DARLEEN WHITING STRONG
and DELMAR

My Biography

After I graduated I went to work for Junior Achievement in Burbank as a fundraiser. I was there for a year until I landed a good job for the Teamsters, Local 93 as a secretary. I put the skills I learned at Burroughs to work and loved it. My employment there ended when I became a mother in 1959.

Marlene Reichert, myself and friends enjoyed our weekends either roller skating at the pier in Long Beach or Polka dancing at the Polka Palace in Los Angeles. In 1956 Marlene met a Sailor skating and I met a Marine dancing. They both became our husbands in 1957. My Marine's name was Buck and he was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Pendleton.

When we married we made our home in Burbank even though Buck was from Wisconsin and had eleven siblings there. My mother graduated from Burbank High School so we have a long time relationship with Burbank and I was destined to stay in Burbank. Buck and I had three children Pamela born 1959, Jeffrey born 1962, and Brian born 1963.

Buck was a design engineer at Bendix until 1969 when he volunteered layoff so we could acquire Honda of Glendale, a motorcycle dealership. We traveled many places thanks to Honda. The most memorable ones were Japan, Europe and a Rhine River Cruise. I worked part time at the shop and took great satisfaction in being a mom, doing PTA, being a Brownie Leader, Girl Scout Leader, Boy Scout Leader and doing all the other activities that come with being a parent.

In 1980 we purchased a commercial a building on Colorado Street in Glendale and moved our dealership there in 1981. Thank goodness Buck got us all moved and permitted before he passed away on Memorial Weekend at the age 45. My daughter is now at that same age as Buck was when he died. It doesn't seem possible that she could be that age until I look in the mirror. We have all had happy and sad tears at times, but as a rule I have had more that my share of happy ones. Today I don’t know what worked and what didn’t, what was my doing and what was just life. But some how everything came together.

I took over the business not knowing if I was capable. The business has grown considerably and has really done well for me. In 1994/1995 I was in Who’s Who as an outstanding women in business. All my children graduated from that other high school on the hill. My youngest Brian graduated in 1981 and joined me at the business as my right hand man. He loves what he does and is extremely good at it just like his dad was. I would be retired if it weren't for him, but I love the business as much as he does, so I will be there as long as I am able.

You never know from day to day what will happen at the Honda Shop. There are so many funny, different and exciting stories that I could write a book. If I did, I would call it As The Honda Shop Turns. I have rode street bikes, and dirt bikes, but now I ride a Honda Pilot off road. My three grandsons 15, 12, & 12, years old are exceptionally good dirt bike riders. One of the granddaughters, 8 is an ok rider but the 7-year-old rides like her dad, Brian, FAST. My grandchildren think their grandma is the coolest and she gets all the motorcycles and accessories for free.

I am very fortunate to have all my family near, including my only sister and her family. Pamela and her husband own a business and live in Santa Clarita. My sons Jeffrey and Brian and wives live in Burbank. I am a very proud parent and lovable grandparent. When we all get together their sense of humor makes my day with lots of laughs. Our family is very close and enjoys motorcycle riding (of course), camping, boating, fishing, traveling, sports and anything else out doors. My husband and I did all these fun things, so I guess it was inherited. My Kids have all new modern equipment for all our activities, so dear old mom is quite comfortable no matter where she is.

When I am not busy with family, I like to knit, crochet, do crafts go to movies and to live theater. I have a Maltese puppy named Pistol, he is taking up a lot of my time and is so much company. I take him to work and everywhere with me. Buck was the love of my life and I remain happily single in our home in Burbank appreciating a fun, healthy, blessed life.


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