Paul’s People, No. 72

Martin Wells was a merchant seaman and he has a law degree.

But his longtime gig is being the Lutheran bishop of Eastern Washington, all of Idaho and a little corner of Wyoming.

He grew up in Alaska, so wide open spaces don’t throw him.

Neither do desperate columnists.

Back in November of 2004, the features section was doing a series of stories on people and their primary clothes closet. Something I had lined up fell through. So I asked Martin if I could write about him. We were friends, but this would be a pretty big favor.

He agreed and could not have been more gracious. Moreover, he was incredibly thoughtful during the interview at his house. Never made me feel like a clown for doing that story. In fact, his whole demeanor graced the little project with a certain dignity.

He has contributed several high-quality Slice items over the years. My favorite might have been something he shared in January of 2014.

I had asked readers to recall memorable snowball exploits from the past. His was a long-distance throw that nailed his then-13-year-old daughter.

It was a great throw. About that there is no dispute. But her expression…Oh, man.

“As I recall she whimpered a bit and looked back at me with that wounded look a father can’t forget.”

I could go on and on about Wells. But I’ll just wrap up by saying I am proud to know him.