Tomorrow marks the last day of our beloved employee Tony. He has been a profound pillar of our Marine Surplus family for the last 15 years, using his 50 years of boating knowledge and skills to better those around him. You may have come in and had him splice some rope for you, or show you how to work with fiberglass regardless of the weather. He’s been found in building two assisting with textiles, and up until recently spent the last few years sheltered from the heat (as best as we can be) helping Nicki with our webstore. He’s gone down to part time, and now is ready to retire finally so that he can enjoy his new found bionic mobility, gifted from his most recent hip replacement, and spend his time wisely with his loved ones, and out on the water.
In my two years here he’s shown me the ins and outs of canvas, some of the best ways to assess items we’re presented with, and a new found respect for tomatoes. I come from hospitality so working with him has been like working with a bartender, everyone knows him, and asks where he is and how he’s doing.
The Wagner’s all have been lamenting that they’re not losing an employee, but a family member. Austin claims him as a secondary father figure. Nicki has him up there with her Uncles. Tim always refers to him as Brotha’. Debbie simply claims him as hers.
Chris will always remember him as a source of epic tales where Tony serves as an immeasurable source of lessons and warnings. His favorite being the long running joke of “Don’t Do It White Shirt!” (I’m afraid to ask but I will be regaled before he leaves I’m sure. )
One of his longest relationships has been with Jim who has said ” I’ve really enjoyed working with Tony. We talked about music and baseball. Once in a while we actually did some work. It seemed like everybody knew him that walked through the door. His knowledge and experience will be missed here ‘Just one more morning I had to wake up with the blues’ Going to miss him.”
Very few people come into our lives, let alone at our place of employment and leave the kind of impression Tony has on all of us here. We wish him best on his next chapter joy with his family, projects to keep his mind busy, and all the tight lines he can find on the water. We know he won’t be a stranger, lord knows he’s gonna come to us for all of his boating needs, but not having him here consistently will be heavy and sad for a long time.
We’re gonna miss you Tony!