearly 37 years, working in all aspects of petroleum marketing. Riggs has been married to his sweetheart, Beverly for more than 55 years after meeting in junior college. They have two daughters and four grandchildren. The author enjoys friends and family, traveling, classic cars, volunteers for city committees, professional and private organizations and devotes many hours to training and promoting the health and wellness of Flat Coated Retrievers.