Rob Oxford: an introduction

Rob Oxford
DJ, SAN Columnist, Dad

By Rob Oxford

I honestly never envisioned myself becoming a Father. I spent my formative years in Texas pursuing a career in music. First as the lead singer of a Dallas based rock-n-roll band and then after moving to Seattle, 25 years as a radio broadcaster.

I still dabble in radio, hosting a weekend show at the Classic Rock Station KZOK, but my motivation for doing so is different today.

As a twenty-something, it was all about me. I enjoyed the attention I received as a quote; "personality". I enjoyed rubbing elbows with celebrities. I enjoyed not having a "real job" as my friends would say. I even enjoyed living paycheck to paycheck.

Music in its many different forms was my passion and still is today. But since becoming a Father, I am more passionate about something much greater than music... my children.

I don't really like the term "Baby Boomer". In fact I don't like labels at all. Especially the one sticking up out of the back of your shirt all day long that no one bothers to tell you about. But if I must be put into a category I guess "Boomer" isn't so bad.

After galavanting all over the globe, I was fortunate to once again run into the woman who would become my wife. We have two wonderful children together and just celebrated 18 years of marriage. 

From very early on I promised to try and be a better Father than my Dad. Then again, isn't that every parent's goal? It may not always work out that way, but trying is what is most important. For some of us the bar wasn't set very high.

I was the son of a 27 year Military Veteran and one of Xerox Corporation's first female executives. My Dad was gone a lot, Korea, Vietnam, Iran, Germany and we moved often when I was young. 2 different elementary schools, 2 different junior high schools, 2 different high schools.

That could be the reason I feel so fortunate to be living in Shoreline only blocks from where my wife attended school and where both my children will graduate. "Community", it's what makes us who we are. It gives us a sense of belonging and a connection to all that surrounds us.

The Shoreline Area News has graciously given me this opportunity to share with you my thoughts on life and living, and I am so very grateful. Hopefully I will sometimes make you think, seldom make you mad and often make you smile. That is who I am and I'm so very pleased to meet you.