27 Oct 2013 Couples: Patsy and Tom Desaulniers
HER Patsy Rowland Desaulniers
Native of: Harrison
Education: BSBA from The College of the Ozarks (now University of the Ozarks); MBA from University of Arkansas; completed coursework for the Ph.D. in Business Administration, University of Arkansas.
Job: Retired after a career as a college teacher and technical writing consultant; I was also director of congregational care at Asbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Ala.
Parents: Roger and Hassel Hunt Rowland of Harrison.
Community activities: Friends of the Library board, AETN Volunteer (Volunteer of the Year in 2012), facilitator of Conway Alzheimer’s Support Group, Faulkner County Arkansas Alumni Association board member, P.E.O., Conway Symphony
Orchestra Guild Treasurer and editor of the Alabama Historical Radio Society newsletter.
Church activities: United Methodist Women treasurer and reading program chair.
Hobbies/special interests: Computers, reading, writing, cooking and making molded chocolates.
How would you describe yourself: I have been interested in computers since 1964, when they filled an entire room. I
love all kinds of electronic gadgets, but I am still very much a people person, too. Given a choice of interacting electronically or in person, I much prefer personal contact.
Favorite restaurant in the 501: The Hole in the Wall Cafe, Smokehouse Barbecue and Chick-fil-A.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Getting together with friends, reading, cooking.
Favorite quote: “The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” – Kalu Ndukwe Kalu
What do you love about living in the 501: Conway is a wonderful place in which to retire. Conway Corporation makes
living here very affordable. Performances at the University of Central Arkansas and the Conway Symphony Orchestra provide great cultural opportunities.
HIM Tom Desaulniers
Native of: Woonsocket, R.I.
Where did you grow up: Talladega, Ala.
Education: Talladega High School; U.S. Navy Submarine School (New London, Conn.); BS, University of Alabama, 1970.
Job: Retired, machinery designer, machine shop manager, machinist. I also make handcrafted sending instruments (telegraph keys) for Morse Code enthusiasts that are sold internationally via the Internet.
Parents: Tony and Connie Desaulniers of Woonsocket, R.I.
Community activities: Faulkner County Amateur Radio Club, Toad Suck Car Club, AETN Volunteer (Volunteer of the Year in 2012).
Hobbies/special interests: I have been involved in amateur (Ham) radio since I was 16. I also enjoy building things in my machine shop, and I am also interested in antique cars, computers, reading and cooking.
How would you describe yourself: Outgoing, talkative, friendly.
Favorite restaurant in the 501: The Hole in the Wall Cafe, Smokehouse Barbecue and La Huerta.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Reading, Ham radio, working in my shop.
Favorite quote: “Any man [or woman] who thinks he [or she] can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him [or her], better take a closer look at the American Indian [native Americans]!” — Henry Ford
What do you love about living in the 501: Lots to do, friendly and easy place to make friends, economical living and we have Conway Corporation, a very well-run and efficient business.
THEM
City: Conway
Church activities: Active members of the Dorothy Robins-Light Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church in Conway.
How we met: I had just begun teaching at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and Tom came into my office to visit with my office mate. He had been in the Navy, so he wasn’t a traditional student. He called later and asked me out. I called my office mate and asked if he was a nice guy and would I get fired for dating a student. She said, “Go, you’ll have fun!” A year later, we married. We celebrated our 43rd anniversary on Aug. 23.
The proposal: An old boyfriend came to Tuscaloosa to see me, and I think that prompted Tom to ask me to marry him. As I remember, he arrived at my apartment with a watermelon and popped the question! I also went shopping for my wedding ring with my prospective mother-in-law in Talladega while Tom was finishing up summer school.
Wedding bells: Aug. 23, 1970, Raymond Munger Memorial Chapel at the University of the Ozarks, Clarksville.
Children: We decided that cats were easier and wouldn’t need college, cars or boyfriends!
Pets: Patsy is a dog person married to a cat whisperer (he can take the meanest cat and make it his buddy), so we have had cats for our entire married life. They all have traveled with us all over the United States and Canada, sometimes as many as three at a time. Our presen
t cat, Macy, was a “found” cat, and she is an excellent traveler.
Family activities enjoyed together: Because our families live in Kansas and Georgia, our family activities usually happen at holidays. We are fortunate to have friends who are like family, Carla and Steve Jones, and we are with them often.
Other information: We surely would like to see Faulkner County and Conway get in gear and build a nice humane society type of animal shelter.
