Felice (Felix) Kenneth Pace – 50th Reunion Essay

Felice (Felix) Kenneth Pace

28 Maple Rd.

Klamath, CA 95548

Unofelice@hotmail.com

707-954-6588

Child(ren): Jacob (1981), Miranda Rose (1984)

Education: BA in Econ from Yale; MA in Education from Montclair State University (1971)

Career: Teaching and Outdoor Adventure Education (10 years); Organizational systems and grant writng for federal tribes as part of Peters and Associates and as an independent contractor (5 years). Drug education and prevention (5 years)

Avocations: mountaineering, gardening, birdwatching, nature study

College: Davenport

At Yale I never shared much of myself. That was partly because I was very busy with football and classes and such—but also because I knew so little about who I was. Now, after all this time, I would like to share a bit of what I’ve learned and who I’ve become.

I am a second-generation Italian American, working class kid from South Philadelphia. I landed at Yale because the only other guy from my high school to attend Yale helped Coach Cozza recruit good football players for what became, perhaps, the greatest team in Yale Football history.

When I came to Yale I had no idea there was a Ruling Class. I soon discovered there was such a class and that I was being trained to become one of its well-paid servants. I decided to jump ship and return to the working class, a decision I’ve never regretted. By global standards, I live a fabulously rich lifestyle. Compared to most of you, I’m just a happy pauper who, like Han Shan, wanders the wild peaks and gorges.

At Yale I learned how to win. For that I thank my coaches and teammates, but none more than BD. When Brian came to the huddle you knew you were going to score… and we did. I still like to win.

After Yale I became a conscientious objector, mountaineer, teacher, and back-to-the-land hippie. Summiting Denali in ’75 is a high point but not comparable to the gift of fatherhood—Jacob and Miranda Rose are the most wonderful gifts I’ve been fortunate to receive.

Like many of you, I’ve made my mark on the world. I did it by championing the science of conservation biology, stopping the logging of ancient trees, and preserving some of the wildest lands remaining on Turtle Island. Very little of it I did alone. But I did manage to earn the title environmental terrorist bestowed by my local congressman, and I was accused by anti-environmental haters of being the Unabomber. These are badges of honor.

I’ve published nonfiction and poetry, but no books. The writing and other tracings are at www.paceonearth.com.

I am grateful for mentors who put me on the path and taught me the best of all I know. I am thankful for the opportunity to explore far-off lands and to wander on foot and ski my own intricate homeland: the high meadows, craggy peaks, and deeply forested canyons of Northwest California’s Klamath Country. I’ve had the honor of working with Northwest California’s indigenous natives, who from the beginning befriended me and taught me so much.

And I am grateful for the women who helped a guy with no sisters, from an all-male Catholic high school and an all-male college, finally understand a little about how to be with a woman in a relationship.

Finally, I give thanks for this gorgeous planet and the wonderful creatures living on her, and for the chance to discover what it means to be wild and free.