Duty Before Love

Fred Carspecken (1914–2003) lived most of his life in a time when society constrained individuals like him. Though he was a closeted gay man until the age of 62, Fred remained true to the responsibilities and expectations placed upon him, often putting duty before his personal desires and needs. This biography explores Fred’s struggle between fulfilling societal duties and pursuing personal happiness. His story is a testament to the many men and women of his era who sacrificed love to meet societal expectations.

Duty Before Love highlights the generational challenges of being a gay man during a time when societal acceptance was not an option. Fred’s life story reveals the emotional and psychological impact of remaining closeted for decades, only to finally embrace his true self in later years. This biography offers an intimate look at a man who quietly lived a life filled with integrity, compassion, and deep relationships, despite having to conceal an essential part of himself for so long.

C. William Carspecken, MD, MSc, MBA

C. Will Carspecken is a writer, physician, and published scientist. He is the author and coauthor of several peer-reviewed studies on the mechanisms of anesthesia, depression, and neuropharmacology. He attended Harvard Medical School and Oxford University, where he earned a master’s degree in biomedical engineering. He earned his undergraduate and MBA degrees from the University of Denver and the Daniels College of Business, respectively. Carspecken was on the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania and published original investigations while at Stanford University, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, and the University of Washington. His time is spent in Denver, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Theodore J. Mowery

Theodore J. Mowery is a writer and former food scientist/technologist who worked for several major food companies for 34 years before retiring. His work consisted primarily of formulating new tomato products for the foodservice industry. He is the coauthor of one patent. He resides in Laguna Beach, California.