Letter from Kelly Jackson

In Remembrance of Carter Luther

Outside of my parents no one has had a greater positive impact on my development and life than Mr. Luther. In the 45 years since I graduated from Hish School I have applied something that I learned under his tutelage nearly every day. In addition, to being a Vo-Ag teacher and FFA Advisor, Mr. Luther provided Hygenic, Nutritional, and Personal advise and counsel. He was both a teacher and mentor.

While I did not pursue a career in agriculture, many of the things he taught still resonate in my daily life. I know tumble weeds are not "Tumble Weeds", they are russian thistles. Goat Head weed is not "Goat Head Weed" it is California puncture vine. I know the difference between 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T and when they should be applied. The drafting which I have used, I learned from Mr. Luther.

When I use any power tool, his lectures regarding safety come to mind. It is hard to forget the day he brought Mr. Davis, the band instructor, in to show our class what remained of his fingers after a run-in with the planer. Push blocks, Push sticks and other safety devices are part of my shop.

Despite the fact, Mr. Luther gently explained that, unlike Larry Stuhlberg and other member os our class, I would never a welder be, I took to heart his teachings regarding the need for ventilation and the dangers associated with cutting or welding galvanized material.

I still use the Carter Luther Public Restroom Technique - Never use the cloth towels; Dry your hands with a paper towel; Use it to open the door; and then discard it in a waste basket at the door or on the outside of the restroom. I have tried the daily hand full of raw oats which he recommended and took a shot at his green tea remedy.

The FFA lessons in public speaking and leadership were applied each day of my professional life (or some might argue that I misapplied them - but that is a personal failing for which Mr. Luther can not be held responsible).

On a lighter note, I remember the 1947 tan Chevrolet Coupe. It was his pride and joy. On one occasion , a fluids salesman convinced him that he had a product which would dry out wet ignition system parts. The salesman sprayed the distributor, ignition coil and spark plug wires with water and then applied the magic potion. After the dutiful wait, Mr. Luther tried to fire the old girl up, to no avail. Mr. Luther's reaction was priceless and left the salesman speechless and on the run.

In my case Mr. Luther's influence has permeated almost every facet of my life. I have benefited from the association ways large and small. No remembrance of Mr. Luther would complete without mentioning Mrs. Luther. They were a team and set a great example for each of us as individuals and as a couple. Their warmth, kindness and thoughtfulness blessed my life.

Mr. Luther will be missed but not forgotten. The better days which each of us have enjoyed because of what we learned from him will be passed on to the next generation in a "Promise of better days through better ways".

Kelly Jackson, Class of 1965