Five months shy of 20 years at the helm of the Keremeos Post Office, Cheryl Decker worked her last day as postmaster on March 20.
Last Thursday saw dozens of Decker’s customer come by the post office to wish her well, bringing flowers, treats and thanks for her two decades of service.
“I don’t think it’s really hit me yet,” she said early Thursday afternoon when asked how it felt to be working her last day.
“I’ve gotten to know a lot of people over the years. Keremeos has certainly gotten bigger over the years - when I first arrived here, I knew everyone. That’s not the case anymore.”
When Cheryl first arrived in Keremeos, via Kelowna, in 1994, there was speculation in town that the Keremeos post office might be one of several post offices being closed across the country at the time. Her arrival in the village as replacement to then retiring postmaster Barb Copeland was a sign to residents that Canada Post was committed to keeping Keremeos open.
Cheryl retires from Keremeos after a 43 year career with Canada Post. Prior to Keremeos, she worked in Westbank and Peachland.
Cheryl remembers the switch to community mailboxes in 2007 amongst the most significant events taking place during her tenure in Keremeos.
“It was very different, a new concept,” she recalled.
Cheryl has no major retirement plans on the immediate horizon, saying she is content just to spend some time at home for awhile. She and husband Rick reside on a six acre parcel of land in Cawston.
“I’m looking forward to spending time with my granddaughter,” she said, “and in the garden.”
“I’d like to thank the community for making my work here such a pleasure,” Cheryl said, “I appreciate each and every one of our customers, and all the staff.
“A big part of this job is working with people. I enjoy that aspect of it, so the job was always a good fit for me.”
Customers cycled through the post office throughout Thursday, wishing Cheryl the best. She also received a visit from Darren Smith, Canada Post Local Area Supervisor for South Okanagan - Similkameen, who presented Decker with a parting gift in the form of a framed Canada Post commemorative stamp depicting a grizzly bear, along with a placque.
“The community has been well served by Cheryl,” he said.