Banking on a good retirement! An emotional farewell to a much loved colleague

Gary Hubbard, manager at Hunstanton Nationwide, says he'll miss staff and customers after 41 years working for the company.

When I meet Gary, him and his colleagues are celebrating his career at the branch in Hunstanton. The 60 year old manages to keep his emotions under control - until his family come through the doors to surprise him. As soon as he sees his wife, daughter, and granddaughter the tears begin.

The emotions are hardly surprising, Gary has clearly loved his career and has made lasting friendships with colleagues and customers.

He’s been Lisa Reed’s manager for the last 3 years. And as glasses get filled, and after a collective “Cheers Gary, happy retirement!” Lisa reads a toast.

Lisa (blue dress) reading toast

“We want to say a huge thank you for everything you’ve done, and the amazing contribution you’ve made over the years. Your dedication, knowledge, and leadership have left a lasting impact on everyone who’s had the pleasure of working with you.

“You’ve been so much more than a manager, you’ve been a mentor, a supporter and a friend to so many. Your guidance, your sense of humour, and the way you always put people first. We wish you all the very best for the future, and enjoy every moment of your next chapter Gary.”

Clearly overcome with emotion, Gary wipes his eyes, thanks everyone, and says, “I’m just really looking forward to retirement and spending time with the family.”

Gary with his wife (left) and daughter (middle)

Whilst all this is going on each customer that comes in gives Gary their best wishes - a testament to how much he’ll be missed.

He tells me about the interview more than 40 years ago that led to him being here today.

“I went straight from college and went for the interview, I tripped over the doorstep on the way in so all the staff laughed at me. Which was quite an embarrassing start, but must have made an impression because I managed to get the job!"

He goes on to say, “It’s difficult to get your head around that you’re not going to be coming to work, but everyone says you fill your time.

“There are lots of things I’ll miss, it’s meeting the customers, the staff, the friendships - I’ve worked in 13 branches over my time. Just having that rapport with everybody I’ll miss.”

Gary with family, the mayor, and colleagues

The mayor of Hunstanton, Cynthia Easeman, who’s also come along, says, “My bit of advice for Gary is to say yes to everything - try new things and keep busy.”

His wife Alison jokes that he will be kept busy with ‘a huge lists of jobs to do’, but joking aside says she is looking forward to spending more time together.

And that's Gary’s main reason for retiring, “Spending time together as a family, it’s a case of enjoying time - I want to do some travelling and enjoy life.”

He's described as a 'kind and genuine man', who will be 'dearly missed' by those who work with him.

Happy retirement from us Gary, and as your colleagues say - enjoy every second!