Harry bows out after 43 years’ service
Windermere Garage bid farewell to a loyal staff member, Harry Zubane, recently.
PETROL attendant, Harry Zubane, retired from Windermere Garage recently, after 43 years service.
According to Richard Bouffe, owner of the station, Harry worked at the family home with his grandfather for three years from the age of 20 in 1971, before joining the garage, which has been in the family's possession since 1937. He worked at the station up until 25 July.
“I've known Harry since I was a teenager. I used to play with him after school. He worked with my father and mother, my brothers Robert and Tony, my sisters Sonia and Brigitte and he has worked with me and my wife Caren since 1996. He has been a model employee, he has been loyal, dedicated, committed, dependable, reliable, trustworthy, amazing! He has hardly missed a day of work, but has chosen to retire as he wants to get back to his farm and his family. We are definitely going to miss him. He has built up a long-standing relationship with his customers, who always ask for him when they come to fill their cars,” said Richard.
Harry said he has felt at home working with Richard and Caren and if he was sick or needed help financially, they had taken good care of him without hesitation.
“I'm still happy at the station, but I have decided to retire as my wives need me at home while I'm still 'fresh'!” he laughed.
Harry said he had done everything for his 13 children, and now it was time to spend time with them.
“I will always remember Richard and Caren and their family. I've had a lot of good customers and I'm going to miss them too. All my life was spent with this company, I started single, I had my wives and my children, everything I got came from this company, I am very thankful,” he said.
Richard and Caren celebrated Harry's retirement with a staff braai and a cake and gift to bid him farewell.
