In Without Borders, eighty-four-year-old Gordon Patty narrates his life story to highlight the wonders of the world we all share-and its vulnerabilities.
Tales from childhood reveal a boy whose love of nature and animals is nurtured by early encounters on his family's farms. Another important influence on the young Gordon is his maternal grandmother, and his inclusion of several poems written by her is a touching tribute.
The next phase of Gordon's life awakens the young man to the joys of foreign travel and connecting with people of other cultures. An exchange student experience in Mexico and an Air Force posting in Japan lead him to a job in international trade, and this position takes him to Europe, Central and South America, Africa, and many other fascinating locations around the globe.
After retirement, Gordon dedicates himself to volunteerism in the United States and Costa Rica, with a focus on nature conservation and education.
With its infectious enthusiasm and interesting historical footnotes by coauthor, Ricki Huff Without Borders is an entertaining, educational, and inspiring must-read for anyone interested in learning how one person can make a difference.
About the Author: Gordon Patty earned a BS in agriculture from Ohio State University and, with his eye on travel, went on to join the Foreign Agricultural Service of the US Department of Agriculture. This job in international trade took him to Europe, Central and South America, Africa, and many other fascinating places.
After thirty years with the USDA, he became a dedicated volunteer and conservationist. He has worked as a park volunteer in the United States and as a volunteer and park ranger in Costa Rica for many years and has been involved in and funded various projects in support of conservation and education.
He currently lives near the Ohio town where he worked summers on his family's farms during World War II and the beginning of the Cold War.
His memoir, Without Borders, chronicles his life, travel, and volunteer work.
