86-year-old man celebrates 20 service at Sainsbury’s in Crosby after retiring at 65!

Jul 2 2009 by Janine Yaqoob, Crosby Herald

86-year-old man celebrates 20 service at Sainsbury’s in Crosby after retiring at 65!

AN 86-year-old man is celebrating 20 years continued service at Sainsbury’s in Crosby – despite retiring at 65!

Fred Lorimer, from Seaforth, was presented with flowers and champagne by staff at the store to mark the milestone.

Fred first joined as general assistant at the shop in 1983 and retired in 1988 when he reached ‘retirement age’.

Following a 10-month break Fred rejoined Sainsbury’s in June of1989.

Fred currently works three days a week and his in-store duties include stacking shelves and transporting items around Sainsbury’s.

The grandfather-of-one, who now lives in Wirral with wife Denise, has worked in shops all his life.

The couple have two daughters, Fiona and Clare and a grandson, Simon.

Fred said: “I turned 65 and had to retire, but after a short while I wanted to get back to work, then Sainsbury’s asked me back.

“I was very happy to go back as I really enjoy working there. All the staff are really friendly and look after me well.

“As long as I am fit and well I plan to continue working there for the foreseeable future.”

Manager of Sainsbury’s in Crosby, Nigel Hughes, said: “Fred Lorimer has just completed 20 years’ service at Sainsbury's in Crosby, nothing special in that – except he actually retired 21 years ago!

“After retiring Fred missed his colleagues so much he came back. Fred is now 86 and works three days a week as a general assistant. He is loved and respected by customers and colleagues alike, is never off sick and his work ethic and commitment would put men half his age to shame.

“Fred's commitment and service to our customers is so great he has been nominated as our colleague of the year.

‘‘In fact the store managers on the North West Region were so impressed with Fred's achievement he has been nominated as colleague of the year for the North West.

“Working for 20 years for one organisation is in itself a great achievement, but to complete 20 years after you have retired is absolutely amazing.

‘‘Fred is an important member of the team and his contribution to Crosby at the tender age of 86 is a truly remarkable feat and he shows no sign of slowing down!”