Novato native “Diet” (pronounced “Deet”) Stroeh has probably had more to do with shaping North Bay water policy than anyone else in the last 35 years. And though now retired from his influential role as head of the Marin Municipal Water District, where his drought-ending measures of the late-1970s inspired the book, The Man Who Made It Rain, Stroeh continues to have a hand in as an engineer and partner with CSW/Stuber-Stroeh Engineering and an independent consultant for the Sonoma County Water Agency’s general manager. It may not sound like much fun to you or me, but for someone who defines “adventure” as “working with very different people to obtain consensus,” he’s probably in his element.
What got you interested in water conservation?
After I went to work for the Marin Municipal Water District as a manager in 1960, I eventually developed a whole new direction on new water supplies, including conservation.
Do you have a big family?
Yes, I’ve been married to my wife, Margaret, for 23 years and have two sons, three daughters and seven grandchildren.
Describe one of your happiest life moments.
Having lunch with my dad the day before he died and sharing and laughing about his early years as a teenager in Germany.
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “fun”?
Life!
If you were stranded on a desert island and could have with you only one object you currently own, what would you take?
Books.
Who’s your favorite author and why?
Aldous Huxley. He was way ahead of his time.
Which do you do more often: hum or whistle? What’s your tune of choice?
I hum “America the Beautiful.”
What’s the first thing you do every morning?
Eat an apple.
If you could change one thing about the world right now, what would it be?
I’d want there to be more communication.
If you could teach your pet one trick or skill, what would it be?
I have two cats, both about two years old. I’d like to teach them to stand on their hind legs. Everyone should stand on their hind legs.
What’s your favorite movie?
It’s a French film called “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday.”
If you could have dinner alone with anyone presently alive, who would it be?
President-elect Obama. I’d want to discuss how we should approach the infrastructure rebuilding program.
What’s your favorite season and why?
Spring signifies new life.
What’s the scariest thing that ever happened to you?
When I was 40, I was painting the top of a barn when I froze up and got stuck on the ladder—40 feet up. I eventually talked myself down.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I have many hobbies: wood working, vegetable gardening, traveling, furniture building [Editor’s note: He’s pictured here with a hand crafted maple coffee table]. Plus, I’m on seven boards of directors.
When was the last time you pushed yourself to your physical limits?
Carrying five-gallon cans of top soil—two yards total—uphill.
What does “success” mean to you?
Making people happy.
What’s your idea of a great dessert?
Dark, dark chocolate.
