News - Local
Pueblo man, 79, finally retires after 55 years on the job.
Posted: Jan 7, 2010 3:24 AM by Nicole Vandeputte
Updated: Jan 7, 2010 3:24 AM
It's finally quitting time for a 79 year old Pueblo man. Don Farr has been working in the field for a local energy company for 55 years. He says it's a "Young man's job."
Looking back at his early days Don says, "When I first started, they didn't have these fancy trucks. No, the first truck was a model B Ford." He also remembers the "old timer's" from his early days talking about doing their job on horseback. He says he also used to dig holes for lines and poles by hand. He's also worked in extreme temperatures.
He says he could have retired years ago, but never wanted to. Now he's ready. "Ever since I started 55 years ago," says Don, "(I) got up at 4 in the morning every day for work and I still do it today. This will be the last day I get up at 4 in the morning."
Don will be missed. His co-workers say he's a hard worker, who knows Pueblo better than anyone else at the company.Curtis Berry has worked with Don for a decade. "He's probably the oldest lineman working, that is alive right now," says Berry.
So, what is his fountain of youth? Don says he doesn't drink alcohol or smoke. He also credits a job he has loved. "It's like I've had a hobby for 55 years, and now it's time to give it up."
For his retirement, Don plans to sleep in tomorrow. He also wants to visit some family.
After that, he's not really sure.
His retirement party will be held on Thursday evening.
According to the US Census Bureau, the average age of retirement is 62.
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