Traveling with P.E.N.

Autobiography of Philip "Ed" Nickerman, the story of his life and his adventures along the way.

Ed tells the story of his travels and adventures, life's ups and downs, his family, friends and all that is meaningful and dear to him.

Ed Nickerman was born in Salt Lake City, UT on April 20, 1930. His early years were spent in Salt Lake City and Franklin, ID, moving to the Los Angeles area as a young teenager. Big city life did not appeal to Ed, and at the age of 16 he joined the Army. He served his country for two years in the Occupation of Japan at the end of WWII, being discharged before the age of 18. Because he was considered a WWII veteran, he received the G.I. Bill, graduating from Pomona College as a biologist, and receiving a M.A. degree in Education from Claremont University. Following his college education, Ed moved to Alaska where he lived for ten years, working as a teacher, principal and superintendent in the schools in Valdez and Kenai. In 1966 Ed moved to Potter Valley, CA, taking a position as Vocational Coordinator for the Mendocino County Schools. He worked for the next 21 years developing the vocational and occupational training programs for Mendocino County, as well as setting up the Dominican College Teacher Training Program and the Sonoma State BA Program for the Mendocino County Schools. Ed built his home and farm on East Road in Potter Valley where he still lives with his wife, Jan. Together they have 8 children, 18 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. Ed has been a long time member of the Ukiah Rotary Club and active in many community projects.