George's Retirement - March 6, 2015

Saying good-bye is always so hard to do--especially when you have loved what you have done for 19 years and loved the people with whom you are associated.  This is the position George found himself as he retired from the school board, co-workers, and community he loved.  Four of our seven children, plus one daughter-in-law were able to attend.  The other three sent videos of good wishes to their dad.  These are some of the pictures taken by Anne, Cameron's wife.  Thanks so much for capturing so many wonderful moments!

 George's department was called, "BAD," which stood for "Business Affairs Division."  It was composed of about 35 people who reported to George, or Dr. Copeland, as they called him.

They found this little old chair in the warehouse that they all etched their names and wishes on so that George could remember them forever!

This little chair meant so much to George.  They truly couldn't have given him anything that he would have thought more of!

We got a kick out of the huge cake--the largest cake I have ever seen!  They had put all sort of cactus on it--in Floridians' minds, we were going to a desert in Washington.

One school who has a flower decorating department did all the flower arrangements.  They were so beautiful and innovative!

Another school that has a culinary department did all the food.  It was absolutely fantastic food--done with such care, besides being delicious!

George sat in the same chair for 19 years, so here they are retiring his chair, as well as giving me an honorary chair.

From the minute George and I came in the door, we were both very emotional!  Here, George's wonderful secretary, Shirlene, was pinning on my corsage.  She was absolutely the epitome or a great secretary and had absolutely killed herself off in getting all of this planned with her committee.

This was George talking to another former Asst. Superintendent, Mike, who he'd worked with for about 17 years until Mike retired about two years ago.  They had great times together.

Leneta was such a special person to George and me.  She not only teaches in the district, but she was, also, in our ward and we worked together as conductor and pianist of our ward choir.  She was a fantastic friend, and we both will truly miss her!

This is George's first cousin Bart, his wife Amanda, and their daughter, Sophia.  They were so kind to support us at this retirement party.

Wonderful co-workers of George's:  Susie, who put together the most wonderful video about George's years at the district which I wish I could put on this blog, but it doesn't allow for something of that length; Renae, and Patti.

Another co-worker who was so special to George:  Pam.

Co-workers:  Chris, Robert, and Tony who were over the warehouse.

Alison and Cameron were both able to attend. 

George was thrilled that both his sister, Elda, and her husband, Malcolm, plus his sister-in-law, Sandy, and his brother, Dwayne, were in attendance.  That meant so much to him!

Linda has worked for the District for many years.

George with Roy DeCastro.

The Acapella Choir from Clay High School entertained us.  They were fantastic!

The Deputy Superintendent, Denise, took charge of the program.  She did such a great job!

She introduced George's brother and his wife . . .

and then his sister and her husband.

We then had special comments and wishes from the kids:  Alison . .

Cameron . . .

Kyle . . .

Amy . . .

and Cameron's wife, Anne.  They all gave such heart-felt and oftentimes, comical, thoughts about George and his retirement.  After they all talked, Susie had received special wishes which were put on the screen from the three sons who were unable to attend.  They were so special, too, so George was able to hear from all seven children.

George's Director of Accounting then gave a beautiful tribute to George.

She and George worked so closely through the years, and George knew he could never have done all he did without her.

At times, through all the talks, we were laughing hysterically . . .

and other times, we were brought to tears.

Elda gave a sweet and, also, funny tribute to her little brother, George.

 

 As well as did his brother, Dwayne.

 Another special tribute was given by Bertie who presented George with a wonderful scrapbook of memories of his 19 years at the District.

It's going to be a treasure to look back at for years to come!

One of the people who gave such a fun tribute was Supt. Owens, a former superintendent who George worked with for 12 years.  He has been retired for 6 years and was trying to let George know that retirement was great!

George then introduced his replacement for Asst. Superintendent of Business Affairs--it was with great difficulty that George did this.  He has had a hard time thinking he wouldn't be in this position forever--but all good things must come to an end.

His beautiful tribute to me, as well as presenting me with a bouquet of roses, really did get me crying.  So sweet!

After he said his final good-bye, the entire audience gave him a standing ovation.  It was a time and feeling neither of us will ever forget!

Afterwards, we took a picture with some friends that we were just getting to know well, and will now have to leave behind.  Suzie and Jim.  We have been there home teachers for the past six months and really felt a closeness to them.  Hopefully our paths will cross again!

Dwayne and Sandy had already left by now, but we got the Copelands together for one final picture:  Anne and Cameron, Kyle, Malcolm and Elda, George and me, Amy, and Alison.

We so appreciated the love each of those attending showed George and for the special day it was!

 Yes, this was a retirement party fit for a king--we will forever have the beautiful memories of 19 of the best working years of George's life.  He will have to get used to retirement, but his years in the District will never be forgotten!