Audience: associates in immediate department or larger group
Message: You are my friends, and I will miss you.
Tone: informal, light
Timing: 2-3 minutes, depending on insertion of personal anecdotes

Next week, I’m going to be a neophyte again…. You’re wondering how anyone at my age could be new at anything? The new task will be readjusting to more than six hours’ sleep and honestly listening to my wife when she talks. Why is it that some companies—when you retire and time is no longer so important—give you a watch?
I see good news and bad news in all that. The good news is that I’m going to be spending a lot more time on the lake. The bad news is that I’m going to be spending a lot of time missing you guys.

But one of the joys of retirement is that I can look back at you younger guys and be thankful I don’t have to go through all that pain of uncertainty again. Will I get the job, or won’t I? Will I meet the deadline, or won’t I? Will I get through traffic to my appointment, or won’t I?

Sitting on my boat, I’m sure to recall times like when

[Insert one or two personal anecdotes.]

Although I have plans to travel and to delve into several hobbies such as woodworking and stained glass, I will think often of you. Your laughter…. Your concern…. Your support in the emergencies…. You have added immeasurably to my professional success and to my personal well-being.

Thank you for the good times. I plan to stay in touch.