For 35 years, Vince Rossi was a dentist in Hayden, retiring in 2006.

But that's just a small part of the man's story.

Let's start the tale with a piano recital at his home on Saturday he hosted and participated in for family and friends called "The Plinker & The Plunker."

"To be able to play with Dick Sams and sing along with 80 friends and family was awesome," he said.

Rossi has long been committed to his community and his country.

• He served in the Air Force.

• He provided free dental services as a volunteer for the disabled through Harmony House, working overseas on Christmas Island and in Guatemala, and throughout his community.

• He served on numerous community boards, and is a former grand marshal of the Hayden Days Parade.

• He was active in state and local dental societies, and is former president of the Idaho State Dental Association.

• He has been auctioneer for Festival of Trees for Kootenai Medical Center and is a former Hayden City Council member.

• He supported 4-H for years when he owned the Dobson Rossi ranch.

Not to mention that he's been a softball coach to his twin daughters, remains a fishing guide and is politically active as a strong conservative.

"Cradle to grave socialism will ruin this country," he says emphatically.

Despite being recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, Vince Rossi is ready to fight for what he believes in.

"You gotta give back," he says simply of how he finds time to do so much.

He speaks with pride and love of his wife of 48 years, Phyllis, their children, spouses, and grandchildren. And of course, friends, too.

"Family is first," he says, "always."

How did the piano recital go with your friends and family?

It was good to see everybody there. I had some relatives come down from Canada, it was very meaningful. Everybody pitched in, did a lot of work. All in all, I'd say it was really good.

The piano has become a very important part of my life. It's so relaxing. I know my limitations, but I can play, good enough to entertain myself.

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Kellogg, a mining community. Stayed there until I went to the University of Idaho, actually taught there for half a year in a master's program. Went to dental school at Loyola University, graduated in '69. When I was commissioned as freshman in dental school as a reserve, I went on to active duty and served in the Philippines, U.S. Air Force base there, 79-81. That was the largest military installation the United States had at that time. We had all kinds of folks in there, from fighter squadrons to helicopter squadrons. We had a very, very active hospital, 60 physicians and 30 dentists on staff. I had a great career there, learned a lot.

Who influenced you?

Certainly my parents, Mike and Dora Rossi. My folks were always hard working. They were very, very strong Catholics. I was raised a strong Catholic, my dad was a Truman Democrat. I think Harry Truman was a great president. I am a very strict conservative.

What I learned from my parents and my grandparents, my uncles and aunts, the reason our country is great, is because these people get up every morning and they put their pants on. They go out and they make something happen with these hands.

You became Hayden's interim mayor at one point in your career. How did that turn out?

In '91, Dick Panabaker was selected commissioner and he served as mayor and asked if I could be interim mayor. That was a challenge because I'd never been in politics before. That went pretty well. When Ron McIntire became mayor, he asked me to serve on his planning and zoning commission, which I did for quite a while. That was enjoyable. It was tenuous, because during those times we were trying to expand the city boundaries, so it involved annexations. We had good help to do that.

We got very, very involved in the Walmart issue. We did not win, but we fought hard. But the staff down there at the city of Hayden was always gracious, always helpful.

What was your time in the military like?

I signed up as reserve officer when I was a freshman in dental school, this was before Vietnam was really cranking up. You could pick your overseas assignment and pretty much be guaranteed. When I graduated from dental school, I was commissioned, came home, took my boards, then went to Texas two or three weeks for orientation, received my captain's bars, then was sent on assignment to the Philippines and served there for two years. It was a wonderful assignment.

You've long been involved in your community and given your time. Why?

When you are part of, you take part in.

What role has your faith played in your life?

I've always been a Catholic. Without faith, one has nothing. There is a reason we are here. Jesus is the reason.

Can you talk about some defining moments in your life?

The birth of all my three children. Probably the most defining moment of my life is my marriage. Phyllis and I were actually neighbors in Kellogg, we lived about a block and a half apart. So we've been childhood chums and high school chums. We didn't date much in high school, I kept an eye on her, though.

What are your thoughts about the tumor you were diagnosed with?

Our hospital and our cancer care center take a back seat to no one. Those people are good, the physicians are top notch, and they really care. They care about your well being, they care about your time, the schedules are always made and kept. I just can't say enough about them. I think our hospital is just first class.

How are you holding up?

I figured that in life, you can sit around and mope because you've got some problems. You can take that tack, but that's not going to be my way.

What are you looking forward to?

Being back on the Kootenai River in my 12th season as a fly fishing guide. I love the river and people I get to meet. But most of all I look forward to being with friends and family.