Saturday, June 1, 2013
<p>Circus Story</p>I worked with Kaye at Irvine Valley College for many years. I was in the Business Lab and he taught the Business Science curriculum. I was a single mom and after my kids graduated high school and went off to college, I thought I was finished with the child rearing responsibilities. My dream was to run off and join the circus and live the footloose life. Sounded like a joke to everyone I told, except for Kaye. He told me all about his experiences with circuses and elephants in particular. He guided me in my research of what circus best suited me and why. I followed his advice and went to a smaller circus that had come to town and made inquiries about employment. He gave me tips about Culpepper and Merryworth (I think that was the name) and other important information, never questioning how prudent or feasible it really was. I was quite serious at the time and Kay honored and respected my pursuits. He gave me the honest picture of the circus life and advice I will always remember. I especially loved his elephant stories- I now give to a charitable organization that protects elephants. I will include Kaye in my donation. As things turned out for my circus aspirations; I realized that the kids being in college didn't really free me up, especially financially. I also realized, that although I was willing to sleep in RV's and do all sorts of jobs as necessary in the circus, my horse training and riding skills were not good enough, nor was I willing to get a license allowing me to drive big rigs that carried wild animals. I will never forget Kaye's kind advice and willingness to help me achieve what I thought might have been my circus dream. Thank you, Kaye! We will all miss him-he was a very special fellow. Leslie Levy, now retired from IVC.
