Larry Kester

I attribute my career to those early years growing up in Cairo and going to the Cairo Library reading Mark Twain, Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, and all the other adventure stories of travel throughout the globe.

I joined the Navy in January 1961 and lived my dream of traveling and seeing the world. I traveled to nearly 40 countries and all 7 continents. I even have a mountain top named after me in Antarctica, "Kester Peaks".

My 30 year career as a photographer saw me in roles of aerial mapping and reconnaissance, Intelligence, combat(VietNam), and public affairs photography. I had the honor of photographing royalty, heads of state, presidents (both foreign and U.S.), The Pope, movie stars and famous celebrities. It was a great experience and I loved every minute of it.

After retiring from the Navy in February 1991, I went to work for the Dept. of Defence in Norfolk, VA. where I met my beautiful wife, Sherry. We were married in 1994. Poor health forced me to retire in 1997 and Sherry and I moved to her ancestral home in Romney, WV. (the oldest city in WV). I have 2 daughters and four grandchildren from my first marriage. Sherry has 3 daughters and 1 grandchild from her first marriage, so we are truly blessed.

In closing, I want to say Hi to all my "old" classmates and friends and a big "BZ" to the staff of Pilot Light 2000. What a great way to stay in touch!